Pacific Union Recorder - July 2017

PACIFIC UNION

Recorder

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Loma Linda University School of Medicine th Awards 11,000 Diploma

JULY 2017

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PACIFIC UNION

Recorder CONTENTS Publisher

Ray Tetz — ray@puconline.org

Editor / Layout

Alicia Adams — alicia@puconline.org

Copy Editor

Christy Robinson — ChristyKRobinson.com

Printing

Pacific Press Publishing Association www.pacificpress.com The Recorder is a monthly publication reaching approximately 76,000 Seventhday 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.

EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENTS

29 40-44 14-15 34-36 39-38 16-17 37 21-24 25-28 18-19 10-13 20 30-33 6-9

Adventist Health Advertising Arizona Central California Hawaii La Sierra University Loma Linda Newsletter – Holbrook Newsletter – Renew Nevada-Utah Northern California Pacific Union College Southeastern California Southern California

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Adventist Health 916-781-4756 Jenni Glass — glassjl@ah.org

Arizona 480-991-6777

Phil Draper — phildraper@azconference.org

Central California 559-347-3000

Cindy Chamberlin — cchamberlin@cccsda.org

Hawaii 808-595-7591

Jesse Seibel — jesseseibel@gmail.com

La Sierra University 951-785-2000

Darla Tucker — dmartint@lasierra.edu

ABOUT THE COVER As she walked across the stage, Michelle Wheeler learned she was the 11,000th graduate of Loma Linda University School of Medicine.

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Loma Linda 909-558-4526

Nancy Yuen — nyuen@llu.edu

Nevada-Utah 775-322-6929

Michelle Ward — mward@nevadautah.org

Northern California 925-685-4300

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Stephanie Leal — sleal@nccsda.com

Pacific Union College 707-965-6202 Larissa Church — pr@puc.edu

Southeastern California 951-509-2200

Enno Müller — communications@seccsda.org

Southern California 818-546-8400

Betty Cooney — bcooney@sccsda.org Postal Regs: The Pacific Union Recorder (ISSN 07446381), Volume 117, Number 7, is the official journal of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and is published monthly. Editorial office is at 2686 Townsgate Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91361: 805-497-9457. Periodical postage paid at Thousand Oaks, CA, and additional mailing offices. Subscription rate: No charge to Pacific Union Adventist church members; $15 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.

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30 July 2017

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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

Why Mission Matters:

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Ricardo Graham

efore 1901, all Seventh-day Adventist churches in the world were grouped and administered by geographic regions called local conferences. All those conferences were served directly by the General Conference, then headquartered in Battle Creek, Mich.

In her opening address to the delegates at the 1901 General Conference Session in Battle Creek, April 2-23, 1901, Ellen White strongly recommended a completely new church organization that would dramatically reduce what she called the “kingly, ruler power” of the leaders in Battle Creek and transfer that power to leaders closer to the local level.

As a result, at that GC Session, all the local conferences of North America were grouped into unions (also known as union conferences).

Thereafter, the local conferences dealt with union leaders, not with the General Conference. This enabled local churches, schools and missions to receive fast responses when they needed support or approvals. It also created a mechanism for world policies to be adapted to local customs and culture norms. And finally, it created a wide base of representatives — union presidents from around the world — to guide in world church decisions.

The Pacific Union serves the seven local conferences within Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.

The Recorder recently sat down with four Pacific Union organization presidents —Pacific Union President Ricardo Graham, La Sierra University President Randall Wisbey, Pacific Union College President Bob Cushman, and Adventist Health President and CEO Scott Reiner — to get

Our “mission” is the why, and the why inspires the what, just like faith inspires work. Our mission as the Pacific Union Conference is to help the church organizations within our territory to most effectively “testify to the truth.” their thoughts on the mission of their organizations within the Pacific Union. This issue will feature Graham’s response; look for the others in the coming months.

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What does “mission” mean to you?

For our Christian organization, the mission comes from the Great Commission that Jesus Christ gave to his first disciples on His ascension: “And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Because we are a Scripture-based organization, the biblical defining statements take priority. We want the Bible to set our priorities and direction.

What is the Pacific Union’s mission statement?

“The mission of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is to bring leadership, coordination and guidance to the work of the local conferences.” Since the Seventh-day Adventist Church has accepted the commission to proclaim the gospel throughout the entire world, it is important for the union to provide linkage between the local conferences and the General Conference.”

Who are the “shareholders” of the Pacific Union?

The shareholders are the constituents of the Union: all church pastors and members; schools and institutions; teachers and students; and administrative personnel of the seven local conferences and of the Union office itself.

How does the mission of your specific organization relate to, and differ from, the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church?

Our mission speaks to the specific geographical location of the Southwestern corner of the United States of America within the seven local conferences, and it names three particular function — leadership, coordination and guidance. The mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which includes all Adventist believers around the world, has a much broader, world-wide mission to reach the lost for Christ.

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

We resist “mission creep” through the Pacific Union’s historic process of returning a vast majority of the funds we receive directly back to the local conferences for use as they see fit in their territories.

Does the Pacific Union have clarity of purpose, or does it suffer from “mission creep”? (Mission creep is taking on programs and purposes that are not aligned with the core mission.)

If an initiative is determined to be both low impact and low profitability (consumes time, energy and resources with little return on investment), is there a mechanism to phase it out or transition it to another organization with whose mission it better aligns?

In that situation, the Union moves away from such initiatives or changes their direction. For instance, we recently changed the internal organizational committee structure. An analysis of our Executive Committee subcommittees showed they were not accomplishing what we intended them to — only one of the three sub-committees yielded any recommendations that were passed on to the local conference committees.

Our “mission” is the why, and the why inspires the what, just like faith inspires work. In John 18:37, Jesus, speaking to Pilate, says: “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to We resist “mission creep” through the Pacific Union’s historic process testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of of returning a vast majority of the funds we receive directly back to the truth listens to me” (NIV). He then local conferences for use as they see fit in their territories. No other unions sent His disciples — and each in the North American Division do that. In addition, various internal one of us — into the entire committees — comprised of a majority of non-employees (laypeople) world to do the same. Our — question and advise leadership on projects and mission activities. mission as the Pacific Union Conference is What weaknesses or challenges do to help the church you see impacting the pursuit of the organizations within mission in the Pacific Union? our territory to most We have not created a process for continually reviewing our mission effectively “testify to the statement, values and vision. Doing so would probably help us truth.” stay focused on the why so that the what is always on task.

What is the most important measure of success?

Teaching, preaching, and medical ministries are serving large numbers of people in the Union. The typical measurement would include the amount funding being donated to the church, as well as the numbers of new adherents to the organization through baptisms, enrollment in our schools, and patients seeking treatment at our hospitals.

Elder Ricardo Graham, D.Min., President of the Pacific Union Conference July 2017

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Southern California Conference

Robotics Tournament Awards First-Place Trophy to SGA Team

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PHOTOS BY PRAKASH RAJENDRAN AND RAIDEN YANG

or San Gabriel Academy senior Maxon Zhao, participating in the RoboCup Junior USA Robotics Tournament was a dream come true. For more than three years, he had been perfecting his robotics skills. As a student in China, he joined several individual robotics competitions. At SGA, he continued to promote his love of robotics.

The school’s robotics team made their way to New York City for the May 21 RoboCup Tournament, accompanied by their physics teacher, Prakash Rajendran. SGA juniors Raiden (L. to R.) Oscar Nolasco, Maxon Zhao, Watchara Lu, Justin Phung, Raiden Yang, Yang and Justin Phung (both programming and and Sponsor Prakash Rajendran, just prior to the tournament. coding) and sophomore Oscar Nolasco (design and construction) joined seniors Zhao (programming and coding) and “The only explanation for the things that happened that weekend,” Watchara Lu (design and construction) on a trip that would prove to be said Watchara, “is that they were miracles from God.” During the flight about more than just robotics. home, it was announced that the award-winning San Gabriel Academy The SGA team, four of whom had not been familiar with Christianity robotics team was on the plane. Later, the flight attendants and one of before arriving at SGA from China and Thailand, met challenges and some the pilots came back to meet the team, asking questions and allowing nervous moments. During the quarterfinals, a strategic piece holding the the boys to give their testimonies of the weekend’s amazing events. compass broke. Raiden and Justin ran to the car hoping to find a spare The RoboCup Junior USA competition challenges students up to 19 part. They returned, holding up a Bible. “The only thing inside the car was years of age to work collaboratively as a team to design, create, and code this,” they said. robots to solve problems. The competition is divided into three leagues “That’s the most — Soccer, Rescue, and OnStage. The robots are fully autonomous, using important thing you sensors to explore the world around them and make decisions without could have!” their human intervention. teammates said. Then This group of five students came back from New York with much more they prayed right than two trophies, two certificates, and an invitation to compete in the there. “After we prayed International Robotics Tournament in Japan in July 2017. They came and with one last back with a profound appreciation of each other, the importance of tweak,” said Watchara, teamwork, and a belief in the miracles of the God they had learned about “the robot performed at San Gabriel Academy. Watchara confided, “I’ve never prayed as much The superb design, programming, and coding skills perfectly for the rest of in my life as I did on this trip. I see now why prayer is so important in of the team’s robot, and their ability to quickly repair problems immediately caught people’s attention. the competition.” everything.”

