Pacific Union Recorder—October 2024

Recorder PA C I F I C U N IO N

DUNCAN1890/DIGITALVISION VECTORS/VIA GETTY IMAGES

Where Are the Nine?

OCTOBER 2024

“What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.”

Psalm 116:12-14

It is for our own benefit to keep every gift of God fresh in our memory. Thus faith is strengthened to claim and to receive more and more. There is greater encouragement for us in the least blessing we ourselves receive from God than in all the accounts we can read of the faith and experience of others. The soul that responds to the grace of God shall be like a watered garden. His health shall spring forth speedily; his light shall rise in obscurity, and the glory of the Lord shall be seen upon him. Let us then remember the loving-kindness of the Lord, and the multitude of His tender mercies. Like the people of Israel, let us set up our stones of witness, and inscribe upon them the precious story of what God has wrought for us.

—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 348

Recorder PA C I F I C U N I O N

What’s inside 4

A Debt of Love

8

Adventist Pioneers in the West - Beginnings: Pacific Press

12

The Transformational Power of Joy

16

“But Where Are the Nine?”

18

Ministering to the Young at Heart

20 Fundamental Belief Number 8: The Great Controversy 22

Newsdesk

28

Arizona Conference

30

Central California Conference

32

Hawaii Conference

34

Holbrook Indian School

36

Adventist Health

37

La Sierra University

38

Loma Linda University Health

39

Pacific Union College

40

Nevada-Utah Conference

42

Northern California Conference

44

Southeastern California Conference

46

Southern California Conference

48

Community & Marketplace

54 The Last Word: The Gospel of the Disappointment

The Recorder is a monthly publication reaching approximately 76,000 Seventh-day Adventist homes in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.

Our mission is to inform, educate, and inspire our readers to action in all areas of ministry.

Publisher Ray Tetz Editor Alberto Valenzuela Assistant Editor Connie Jeffery Design/Layout Stephanie Leal • Alberto Valenzuela Printing Pacific Press Publishing Association www.pacificpress.com

Adventist Health 916-742-0429 Kim Strobel strobeka@ah.org

Holbrook Indian School 928-524-6845 x143 Kimberly Cruz kcruz@hissda.org

Northern California 916-886-5600 Laurie Trujillo Laurie.Trujillo@nccsda.com

Arizona 480-991-6777 ext 139 Jeff Rogers jrogers@azconference.org

La Sierra University 951-785-2000 Darla Tucker dmartint@lasierra.edu

Pacific Union College 951-809-6777 Gene Edelbach gedelbach@puc.edu

Central California 559-347-3034 Justin Kim jkim@cccsda.org

Loma Linda 909-651-5925 Ansel Oliver anoliver@llu.edu

Southeastern California 951-509-2256 Andrea King communications@seccsda.org

Hawaii 808-595-7591 Miguel Manzo communicationsdept@hawaiisda.com

Nevada-Utah 775-322-6929 Michelle Ward mward@nevadautah.org

Southern California 818-546-8400 Lauren Lacson Llacson@sccsda.org

Editorial Correspondents

Postal Regs: The Pacific Union Recorder (ISSN 0744-6381), Volume 124, Number 10, is the official journal of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and is published monthly. Subscription rate: No charge to Pacific Union Adventist church members; $16 per year in U.S.; $20 foreign (U.S. funds); single copy, $2. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Circulation Department, Pacific Union Recorder, Box 5005, Westlake Village, CA 91359. Info@adventistfaith.com.

October 2024 3

MELITAS/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS VIA GETTY IMAGES

A Debt

4 Pacific Union Recorder

of Love

By Alberto Valenzuela

A

ccording to a United Press International article published in 1973, the “uglies” picketed an American Airlines ticket office in Fort Worth, Texas, to protest alleged discrimination in hiring when the company advertised for good-looking people.

Danny McCrory, the founder of Uglies Unlimited, led the protest with

18 uglies from his organization, which was formed to fight biased social structures that discriminate against ugly people.

“We just want to be accepted for who we are instead of what we look like,” said McCrory. He had talked to employment agencies who said it was much easier to place attractive persons. He felt the problem was most flagrant in newspapers want ads that said such things as “Wanted attractive receptionist” or “Pretty secretary needed.”1 McCrory said the Fort Worth Uglies was the first group of its kind in the country. He had started it to promote the rights of ugly people and spread its message across the nation.

However, there is no standard definition of ugliness—it’s a relative term.

To some people, irregular features, discolored skin, or a large nose qualify.

Others consider such conditions as obesity and baldness unattractive. The complaints of the protesters did not get them very far.2 Although we are not accepted by all the people all the time, there are a few saints who accept us regardless of whether we are good looking or ugly.

There are some who are able to see the potential in us.

The greatest motivating power you can discover is your remembered debt of gratitude to these good people. If you disabuse yourself of any ideas of your own self-sufficiency and your own capability of making it to the top of the heap, you will become an instrument of divine power through kindness, love, and faith.

October 2024 5

He had the insight to discern between the

top alone by pushing others aside and asserting

genuine and the insincere. When the young church

ourselves, we diminish our stature. It is the

was afraid of Saul, “Barnabas took him and brought

unforgotten debt that we owe to others that gives

him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his

us the power to create, lead, live fully, and be our

journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had

true selves.

spoken to him” (Acts 9:27, NIV). Barnabas was not

The Apostle Paul never forgot the debt that he

influenced by gossip or public opinion. When he saw

owed to other people. Chiefly, there were three

that Paul was genuine, he decided to stand by him

persons who helped him develop his spiritual life.

whether it was popular or not.

First, Ananias, a layman who made pottery in

Here was a large-framed man with a large mind

Damascus, was sent by the Holy Spirit to give him

and a generous heart who was content to play

back his sight and to restore his serenity.

second fiddle. When Saul was first converted, he

Second, a woman named Priscilla opened the

was rebuffed by the apostles. But Barnabas put his

way for him in Greece when the itinerant Paul went

arm around him and said, “Brother Saul, I stand with

there but had no “foot in the door.” This professional

you.” After that Paul was in.

woman, a dealer in fine fabrics, opened her home

Who plays the role of Barnabas in your life?

and her social clientele to give credence to this new

I can name a dozen men and women who have

convert, Saul, who was now known as Paul.

played the role of Barnabas in my life. It is an

And third, and most important: Barnabas.

unforgotten debt.

Barnabas came from the island of Cyprus and

An even more important question exists: Whose

lived on the periphery of the disciples of Jesus. He

Barnabas are you? If you can’t think of anyone, then

was a large, rotund man with a majestic head; in

your life is not complete.

fact, when he was besieged by a crowd on one of his

If you want to be a leader, or if you want to be

mission trips, they thought he looked like their idea

an instrument of God, write down the name of

of the Greek god Zeus (Acts 14:11-12).

some person who stands alone today—questioned,

Barnabas was a good man, and his goodness expressed itself in his actions. The first thing reported of him is an act of great generosity.

scorned, unsure, and anxious. Then write: “I am your Barnabas.”

It won’t be easy to do. You will have to take criticism

After the resurrection, things were difficult for the

and bear the scorn that goes with loyalty. But there

disciples, and they were poverty-stricken and of

is a chance that you will set a character free who may

necessity frugal. Barnabas went back to Cyprus,

influence the whole of civilization, as Paul did.

sold his farm, and brought the income to support

Barnabas was never famous, but there would

the Christian community led by the apostles (Acts

have been no Apostle Paul if there had been no

4:36-37). Jesus said that one kind of goodness was

Barnabas. Barnabas wasn’t actually his name—his

to help the hungry, the naked, the prisoners, and the

name was Joseph. He was so stout, strong, warm-

sick. Barnabas had that kind of goodness.

hearted, and outgoing, they gave him the nickname

It is the unforgotten debt that we owe to others that gives us the power to create, lead, live fully, and be our true selves.

6 Pacific Union Recorder

JORM SANGSORN/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS VIA GETTY IMAGES

As long as we persist in trying to make it to the

Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement.”

To whom are you the son or daughter of encouragement? Who can you prevent from slipping into the abyss by the helpful actions of your personality? This is the age of

If you want to be a leader, or if

narcissism. “What’s in it for me?” But

you want to be an instrument

there is more to life than that.

of God, write down the name of

Jesus persuaded Barnabas that he

some person who stands alone

who seeks to save his life will lose it and he who seeks to give his life away

today—questioned, scorned, unsure, and anxious. Then write:

in abundance will receive it back as

“I am your Barnabas.”

an overflowing spring of eternal spirit.

This promise is available to all men and women to give to others.

When the church in Jerusalem wanted a thorough report of the work that was being done in Antioch, it was Barnabas they sent. Barnabas, free from jealousy and self-seeking, could give an unbiased report. The work of God was always first with Barnabas.

A good man can never be a yes-man, so Barnabas was willing to take a stand against Paul

or a Priscilla in their lives. My hope is that you

and support John Mark in their disagreement (Acts

will acknowledge that. If you do, it will let loose a

15:36-41). Barnabas was right and Paul was wrong,

motivating flood within your heart and cause you

for Barnabas saved Mark when Paul would have

to become a Barnabas or a Priscilla for someone

abandoned him. Barnabas stood for loyalty to the

else. It will liberate the kindness in you. It will make

right at any cost.

you realize that you touch everybody’s life for better

Barnabas was never glad when others went wrong. He was gladdened by the goodness. He was

or worse. When you affect them for the better, you release their personalities and set them free.

always eager to believe the best about everybody.

It is in the depths of life that Barnabas stands

No man is truly good who is not in sympathy with

with you. It is in the depths of doubt that Priscilla

others, who does not have a large­hearted tolerance

reassures you. It is in the depths of despair that

for their weaknesses and a passionate interest in

Ananias comes with love and acceptance to say,

their welfare.

“Brother Saul, the Lord…has sent me so that you

I think of all the men and women who have

may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts

accepted me, influenced me, and loved me. I think

9:17, NIV).

with gratitude of the men and women who have

_____________________________

sometimes taken the opposite view in criticisms.

Alberto Valenzuela is associate director of

They also have enriched my life. I identify at

communication and community engagement of the

this stage in life with Paul and Barnabas, who

Pacific Union Conference and the Recorder editor.

encouraged each other.

1

Every one of us have a Barnabas, an Ananias,

https://sdawest.pub/blog https://sdawest.pub/uglies

2

October 2024 7

Adventist

8 Pacific Union Recorder

Pioneers in the West By the Recorder editorial staff

Beginnings: Pacific Press

T

he history of the publishing work in the

we have in Battle Creek, and send us the money at

West and that of Pacific Press go hand in

once.’ This was done, and we helped to build the

hand. When James and Ellen White came

churches in Oakland and San Francisco.”1

west for the second time in 1874, it was

Not only was Signs started but Pacific Press

clear that printed materials were needed to share the

incorporated so that it could print all the other

Adventist message, just as they had been when the

necessary literature. John Loughborough records

movement started back East. In fact, it was very much

it precisely: April 1, 1875, the Pacific Seventh-day Adventist

believers on the Pacific coast. James White did what

Publishing Association was formed in Oakland,

he had done 25 years before in Connecticut—he

its capital stock being fixed at $28,000. The

issued a paper.

central portion of the lots on Castro St. was,

The first issue of The Signs of the Times was printed

according to agreement, deeded over to

in Oakland on June 4, 1874. The publishing work in

the association, and a building was at once

the West had begun, but much more was needed.

constructed by O. B. Jones, of Battle Creek,

Ellen White was convinced that Oakland was the

Mich., the form and size of which was the

place to set up a press, and so land was purchased

same as that of the office erected in Battle

and a building erected in 1875.