“Raiden never let “Robots are prepared for competition,” Rajendran reminded them, “but go of the Bible,” their the victory always comes from the Lord.” teacher confided later.

They believe that there were seven on that trip. They found that God Later, Raiden doesn’t want us to worry about the success of our honest endeavors. “Not prayed, “I saw your once should we even think of failure. We are to cooperate with the One miracles, God, and I who knows no failure” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 323). SGA’s team brought believe in You!” home life-long memories and a knowledge of the power of God. SGA’s team was The team prepared to participate in the international tournament in awarded the first place July and getting sponsors for that event. A portion of the competition is trophy in their division on Saturday. They have determined to be faithful to the God they have Maxon Zhao (second from left) assists and the Judge’s Award learned about at SGA and to honor His Sabbath.

Chris Kmosko from another division’s team with some for Programming and technical information, while Watchara Lu (right) Control.

Bonnie Iversen makes some adjustments on SGA’s robot.

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Southern California Conference

Participants Sense Holy Spirit’s Touch at Region Convocation

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reater Los Angeles Region convocation held at the White Memorial church was one of the most spiritual and inspiring convocations I’ve experienced in years.” There were similar words coming from so many of those who attended the convocation held on April 22, 2017, asserted Royal Harrison, GLAR director.

“The Spirit of the Lord was evident in all three services,” Harrison continued. Debleaire Snell, pastor at First church, Huntsville, Ala.; Kyle Crawford, youth and young adult pastor at First church; and Michael Polite, associate chaplain of faith development at Andrews University, were the guest speakers for the weekend.

Friday night, Polite spoke about mustard seed faith. “I never heard it presented that way before,” recalled Pastor Loren Hodnett, convocation committee chair. “His premise was that the reason we are not effective in ministry is borne out of an insecurity on our part. We become involved in service to serve our own insecurities and then wonder why we have no power.”

The event continued the next morning with a Sabbath school program and panel discussion focused on families, led out by John Trusty, D.Min., pastor at the Valley Crossroads church.

Snell presented a message based on the story of the disciples in the storm on the sea at the end of Mark chapter 4.

Crawford spoke at a youth service in the morning, sharing how God has worked through his life experiences. In the afternoon, there was a meal and program for young adults. Polite brought a thought-provoking message, and attendees were eager to learn more. “In both services, they wanted to go into more study,” said Michael Jenkins, youth and young adult coordinator. “Instead of just saying, ‘Amen,’ they were touched to the point of wanting to know more, asking the speakers to give them the texts they had referenced in their presentations.”

Throughout the event, choirs, solo artists, and the praise team lent devotion to the worship experience. “People from most of our churches were involved,” said Chris Jordan, convocation music director. “We try to make sure that everybody can participate.” A free concert on Saturday evening featured recording artist Jonathan Butler and was intentionally an evangelistic opportunity to welcome and connect with non-Adventists. Butler, a Christian singer-songwriter, is known for his smooth jazz, R&B, and Christian recordings.

Pastors and lay members work together in cooperation and collaboration to help make the convocation as dynamic, uplifting, and Christ-centered as possible; it is the one time a year that all the churches and members in the Greater Los Angeles Region assemble together for corporate worship, where each worship

PHOTOS BY DONALD MCPHAULL

“

The GLAR convocation mass choir, with members representing almost every church in the region, sang as part of the Sabbath morning main service.

Pastor Debleaire Snell ended his message with an appeal on Sabbath morning, to which more than 60 people responded, many of whom requested Bible studies, prayer, or baptism.

Pastor Kyle Crawford connected with the youth through his message Sabbath morning about how God has worked throughout his life.

service is specifically designed to meet the needs of the youth, young adults, and adults.

Greater Los Angeles Region convocations have been held each year for more than 20 years. Next year’s convocation will be held on April 21, 2018. The speaker for the adults will be Keith Morris, pastor of the Kansas Avenue church in Riverside. “We hope our members plan to join us next year for this spiritual feast, where God’s presence is felt, God’s power is unleashed, and God’s promise is realized!”

Harrison said.

Lauren Armstrong and Royal Harrison July 2017

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Southern California Conference

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n Sunday, April 23, Bite Size Talks held its first conference at the West Covina Hills church. Fifty people participated. J.R. Cahatol, R.N., spearheaded the conference, with Elaine Asumen, the YouTube “Simply Bakings” vlogger. Other presenters included Adventist Review Strategic Partner liaison Jared Thurmon; Chef GW Chew from the VegHub Restaurant; Karen Houghton, R.N., B.S.N., cookbook author; Shad Loh from Vegin’ Out, a vegan/vegetarian meals delivery service; and many more.

“Our desire was to create a platform where faith and food come together to inspire others, one healthy bite at a time,” Cahatol said. The Bite Size Talks organizing team featured young adults from various churches who share the desire to reach people for Jesus in new ways.

Darlene Akpulonu, a member of the 54th Street church, volunteered to help out with the conference. “I was so inspired by the stories of various food presenters!” she said. “I was especially blessed by the presenters’ passion to use food as a medium to spread the gospel. I praise God for placing this amazing idea on J.R.’s and Elaine’s hearts.”

Acts 2:41-42 is one of the motivating passages for the team. “Then those who gladly received His word were baptized; and that day about 3,000 souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’

PHOTOS BY SAM REAM

Faith-Based Food Conference Held in West Covina

Panel discussion with Lorraine Pascale, who has the Simply Baking YouTube channel with 200,000+ subscribers; Susan Jenson, R.D.; Pastor John Jenson, South Bay church; and Jared Thurmon, moderator.

doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (NKJV).

The Bite Size Talks team wants their movement to be a revival of the work of health and fellowship given to the church for the healing of the nations and for the preaching of the gospel of Jesus in truth, love, and service, through the food space.

The event featured presentations by chefs, YouTube vloggers (video bloggers), and owners of health-based food products. Throughout the day, presenters shared stories of faith, their experiences in the food business, and their passion for healthy living. The Bite Size initiative is aimed at connecting with the community as well as motivating and equipping the next generation with a passion for food, health, and business.

During the event, attendees were fed healthfully, spiritually, and practically with Jeremy Williams demonstrates food preparation used in his Vegan Korner, Colton, Calif., a vegan pizza restaurant. food of all kinds,

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including noodles, special tomato herb soup, and cookies. Elaine Asumen shared how others can start their own video ministry to share God’s Word through the online food space.

Chef Chew (his real name!), shared many miracle stories of God’s work in leading his food ministry, including door-to-door evangelism and the creation of healthy meat alternatives.

“It looks like chicken. It tastes like chicken.

But it’s not chicken!” Chew said.

The chef also shared his testimony of God’s providence working with him through the personal trials he faced when trying to find success in the restaurant industry. His VegHub Restaurant in Oakland, Calif., and his Better Than Meats product line, are gifts Chew said the Lord has given him to reach those hungering for something better.

The Bite Size Talks team is developing many projects and cooking plans, and they are grateful God is blessing them. The 2017 conference was a foretaste of future faith-based food events. Team members are thrilled to see what Jesus, the Bread of Life, has lined up on their menu for reaching people through fun, food, and faith.

For more info, visit www.bitesizetalks.com.

Bite Size Team Members

Southern California Conference

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he Hawthorne church had a major growth spurt on April 22 as the Carson International Group joined them in membership, adding 46 people, 40 of them by profession of faith. An additional dozen people plan to prepare for baptism or join the church by profession of faith at a later date.

Months before, L.A. Metro Region Director Gerard Kiemeney had prayed with Pastor John Jenson, South Bay church, and a member of the Region staffing committee. “What if God impresses two churches to get together?” he asked. Pursuing that possibility, Kiemeney met with the Hawthorne church board and found them receptive. Then he interviewed the pastor, knowing they needed the right pastor for the delicate task of bringing two congregations together. When the board asked, “Why not

just invite them to come here?” the idea of the Carson International group actually joining with a mother church was born. “My conviction,” said Kiemeney, “is that the idea is God-birthed. In Him, it’s going to work.”

Later, commenting on the joining together of the two culturally diverse congregations, Kiemeney added, “When the Holy Spirit moves among us, it’s no longer about differences; it’s about what they hold in common. Everyone here is that soldier willing to accept that mission to go out. You will meet, mingle. You will call them to follow Christ, going to seek and to save the lost. In Your hands, there is no failure, only success.” “‘Together Is Better’ is the message today,” affirmed John Cress, SCC executive secretary and ministerial director. “It is rare for churches to join together. This is a unique, rare moment.

Jesus has brought this about.”

“In nature, the redwood tree illustrates what happens when we come together with a shared mission,” Cress continued. “The tree’s roots intertwine and strengthen each other. All of you together are Christ’s body, with one thing in common: all are God’s church. We are one body, one Lord, one baptism. Together is better.”

Cress concluded with a blessing on the church: “May the door of the church be wide enough to welcome all who hunger for love

FILEMU T. FILEMU

Tongan group provides special music.

BETTY COONEY

Carson International Group and Hawthorne Church Decide Together Is Better

Members of the 6 a.m. Sunday morning prayer and study group meeting outside the Hawthorne church.

Pastor “Mu” Filemu

and fellowship, and narrow enough to shut out pettiness and pride.”

Pastor Filemu T. Filemu (Mu) had shepherded the Carson International group prior to the merger and is serving as the pastor of the Hawthorne church. “The church and community represent so many cultures,” Mu said. “We have Filipino, African-American, Caucasian, Hawaiian, Indonesian, Fijians, Hispanic, Tongan — and I am Samoan!”

More than 40 members of the church come together at 6 a.m. on Sundays in a “Stop and Pray” area in the front of the church, which faces busy Marine Ave. The group is intergenerational and cross cultural; children come, too.

“After our prayer and study time together on Sundays,” Mu continued, “we have exercise in the church gym. It’s been a bonding time for the generations and members of both groups that have come together. When we walk as part of our time together, I encourage members to pray about our church; that someone will come here and meet Christ.”

“We want to be open to the neighborhood,” Mu added. “Recently, I was changing the information on the sign in front of the church and some people walking by asked, ‘What is this?’ pointing to the church. ‘It’s a church,’ I told them. ‘Come visit us, or come for lunch!’”

The Hawthorne church is located at 3939 Marine Ave., Hawthorne, Calif.

Betty Cooney July 2017

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Northern California Conference

Capitals Engineering Corporation Combines Robotics Skills with Leadership

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PHOTOS BY MEL WADE

t’s way more than building robots!

The robotics program at Sacramento Adventist Academy demonstrated a new approach during its fourth year of operation. To enhance the students’ hands-on experience, SAA’s program now operates less like a class or club and more like a corporation.

Capitals Engineering is the name of the student-run, pseudocorporation that oversees the school’s robotics program and competitions related to FIRST Tech Challenge. In FTC, teams of 10 or more students — in grades 7-12 — are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format.

SAA students work FTC into their already busy high school schedules.

One block class period a week is dedicated to robotics, and students hold meetings after school on multiple days. They follow a business model, with a CEO, president, vice president of operations, vice president of marketing, and vice president of finance. Each student contributes to the team with assignments that fall under his/her role. (Corporation’s website at www.capitalsengineering.com.)

Robert Gouveia, a junior, served as Capitals Engineering CEO during the 2016-2017 school year. “Many FTC teams function as an after-school club, and that works really well for them,” he said. “However, the Capitals Engineering format helps us run more efficiently for our school and its size. Plus, we have learned many additional skills both as a business and through taking a role in leadership.”

SAA Technology Director Mel Wade agrees. “There are so many career opportunities in the technology and engineering fields that get overlooked by young people as they choose their career paths,” he said.

Capitals Engineering (team 7464) drives their robot to capture particles (game pieces) and score during one of the qualifying rounds at the 2017 NorCal FTC Championship tournament.

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SAA students Robert Gouveia, Elijah Gallaher, and Helen Wong speak with judges at the tournament.

Capitals Engineering poses for a team photo, along with SAA Technology Director Mel Wade (left).

“We want to make it fun and engaging! Everyone can turn pro. With the corporate model, students can also learn leadership, business, and marketing skills.”

In a recent regional competition, the Capitals Engineering team competed and received third place for the PTC Design Award (sponsored

by Parametric Technology Corporation), which recognizes design elements of the robot that are both functional and aesthetic.

SAA’s commitment to robotics is school-wide, beginning with fourth through eighth graders participating in First Lego League. Future plans will take robotics to younger grade levels. “Over the course of the last four years, our robotics program has grown tremendously,” said Principal Matthew Jakobsons. “In many ways, our robotics program is the nexus of STEM [science, technology, engineering, math] education at SAA because it integrates concepts that students have learned in other classes in one fun and busy course.”

Jessi Vietz, VP of marketing, Capitals Engineering

Northern California Conference

Jeffrey Maxwell Named NCC Risk Management Director

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and preventing problems. But his emphasis is personal, not institutional. “While the protection of our property assets is very important, what is most important is the protection of our greatest assets, our people,” he said.

One of his first and foremost goals as director is to implement the Injury and Illness Prevention Program in every NCC entity and make sure that each one has a safety officer installed. Another goal is to develop a risk management protocol book. “I’d like to have a simple yet comprehensive book that pastors, educators, and leaders of our various entities can refer to for direction in a variety of situations,” said Maxwell. He invites church members to email him with their suggestions for the book. (Email jeffrey. maxwell@nccsda.

An advocate of health and fitness, Jeffrey Maxwell uses a standing desk in his office. com, subject line: Protocol.)

Maxwell came to work for the conference in June 2014, serving as an accountant in its trust and property management department. He also worked as interim associate treasurer for the NCC and as an accountant in the payroll department.

Born and raised in Georgia, Maxwell Last year, Jeffrey Maxwell and other volunteers distributed small packages of fruit to community members living near the then soon-to-open Veg Hub bistro. was baptized in the

THE VEG HUB

PHOTOS BY JULIE LORENZ

n March 2017, Jeffrey Maxwell became the new risk management director for the Northern California Conference. “I am grateful to God for the opportunity to serve the conference in this capacity,” said Maxwell. “And I am enjoying my work with the stakeholders of the NCC to help promote its overall wellness.”

Maxwell says his role involves three major areas: handling crises, mitigating liability,

Adventist Church as a young adult. He didn’t know anything about the church until he happened to see a flier advertising a prophecy seminar. Curious, he decided to attend. “It was one of the best decisions I ever made,” he said. “Going to the seminar is the reason I’m in the church.”

Because of his NCC Risk Management experience, he’s a firm Director Jeffrey Maxwell supporter of public evangelism. “We have a specific message — the everlasting gospel. People are still hungry for it,” he said.

After joining the church, Maxwell attended Pacific Union College, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. His résumé includes service for two lay Adventist ministries: a lifestyle retreat in Georgia and a literature ministry in Tennessee.

Maxwell has an avid interest in health, especially health evangelism. “My heart is in health ministry, teaching people how to live a better life. I have a strong passion for that,” he said. Maxwell hopes to inspire others through his volunteer work with various health ministries, such as The Veg Hub bistro, health fairs, and medical clinics. Most importantly, he practices what he preaches: working at a standing desk in his office, eating a vegan diet, and enjoying hiking, camping, and nature.

Leaders throughout the NCC are getting to know Maxwell in his new role — and they appreciate his service. “We’re grateful to Jeffrey for helping our churches, schools, and ministries get the counsel and guidance they need in the vital area of risk management,” said NCC President Jim Pedersen. “We appreciate his wisdom and knowledge.”

Julie Lorenz July 2017

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Northern California Conference

Hayward Church Honors Lillian Stuchal

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MARGARITA ABBOTT

n April 25, the Hayward church honored member Lillian Stuchal for more than 51 years of dedicated service as the cradle roll (infants and toddlers) Sabbath school teacher. Because of her incredible number of years as a volunteer, the Hayward church board voted to name future service awards the Lillian Stuchal Service Awards.

Why has she served so long in a position that tires out most volunteers after a few years? “I just love the children,” said Stuchal.

She particularly enjoys welcoming the children, especially the babies, when they come to class.