Creek, except that the one in Oakland was

The Whites were so dedicated to making sure the

constructed of wood instead of brick. This

work progressed that they cut their ties with the East

building being ready for occupancy, the Signs

to fund the building of the press and churches in the

of the Times was moved into its new quarters

West. “My husband and I decided to sell our property

on Friday, Aug. 27, 1875.2

in Battle Creek, that we might use the proceeds in

These actions by the Whites made their intentions

this work. We wrote to our brethren, ‘Sell everything

very plain—they were concentrating their efforts in

The investment paid off. Within a year, the number of subscribers to The Signs of the Times had reached 4,000.

October 2024 9

TOMOGRAF/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS VIA GETTY IMAGES

a situation of déja vu that faced the small group of

Eight years after its founding, Pacific Press had nine cylinders and three job presses, representing an investment $200,000. Annual gross business was $150,000 and 125 persons were employed.

In 1904, Pacific Press moved to a new facility in Mountain View since the Oakland location had become crowded and real estate was expensive.

Though the new building was damaged by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, repairs were made and production continued. In 1984 the press relocated to Nampa, Idaho, due to the high cost of operating in Mountain View.

James White was editor of The Signs of the Times from 1874 until just prior to his death in 1881. He also held other positions at the press, demonstrating his firm belief in publishing as a major component of spreading the Adventist message.

Independent Ellen White was a great defender of Pacific Press’ independence. She wrote to “the brethren” on several occasions to ensure that the publishing work in the West was not taken over by those back East: Let the B. C. [Battle Creek] publishing house and the Pacific Press regard each other as sister institutions. In cooperation they can the West where they saw great possibilities. With

exert a healthful influence upon each other,

the later fire at the Review and Herald Press and the

but not in consolidation. These institutions

loss of Battle Creek Sanitarium, such an initiative and

are not to become merged into one. The

diversification was wise, and it also demonstrated

managers in Battle Creek have indulged

the White’s recognition of how the church could be

unchristian, unbrotherly feelings, even envy

“reinvented” in the West.

and jealousy, toward the Pacific publishing house. They have had a feverish desire to

Investment The investment paid off. Within a year, the number

belittle that institution, and to bring it under their own jurisdiction, but the light that I

of subscribers to The Signs of the Times had reached

have had for years is that these institutions

4,000. A wide variety of books and tracts were also

must stand separate, each preserving its own

printed for use by the growing membership, while

individuality. A nearer relation than this will

some commercial printing was also done. After

tend to the injury of both.3

two years, another building was constructed on an adjacent lot, making Pacific Press the largest and best equipped printing faculty in the West.

10 Pacific Union Recorder

Productions The productions of Pacific Press include such

periodicals as: Signs of the Times (since 1874); The

as well as books on topics such as health, family, and

Pacific Health Journal and Temperance Advocate

Christian living. Their printing plant produces the

(1885–1905); The American Sentinel (1886–1900) and

Recorder for the Pacific Union every month.

its successor The Sentinel of Christian Liberty (1901–

_____________________________

1903); Our Little Friend (since 1890); Primary Treasure (since 1957); Primary Sabbath School Lesson Exercises (1953–1984); Listen, A Journal of Better Living (1948– 1994); Health (1934–1948); Present Truth (1948–1955);

1 Ellen G. White, “The Judgments of God on Our Cities,” Review and Herald (July 5, 1906).

2 J.N. Loughborough, The Great Second Advent Movement: Its Rise and Progress (Washington, DC: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1909), p. 292.

3 Ellen G. White, The Publishing Ministry (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1983), p. 158, from Manuscript 31, 1895.

My Bible Story (1946–1956); Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (since 1895); Primary Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (since 1935); The Sabbath School Worker (1890–1901); Alert (1950–1971); Smoke Signals (1955– 1979); and Israelite (1954–1982). El Centinela, the Spanish magazine equivalent to Signs of the Times, has been published since 1919.

Books have included a series of children’s books, Golden Grains, Sabbath Readings, Story of Pitcairn Island, Story of Redemption, Heralds of the Morning, Testimonies for the Church, The Desire of Ages, The Great Controversy, Prophets and Kings, a series of small books called “The Young People’s Library,” The Place of the Bible in Education, Empires of the Bible, The Great Empires of Prophecy, Ecclesiastical Empires, and Great Nations of Today, along with textbooks for use in Adventist elementary schools and academies.

Titles from Pacific Press include theological works

October 2024 11

The Transformational Power of Joy

By Carlos A. Camacho

A

fter I concluded a weekend series of sermons at a local church, a couple approached me, requesting a private conversation. I assumed they either had marital issues or wanted to delve deeper into my presentations. I was entirely wrong—they wanted to talk about: me.

Their concern revolved around my use of humor during the sermons. This wasn’t the first

time someone had raised this issue. Despite my attempts to explain my perspective, they remained unconvinced.

Before I proceed, let me clarify my approach to humor in preaching: a) I take humor seriously; b) I plan it carefully, ensuring it’s never offensive, belittling, or inappropriate; c) I love to smile and laugh, and I genuinely want others to share in that experience.

In the last two instances where my humor was questioned, the feedback revealed two significant misunderstandings that are common, particularly in ethnic churches in North America: theological confusion and a blurring of tradition and culture.

Some people confuse our modern church buildings with the biblical temple. While distinct in function, both spaces are made sacred by the presence of God. Yet, when Christ told His disciples that He would dwell within them through the Holy Spirit, He was revealing that the true temple is now within us—in our hearts. This means God resides in us, not just in physical structures. If we truly are seeking to honor God, we must rethink our relationship to one another. Reverencing a place where God is present doesn’t mean we must be somber or, worse, dour. There is room for joy, even laughter, in the presence of the Almighty.

Another misconception stems from traditions we’ve inherited from other religious practices, especially Catholicism. Gothic cathedrals, for example, were

12 Pacific Union Recorder

designed to evoke a sense of smallness in the

growth and community life. Joy is a foundational

commoner. Hierarchies between the laity and clergy

element of the Christian experience, intricately

were underscored by the vastness and silence of

linked to our relationship with God and with one

the buildings, instilling reverence through fear and

another.

In the book The Other Half of Church1, the authors

unworthiness.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church views people

define joy as a deep sense of gladness that arises

as equals, recognizing that our buildings, while

from being in the presence of someone who is

special, are not sacred like the ancient temple.

genuinely happy to be with you. This joy is more

Instead, we gather in these places to worship God,

than a fleeting emotion; it is a relational experience

love each other, and serve our communities.

that reshapes both our minds and hearts.

Joy in worship

Joy in God’s presence

Life is already stressful and complex. Churches

The Bible is replete with references to joy in the

should be sanctuaries of joy, where smiles and

presence of God. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make

laughter are not only welcomed but celebrated.

known to me the path of life; you will fill me with

Recently, I came across a book that dives deeper

joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your

into the importance of joy from both scientific and

right hand.”2 Similarly, Psalm 21:6 celebrates, “You

theological perspectives. The human brain, as you

have granted him unending blessings and made him

know, operates through two hemispheres. The left

glad with the joy of your presence.”

brain handles logic, knowledge, and reasoning, while

As image-bearers of God, the joy we experience

the right brain processes emotions, creativity, and

within our church communities reflects the joy

relationships.

found in His presence. It’s a profound concept—

For a long time, we’ve assumed that building our logical knowledge of God through doctrine and

one that we, as Christians, may not always fully appreciate.

theology would lead to personal transformation.

The authors of the book mentioned above

However, recent research shows that true faith

delve into the neuroscience of joy, revealing that

development begins in the right brain, with

joy activates the brain's relational circuits. When

relationships and emotions, and then permeates

these circuits are engaged, we connect better with

into the logical, left-brain thinking.

others, experience empathy, and grow spiritually.

In other words, science is now confirming what Scripture has long taught—spiritual growth is deeply

Joy, they argue, is the fuel for spiritual and emotional maturity.

tied to relationships, community, and joy. We thrive

Nehemiah 8:10 underscores this, stating, “The

when we experience love, belonging, and, yes, joy.

joy of the Lord is your strength.” Joy is not just an

Joy and laughter significantly impact our spiritual

emotional experience; it is a source of strength for

PEOPLEIMAGES/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS VIA GETTY IMAGES

October 2024 13

both individuals and communities. Rooted in God, joy empowers us to thrive spiritually and relationally.

The role of joy in transformation Our Jewish brothers and sisters have long understood the transformative power of joy, as evidenced by the celebration of Purim, a festival dedicated to happiness and rejoicing.

In the Christian context, joy is central to our relationship with Jesus. It is the very face of Christ that transforms us.

For too long, we’ve focused on left-brain activities—acquiring knowledge of doctrines— while neglecting the right-brain activity of cultivating joy. But Jesus wants His joy to be within us: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11).

Joy is contagious. A church community that prioritizes joy will build resilient members who can endure challenges and foster environments

Communities rooted in joy are environments where

of growth and healing. Joy-filled relationships

healing, growth, and deep

reflect the love of Christ and invite others to

relational connections

follow Him.

flourish, reflecting the true

KATE_SEPT2004/E+ VIA GETTY IMAGES

nature of Christ to the world.

14 Pacific Union Recorder

As Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus

another. Prioritize deep, joy-filled relationships that foster spiritual growth.

Adopt the attitude of a servant. Discover the joy

when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our

of serving those around you. Communities rooted

glory and joy.” Early Christians understood that

in joy are environments where healing, growth, and

joy was deeply tied to their relationships with one

deep relational connections flourish, reflecting the

another.

true nature of Christ to the world.

Ultimately, joy was the driving force behind

Joy can be cultivated Practice gratitude. Like the Israelites in the

Christ’s ultimate sacrifice: “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and

desert, we often forget God’s provisions and

sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”

miracles, even when they are right in front of us.

(Hebrews 12:2). Jesus was motivated by the joy

Remind yourself of God’s greatness and express

of fulfilling God’s will and restoring humanity to a

your thankfulness to Him and others.

relationship with Him.

Build authentic relationships. Joy is not a

Joy is transformative. It leads to spiritual growth,

superficial feeling but a transformative force

strengthens communities, and is conducive toward

rooted in our connection to Jesus and one

fostering better relationships. Embrace the joy of God’s presence in your life today and let it shine through you as you journey through life.

Smile, dear friend. _____________________________ Carlos A. Camacho is president of the Nevada-Utah Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

1 Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks, The Other Half of Church: Christian Community, Brain Science, and Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2020).

2 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the New International Version.

October 2024 15

RUDALL30/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS VIA GETTY IMAGES

By Laura Hayasaka

“But Where Are the Nine?”

T

en lonely men, ten physically

of society—would immediately be banished from

deteriorating men, ten men suffering

society, condemned to a life of shame. Moreover,

from leprosy had finally met Jesus

if they still had a voice, they were obligated to warn

outside Jerusalem.

anyone who came near by shouting, “Unclean!

Not only did these men suffer physical affliction—

disfigured noses, some fingers gone, loss of

Unclean!”

In ancient times, leprosy was seen as a divine

eyebrows and eyelashes, shortness of breath—their

punishment, a judgment from God visited upon the

life was unbearable. Along with the trauma of social

worst of sinners. The affliction was referred to as

ostracism, they also suffered the deep pain of

“the stroke” and “the finger of God,” with no mercy

discrimination.

or compassion shown to those who suffered from it

It was necessary for them to reside beyond the

(Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 262).

city’s walls, away from their families and friends,

The God of Moses was a personal God, a being

away from society. Anyone unfortunate enough

who interfered in mundane affairs, who rewarded

to “catch” this disease—even well-to-do people

the good and punished the wicked. Leprosy was a

and sophisticated, religious, respected members

divine retribution, a visitation of Providence for evil

16 Pacific Union Recorder

thoughts and evil deeds. Every leper mentioned

homes. They had not embraced their wives, their

in the Old Testament was believed to have

children, or their parents for months or even years.

been smitten with this disease because of some

It is no surprise that they rushed to the homes they

transgression.

had only been able to visit in their dreams.