About 55 years ago, two Adventists selling Christian literature stopped

by Stuchal’s home, but she did not have money to purchase any of the books. They asked her if she collected “Green Stamps” (popular trading stamps of the time), and they gave her some Adventist literature in exchange for the stamps.

When the colporteurs asked if she would like Bible studies, Stuchal said yes, and she was later baptized in the Hayward church. Occasionally, someone would take her and her family of five to the church by car. When a new building was constructed in 1964, she and her family walked there on Sabbath mornings.

Within a couple of years, the church asked Stuchal to work in the cradle roll division. She accepted and has been there ever since. In the beginning, she said, “I didn’t know God wanted me here,” but He did, and she stayed to teach three generations of children.

Hayward church member Jose Abbott was in Stuchal’s class, and now his 4-year-old daughter is enjoying the same experience. “It’s almost surreal to think that a little while ago it was me ‘sailing on a mission boat,’ and now my daughter is doing the same,” he said.

Another church member, Jonathan Houle, first came to the Hayward church when he was 9 — too old for cradle roll. But Stuchal sometimes substituted for other Sabbath school teachers, and he was blessed by her teaching. “I remember her always being bright and cheerful,” he said. “My two little ones got to know Lillian quite well in the cradle roll, where she led out in singing and reading Bible stories. So, thank you Lillian, for your kind service to two generations of Houles!”

Stuchal expressed her gratitude for the other teachers who have served with her over the years, emphasizing that “they taught the children about God’s love.”

Doug Abbott

A History of Cradle Roll in the Adventist Church

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he name “cradle roll” originally came from churches who kept a list (roll) of the names of their members’ babies and very young children.

• 1852 – James White publishes the Youth’s Instructor, containing Bible lessons for children.

• 1863 – The first Sabbath school lessons adapted for children appear.

• 1878 – The first Adventist children’s Sabbath school division — called the “Birds’ Nest” — is organized in Battle Creek, Mich.

• 1890 – The magazine Our Little Friend begins carrying Sabbath school lessons for primary and kindergarten children.

• 1933-1936 – A series of five volumes called Bible Stories for the Cradle Roll is published.

• 1957 – Our Little Friend begins to publish Sabbath school lessons for cradle roll children.

Sources

Richard Dena (left), Hayward church interim pastor, and Douglas Abbott, personal ministries secretary, present a service award to Lillian Stuchal as she is surrounded by former cradle roll students and parents.

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• “A Brief History of Children’s Ministries,” 150.adventist.org/history/childrens-ministries.html • “Cradle Roll,” www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary • “It Starts Here,” www.adventistreview.org/2013-1517-16 • “Sabbath School History,” ssnet.org/about-us/sabbath-school-history

Northern California Conference

July 2017

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Arizona Conference

Thunderbird Team Serves in the Philippines

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orena loved attending church socials with her Adventist friends in the Maasim Province in the Philippines. When she learned the seventh day of the week was the Sabbath, she went to her own pastor for answers. He angrily insisted she not become involved with the Adventists.

One night Dorena had a dream. A man in white clothing appeared with an open Bible and asked her to read Genesis 2. Moved by her dream, she studied her Bible, accepted the teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, was baptized, and became a leader in her small community, converting many of her friends and family to the Adventist faith.

For a while, she held church services in her home. But when her Sunday-keeping landlord heard of her conversion, he kicked her out of her home. She had no place to live and the new group had no place to meet.

Filipino pastor Jun Tangayen contacted Dr. Troy Anderson, a mission-minded physician in Phoenix, Ariz., and asked him to pray for the situation.

Anderson was eager to help. “Upon hearing the prayer request,” he said, “God stirred my heart and I realized more than prayer was needed. As I heard the story of how a dream converted a Christian lady whose leadership started a church, then was evicted from her home for observing the Sabbath, I knew they desperately needed a place to worship. Sister Dorena had no place to live and the new group had no place to meet. I was eager to be a part

Dr. Troy Anderson and his team saw 1,000 patients during their mission.

of the solution. So, I recruited a group of mostly new missionaries to be part of an answer to their prayers.”

The evangelistic team began to raise the money for the land and church. They made plans to visit the Philippines in the Spring 2017 to do medical clinics, construction, Vacation Bible School and hold an evangelistic series.

Anderson’s leadership team consisted of Penny Esparza, administrator, who managed the details of travel, passports, and individual

Baptismal candidates knelt on the beach with the pastors at their baptism.

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participant fundraising efforts; Thunderbird Adventist Academy Chaplain Zack Surovec, evangelist; Arizona Conference Asian-Pacific Ministries Director Glenn Sta. Ana, liaison between the Arizona Conference and the Southern Mindanao Mission; Shari Manhertz, medical clinic director; pre-med college students Yohan Duerksen, Jeremy Baker, Kevin Barrientos, and Jocelyn Lujan; and junior missionaries from TAA including Brookie Anderson, Angel and Camilla Herrera, Molly

Arizona Conference

TAA students joined Dr. Troy Anderson for a life-changing mission trip to the Philippines.

Molano, Daniel Lewis, Sadie Lujan, Scott Tapasco, Erika Esparza, Adriel Flores, Milena Wallace, Marilyn Ramirez, Jena Rogers, Wesley Duerksen, Isaiah Courtad, Bradley Foll, Jehlz Garcia, Van Velarde and Frances Velarde.

“We were greeted warmly by the Southern Mindanao Mission,” says Anderson. “President Rene Rosa made sure we were fully cared for in every way by providing the full attention of his mission secretary, treasurer, and departmental directors. We were especially grateful to the Southern Mindanao Mission for their concern for our safety.”

In the weeks leading up to the mission trip, Mindanao appeared to have become quite dangerous. The Southern Mindanao mission hired more than 40 police officers to accompany the group wherever they went, led by a military truck and nearly a dozen armed guards and undercover police. Before the team left for their various duties, they prayed God would send his guardian angels to protect them.

“Perhaps God sent these security officers to be our guardian angels,” suggests Anderson.

“We felt safe, secure, and effective.”

In addition to Southern Mindanao Mission’s contributions, the Thunderbird team had enough funds to start two churches in the area.

They completed the floor of one church and successfully paid in full for the property of another church. The construction of these two churches will be completed over the coming months.

The medical clinics were an overwhelming success. Anderson and his medical team helped nearly 1,000 patients find solutions for their health needs.

The youth from Thunderbird Adventist Academy were responsible for the VBS program along with the local Philippine Hope Channel group. Filipino children were introduced to Jesus, often for the first time. More than 150 learned they are princes and princesses — children of God. On the final night of the meetings, the

children walked around proudly wearing VBS crafted crowns on their heads. Fifty people were baptized, doubling the size of the church.

Surovek reports, “Our mission to the Philippines was one of encouragement and excitement. I witnessed God working through our TAA students as they worked in medical, construction, and VBS. They were filled with a sense of urgency and mission. After the students returned to school, many made decisions to be spiritual leaders on Thunderbird’s campus! I praise God for the opportunity and am looking forward to our next trip.”

The trip ended with a final thanksgiving program where the participants expressed gratitude for each other and the sacrifices given to make this mission successful. Most importantly they expressed gratitude to Jesus for allowing them to advance His kingdom.

Phil Draper July 2017

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La Sierra University

Inaugural Memorial Gala Nets $85K+ for Athletes

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ADRIAN ‘FIF’ WILSON

March 6, 2014, at age 88. Jobe was credited with pioneering ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery on former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tommy John’s left elbow in 1974. The procedure became known as ‘Tommy John’ surgery and saved John’s pitching career and subsequently the careers of numerous other athletes.

La Sierra University softball player Berlyn Benavides was named a 2017 Daktronics-NAIA Softball Scholar-Athlete in May, one of 10 La Sierra The gala’s student-athletes so recognized by NAIA this year. NAIA student-athletes are centerpiece event nominated for maintaining a grade point average of 3.5. Academic achievement is among the criteria for the NAIA’s Champions of Character program. featured John and Emmy-winning sports commentator and journalist Roy Firestone in an in Cooperstown, N.Y. during its Hall of Fame armchair interview on stage discussing John’s Weekend. career, the surgery that brought John back into La Sierra University’s Golden Eagles athletics Major League Baseball pitching great Tommy John the game, and his friendship with Jobe.

“He program, as part of the National Association autographs a baseball for a La Sierra University was an outstanding surgeon, but he was the of Intercollegiate Athletics or NAIA, offers Golden Eagles baseball player Julian Vizcarra. kindest, most gentle basketball, soccer, cross country, baseball, man I ever met in my softball and volleyball. The athletics department entire life,” John said last fall was awarded its first gold designation of Jobe. by the NAIA as a Champions of Character FiveJobe graduated Star Institution. The program incorporates five from La Sierra core values — integrity, respect, responsibility, University in 1949, sportsmanship and servant leadership. then studied medicine La Sierra junior Health and Exercise Science at Loma Linda’s major Eduardo Gomez del casal Rodriguez, College of Medical a six-foot-six basketball guard from Spain, Evangelists, now attended the gala with many other students.

Loma Linda University He aims to earn a master’s degree and teach School of Medicine. physical education. He is a recipient of three He was honored as scholarships, including an award for his 4.0 La Sierra University’s grade point average. “I believe that scholarships Alumnus of the Year in can change your life,” he said. “They are very April 2013, and in July important to me.”

Former All Star Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tommy John, left, talks with of that year received Read more about this story on La Sierra’s sports commentator Roy Firestone during La Sierra University’s inaugural Frank Jobe Memorial Gala, a fundraiser for athletics scholarships. Pictured a special recognition website at lasierra.edu. behind them is Frank Jobe, legendary orthopedic sports surgeon and from the National La Sierra alum who in 1974 pioneered the elbow ligament surgery that saved John’s career as well as the careers of numerous other athletes.

Baseball Hall of Fame Darla Martin Tucker

MICHAEL J. ELDERMAN

MICHAEL J. ELDERMAN

a Sierra University’s inaugural athletics fundraising gala on April 25 generated more than $85,000 in net proceeds. The funds will help the university’s student athletes, recently honored as Champions of Character, complete their college education.

The Frank Jobe Memorial Gala, held at the Riverside Convention Center, attracted roughly 800 attendees. The event honored the memory of Jobe, a legendary sports orthopedic surgeon, L.A. Dodgers team physician and La Sierra University alum who passed away on

La Sierra University

La Sierra University Enactus Second in Nation for Entrepreneurial Empowerment

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history. The team won the world cup in New York City in 2007 and in Amsterdam in 2002.

Teams give 17-minute, multi-media presentations during competition rounds and answer questions from judges who are executives from some of the nation’s top corporations, such as Walmart, KPMG, and Unilever.

The La Sierra team’s primary projects include ongoing cow bank and tailoring microlending programs in Denkanikottai, India, with an expansion this year to the village of Cheemaldari near Hyderabad. The cow bank involves loans of cows to female day laborers who sell milk to collection facilities and repay the loan to own the cow. The cow bank project thus far has benefitted 125 families. Sales have increased participants’ daily income from 100 to 600 percent. The six-month tailoring school offers graduates a sewing machine microloan.

The program, begun in 2015, has provided instruction for 21 tailors and has generated a 400 percent daily wage increase.

PHOTOS BY DARLA MARTIN TUCKER

a Sierra University’s Enactus team landed second in the nation on May 23 during the Enactus USA National Exposition in Kansas City, Mo., besting more than 450 teams around the country. The award recognized the team’s entrepreneurial economic empowerment projects that impact underserved communities in India and in Riverside.

John Brown University in Arkansas was named national champion, while Roberts Wesleyan University of New York and Mount Mercy University in Iowa came in third and fourth, respectively.

La Sierra University also won a $3,000 Unilever Project Accelerator grant during the competition for starting a new project or improving an existing one.

The La Sierra University team, based in the Zapara School of Business, entered the competition as the national champion, a recognition they won last May during Enactus nationals. Enactus has won the national title an unprecedented seven times during its 26-year

The La Sierra University Enactus team, including some alumni from last year’s national championship team, pose for an official photo at the Enactus USA National Exposition in Kansas City, Mo.

As is their tradition, the La Sierra University Enactus presentation team pauses for prayer in the Kansas City Convention Center before competition.

In Riverside, the team continued its Mobile Fresh mobile grocery store program which brings fresh produce in renovated commuter buses to underserved communities. The team this year is moving Mobile Fresh to a new hub that will include a grocery store and a kitchen for cooking demonstrations.

Ketsia Duval, a 19-year-old freshman Global Studies major from Florida, described her firstyear experience with Enactus as a “golden egg” of opportunities, including the opportunity to grow in maturity, integrity, and honor. “I’ve kind of fallen in love with Enactus,” said Duval.

Read more about this story on La Sierra’s website at lasierra.edu.

Darla Martin Tucker July 2017

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Nevada-Utah Conference

God’s Hands Ministries Team Serves in Cuba

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n April, 24 missionaries from two different countries, including eight states and Mexico, met in Santiago De Las Vegas, Cuba, just south of Havana, to serve in five area Adventist churches.

During the day, the volunteers worked in construction, street ministry, and medical ministry, then held nightly evangelistic meetings. Meetings were conducted for six nights at five different churches in Cerro, Santiago de Las Vegas, Managua, Abel Santa Maria and La Salud.

Speakers Liz Enid Polanco, Dr. Felipe Hernandez, Pastor Ryan Hablitzel and Pastor Matt Hallam carried out the meetings in four of the churches.

Dr. Salvador Rico Garcia and Joy Curtis split the speaking engagement in the last church. Seminary students provided translation for all of the speakers who didn’t speak Spanish.

God’s Hands Ministries Cuba team poses for a photo.

The God’s Hands Ministry team got to know some of the seminary students because they stayed right across the street from the Cuba Adventist Theological Seminary. Ninety-five people were baptized from the team’s People stand outside the Cerro church and look efforts and several of in the windows to hear speaker Liz Polanco. the group attended church on Sabbath in the new building at Abel Santa Maria, where they witnessed Pastor Abel, the local pastor, perform the first four baptisms in the new baptistry they helped build.

Seven of the group were from Utah churches, including Pastor Ryan Hablitzel and his wife, Rene Friend, of the Ogden church, and Pastor Matt and Lila Hallam of The Community Vineyard church in Ogden. Pastor Matt remembers, “The first day we were there, I challenged the church that this mission project will only be as successful as we work together. I told them I’d invited many missionaries and now I needed them to invite their friends. The first night of the meetings, every single member came up to me afterwards and introduced the person they had brought.”

Pastor Matt said a government official came to his meetings every night and sat in the back. He never answered any appeals, but on the last night he came to Pastor Hablitzel and his translator, Alex, and thanked them for helping the Cuban people. After he left, it dawned on them that

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he could have shut the building project down because they didn’t have a permit, but he didn’t.

Three other members of the Community Vineyard church also traveled to serve in Cuba: God’s Everyone pitches in to mix concrete by hand.

Hands Ministries CEO Jonn Jordana, his wife, Carol, and daughter Stephanie, the official trip photographer.

God’s Hands Ministries started as a ministry of the Community Vineyard church and is The first baptisms take place at the new church. now an independent ministry recognized by the Nevada-Utah Conference.

God’s Hands Ministries has organized eight similar trips serving across the globe: in the Dominican Republic, Peru, Guatemala, Jamaica, India, Thailand, Albania, Costa Rica, the Philippines and Brazil.

Over the years, God’s Hands Ministries has picked up some regulars. Joy Curtis, a registered nurse from Texas, has been involved with five trips and says about the most recent trip to Cuba, “While they are poor in material wealth, they have an abundance of love for Jesus and their fellow man. It is rare to meet such kind loving people.”

Dr. Felipe Hernandez Underwood, a physician from Oaxaca, Mexico, has participated in six trips. “Before the week is even over,” he says, “inevitably someone will ask, where are we going next year?”

Carol Jordana, who has been on all but one trip, says, “Every time I go, I’m so excited, and I want to be a blessing to the people, and each time they are more of a blessing to me.”

God’s Hands Ministries plans to return to Cuba in March of 2018 to distribute eyeglasses and see the completed church at Abel Santa Maria. Hablitzel would also like to return with a team in December 2017 to complete construction at Abel Santa Maria and to collect eyeglass prescriptions for the upcoming March trip. Because the people in Cuba have access to free eye exams, getting the prescriptions is not a challenge for them. However, there is a limited supply of glasses available to fill the prescriptions. Consequently, very few people are able to obtain glasses.

God’s Hands Ministries would like to help meet this need. You can find God’s Hands Ministries on Facebook.

Stephanie Jordana

Nevada-Utah Conference

Fifty Years of Wasatch Hills Church Notes Pastors Finding Healing There

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PHOTOS BY MARK A. KELLNER

everal pastors who’ve served at the Wasatch Hills church — which just celebrated 50 years of service — each said they found healing at a place where they’d been called to minister.