After years of despair, a glimmer of hope stirred

Nevertheless, a single leper, who happened to

in the hearts of these ten men afflicted by leprosy.

be a Samaritan, came back to Jesus. Only one out of

Whispers had spread that a Healer had arrived,

the 10 made sure to show his gratitude. “With a loud

prompting them to take a chance, disregard their

voice” he “fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him

exile, and hasten to His location.

thanks” (Luke 17:15-16, NKJV).

Timidly, they drew near to Him, huddling together

We also suffered from the disease of sin. We also

in a desperate attempt to muster the courage to call

experienced spiritual blindness, a lack of vision. We

out. Only by uniting their voices could they hope to

also found ourselves “afar off,” separated from the

be heard. Straining their vocal cords, they croaked,

household of God outside the walls of Jerusalem.

“Jesus, Master, have mercy on us” (Luke 17:13, NKJV).

We beseeched, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on

“Jesus, Master” had mercy on them. He also had

us!” And in His compassion, He granted us mercy

healing for them. Mercy was bestowed instantly.

“Go, show yourselves to the priests,” the Healer said (verse 14).

and brought healing to our ailing souls. He brought healing to our ailing souls.

He exchanged our worn-out garments of

Obeying this directive required immense faith,

sinfulness for His robe of purity, covering us with His

as only lepers who truly believed they were healed

righteousness. As our ultimate mediator, He granted

presented themselves to the priests to seek health

us certificates of redemption, sealed with His blood

certificates—signed statements that would formally

shed at Calvary—certificates that declare us to be

readmit them into society.

children of God.

The lepers rushed to the temple and, by the time

Are we part of the group that fails to show

they got to the priests, they were healed. By their

appreciation, neglects to express gratitude through

faith, so was it done unto them.

prayer, omits to present offerings of thanks, ignores

They now had fingers, toes. Now they could see

the homeless and needy, and does not embody

perfectly. Their voices were strong. Now their nerves

the qualities of the divine Healer in our daily lives?

were sensitive. They had sturdy muscles and firm

Consider what Ellen White wrote in this regard: “You

bodies.

have closed your eyes to the wants of the needy

However, they lacked gratitude in their hearts.

and the distressed. Your compassion has not been

They clutched in their hands the documents

stirred to relieve the wants of the oppressed and

attesting to their recovery from the most feared

really needy. You have had no heart to aid the cause

illness in antiquity. Remarkably, though, only one of

of God, and with your means to distribute to the

the 10 went back to express gratitude to the Person

necessities of the needy and suffering” (Testimony

who had healed them.

For the Church, No. 20, p. 151).

It is truly remarkable! However, it may not be as

Jesus inquired, “Were there not ten cleansed?” He

remarkable as our failure to express gratitude for

also asked, “But where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17,

the blessings we have received. We must remember

NKJV). Are you one of them?

that the lepers had been isolated from their families

_____________________________

for a long time. It is likely that it had been months,

Laura Hayasaka is a freelance writer from Sacramento,

or even years, since they had last been inside their

California.

October 2024 17

Ministering to the Young at Heart

By Cynthia Mendoza

H

“

ey! Leave him alone!” she

looking up into the dark starry night. “My

yelled at the man on the

mom says you’re in heaven, but these

street who was speaking

people say I can find you in a book.

harshly to an elderly man

Where are you?” The answer didn’t come

as she was walking by. “What gives you

immediately, and life moved on, but an

the right to treat him that way?”

answer was in the works.

“He’s my father. I can talk to him any

All during her childhood and

way I want,” the man angrily snapped

teenage years, Malagón kept seeking

back at her, in essence telling her to go

ways to help the elderly. On one

away and mind her own business.

occasion, she begged her father to

“No, you can’t!” she retorted. “If you don’t stop, I’m going to take him home to live with me!”

allow a lost elderly indigenous woman who was wandering around their property to spend the night in their home. Though

Though her heart was in the right place, Silvia

Malagón couldn’t speak the woman’s dialect and the

Malagón did not have the means to follow through

woman didn’t speak Spanish, they communicated

on her good intentions, being a young teenager at

enough for the family to bring her home and give

the time. But this one bold act of advocacy was a

her a meal and a bed for the night. Malagón also

small manifestation of the strong burden on her

often ministered to elderly unhoused people on the

heart to care for the elderly—a burden that actually

streets by rubbing lotion on their severely cracked

isn’t a burden but rather her life’s work and greatest

bare feet. She also found ways to provide food and

joy to this day.

clothing for elderly in need.

Originally from Los Reyes, Michoacán, Mexico,

At age 19, Malagón met her future husband.

Malagón, a member of the La Sierra Spanish church

Though she couldn’t pinpoint what it was, she felt

in the Southeastern California Conference, was born

like there was something special about him—that

into a traditional Catholic family.

he was different from other young men she’d met.

Though her family was not particularly active in

What she didn’t know was that he had just returned

religious life, her mother taught her children that

from studying at a university called Montemorelos.

there was a God in heaven. One day, after the family

Part of their friendship included him telling her Bible

had moved to Mexico City, a group of Jehovah’s

stories and other things she had never heard. But

Witnesses came knocking, bringing with them Bibles

he never mentioned what church he belonged to.

and new information that sparked in Malagón new

“You’re not Catholic,” she ventured one day.

questions about God. “Dear God,” she prayed, while

18 Pacific Union Recorder

“What are you?”

“Seventh-day Adventist,” he replied.

that her girlhood prayers of finding ways to serve

“What’s that? What does that mean?”

the elderly were fully answered.

“It’s about doing God’s will,” he said. Eventually,

Malagón began by caring for the aging parent of

he invited her to church, and Malagón never looked

a church member by going to her home to help with

back. The experience was not so much new as it

meals and daily care, something she poured her

was refreshing and soul nurturing—the music, the

heart into. Over time, other families began to seek

prayers, the teachings, the fellowship. She felt as

her out to help with their elderly family members or

if she had experienced a piece of heaven, a true

friends. It wasn’t just that Malagón provided physical

spiritual feast. She had found her place and her

care for her clients—she offered them genuine

people. Malagón paid a price for her newfound faith,

love, companionship, and affirmation that made

including the loss of friends and employment, but

a meaningful difference in both their physical and

all that mattered to her was that she had finally met

emotional well-being. Where they once felt lonely or

God and that she wanted to get to know Him more.

depressed, they now felt alive and cheerful.

Shortly after getting married, Malagón underwent

Eventually, Malagón opened her own house to

a severe health crisis that required a long and

care for the elderly, a dream she had long hoped to

painful surgery, as well as a miscarriage and a

be able to accomplish. She earnestly sought God’s

high-risk pregnancy. It was through these trials that

help and guidance through prayer in doing so, such

Malagón feels she experienced God the most in

as learning as much as she could about nutrition in

her life—when she pressed in closer to Him and

order to prepare healthful, nourishing meals. She

asked for revelation. “It is through trials that we truly

conducts Friday night vespers and sundown worship

experience God and that He reveals His faithfulness

on Sabbath, including hymn singing and testimonies.

and presence,” she said as she reflected on that

She patiently navigates conditions such as memory

time in her life.

loss or unpredictable emotions that come with

The couple eventually settled in the United States, now the parents of two young boys, and it was here

cognitive decline, and she helps families better understand and relate to their aging loved one. She believes that with proper care, healthful nutrition, and, most of all, a lot of love and patience, the elderly can still thrive within the context of any other age or health-related limitations they may have. Her new dream is to write a book to help families and churches better understand, care for, and serve their aging loved ones and members.

“To see them getting better, having quality of life, and a having desire to live is the greatest reward,” Malagón said of her life’s work. “I just love my viejitos [elderly folks] so much. I love spending time with them, talking with them, and seeing them thrive. I believe that even in their old age, God can still use them.” _____________________________ Cynthia Mendoza is a freelance writer from Southern California.

October 2024 19

SYLVERARTS/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS VIA GETTY IMAGES

Fundamental Belief Number 8:

The Great Controversy

By Alberto Valenzuela

I

was 16 years old when Elder Jaime Castrejón,

the first thing to appreciate is that this is a rather

our next-door neighbor, shared a book with me:

distinctive belief, since it is not shared by other

El conflicto de los siglos (The Conflict of the Ages).

churches. In fact, the great controversy theme

In English it is titled The Great Controversy. I have

has been called Adventism’s unique contribution

always been a history buff, and I enjoyed the book’s

to theology. For example, Herbert E. Douglass

historical narrative. I went to our university’s library

stated that in this concept “lies the uniqueness of

from time to time and checked some of the details

Adventism.… The distinctiveness of Adventism rests

contained in the book, and its accuracy confirmed

in its overall understanding of the central message of

its message to me—though occasionally there were

the Bible that is governed by its seminal, governing

some items that I could not confirm. The material

principle, the Great Controversy Theme.”1

contained in the book made for fantastic reading. I

The great controversy perspective certainly

remember sharing some of what I was reading with

provides a cohesive framework for Adventist beliefs.

my older brother and some of my classmates.

The challenge then lies in defining what this great

And then things took an interesting turn for me.

controversy is all about. The official fundamental

The writer delved into the future and the work of

belief indicates that the great controversy is between

forces outside of our earth. I was mesmerized. The

Christ and Satan “regarding the character of God,

more I read, the more interested I became in the

His law, and His sovereignty over the universe.”2 It

subject. A few things I found a bit contradictory or

mentions the fall of Lucifer, Adam and Eve, and that

oddly missing—there was no mention of WWI or

our world is now the battleground for this conflict.

WWII, among other things, nor of the role of the Soviet

So let’s look at some summaries by Adventist

Union, which at that time was a world power—but the

authors defining the great controversy:

contents of the book were intriguing, to say the least.

• At the root of the great controversy lie several

Of course, The Great Controversy and the great

issues. Some of these include God’s law, His

controversy are two separate items. One is a book

character and authority, His justice and mercy, His

and the other is an all-encompassing scheme. Similar

prerogatives, and the position of His Son, Jesus. —

to the way we view WWI, WWII, and the Cold War, it’s

John M. Fowler3

a struggle between the forces of good and evil.

• The central issue in the Great Controversy is over

Since those days long ago, I have had time to

who can best run the universe, God or Satan. —

consider the theme of the great controversy. Maybe 20 Pacific Union Recorder

Herb Douglass4

• In the Adventist understanding of this great

tactics and a program of lies to misrepresent God,

cosmic conflict, God temporarily limits his power

to assassinate God’s character (John 8:44). God

in order to demonstrate his goodness. But not all

cannot simply respond with argument; He has to

Adventists are equally enthusiastic about the topic.

demonstrate His true character. This takes time and

Typically, the theodicy question is more likely to

involves coming here to reveal who He truly is. Jesus

be raised by those who are concerned to defend

says, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father”

God’s goodness, rather than by those who simply

(John 14:9, NIV).

wish to affirm God’s power. —Alden Thompson

So what questions does the great controversy

5

There’s quite a variety of opinion there! They

theme answer? It gives us a perspective on the

include important aspects, to be sure. But if the great

nature of sin and how God deals with it—and why

controversy is between Christ and Satan, it surely

it takes so long, since all God’s created beings need

would be helpful to focus on how Jesus answers

to be convinced. It tells us that sin kills—it’s not God

Satan’s charges. In this way, this great controversy

executing sinners. “For sin pays its wage—death”

“story arc” becomes meaningful and personal.

(Romans 6:23, GNT). Here we see the consequences

A recent Sabbath School study on the great

of believing the serpent and mistrusting God, and

controversy focused on what it called “the central

how God works to bring us back to trust in Him. “Our

issue,” and defined it as “love or selfishness.”

message is that God was making all human beings

This is a great summary of the real conflict that is

his friends through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:19, GNT).

demonstrated in God’s love in contrast to Satan’s

Note that we are the ones who chose to become

selfishness. So let’s take this as the central issue and

God’s enemies, rebels against Him. God is never

see how Jesus demonstrated this in His life.

identified as our enemy. Jesus tells us He calls us

6

Jesus confronts the demons in the demon-

friends as we accept Him (John 15:15).

possessed directly, and He is accused of using

This process of demonstration of the truth about

demonic powers against the demons! (Matthew 9:34).

God continues, even through us: “We have been

But this is no arbitrary use of power. It is God wanting

made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels

to heal those who are under the control of Satan.

as well as to human beings” (1 Corinthians 4:9, NIV).

During His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus

What an amazing privilege!

wept over the city (Luke 19:41). He did not instigate a

_____________________________

rebellion or tell His followers to fight. In fact, when He

Alberto Valenzuela is associate director of

is arrested later, He tells Peter to put away his sword

communication and community engagement of the

(Matthew 26:52). He does not retaliate against the

Pacific Union Conference and the Recorder editor.

Jewish leaders who have long been planning to kill Him (John 11:53). He even asks forgiveness for the Roman soldiers who are putting Him to death (Luke 23:34).

If the great controversy was just a question about power, it could have been settled very quickly by God using His power against Lucifer. But this was not the issue. Lucifer accused God of misusing His power. God shows He does not use His power for selfish ends. Lucifer makes out that he is the freedom fighter opposing a dictatorial God whose character was harsh, severe, and unforgiving.7 He uses smear

1 Herbert E. Douglass, “The Great Controversy Theme: What it Means to Adventists,” Ministry (Dec. 2000), p. 5.

2 “Belief 8: The Great Controversy,” https://www.adventist.org/the-greatcontroversy/.

3 John M. Fowler, “Issues in the Great Controversy,” Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (Jan.-March 2002), p. 20.

4 Herbert E. Douglas, “What Do Adventists Mean by the Great Controversy Theme,” http://herbdouglass.50megs.com/WhatDoAdventistsMeanGCTPart2. htm.

Alden Thompson, “Issues in the Great Controversy,” https://wwugoodword. com/2002/01/issues-in-the-great-controversy/ 6 Mark Finley, “The Central Issue: Love or Selfishness?” Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (April-Jun 2024), Quarter 2 Lesson 02.

7 See Ellen White, Steps to Christ (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1892), p. 10.

5

October 2024 21

N E W S D E S K

Celebration of Life Recalls Tom Zapara’s Generosity and Commitment

T

roesh Conference Center at the Tom & Vi Zapara School of Business was filled on July 28 with family members, friends, and supporters of Tom Zapara who gathered to pay tribute and give thanks for his many kindnesses and generosity, and for his dedication to others and to the Seventh-day Adventist faith community.

The two-hour celebration of life service included insights and memories from Zapara’s four grandchildren, two daughters, son-in-law and former business school professor Jere Fox, and two of Zapara’s friends. A homily was given by Pastor Mark A. Finley, former director and host of It is Written television evangelistic broadcast. Musicians Jeffry Kaatz, cello, Kimo Smith, piano, and vocalist Reuben Capistrano gave performances.

Tom Zapara died on June 16, 2024, at the age of 100, just one month before his 101st birthday.

The Zaparas, both alumni of La Sierra, would have celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary in August. A former medical equipment and products entrepreneur and philanthropist, Tom and his wife, Violet, played a crucial role as seed donors and namesakes for La Sierra University’s

22 Pacific Union Recorder

I Newsdesk

60,200-square-foot business school building, which opened in September 2013. Over the years they lent their expertise and provided their philanthropic support to Adventist educational and healthcare organizations, including the Tom & Vi Zapara Rehabilitation Pavilion at Loma Linda University, Adventist Laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI), ASI Missions, Inc., and through the creation of the Zapara Excellence in Teaching Award.

Left to right, Rachael Reiner, Zach Reiner, Claire Reiner-Asmann, and Jesika Chalker.

N E W S D E S K

Shelley Fox, the Zaparas’ eldest daughter, delivered a life sketch for her father that included anecdotes about how her parents met at La Sierra College and eventually married following six proposals Tom made to Vi. She noted his lifelong woodworking hobby that produced shutters and a table for the couple’s first house, their participation in the Inglewood church, and Tom’s work as a pharmaceutical and vitamin sales representative, which served as an entry point into the industry and laid the groundwork for his future companies.

She provided insights into his philanthropy work supporting Adventist education and health care, activities which became the driving force behind his desire for business success.

“One thing I remember about my dad is he had very strong priorities,” Fox said. After God, “he put mom first, which was always very comforting to me.

Then he put his children, …[then] his business.

“He had very strong spiritual beliefs that colored everything he did and every decision that he made,” Fox said, adding that her father’s favorite Bible verse was Revelation 3:20.

Daughter Cindy Zapara said, after giving a Scripture reading, “My dad was a man of gratitude and of love. Up until his last moments he would say, ‘I don’t know why I’m still alive, but God has a plan for me.’” She read 1 Thessalonians 5:16 and chose the text, she said, because it exemplified the way her father lived his life: “Rejoice always.”

“I consider myself extremely lucky to have had him in my life for so long. He was a constant to our family, someone who was always there,” said grandson Zach Reiner. “I know everyone felt better and loved after spending some time…with him. He was such a great example to me. His selflessness and love will live long in our memories.”

“He was bold, funny, and unapologetically himself.

We all need that person in our life, the one who jumps first and finds out the risk second. He and my grandmother balanced each other out perfectly in that regard,” noted Zapara's grandaughter Rachael Reiner. “My grandfather was a big man who has left a big hole. Let us all try to honor him in our own lives by living like Tom.” In his homily, Finley noted, “When I think of Tom Zapara, I have so many incredible, positive memories—memories of his wise counsel, memories of his encouraging words. Tom always challenged me…to look for what could be. But most of all he was committed to his family, he was

Newsdesk

I October 2024 23

N E W S D E S K

committed to Christ, and he was committed to the Adventist message.

Finley noted Zapara’s love of woodworking and the small hearts he crafted and handed out. Finley held up a copy of the book Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White bound with a wood cover that Zapara had designed and carved for him out of Acacia koa wood. Finley noted Zapara’s love of the book.

“Tom labored all of his life. Scripture says he may rest from his labors, but his works do follow him,” Finley said, citing Revelation 14:13. “Blessed are those, highly regarded by God are those, who die in

the Lord that they will rest from their labors. Tom was no stranger to labor, but now he rests, waiting for the return of Jesus.”

He encouraged the Zapara family to honor their patriarch’s legacy by clinging to the memories made together, remaining close to each other, continuing the tradition of generosity, and living in the hope of Christ’s return.

“Tom lives on, not only in our memories but in the blessing he has been to each one of us,” Finley said.

A video of the celebration of life service for Tom Zapara is available at https://vimeo.com/985902449.

Creating Opportunities that Lead to Pastoral Ministry

T

he Black Ministries Department gives theology and pastoral ministry students an opportunity to cultivate God-given talents by working in a local church for six weeks during summer break.

The program, created in 2021, also creates support

for churches rebuilding their post-pandemic congregations. In many ways these opportunities prepare the students for future ministry and give them an awareness of their own spiritual gifts while taking account of personal goals.

D.J. Darrett loves to work with teens and young adults and has been sponsored by Southern California Conference to attend seminary this fall.

24 Pacific Union Recorder

I Newsdesk

N E W S D E S K

Tiffani Jackson, associate pastor at Hanson Place church in Brooklyn, New York, started her new position shortly after graduating from Oakwood University in June. Jackson said her previous service with the Stockton Mayfair and the Stockton Community church district under Pastor Gregory Johnson was transformative.

“What truly resonated with me were the pastoral care moments—caring for our congregation and our broader community,” she said. The role taught her that being a pastor is less about the appearance of leadership and more about the depth of service and compassion. “My time in Stockton was a profound lesson in looking LEFT: Tiffani Jackson was called to the Hanson Place church in Brooklyn, NY, as associate pastor. RIGHT: Samuel Baker Jr. is a beyond the church's walls to support the local church hire with the San Bernardino Community church less fortunate,” Tiffani shared. “I led weekly in Southeastern California Conference. prayer meetings, preached on Sabbath retreat with the PKs, who now call him “Pastor Sam.” mornings, served and contributed to the food He has been sought after by senior pastors across pantry, made calls to sick members, and checked in the union to help churches develop youth programs, on individuals of all ages.” She engaged the youth bring back Adventist Youth Society activities, and regularly and organized a big bowling night for chaperone youth to retreats and youth conferences. both churches near the end of the internship—“the One of Sam’s passions is leading the congregation highlight of my summer,” she said. “I'm deeply in praise and worship. He was assigned to youth grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside mass choir at the West Coast Youth Conference Pastor Johnson and to grow in my understanding of and led a praise team during the event as well. Now what a pastor is. I returned to Oakwood with a fresh Sam is a locally hired pastor at the San Bernardino experience that helped to equip me in ministry.”

Community church. “I’ve met some wonderful Samuel Baker, a PK (preacher’s kid), loved hanging pastors and lay people who have encouraged, out with the youth and his peers and talking about supported, and mentored me since I was in high Jesus. When Sam met a woman walking toward her school. It has all been by God’s design to direct my vehicle at the end of camp meeting in Riverside, path toward pastoral ministry. It is His will for me.”

California, their conversation led her to ask if he was A potluck at the Valley Crossroads church was a theology student. “No, I haven’t really given that wrapping up when an announcement was made by much thought,” Sam said. They exchanged contact a tall young man: “Okay y’all, our discussion is about information, and a few months later, Sam got a call to begin in the sanctuary—10 minutes.” D.J. Darrett, inviting him to do ministry with pastors’ kids at an 22, was facilitating the reading of The Desire of Ages upcoming retreat in Tucson, Arizona. Sam found with a multi-generational group of about 20 to 30 himself directing a four-day program for nearly individuals. During his summer break, the discussion 60 youth, with support from other collegiates. His became a part of his eight-week internship enthusiastic personality and keen understanding sponsored by the Pacific Union Conference, under of the PK experience helped him make the youth feel safe. Sam has been called back to work at the

the leadership of Elder Virgil Childs, vice president

Newsdesk

I October 2024 25

N E W S D E S K

and director of the Black Ministries Department.

D.J., a student at La Sierra, loves basketball, engaging anyone in conversation, and serving others, especially at his home church. He was asked to be the lead chaperone of eight teens sponsored to attend the West Cost Youth Conference in August 2023. During the assignment of tracking the youth, D.J. learned their personalities, anxieties, and aspirations. He bonded with each in a different way. After the conference, he realized the young people at his church had not returned home the same. They began to get more involved in church activities, with confidence and courage. The shy youth were finding their voice; they showed up ready to help. D.J. returned to his campus but found himself coming home on the weekends more regularly to serve his local church. He was called on to participate in worship, pray, preach, and

perform other activities while being mentored by Senior Pastor Norman Knight. When he graduated from La Sierra within six months of the youth conference, D.J. made the decision that he wanted to go to seminary to pursue pastoral ministry. “My family has shown me so much support, but most of all, I feel God tugging at my heart asking me to follow Him, and I can’t deny that. The internship I received gave me a chance to see what God can do through me.”

The opportunities that Black Ministries provides through its summer program have planted seeds, watered dreams, and opened doors for young men and women to follow God’s path to serving in His church and building lives for eternity.

To learn more about the Black Ministries Summer Internship for Ministry Students, speak with your local pastor or email regional@ adventistfaith.com.

Jim Brown Retires as President of Western Adventist Foundation

F

ounded in 1997 as a Seventh-day Adventist non-profit organization, Western Adventist Foundation (WAF) was brought into existence to assist Adventist entities by expertly managing their trust services and planned giving programs.

Currently, WAF assists more than 80 organizations who support the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. These entities include conferences, unions, hospitals, churches, educational institutions, media ministries, and other humanitarian and outreach organizations.

Jim Brown served at WAF as vice president from 1998-2001 and as president from 2001 through September 2024.