While it’s not unusual for members to seek and find healing in the company of fellowbelievers, an observer at the May 6 Sabbath service commemorating the golden anniversary would have been impressed by the pastoral testimonies of healing after divorce, suicide and other losses.

Still, as Pastor Adam Case, the congregation’s most recent senior pastor, noted, “It’s not important that people remember [us] … it’s pointing people toward Jesus” that counts.

Pastor John Eagan, and Wasatch Hills local elder Gregory N. Consantino, share memories with the congregation.

Retired pastor and seminary professor Skip McCarty shared the Sabbath morning sermon during the 50th anniversary celebration.

Seventh-day Adventists have served in Salt Lake City for 125 years, hosting a church conference headquarters at times.

Utah’s largest city, also its state capital, Salt Lake City, is perhaps most familiar as the world headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church. Adventists and Mormons are cordial neighbors, with Salt Lake City’s population about evenly split between members of the LDS church and non-Mormons.

The Wasatch Hills church is on the city’s eastern side, in a pleasant neighborhood of homes, shops and small office complexes. Its prominent building profile facing the city’s Foothill Boulevard means great exposure for the Adventist Church name and logo. Wasatch Hills also operates Summit Christian Academy, a private day school, located in the city’s Millcreek section about seveb miles from the church.

The anniversary received favorable media attention in the Salt Lake Tribune, the city’s largest daily, and two LDS Church-owned outlets, the Deseret News and KSL-TV. Hundreds of current and former members were on hand to celebrate.

Following Sabbath school, led by Pastor Skip McCarty, the morning worship featured the testimonies of McCarty and his successors. Each mentioned not only their periods of service, but also the healings they found.

For McCarty, healing came following a divorce initiated by his then-wife.

“I really owe the rest of my career to what this church did for me,” McCarty said, noting that he met and married his wife, Lyn, during his time there. McCarty went on to serve at both Pioneer Memorial Church and teach at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University before his retirement.

Pastor John Patric Eagan, a convert to Adventism, spent 18 years at Wasatch Hills, during which time he lost a son to suicide.

Gregory M. Constantino, a longtime member

The congregation gathers for worship on May 6.

and local elder, relayed Eagan’s words to the congregation, in which the pastor testified to members’ solidarity and support during that crisis. (Eagan has a pulmonary disorder that sometimes inhibits his ability to speak.)

Eagan’s successor at Wasatch Hills, Pastor Bernie Anderson, not only continued to share his recovery from a pornography addiction during his time in Salt Lake City, but also found healing at the church following the tragic death of young adult leader Daniel Harper. “It was healing for all of us to be together and grieve together,” Anderson said.

And Case, who became executive secretary of the Wisconsin Conference, his home state, last December, said he was “thrilled with what I found” at Wasatch Hills, adding “it was fun to do the best we could with what God has given us.”

Mark A. Kellner July 2017

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Pacific Union College

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he Pacific Union College Board of Trustees announced Dr. Robert A. Cushman Jr. has been selected as the new president of Pacific Union College on May 11, 2017.

Cushman currently serves as the vice president for academic administration for Walla Walla University in Walla Walla, Wash., and has spent the last 26 years in Adventist education serving in various capacities. He begins his role as president July 1, in preparation for the new academic year, and will be the college’s twentythird president in its 135-year history.

Cushman received his Ph.D. in geology from the Colorado School of Mines, his master’s degree in geology at Loma Linda University, and his bachelor’s degree in biology at Walla Walla College (now University).

After spending five years as a geologist and paleontologist, Cushman felt God’s calling to educate young minds. In the 12 years he taught at Loma Linda University, he served as assistant professor, associate department chair, and the department chair of earth and biological sciences, where he taught graduate level courses, conducted research in Western Colorado and Wyoming, and advised graduate student research. Additionally, under his administrative duties, he oversaw the department’s budget and coordinated the undergraduate geology program.

Cushman then took on the role of vice principal while teaching grades 7-12 and coaching men’s varsity basketball at El Dorado Adventist School for two years, before accepting a position as professor of paleobiology at Walla Walla University in the department of biological sciences. He served in this capacity as well as department chair for four years before accepting the position of vice president for academic administration at the school. During his four and a half years as vice president, Dr. Cushman provided administrative and academic leadership while coordinating all formal instructional services of the university.

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CAMERON MITCHELL

Pacific Union College Announces Robert Cushman as 23rd President

Pacific Union College President Dr. Robert Cushman Jr.

“Dr. Cushman is a passionate leader highly respected among his peers, and a man of great integrity and commitment to Adventist education,” said Bradford Newton, board chair and executive secretary of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. “Dr. Cushman’s experience as a senior administrator, faculty member, and researcher gives him a unique appreciation of the distinctive blend of the liberal arts and pre-professional programs that define the PUC experience.”

Cushman is a passionate Adventist educator who looks forward to helping PUC as the college continues to develop its new strategic plan.

His commitment to collaborative efforts and willingness to partner with faculty, staff, and students, makes him a great addition to the college’s administration team. Cushman, along with his wife Judy, a school psychologist, look

forward to their move to Angwin and joining the college community.

“In this moment, Judy and I feel deeply the call for me to serve as the next president of Pacific Union College,” shared Cushman.

“During our recent visit to the PUC campus, we were impressed by the strong sense of PUC mission and history and by the commitment and sacrifice of faculty and staff who have served here for much of their lives. We are humbled and honored to be selected to serve and lead PUC forward. We’re looking forward to working together with the campus to make PUC the obvious choice for prospective students and their parents who are seeking the highest quality education in the context of Adventist mission and values.”

Larissa Church and Dana Negro

Holbrook Indian School

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

NEW You Health Initiative Spiritual, Mental, Physical, Academic

“To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of his body, mind, and soul, that the divine purpose in His creation might be realized--This is the object of education, the great object of life.”

Education, E.G. White

The four pillars are spiritual, mental, physical health, and academic achievement. (Cont’d inside.)

Jovannah was desperate to escape the life of poverty

and abuse she knew on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation, one of the poorest reservations in the United States. When she heard about Holbrook Indian School (HIS) at the age of fourteen, Jovannah decided that this might be her chance for a way out. She found a ride in the back of a pick-up and made the long trip to Holbrook, Arizona.

HIS, a boarding academy for Native American youth, grades first through twelfth, has been in operation for more than 70 years. Unlike the first Christian boarding schools in America whose motto was ‘Kill the Indian.

Save the man,’ the goal of HIS is to support students on the path of healing and restoration.

Through the NEW (Nutrition, Exercise, Wellness) You Health Initiative, HIS seeks to minister to the whole person by teaching students how to improve every dimension of their lives. The program has four pillars.

Each is a fundamental component of a student’s environment and education with specific, practical applications.

Jovannah Poor Bear-Adams, an Oglala Lakota (Souix) Indian of the Crazy Horse Clan, creates a beautiful piece of pottery in the Navajo tradition. (Terry Benedict)

Special Edition of Holbrook Indian School News 3rd Quarter 2017

July 2017

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Holbrook Indian School

Spiritual, Mental, Physical Health, and Academic Achievement The NEW You Health Initiative empowers HIS students to establish healthy habits for a life time. Students are equipped to prevent mental health issues and lifestyle diseases that present at disproportionately higher percentages in American Indian populations than in national averages.

Spiritual Health: Mental Health:

Physical Health:

Spiritual discipleship is provided

Onsite Christian, clinical coun-

Students engage in physical activ-

All of which are developed to communicate to our students the good news of God’s love for them.

Group therapy for grief and loss is available to help students process the many losses they experience.

through Bible classes, group and individual Bible studies, worship services, religious programs, activities in nature, opportunities for community service, and mentoring through Chaplaincy, Faculty Families, and Guys’ and Girls’ Groups.

seling and trauma therapy help treat post-traumatic stress disorder and other crises found among HIS students due to physical, emotional and sexual abuse, alcohol and drug addiction, domestic violence, and abandonment.

ities in edition to regular physical education classes. These activities range from a variety of team sports to hiking, biking, and playing games like Dodge Ball, Frisbee Golf, and Capture-the-Flag.

The activities are designed to help students understand the value and benefits of being physically active.

Students learn that physical activity

Felix. (Dave Sherwin)

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Holbrook Indian School

can be fun. It helps them develop understanding and respect for others, and improves their health.

Extra-curricular activities like camping, trail hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking are provided on weekends.

Special recreation days are scheduled twice a year where students can go swimming, bowling, ice skating, or skiing.