At his retirement celebration on August 28, 2024, at the Martin Auto Museum in Glendale, Arizona,

26 Pacific Union Recorder

I Newsdesk

N E W S D E S K

friends, family, and colleagues gathered to honor Jim and his remarkable achievements. Under his leadership, the assets under WAF’s management grew from about $25 million to over $400 million.

But it was not his money management skills that were highlighted the most at his retirement party. It was his love for people and his caring heart.

Betsy and Dan Matthews recalled with great affection how passionate Jim is about trustors and taking care of them. Betsy, who worked with Jim over the years as a trust officer, said, “He always called me ‘Mom.’ And he never failed to step in and be the family for those who didn’t have family.” Dan Matthews agreed. “He always stepped in where there was a need. Jim took every person or family as a personal interest.”

Elder Tony Anobile was Jim’s pastor decades ago at Eagle Rock church in Southern California as well as his former conference president in Arizona.

“As a member having funds in WAF, he was always accessible and made me feel valued,” Anobile said. “I could text him and he’d always answer and help me through whatever the issue was, and in great detail.”

Tom Evans, former treasurer of the North American Division, described Jim as “diligent, dedicated, daring, and caring.” Judy Glass, the current treasurer of the North American Division, said, “Jim is passionate and knowledgeable about trusts and wills. He took the germ of an idea and turned it into something that serves the church so well.”

Through all the challenges thrown at WAF over the years, Jim has trusted God to lead him and the corporate leadership team, and it has paid off. Jim sees what he has done at WAF as being all about the people. He has enjoyed assisting them, doing what he can for their comfort, and committing to caring the same for someone with $10,000 as he would for someone with $10,000,000.

At his golf-themed party, which also highlighted his love of cars and motorcycles, it was evident that Jim Brown is a man of many passions. He was described as having a “need for speed”—not only in motorcycle racing but in driving a golf cart!

Elder Brad Newton, president of the Pacific Union Conference, expressed his deepest thanks to Jim for the time he has devoted to WAF. “Jim Brown has given his time, his love and care, to this ministry—not only to the financial pieces of the ministry but also to the time he has invested in caring for those who needed him most,” Newton said.

As Jim starts on this retirement journey, his passion for motorcycles and ministry will continue to fill his days. “Life is a race,” Jim said, “and with faith in God’s plan, it’s not only how fast you go but how you embrace His guidance and find joy in the journey.”

Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, Jim. May God continue to guide you and Cindy on the thrilling ride ahead.

For more information on WAF: wafsda.org

Newsdesk

I October 2024 27

Over a hundred young people accepted the call to serve at Camp Yavapines.

F

Camp Yavapines 2024

or the 300 campers who attended, Camp Yavapines offered more than just a break from the routine of summer life; it provided an environment where they could grow, learn, and forge lasting friendships. The camp’s diverse range of activities, from outdoor adventures to creative arts and spiritual growth sessions, ensured that every camper found something to ignite their passion.

“With the help of Pastor Randy, Yohan Duerksen, and their team, we were also able to bring back gokarts this summer,” said Camp Ministries Director Melanie Cruz.

The daily activities, designed to challenge and inspire, allowed campers to step out of their comfort

Camp staff are not afraid to get their hands dirty as they work hard to make the 2024 summer unforgettable for campers.

28 Pacific Union Recorder

Arizona Conference

Camp activities provide an opportunity to form friendships as well as learn.

zones and discover new strengths. Whether it was conquering fears on the zipline, participating in teambuilding exercises, or engaging in heartfelt worship sessions, the experience was transformative.

Nestled in the serene surroundings of Prescott, Arizona, Camp Yavapines has long been a beacon of hope and joy for countless children, their families, and the dedicated staff. The 2024 summer session was no exception, as the camp welcomed eager campers and more than a hundred staff members from around the globe, making it a truly international experience.

The 113 staff members at Camp Yavapines played a crucial role in creating the nurturing and dynamic atmosphere that defined the camp. Their dedication, energy, and love for the campers were palpable as they worked tirelessly to ensure each child had a memorable and meaningful experience.

For many staff members, the summer at Camp Yavapines was more than just a job; it was a calling.

The opportunity to mentor and guide young minds while building connections with fellow staff from diverse backgrounds made the experience deeply fulfilling. The international nature of the staff brought a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences to the camp, enhancing the learning environment for everyone involved.

The impact of the summer was felt by both campers and staff alike. “As a result of God’s Spirit working in and through us, a total of 80 decisions for baptism were made,” said Cruz. We had the privilege of baptizing about 38 young people at camp, 13 of whom were our very own staff.” ____________________

By Jeff Rogers

T

Pastors Sam Renderos (left) and Phil Vecchiarelli (right) participate in two of the 38 baptisms during the summer.

2024 Fluted Rock Camp Meeting Continues Amid Storms

he Fluted Rock Native Camp Meeting, scheduled to take place at a picturesque rock formation near Chinle from August 23 to 25, had to pivot and move to the Window Rock church due to a forecast of storms, hail, and mud. Even though the camp meeting wasn’t what everyone had initially anticipated, the messages, testimonies, and fellowship time were a blessing.

Hermus Poor Thunder, from South Dakota, was the featured speaker. He shared his testimony of how God became the Lord of his life and how everyone can be warriors for God no matter where they are, on or off the reservation.

Gregory Holiday and his wife, Ella, were the

Hermus Poor Thunder (right) shares his testimony with the attendees at the Fluted Rock Camp Meeting.

Gregory Holliday (right) along with his wife, Ella (center), and Pastor Gabriel Silva (left) lead the attendees in singing.

choristers for the weekend, and the singing in the Navajo language was heavenly.

During the testimony portion of the weekend, an attendee shared how the Lord had spared a family member from an accident, a man gave his testimony about how he didn’t know his actual name until he started school at Holbrook Indian School, and a lady shared that she’d fought the urge to stay home for the weekend and had been uplifted by attending the event.

This event illustrates that God was able to provide, even when plans to be in Fluted Rock didn’t work out.

The event planners are grateful to host Rose Gomez and Pastor Gabriel Silva for their faithfulness and dedication in putting this weekend together. ____________________

By Steve Pester

Arizona Conference

October 2024 29

Learn More About the Upcoming Quinquennial Constituency Session

T

he upcoming Central California Conference Quinquennial Constituency Session will be taking place in November of this year. You’ve probably heard that it is happening, or maybe you’ve read announcements about the town hall meetings. For many people who attend an Adventist church, the term “constituency session” may have been seen or heard many times, but they still do not know what it means. It could be something that sounds like it is necessary for leadership but not relevant to the members.

Even if a constituency session sounds like something that doesn’t impact you, the truth is that it will have a direct impact on you. And this is why it is helpful to pay attention to this event and know what is happening.

brings together the church leadership to recommend and vote on the positions of leadership within the conference.

Ronald Rasmussen, executive secretary of the Central California Conference, explained that the constituency session is a time to get together with the conference and church leadership to hear reports, get a sense of direction on how God has been blessing, and discuss church and conference opportunities.

“And in our case,” he explains, “it is to elect a president, executive secretary, treasurer, vice president for ministries, associate executive secretary, directors of ethnic ministries (we have three: African American Ministries, Asian Pacific Ministries, and Hispanic Ministries). And then also to elect members of the Executive Committee and members of the Bylaws Committee.”

The Executive Committee consists of 30 members—14 of which are conference employees and 16 who are not employed by the conference.

This committee meets at least nine times a year to provide guidance and governance for the conference throughout the five-year term. The committee receives

What is a constituency session?

A constituency session brings together the leaders of your local church and the conference to make decisions about the future. This is about the future of the conference, which directly impacts the future of your local church. Officers and department directors are elected, amendments to the constitution and bylaws are reviewed, and committees are created.

The authority for choosing positions of leadership in the Adventist Church is given to church membership—it is given to you.

Your church has a nominating committee selected by the members.

This committee recommends people for the leadership roles of your church.

CCC's current executive officers (from left to right): Dan Serns, president; Antonio In the same way, a Huerta, vice president for ministries; Mayra Thompson, treasurer; and Ron Rasmussen, executive secretary. constituency session

30 Pacific Union Recorder

Central California Conference

reports from the executive officers, participates in strategic planning for ministry within the conference territory and beyond, and makes decisions about the allocation of financial and personnel resources.

The Bylaws Committee consists of 11 members who meet to determine whether the bylaws of the conference properly reflect current Seventh-day Adventist denominational policies. This committee also makes recommendations for changes to the bylaws that can enhance the ministry of the conference. The proposed changes to the bylaws are presented to the constituency meeting delegates, who determine if the amendments will be adopted.

Why does it matter to you?

The purpose of being involved in the conference’s constituency session is to be involved in the direction of your local church and helping to sense where God is leading us as a church. “Church life isn't just a top-down decision,” explained Rasmussen. “It is organic—growing from the local members.” This means that, if shared, your thoughts on what direction to go as a church will directly impact the leadership in the conference.

Rasmussen also added that it is important for all members to be involved. “Young adults can be

very influential. We need to advocate for balance—in ethnic diversity and gender but also in age. This is their church.”

The constituency session is not about bringing together one age, gender, or race to make decisions for everyone. It needs to include everyone who is being impacted by the decisions.

Scan for More Information About Constituency

How do you become involved?

The first and most important step is becoming involved with your local church and its leadership.

There will be town hall meetings scheduled in August and September where you can help guide your church and conference decisions. Watch for announcements on when and where these will be taking place.

Learn more about what a constituency session is and how it impacts you at www.nadadventist.org/ adventist-church-101.

A review and report of the constituency session will be available online at www.cccsda.org. ____________________

By Brennan Hallock

Central California Conference

October 2024 31

P

Hawai’i Pathfinders Find Blessings at Camporee

athfinder clubs from the Hawai’i Conference set out on a remarkable journey to Gillette, Wyoming, for the International Pathfinder Camporee. This trip would test their resilience and strengthen their spirit of unity and positivity.

The theme for this year's camporee was "Believe the Promise." It couldn't have been more fitting, especially when you consider how they were faced with unexpected weather challenges. Despite the sudden change in weather, the Pathfinders from Hawai’i stood together, united in their positive attitude.

Their collective spirit and optimism were inspiring and a testament to the important of grace when facing difficulties. They saw the adversity as an opportunity to

32 Pacific Union Recorder

Hawaii Conference

grow closer and strengthen their unity.

In a beautiful twist of divine affirmation, the weather improved as God fulfilled His promise in a vivid display of His faithfulness. A stunning double rainbow arched across the sky after the storm, which brought memories of the Hawaiian rainbows that pop across our islands—a sight that felt like a personal message to the Pathfinders, reminding them of God’s promises and that He will never leave them nor forsake them, even in times of trouble.

Throughout the camporee, the Pathfinders immersed themselves in various activities, eagerly trading pins, earning Pathfinder honors, and contributing to camp activities. This event also provided

a unique opportunity for personal growth and cultural exchange as they connected with Pathfinders from around the world. A standout event was the evening program, where the Pathfinders witnessed a powerful reenactment of the story of Moses. The portrayal of God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery was both moving and powerful, beautifully highlighting the theme of trusting in His promises.

The International Pathfinder Camporee is more than just an event; it is a transformative experience for young people, which they look forward to every five years. It provides them a platform to learn, grow, and witness the promises of God in action. For the Pathfinders from Hawaii, the time spent in Gillette was enjoyable and deeply impactful. As the camporee ended, the Pathfinders returned home with hearts full of memories and a renewed sense of purpose. They are already looking forward to the camporee in 2029, with the theme “Stand Strong,” when they can again be part of this incredible journey of faith and fellowship. ____________________

By Ivan Ostrovsky

New Associate Pastor at Kurtistown Samoan-English Church The Hawaii Conference is excited to announce that Matthias Bernard is the new associate pastor of the Kurtistown Samoan-English church on the island of Hawai’i.

Please keep him in your prayers as he ventures into this new journey. We asked Matthias to introduce himself to all those who may not know him yet.

T

alofa lava! My name is Matthias Bernard, born and raised in Hawai‘i on the island of O‘ahu in Ewa Beach. I am currently an Andrews University Theological Seminary student, and I have had the blessed opportunity to be installed as the associate pastor at the Kurtistown Samoan-English church here in the district of Puna, Hawai‘i.

My passion for ministry is youth and young adults.

More than just retaining youth and young adults within our church, it is important to ask the question as to how our churches can be a service to people who engage in

the varying dynamics of life.

Among all of the logistics that I will be doing with the church, I will be dedicating most of my time to connecting with the youth and young adults at the church and at our local Adventist school in Hilo. I look forward to working with Pastor Mark Tamalea’a and the Kurtistown Samoan-English church these next few months. ____________________

By Matthias Bernard

Hawaii Conference

October 2024 33

A Seventh-day Adventist Boarding Academy Serving Native American Youth Since 1946

O

A Little Child Shall Lead Them

ne of the special things about children is that most of them are still open—their hearts have not been hardened by life’s adversities. God is a God of purpose, on purpose, and He will often utilize children to carry out said purpose and plans for His kingdom, honor, and glory. He knows that the heart of a child is pure in their capacity to love and understand His truths. Given their limitless faith and great courage, children have often been His best vessels for honorable kingdom tasks. We have plenty of examples of this in Scripture.

The Bible also says that “a little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6). Although that verse is referencing how

a child will be able to lead the wild beasts in the new earth because sin will be no more, it is still a concept that rings true for many who have come into the faith because of a child’s influence. Such was the case for Roseanne “Rose” Tsosie-Gomez when she learned of Jesus Christ and God’s great love for her.

Rose is no stranger to HIS. A member of the Navajo Nation, she is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Holbrook Indian School (HIS). Her late husband, Emilio “Chico” Galvan Gomez, who was raised in the Seventh-day Adventist church and came back into the faith later in life, wanted their three sons, Lionel, Aaron, and Joshua, to attend HIS. Rose explained that this was “so [I] could come to know God—something he [Chico] had been praying for.” At HIS, because of the dedicated efforts of little Aaron’s teacher, Mrs. Bergren, Aaron learned the stories of the Bible. The ripple effect is that Aaron would then share those stories with his mother and father.

FAR LEFT: The Gomez family. Left: Aaron and son.

34 Pacific Union Recorder

Holbrook Indian School

Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is a first- through twelfth-grade boarding academy operated by the Pacific Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. HIS also manages a firstthrough eighth-grade day school on the Navajo reservation in Chinle, Arizona. Eighty-seven percent of funding comes from individuals who have a desire to support Native American ministries and Christian education. Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of our students, their families, and the communities they serve.

Thank you for your support.

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT P.O. Box 910 • Holbrook, Arizona 86025-0910

(928) 524-6845 (Ext. 109) • Development@hissda.org HolbrookIndianSchool.org

Roseanne

“It was through my eight-year-old son telling us Bible stories from the back seat during the 90-mile trip home on his school break. Instead of a mother telling her son stories from the Bible, I heard beautiful stories I’d never known. I would ask my son to tell me more stories.

Praise the Lord for [Aaron’s] third-grade teacher for a job well done. This journey was a steppingstone that led my husband and me to do service for the Lord, not only within the Navajo Nation, but throughout Indian country, including Alaska, Canada, and the Northwest Territory.”

Rose’s résumé shows just how deeply these ripples of faith from a child go. She has been serving the Lord since 1983. From receiving her certificate in Daniel and Revelation seminars to hosting Revelation Seminars on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona and New Mexico, as well as in Alaska, South Dakota, and Washington, Rose has continued to grow in her faith as an Adventist. She

also made recordings of herself teaching about the Fundamental Beliefs and distributed them throughout the Navajo Reservation. As a side project, Rose also sews stuffed bears and wolves as a means to help provide funding for HIS. At present, Rose volunteers at Diné Radio as a translator, in addition to writing and producing programming for KTNN Radio. She is also a Bible worker for the Arizona Conference and works as an evangelist teaching pottery, bead work, and sewing at the Kinlichee and Window Rock churches.

Aaron’s teacher, Mrs. Bergren, is now 92 years old and still connects with Rose on a regular basis. This is just one of many stories of how HIS reaches beyond the classroom into the families and communities of the children we serve. “I pray this short story will touch someone's heart to pray for the parents, students, and staff at HIS,” said Rose. “John 8:32 says, ‘and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” _____________

By Kimberly Cruz

Holbrook Indian School

October 2024 35

PAUL BRADBURY/OJO IMAGES VIA GETTY IMAGES

What is Your Risk for Breast Cancer?

M

any factors can affect a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer. Here are eight questions your doctor may ask and what each question has to do with your breast cancer risk.

1. Have you ever had cancer?

If you’ve had cancer in one breast, you have a higher chance of getting cancer in the other or in a different part of the same breast.

Your risk might also be higher if you had chest radiation to treat another cancer, such as Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. On the other hand, if you’ve had chemotherapy, that may actually lower your risk of breast cancer.

2. Do you have a family history of breast cancer?

Having a mother, daughter, or sister with breast cancer almost doubles your own risk. Having two close relatives with breast cancer raises your risk even more.

Though breast cancer is more common in women, men also get it. Be sure to tell your doctor if your father or brother has been diagnosed.

Of course, you can get breast cancer without a family history. In fact, eight out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer don’t have a close relative with the disease.

3. Do you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation?

Up to 10 percent of all breast cancers may be inherited. This means they develop directly from gene mutations passed on from a parent. The most common cause of inherited breast cancer is a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.

If you have a strong family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, your doctor may advise you to consider genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

4. How old are you?

The older you are, the higher your breast cancer risk. Most invasive breast cancers—those that have

36 Pacific Union Recorder

Adventist Health

spread from where they started—are found in women 55 and older.

5. How old were you when you had your first period?

Starting your periods before age 12 may slightly add to your risk. This may be because you have a longer lifetime exposure to certain hormones that can spur the growth of breast cancer.

6. If you’ve given birth, how old were you when your first child was born?

If you haven’t given birth or you had your first child after age 30, you may have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer. But pregnancy can also raise the risk of one kind of breast cancer.

Some older forms of birth control may also affect your risk. So be sure to tell your doctor about your full reproductive history.

7. Have you ever had a breast biopsy?

Even when a biopsy doesn’t find cancer, some of the breast changes that led to the biopsy may raise your cancer risk. But biopsies themselves don’t cause cancer.

8. What’s your race and ethnicity?

Generally, white women are slightly more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than women of other ethnicities. Under age 45, breast cancer is more common in African American women. Overall, African American women are more likely to die from the disease than white women.

Keeping breast cancer at bay Regardless of your risks, getting your mammograms on schedule can help you find breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Despite these known risks, your risk is unique. Stay informed about breast cancer facts and talk with your doctor anytime you’re concerned. ____________________

By Kim Strobel

PHOTO: ZSB PRODUCTIONS

To read more, go to lasierra.edu/news

Athletics directors from nine Adventist colleges and universities pose for a group photo along with guest speakers and other attendees of the second biannual North America 2024 Seventh-day Adventist Higher Education Athletics Directors Conference.

Adventist Athletics Directors Team Up at La Sierra for Second Conference

T

his summer, athletics directors from nine Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities from around the U.S. and international locales converged on La Sierra University’s campus for four days of camaraderie, learning, relationship-building, and worship. It was the second biannual conference since its organization in 2022.

The North America 2024 Seventh-day Adventist Higher Education Athletics Directors Conference was held July 26-29. Activities included outings to Southern California beaches, Catalina Island, and Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains as well as tours of La Sierra’s campus. An additional event included athletics directors and physical education teachers from Adventist academies in the Southeastern California Conference and other areas.

Guest speakers provided inspirational insights related to the world of faith-based athletics and addressed key issues relevant to athletics at Adventist institutions. They included former NCAA championship coach Stan Morrison, current chair of La Sierra’s foundation board; Martin DuSold, area director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Bob Schindler, director of CEDE Sports; and Bill Arnold, superintendent of education for the Southeastern California Conference. The event was supported with sponsorship from the Pacific Union Conference.

The conferences are important “to understand where we are standing in each institution's athletics journey and to help each other develop our programs.

Most of us are pioneers in this field,” said Javier

Krumm, La Sierra University’s athletics director, a key conference organizer and its current executive director. He is also president of this year’s conference since it was held at La Sierra.

“It is a reminder that we are not alone and can discuss and learn of the challenges that others are dealing with, not only with athletics/sports but also within our institutions,” said Rod Bussey, the Southern Adventist University representative who attended the event.

Nestor Osorio, athletics director at Walla Walla University, said he most enjoyed the camaraderie, getting to share ideas and goals, and the Godcentered worship.

He views sports programs at Adventist institutions as a means not only of recruiting and retaining students but as a pathway for evangelistic opportunities that impact players, coaches, and fans.

Said Krumm, “In my view, a sports field or court is one of the best places to truly understand a student’s character. In my experience, many athletes go on to hold leadership positions after college because they have faced the challenges of sports and learned the value of teamwork. They gain essential qualities such as sportsmanship, servant leadership, integrity, responsibility, and respect.”

The next Adventist athletics directors’ conference will be held in 2026 at Washington Adventist University, led by its athletics director, Jerod Lyons. ____________________

By Darla Martin Tucker

La Sierra University

October 2024 37

Pesco-Vegetarian Diets Best for Reducing Risk of Death in Elderly Pure vegetarian diets not as protective against certain neurological diseases in elderly

A

SOLSTOCK/E+ VIA GETTY IMAGES

variety of vegetarian diets appear to protect against risk of mortality and contributing conditions, with a pesco-vegetarian diet— which includes fish—providing the most protection against risk in very elderly people, according to a new study.

Researchers at Loma Linda University Health found that vegetarian diets are associated with lower risk for all-cause mortality and many cause-specific mortalities, especially among males and in middle-aged subjects.

However, slightly higher risks were observed among very elderly vegetarians for neurological conditions such as stroke, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Despite this, the pesco-vegetarian diet continued to offer a small but noticeable advantage over other vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets, even in elderly people.

Gary Fraser, MBCHB, PhD, distinguished professor at Loma Linda University School of Public Health and principal investigator of the study, said a vegetarian diet appears to offer protection from risk of death through middle-aged years. However, once it helps people get into their 80s, that overall advantage seems to

See the latest news and Health & Wellness stories from Loma Linda University Health at news.llu.edu.

38 Pacific Union Recorder

Loma Linda University Health

disappear for those adhering to a strict vegetarian diet.

“These increased risks of neurological conditions among vegetarians in their 80s weren’t huge, but something is going on there that we shouldn’t ignore if we wish the vegetarian advantage to continue for all vegetarians in their later years,” Fraser said.

The study, “Cause-specific and all-cause mortalities in vegetarian compared to non-vegetarian participants from the Adventist Health Study-2 cohort,” was published August 2 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

The study used data from the Adventist Health Study-2, a massive cohort of nearly 96,000 people who identify as Seventh-day Adventist and lived in the United States and Canada during the study’s baseline recruitment between 2002 and 2007, with follow-up through 2015. Data from that group has been used for numerous studies on health, disease, and mortality over the years. This study analyzed data from more than 88,000 subjects and approximately 12,500 deaths in the study cohort. Dietary data were collected using a questionnaire and then categorized into five patterns: non-vegetarian, semi-vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian, lacto-ovo-vegetarian (including dairy and eggs), and vegan.

Fraser said his team found that Adventist vegetarians overall had about a 12% less risk of death compared to Adventist non-vegetarians. Study participants with a pesco-vegetarian diet had an 18% less risk of death.

Those with a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet had a 15% less risk of death. Vegans overall had a less than 3% decreased risk of death, but male vegans fared much better than non-vegetarians, in contrast to females.