HIS provides health education through Family Life and Consumer Science classes, and through the “Garden-to-Plate� program where students grow and harvest produce during classes on HIS farm. The food is then served to them at meals in the cafeteria.

Academic Achievement: T

eachers foster a desire to learn and grow by inspiring students to dream big about their futures.

HIS provides students with an accredited education, with innovative learning experiences such as Horsemanship, and Outdoor School, where students spend a full week learning at national and state parks.

Assistance in the college and scholarship application process is offered.

For qualifying students a college transition program is available.

The program is designed to ensure success following graduation. HIS is proud to have Gates Millennial Scholars among its Alumni.

Kobe. (Josef Kissinger) July 2017

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Holbrook Indian School

Jovannah Poor Bear-Adams

Anasazi ruins, Canyon de Chelly. (Larry Romrell)

The Rest of Her Story When Jovannah shares her mem-

ories of Pine Ridge Reservation it is hard to imagine the level of poverty she experienced. She talks about sharing one small meal, delivered by meals-on-wheels, with her five siblings and their grandmother. “My grandmother would select one item from the aluminum tray for herself, then we would divide the rest. That would be our meal for the day.”

She goes on to describe what it was like to be so hungry that she would pick and eat the grass from her yard just to try and make the hunger pangs go away. She also talks about her experience of coming to HIS, “When I first came to Holbrook, I was amazed that there were three meals served every day. I remember thinking, who eats three meals a day? That is something you only see on television!”

Jovannah suffered sexual abuse for years, beginning at the age of eight. She describes Holbrook as her

sanctuary, “It was the first time in my life I wasn’t afraid to go to sleep at night.”

While at Holbrook, Jovannah was inspired to go to college but to do so she had to get good grades. She had no interest in the Christian religion.

In fact, she was taught to hate it. For her, as for many Native Americans, Christianity was something to distrust. Most of what was done to Indigenous people throughout North America was done in its name.

She was getting ‘As’ in all of her classes except Bible. Someone suggested to her that she join a Bible study group to help bring up her grade. As she learned about Jesus, her heart began to change. “I rejected Christianity for what I thought it stood for and accepted it for what I learned it truly stood for.” Jovannah was baptized at HIS and went on to Union College to earn her degree in Education. While at Union she Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is a 1st through 12th-grade boarding academy operated by the Pacific Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist church. HIS also manages a day-school on the Navajo reservation in Chinle, AZ Eighty 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!

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met and married Zak Adams, also a graduate of Union. Jovannah returned to Holbrook with Zak. They have three beautiful children; Daniel, Matthew, and Elizabeth. Jovannah currently serves as the Dean of Student Services and Programs; Zak serves as Vice Principal.

Jovannah still struggles with the painful memories of her past but talks openly with the girls she ministers to in hopes of encouraging them to receive the help and healing being offered at Holbrook. “When I share my story of where I came from, I can see on their faces that they’re in it right now.” Jovannah and the HIS team long to break the cycle of poverty and abuse that is a result of the genocide and forced assimilation of Native Americans.

For Jovannah’s family the cycle has been broken. Together, they work to help others who, like her, want to find a way out.

Seventh-day Adventist

HIS News Special Edition was written and designed by Diana Fish P.O. Box 910 2001 McLaws Rd. Holbrook, Arizona 86025-0910 (928) 524-6845 (Ext. 109) Development@hissda.org www.HolbrookIndianSchool.org

July 2017 CO N N E C T I N G YO U W I T H C R E AT I V E M I N I S T RY RESOURCES, IDEAS AND PEOPLE

Shaping Your

Identity Newsletters “

By Connie Kuykendall

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lost 140 pounds and my identity.” Such testimonial would have heads scratching if Nutrisystem or Atkins used it to tout their products, but it happens to be my before-and-after story. I dropped half my size by eating healthier, walking five to seven miles a day, despite chronic daily migraines, using fitness apps, and clinging to God every step of the way. After that long, painful, joyous journey, I lost and found my sense of self.

Some days, I thrilled at the size 6s in my closet where there had been 24s before. Other days, I had no idea who I was anymore. I would hear “You look amazing.” “So beautiful.” “A completely different person.” “You’ve lost that heavy girl look.” “I like you now that you’re slim.” “Don’t lose anymore, you’re too skinny.”

The 2017 inSpire writing and songwriting contests drew in some great essays and songs that have already blessed many people. Connie Kuykendall took the top award in the writing contest with her firstperson account of the ups and downs of losing weight, which can be read here.

When someone told me I looked amazing, a scrambler ride of conflicting thoughts spun in my head: First, I said, “Thank you! I’m so grateful!” Then, I would fistpump and agree, “You’re absolutely right.

I’m amazing. I worked hard.” But wait . . . I was already amazing 140 pounds ago. That “heavy girl” earned a 4.0 in college, passed the Bar exam, and published an award-winning book.

Read full story: AnswersForMe.org/identity

Faith

Stories of

I

urch

Kalēo Ch

f a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video is worth a million! Check out the inventory of short stories about Adventists in action throughout the Pacific Union Conference.

Visit: vimeo.com/channels/storiesoffaith

ChurchSupportServices.org

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The Work

of the Church

By Rich DuBose

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ased upon what many churches do, it’s tempting to believe that the primary work of the church is to preach the gospel. We love to tell the world what we believe. There is no shortage of doctrinal presentations, evangelistic sermons and bible study classes within the Adventist faith. We are a belief-centric organization, and we have position statements on every imaginable topic to prove it.

Newsletters

People need to hear the truth about God and His character. However, if you study Christ’s life and observe how He ministered, preaching (or teaching) was not His primary focus.

to the truth of His words, that He came not to destroy but to save. His righteousness went before Him, and the glory of the Lord was His rearward. Wherever He went, the tidings of His mercy preceded Him. Where He had passed, the objects of His compassion were rejoicing in health, and making trial of their newfound powers. Crowds were collecting around them to hear from their lips the works that the Lord had wrought.

His voice was the first sound that many had ever heard, His name the first word they had ever spoken, His face the first they had ever looked upon. Why should they not love Jesus, and sound His praise? As He passed through the towns and cities He was like a vital current, diffusing life and joy wherever He went” (Desire of Ages, p. 350).

“During His ministry Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching. His miracles testified

Read more at: WhenPeopleAreKind.org/wellness

Preaching is important, after all, Jesus told his disciples, “…go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you” (Matthew 28:18-20, NLT).

Bringing Good to Life inSpire 2018

www.VisitinSpire.org

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ChurchSupportServices.org

March 9-10, 2018

LIFE Adventist Church 2236 Parker St, Berkeley, CA 94704

If you are an artist and have a passion for using the arts to bring good to life, join us for good conversations, great music and featured presentations.

A project of Pacific Union Conference Church Support Services

Resources You Can Use The Story Factor, by Annette Simmons – What’s your story? Who are you? Where do you come from? What do you want? Anyone who seeks to influence others must face these questions.

Whether you’re proposing a risky new venture, trying to close a deal, or leading a charge against injustice, you have a story to tell it well and you will create a shared experience with your listeners that can have profound results. Published by Basic Books. Price: US$16.71.

Available at Amazon.

Everyone Welcome,

by Roger Hernandez – Roger Hernandez shares what breaks his heart and gives insight into the deep passion that burns within him for reaching those whom God misses the most.

Using the prodigal son and his elder brother as reference points, Hernandez divides his message into three parts: (1) Problem—an honest look at what ails us; (2) Plan—four practical solutions; (3) Preach—a proven approach to a more intentional evangelistic experience.

As you read, Hernandez requests that you ask yourself these two questions: (A) What breaks my heart? (B) What am I doing about it? Everyone Welcome is a powerful, insightful, and honest resource for anyone wanting their church to make a difference in their families and communities. Published by Pacific Press. Price: US$4.99. Available at AdventistBookCenter.com.

Newsletters

The God Beyond Your Wildest Dreams, by James Berglund – The 28 fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are far more than just a list of doctrines, rules, and proof texts. Each belief tells a powerful story of God of indescribable love. This personal and small-group study guide unpacks each one and brings a God beyond your wildest dreams to life like never before. Published by Pacific Press. Price: US$14.99. Available at AdventistBookCenter.com.

Accepting Ellen White: Early Seventh-day Adventists and the Gift of Prophecy Dilemma, Theodore N. Levterov – The early and mid-nineteenth century was a time of spiritual enlightenment.