“Overall, this is some of the clearest data that American vegetarians are greater protected from premature death than non-vegetarians,” Fraser said.

Support for the analysis of the study was provided

by Loma Linda University Health’s Research Affairs department. Initial cohort funding support came from grants from the National Cancer Institute and the World Cancer Research Fund. ____________________

By Ansel Oliver

PUC Serves Thousands of Patients in India

I

n only a week, faculty and students from Pacific Union College and health professionals served over 3,000 patients in India.

Professor of biology Backil Sung planned this mission trip to Falakata, India. From July 10-21, the goals were to treat patients with health issues, introduce Jesus’ love, and for students and volunteers to learn how to practice God’s command to love others.

All to Heaven is Sung's charity organization that helps with PUC’s yearly mission trips. His organization raised around $80,000—with $35,000 supplying medications and materials—and assisted with local transportation and meals for the mission trip. $37,000 was donated to construct the theology school's boys' dormitory, fund scholarships, give The Great Controversy to students, and donate a dental chair to the clinic. The remaining $8,000 was reserved for next year's mission trip.

“I was very impressed with Dr. Sung’s ability to organize and lead this international mission trip,” said professor of biology Floyd Hayes. “His mission trips provide a tremendous opportunity for our students to participate in health care, and I hope that many will join him each summer.”

Joining Sung and Hayes were seven biology students from PUC; eight medical doctors specializing in medicine, ophthalmology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation; eight dentists; one dental hygienist; five nurses; and one lab technician. The team also included medical and allied health professionals in an on-site clinic.

The clinic on site was one of two where their teams were stationed. The first clinic, where doctors and students saw patients who needed medical and dental work, was a fully equipped diagnostic facility with an X-ray and blood chemistry analyzer. The second site was in a community center near the border of India

and Bhutan. Medical and dental professionals provided attention for those who needed vital checkups, rehabilitation, medication, and reading glasses. In their dental clinic, they extracted and cleaned teeth and provided restorative treatment.

With the abundance of people treated, the clinics quickly reached capacity and the teams carefully controlled the flow of patients. Student volunteers actively provided medical and dental services by guiding patients to specialized doctors. They also checked patients' blood sugar and visual acuity and had the opportunity to practice medical and dental techniques with patients under the supervision of professionals. By participating in this mission trip to India, PUC students learned to overcome challenges caused by a different culture and environment.

“The students were awesome!” shared Hayes. “They were cheerful, worked very hard beside the health care medical professionals, and enjoyed interacting with the volunteers and Indian people. I was proud of them all!”

Outside of treating patients, PUC students worshiped with the locals, with Sung giving a sermon on the first Sabbath there. Students learned spiritual practice by joining morning devotions at 6:30, where speakers shared personal messages about their spiritual experience and the importance of helping others.

Sung hopes his students see that mission work is God’s command. “If they understand God’s love, all the people will love God back and follow His command that we should help other people,” he said. “I want every PUC student to learn the value of how important it is to help other people.” ____________________

By Ally Romanes

Pacific Union College

October 2024 39

Nevada-Utah’s Youth Rush team: Izaiah Copca, Sofia Malakhov, Nigel Strong, Geencie Castillo, Victor Farias, Pedro Mugabe, Jazmin Bondoc, Anthony Lee, Jericho Bondoc, Neil Bensan, Q Melidor, Matthew Villasante, Nika Chevelon, Frantz Etienne, and Joelis Colmenarez

T

Embracing Faith Through Youth Rush: A Summer of Service and Spiritual Growth

his summer, the Youth Rush program offered an incredible opportunity for young people to engage in hands-on missionary work and sharing the love of Christ with their communities. Over the course of the program, 14 dedicated youth participated in a door-to-door outreach, distributing Christian literature, praying with individuals in their homes and workplaces, and ultimately sharing the transformative message of the gospel.

Youth Rush is more than just a summer activity; it’s a profound spiritual journey. Participants not Victor Farias confidently knocks on doors, knowing the Lord has gone before him.

40 Pacific Union Recorder

Nevada-Utah Conference

only bless their communities with literature but also experience significant personal growth. Many recount divine appointments and remarkable encounters where their prayers were answered in unexpected ways. The program serves as a powerful reminder of how God works through our efforts, even amid rejection and challenges.

Answers to prayer and spiritual impact Sixteen-year-old Pedro Mugabe shared, "I had my first answer to prayer in Youth Rush. We prayed for someone to be interested in a [Great Controversy] book, and just a few minutes later, someone expressed interest!" This experience ignited a newfound prayer life and desire for a deeper relationship with God. Despite occasional struggles, he expressed a commitment to maintain his devotional time even after returning home.

Another youth, Jericho Bondoc, reflected on his experience stating, "I learned that I had been underestimating God’s power. He is more powerful than I thought, and He will work in our lives if we allow Him to." These realizations underscore the program's impact on spiritual growth, equipping young people like 19-year-old Jericho to trust in God’s plan.

Jericho also shared a memorable encounter that exemplified the program’s purpose. Upon visiting a lady’s home, he introduced himself and presented Lessons of Love (which includes Christ's Object Lessons).

A Divine Encounter (testimony by Q Melidor)

I He explained how the book can refresh and TOP: Loaded with an armful of hope, Jazmin Bondoc heads inspire those grappling to the homes on her route. with stress, guilt, and heartache. The lady was INSET: Getting ready to hit the taken aback, exclaiming, field with prayer and cheers of encouragement.

"I was just talking with my friend about how difficult it has been for me to deal with stress, and here you are knocking at my door!" This moment was a potent reminder of how God orchestrates encounters to meet people’s needs.

Both outreach and renewal The Youth Rush program has been an unstoppable adventure for those involved, creating a space for youth to grow in faith while serving others. Participants leave with not only a heart for mission work but also a deeper understanding of God's presence in their lives.

This summer, the Youth Rush program has truly been a blessing, fostering both community outreach and spiritual renewal among the youth. We encourage more young people to join this transformative experience next summer, where faith and service go hand in hand. ____________________

By Joelis Colmenarez A bag full of hope waiting patiently at the door to become a blessing.

experienced a powerful moment that I believe was orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. As I was going about my business, I encountered a locked door. I could see someone inside, but it seemed like the conversation wasn’t meant to happen at that moment.

As I went upstairs, I encountered a lady, and we briefly greeted each other. When she returned to her office, she expressed surprise that I wanted to speak with her.

I discovered she was a nurse practitioner. As we chatted, I shared about the literature I was distributing, and she seemed genuinely interested.

When I mentioned that I was a student at Weimar Academy, her eyes lit up.

She had recently applied for a nurse practitioner position at an Adventist clinic at Weimar and even shared that she had been interviewed by Neil Bensan—who, coincidentally, was my leader for the Youth Rush program!

Our conversation deepened, and she expressed her appreciation for the work we were doing. She shared her desire to provide educational materials to her clients, wanting to empower them with knowledge about health and well-being. By the end of our conversation, she decided to order 30 copies of Habits That Heal (which includes insights from The Ministry of Healing) and 30 cookbooks.

It was incredible to witness how this lady understood the importance of the literature we shared. She expressed a heartfelt wish to integrate similar resources into her professional practice. This encounter reinforced my belief that God is at work, not just in our lives but also through the connections we make with others.

Nevada-Utah Conference

October 2024 41

I

A Storm of Joy

n early August, Gillette, Wyoming, hosted approximately 55,000 Pathfinders worldwide, including over 900 from the Northern region, temporarily transforming the town into the largest city in Wyoming for a week.

The camporee's opening day was dramatic, with rain, hail, and wind crashing down as if to challenge the joy of the gathering. Campers scrambled for shelter, seeking safety in meeting halls while the downpour turned their tents into pools, soaking sleeping bags and luggage.

Yet, in stark contrast to the tempest outside, the

42 Pacific Union Recorder

Northern California Conference

joyful voices of thousands of Pathfinders praising God resonated through the impromptu indoor sanctuaries, defying the storm's wrath.

Amid the excitement of new friendships, activities, and challenges, many, including 14 from Northern, dedicated their lives to God through baptism. A particularly special moment came when Grant Gulke, a Pathfinder from Napa Valley, requested baptism after 30 years of involvement in the program.

Eddie Heinrich, the NCC youth director, captured the spirit of the moment, saying, "What is a camporee

without some weather and challenges? The enemy may try to stir up trouble when our worldwide clubs gather to praise God, but the storm only set the stage for a Wyoming-sized blessing."

This spirit of resilience and reliance on God's providence was not limited to the Pathfinders. On their journey back from the camporee, Jenny Jinn, an NCC Pathfinder leader from Carmichael, and her family encountered a test that would reveal the power of kindness, the heart of a servant, and the impact of passionate, hard work.

Unfortunately, their borrowed SUV broke down multiple times, turning what should have been a routine drive home into a motoring disaster. As Jenny and her family waited on the side of the road in the dark, not knowing what to do, the Holy Spirit moved, working through a local family in Gillette.

As Jenny retold her story: “Steven Taylor, a passing motorist, saw our blinking lights in the distance. He later said, ‘I felt a nudge in my heart to stop and assist you.’

What began as a simple gesture—towing our trailer and offering a meal—blossomed into an extraordinary act

E

of kindness. The Taylors extended more than help; they opened their home and hearts, welcoming our family as if we were their family. But their kindness didn't end there. When it became clear that the vehicle was beyond repair, the Taylors offered to drive our trailer back to us toward the end of this year.” ____________________

By Laurie Trujillo

Jon Cicle Joins NCC Administration

lder Jon Cicle recently joined the NCC administration offices serving as assistant to the president. Cicle returns to Northern California Conference from Eagle Rock church in Southern California, where he was the senior pastor.

His career began in the Southeastern California Conference as a youth pastor at Victorville church. He was ordained while pastoring in the Valley Center and Poway church district. Moving to Northern, he served for 21 years, which included youth pastor at Pacific Union College church, pastor of the Vallejo Central church, and pastor of the Orangevale church.

He remarked about his career, “I’ve learned to try things that have never been tried before, grown to understand the complexities of diverse congregations, and learned to listen for understanding rather than for response. Through it all, my goal has been and continues to be lifting up Jesus with vision and a sense of mission.”

Cicle has enhanced his Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University with professional development, including coaching certifications with StrengthsFinder, Natural Church Development, and

Prepare-Enrich Marriage counseling. He stated, “The passage of Scripture that keeps me grounded is Hebrews 12:2, 'fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.'”

Marc Woodson, president, said, “I’m so glad that Jon came back to Northern to serve as assistant to the president after a short stint away. His many years of pastoral ministry experience and giftedness will serve our conference well. I’m so glad to have him as a part of my team.” ____________________

By Ken Miller

Northern California Conference

October 2024 43

Unexpected Events and Divine Intervention: Experiences at the 2024 Pathfinder Camporee

O

n her way to the International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, Gabby was praying for a miracle. An international Pathfinder from Kenya, she somehow had separated from her group and was now left behind at a gas station. She found herself in a strange place and in a strange country but with an amazing God. She spotted a vehicle with a Pathfinder logo, and she dared to ask for a ride. The family, a family of Pathfinders, safely delivered Gabby to Southeastern California Conference (SECC) coordinators, who took her in and did not stop until she was safe. Talk about unexpected events and divine intervention!

Jesus has promised to be with His children, always.

Pathfinders were reminded of this as people from around the world were united in prayer for protection and deliverance at the camporee. After a storm hit the camporee, God hugged His children with a magnificent rainbow that spoke of His love and His presence in that place.

The events after the storm speak of a living God who is still in the business of protecting, providing, and moving hearts. Pathfinder counselors and volunteers

SECC Associate Youth Director Meshach Soli baptizes a Pathfinder.

44 Pacific Union Recorder

Southeastern California Conference

SECC Pathfinders loudly cheer on stage.

spent their own money to buy supplies for those affected. People from the community were moved to bring in sleeping bags and tents late at night. A town sheriff in full uniform stopped by and gave a generous donation to help. His donation would later buy food for a club from Zambia. A local laundromat extended their business hours so that people could wash and dry their bedding. People at Walmart loaded Pathfinder shoppers with donations. Donations turned up at every corner— unexpected blessings, divine intervention!

A club director shared how she came to understand why she was at this camporee. Her husband had stayed behind with health issues, and they had faced so many challenges to get there. While there, things did not get easy, but at the night program, a Pathfinder who had been resisting giving her life to Jesus was overcome by the Holy Spirit and accepted the invitation to get baptized.

Heaven will be an amazing camporee with no storms. While we face unexpected events in our lives, let us thank God for His divine intervention and wait on His promise! ____________________

By Patty Hernandez

SECC Welcomes New Associate Superintendents to Education Department

ANTONPRADO/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS VIA GETTY IMAGES

T

his July, the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) welcomed two new associate superintendents to its education department: Alison Jobson and Oscar Olivarria.

Alison brings a wealth of experience from her extensive career in Adventist education. She began teaching at Spring Valley Academy in Ohio, where she also served as vice principal, before moving into conference-level leadership roles, including superintendent for the Ohio Conference and associate director of education at the Columbia Union Conference. After relocating to Southern California to be closer to family, Alison felt called to continue her ministry with SECC. "My vision for the future of SDA education is that all of our schools will continue to provide innovative 21st-century education for our students and families that prepare them for now and for eternity," said Alison.

She is particularly passionate about mental health, cultural competency, and supporting multi-grade teachers and teaching principals. Her role will also involve providing instructional, curricular, and policy guidance for four SECC schools.

Oscar, a proud "SECC guy," returns to the conference with a deep commitment to Adventist education. Oscar's journey into education began unexpectedly, but he soon realized that God was leading him toward a career in teaching.

He spent 14 years in the classroom and eight years as a principal, most recently at Glendale Adventist Academy. His new role as associate superintendent was a surprise opportunity, but one that Oscar embraced after prayerful consideration.

"I want each of the administrators who I serve directly to feel supported," Oscar shared. "I think that their job is the toughest in the entire system, so if I can make that just a degree easier for them, then I think that would be very satisfying and fulfilling."

Oscar will oversee five SECC schools and take on the additional responsibility of Health and Safety, as well as the planning of the Junior/Senior Bible Conference, a personal favorite event of his.

Both Alison and Oscar are committed to enhancing the educational experience within SECC, bringing their unique backgrounds and shared dedication to the ministry of education. As they step into their new roles, they are eager to support SECC educators, students, and families in meaningful ways, ensuring that Adventist education continues to thrive.

Congratulations to both Alison and Oscar! ____________________

By Danni Thaw

Southeastern California Conference

October 2024 45

PHOTOS: LIZELLE OREÑO

At the end of the summer, the Youth Rush team wears their program T-shirt based on their favorite verse, Isaiah 40:31.

From Parrots to Pit Bulls: God Orchestrates Unique, Life-Changing Connections During Youth Rush “God not only answers the prayers of canvassers but the unseen prayers of families as well.”

Benjamin

T

he phrase “God can make a way out of no way” rang especially true for student literature evangelists participating in Youth Rush this summer in the Southern California Conference (SCC) territory.

Gabriel was having a particularly bad day before knocking on a door where he thought he would be brushed off. The woman who answered said she was busy taking care of someone, so he did a quick canvass (a one-sentence explanation of each book). He noticed a large parrot sitting on top of an empty bird cage. The parrot flew down to the floor and walked toward him. Gabriel reached out, and the parrot climbed up his arm. The woman was impressed, saying, “That never happens!” Through this unexpected encounter, she was drawn to what Gabriel had to share and bought four books.

One afternoon when the team had five books left to reach the day’s goal, Benjamin prayed for motivation. He walked up to a house with a gate and shook the gate, but no one answered. As he turned to leave, he heard the gate open.

He strolled in, and just as he was looking up to the sky to give thanks to God, he stopped walking at the sight of a menacing pit bull. Suddenly an older man ran out of the house, yelling at the disturbance. As he got closer to Benjamin, the dog started

Joseph shows the six-book set a man just received at a door.

46 Pacific Union Recorder

Southern California Conference

•

Number of student literature evangelists: 19

•

Cities visited: 19

•

Summer earnings: $50,164.50 in student scholarships; $4,000 per student average earnings

•

Books distributed: 7,505

•

Five students made decisions for baptism (4 rebaptized; 1 newly baptized)

•

17 contacts from community interest survey

LEFT: Students take part in a prayer huddle. RIGHT: The Youth Rush team has a worship devotional before going out to the communities and ministering door to door.

to bark and protect Benjamin from its owner, moving the man back toward the house and away from Benjamin.

The owner was shocked, saying, “My dog does not do that. He will hurt people who try to come to my house.

Why are you different?” Benjamin cautiously approached the man, with the dog staying by him the entire time, and the man opened up to Benjamin. He admitted to not being a good man, sharing how his relationships with his wife and children were suffering and that his life was falling apart. After speaking with Benjamin, the man took five books: Simply Fresh cookbook, The Great Controversy, Christ’s Object Lessons, and two books for his children.

That day, Benjamin realized that “God not only answers the prayers of canvassers but the unseen prayers of families as well.”

Although the parrot and pit bull did not speak to their owners directly, as Balaam’s donkey spoke to him, through these animals, God was able to create unforgettable connections to minister to families.

“This summer has shown our student literature evangelists that their Heavenly Father is a living, active God who continually works to do extraordinary things through ordinary people today,” said Lizelle Oreño, SCC Literature Ministries assistant coordinator.

Each year as students and leaders minister to those they encounter, they, too, are impacted by the ministry, which goes beyond the summer program.

Mike and Topaz, parents of Christopher, shared that their son came home a different person after the program. “He had a much more sense of confidence about him,” they said. “Christopher had a powerful spiritual experience while in the program that led him to make a decision to be baptized.”

“This program helped my son become bold about connecting with people he didn’t know,” Vinh Nguyen, SCC Asian/Pacific Region director, said. “He grew more confident with each door he knocked on. It’s fostered a spirit of witnessing in him, and I believe he will be more inclined to spend time talking to others and sharing the gospel.”

“Literature evangelism is a unique and powerful way to spread the gospel, reaching individuals who might never enter a church,” Andy Villanueva, SCC Literature Ministries director, said. “SCC Youth Rush participants have the opportunity, through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, to continually plant seeds of faith, often leading to life-changing encounters with Jesus.”

To learn more, visit https://www.sccyouthrush.org/. ____________________

By Araya Moss

Benjamin (left) and Jonas (right) get rebaptized after the summer program at the iShare Convention.

Southern California Conference

October 2024 47

The Last Word

By Ray Tetz

Ascension Rock at the William Miller farm, near Hampton, New York. It was here that the faithful kept their lonely and futile vigil for the return of Jesus Christ on October 22, 1844.

The Gospel of the Disappointment

O

ctober 22, this year and every year, is a

the twin fundamental challenges faced by first-

teachable moment for those who have

century Christians.

lived in hope for something that hasn’t yet happened.

This is the 180th anniversary of what Adventists

and the progeny of the religious Millerite movement euphemistically call “The Great

For them, the first extraordinary disappointment was the execution of Jesus Christ by those in power.

Their beloved leader was killed. Dead. Pretty hard to come back from that. (Cue the resurrection.)

The second disappointment—the same one

Disappointment.” Talk about an understatement.

faced by the early Adventists—was that after

It was closer to being “The Great Annihilation

the miracle of His resurrection and His ascent

of Hope” or “The Great Theological Mistake Big

into heaven, He didn’t come back like He said He

Enough to End the Whole Discussion” or “The Great

would. Even though He had promised. And even

Challenge That if It Doesn’t Break You Will Make

though people—and this is important—were doing

You Stronger.”

everything they could to cause Him to come back, it

Turns out it wasn’t the first time that Christians had been majorly disappointed. As great as the

didn’t change anything.

For some, this disappointing set of circumstances

disappointment might have been for those in the

meant cutting their losses, bailing out, and never

middle of it in 1844, it was nothing compared to

looking back. But for the ones persuaded that

48 Pacific Union Recorder

Jesus was someone unlike anyone they had ever

disappointment are resolved in the personal search

encountered before, that wasn’t an option. So, they

for meaning in the knowledge of Jesus Himself.

tried to make some sense of it.

(“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin

The various apostles and writers of the New Testament dealt with it in different ways.

of the world" [John 1:29, RSV].) This is the framework through which those who believe in Jesus were to

For Mark, whose Gospel was written nearest

present His claims of Lordship, and His gracious

to the death of Christ, it was an opportunity to

love, to the world in which they would be living.

understand the dynamic of the messianic secret

With this cloud of witnesses, what was

("Who do men say that I am?" [Mark 8:27, RSV]), and

known as the Great Disappointment can also

to embrace the mystery of this extraordinary and

be understood as a transformational spiritual

unprecedented occurrence: God with us. I think we

moment in the lives of those who have had

can see this is exemplified in Christ’s relationship

to confront disappointment. As we all have—

with Martha.

disappointment in our church, disappointment in

For Matthew it was living lives that were so enthused with Christ that the disciples became

each other, disappointment in ourselves.

Mark and Martha call us to embrace the unknown

Christ to the world and had the same impact on

circumstances of our journeys to be disciples.

those whose lives they touched as Christ had had on

Matthew and the woman at the well call us to

theirs. ("Therefore go and make disciples" [Matthew

exemplify in our own lives the gracious character

28:19, NIV].) This is exemplified, perhaps, in Christ’s

of Christ Himself. Luke and the Madonna ask us to

relationship with the woman at the well.

look beyond the present moment to the horizon

For Luke it was the search for meaning in history and the continued search for the ultimate

of our hopes, treasuring in our hearts that which is unattained but not unknown.

redemption of humankind. (“But we had hoped that

Paul and Mary Magdalene call us to treasure the

he was the one to redeem Israel" [Luke 24:21, RSV].)

mystery of salvation in our hearts and the upside-

This is exemplified in part by Christ’s relationship

downness of a world where the weakest are actually

with Mary, his own mother.

the strongest and the shadow of death is vanquished

For Paul, who was not one of the twelve, it was

not by the sword but by the unquenchable,

the paradox of the gospel. (Jesus' death was a part

passionate light of love, howbeit small. Peter calls

of God's mysterious plan; the weakest moment is

us to be the church of Christ’s imagination—the

actually the strongest; through His death, not His

bride who waits with patience and fidelity.

life, He has saved the world.) This is demonstrated in the relationship Jesus had with Mary Magdalene.

For Peter, it was coming to a profound understanding of God’s true purpose. (“The

And John, the beloved, reminds us that our life in Christ announces His saving grace to the whole world—even those who are experiencing disappointment and disillusionment.

Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some

So, while October 22 is not a celebration, it’s not

understand slowness. Instead he is patient with

exactly a disappointment either. Call it a milestone.

you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to

The journey continues.

come to repentance” [2 Peter 3:9, NIV].) His take is

_____________________________

my favorite, and it is demonstrated by what the New

Ray Tetz is the director of communication and

Testament calls the bride of Christ, for whom Peter

community engagement of the Pacific Union and the

had special responsibility.

publisher of the Recorder. Versions of this essay have

And finally, for John, the dissonance and

appeared previously in church publications.

October 2024 49

Recorder PACIFIC UNION

P.O. Box 5005 Thousand Oaks CA, 91359-5005

Rising in Faith WATCH NOW

puc.edu/faith

RISE IN FAITH Discover a place where experiential learning and undeniable faith converge— Pacific Union College. Our vibrant campus is infused with a deep commitment to spiritual growth, preparing our students for a life of impact and purpose, unique to their God-given gifts and talents. Find out what sets PUC apart as our students Rise in Faith.

Learn more about PUC Visit puc.edu/visit or puc.edu/faith