It wasn’t unusual to attend a religious meeting and observe someone experiencing visionary and charismatic manifestations. Such experiences were not seen as strange or fanatical but were viewed as a sign of God’s power and acceptance. So, in and of itself, Ellen White’s gift of prophecy was not unique or extraordinary but was right in line with the milieu of her time. So how did Sabbatarian Adventists come to accept her gift as truly prophetic compared to all the others prevalent at that time? It came about through four developmental stages in early Adventism (1844-1889). In Accepting Ellen White, Theodore Levterov examines each stage, its challenges, and the conclusions that eventually led Seventh-day Adventists to complete acceptance of Ellen White’s prophetic gift. Published by Pacific Press. Price: US$11.99. Available at AdventistBookCenter.com.

The Joys of Partnering With God, by Will James – “This book is the story of a church that has begun to experience the transformative change that will happen when you consciously choose to enter a partnership type of relationship with Jesus, and allow Him to use you beyond your wildest dreams.”

So says Will James, senior pastor of the Paradise Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church in National City, California.

In this book he outlines how members of the Paradise Valley Church are feeding, clothing, and educating Jesus in the form of some of His needy children who are refugees from many parts of the world.

Besides providing food, shelter, clothing, English language classes, and a work training program for people who have fled religious and political persecution, helping many to obtain a college education and good jobs that take these people off of government assistance, church members have learned total dependence upon a God who provides for all of their needs at just the right time.

Published by Teach Services. Price: US$16.95. Available from TeachServices.com.

ChurchSupportServices.org

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Publisher: Pacific Union Church Support Services Editor: Rich DuBose Editorial Assistant: Lynn Liers Ministerial Directors: Leon Brown, John Cress, Ernie Furness, Jim Lorenz II, Jose Marin, Bradford C. Newton, Pierre Steenberg, Ralph S. Watts III Design: Palimor Studios RENEW © July 2017, is published 4 times a year by Church Support Services, Pacific Union Conference, 2686 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Our purpose for listing resources and organizations is to provide information about products, events, and services that may be helpful for church ministries.

RENEW or the Pacific Union Conference does not accept payment in exchange for listing resources.

Some of the items may need to be adapted for Adventist usage. For more info, call 805-413-7372.

Called From the Abyss, by Nico David Hill (with Ken Wade) – Nico Hill had a rough upbringing, but along the way he learned to stand up for himself and fight. The trouble was, he didn’t realize where the real battle lay, or who was in the fight—for him or against him. As martial-arts-expert Nico the Dragon, he taught others to defend themselves and starred in movies, playing the tough guy who always came out on top in a fight. Off screen though, he was sinking in a pit that seemed to have no bottom. All he wanted to do was die overdosed on crystal meth. Then the voice that had spoken to him as a child returned, calling him to make a promise. Today he lives by that promise, devoting his life to saving others from making the sort of wrong choices that nearly robbed him of his life. Called from the Abyss tells the story of a man rescued from the brink of death, now devoted to saving others through an amazing gift: The Spoken Word. Published by God’s Soldier Ministries.

Price: US$19.89 (Paperback). Kindle, US$9.99. Available from Amazon.

Newsletters

2017Songwriting

Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!

(Psalm 96:1, NLT)

T

inSpire

Inspire.Reviews

Clothes Cabin ClothesCabin.org

The Media Story DustinComm.com

Adventist Book Center AdventistBookCenter.com

his is the fourth year we’ve held a songwriting contest and each year has been different. One year we had over 100 submissions which really put our judges through their paces. This year we had 32 songs, each one written with care. Music is a great way to share our hearts, questions, fears and hopes with others. Sometimes a song can say what cannot be articulated with just spoken words. Truly, songwriting is an effective way to communicate life!

This year’s songs that received recognition: inspire.reviews/songwriting

Friendships for Hope FriendshipsForHope.org

Fuller Studio

FullerStudio.Fuller.edu

When People Are Kind WhenPeopleAreKind.org

Volunteer Missions HeSaidGo.net

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ChurchSupportServices.org

Praying for Strangers, by River Jordan – In December 2008, amidst the fear and worry of her two sons being shipped off to war in Iraq and Afghanistan, Jordan reluctantly made a surprising New Year’s resolution—to pray for a stranger every day. Her amazing account of transformed lives—including her own—will inspire you to prayerfully reach out to those you haven’t met. Published by Berkley. Price: US$10.49. Available at ChristianBook.com.

Adventist Health

Adventist Health Ministries Win WELCOA Award

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s an organization, Adventist Health is blessed with an active awareness of whole person health. They know how fitness, fresh air, rest, plant-powered nutrition and connection with God and others helps caregivers to assist others in living their most vibrant lives. With this understanding, their ministries are partnering with each other to prioritize living well in workplace environments — making wellness the standard.

In 2016, Adventist Health LivingWell leaders established teams at the ministry level to launch or enhance comprehensive wellness programs. To assess their progress, 13 ministry teams applied for the Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA) Well Workplace Award.

The Well Workplace Award initiative recognizes organizations that have built Adventist Health employees visit the California state capitol after the 2016 California International Marathon. successful results-oriented wellness programs as defined by WELCOA’s Seven Benchmarks of Success. Submitting the award application is the final step in the process of implementing the benchmarks for a results-oriented wellness program.

The benchmarks include: • • • • • • •

WELCOA Well Workplace Award Winners

Capturing CEO support Creating cohesive wellness teams Collecting data to drive health efforts Carefully crafting an operating plan Choosing appropriate interventions Creating a supportive environment Carefully evaluating outcomes

The following participants were designated as Gold award winners:

All 13 ministries that applied received a WELCOA award.

LivingWell leaders are congratulated for their careful work in building a well workplace in their ministries, as well as every employee who is working toward building an optimal future of wellbeing and encouraging healthful outcomes and lifestyles through positive words and support.

Adventist Health’s leaders and board of directors prioritize the health of its team members, and strategize for environments and programming at each ministry.

The goal for their employees is to maintain a healthy body weight trend to lower health risks, increase energy to better serve patients, and enjoy time with family and friends. Maintaining this trend means that by 2020, collectively they will keep off 300,000 pounds — the equivalent of four fully loaded 18-wheel trucks.

Alyssa Hempel

• • • • • • • • • •

Adventist Medical Center – Portland Castle Medical Center Feather River Hospital Howard Memorial Hospital Lodi Health Simi Valley Hospital Sonora Regional Medical Center St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake Tillamook Regional Medical Center Ukiah Valley Medical Center

These Adventist Health ministries were given the Silver award.

• St. Helena Hospital Napa Valley • White Memorial Medical Center

July 2017

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Southeastern California Conference

ESL Students Read with First Graders, Learn from Each Other

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students “the opportunity to practice fluency and vocabulary as they discussed books and stories,” according to Michelle Beach, first-grade teacher.

The sibling-like interactions were precious to many of the Chinese ESL students, who do not have brothers or sisters. In addition to reading time, the students often played together and exchanged homemade cards for Christmas.

“The first-grade students were also motivated to improve upon their reading skills,” explained Jessica Preece, first-grade teacher.

They did this by following along and talking about the stories in question with their international buddies. Each group of students wanted to be better readers than the others, prompting every student — regardless of age — to work to increase their respective abilities.

“We work well together,” Kuan Tian, 10th grade, said as the school year was coming to an end. “I read a page, she read a page.

Although she sometimes had problems with

pronunciation of some words, that was OK — because my pronunciation wasn’t that good, either!”

Lancaster noted the same improvements as the instructors.

“This program has far exceeded our expectations for both the international students and the first-grade students,” Lancaster said.

During the recent school year, the school’s two first-grade classes switched off between semesters. Next year, Lancaster plans to expand the program in order to include both classes the entire time, as the children from the first semester really missed their buddies and program during the second half of the year.

“My reading buddies had good manners and were very sweet,” commented Zhe Han, a ninthgrade ESL student. “And it was fun, because we shared about our cultures.”

Natalie Romero

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LA SIERRA ACADEMY

nternational high school and first-grade students paired together at La Sierra Academy for the school’s first-ever Reading Buddy Program in the 2016-2017 school year. For some time, Walter Lancaster, principal, had been hoping to implement the program in order to help strengthen the reading and comprehension skills of the English as a Second Language students. What he was not expecting were the untold benefits of frequent social interaction between the two groups.

“The program gave them a sense of accomplishment and helped their reading attitude,” said ESL teacher Edith Pereda. “There was significant growth in my students’ reading and listening abilities, and their self-esteem was boosted when they had the opportunity to be a big brother/sister to their buddy.”

Each of the international students enrolled in the ESL class visited the first-graders and read books to them. This allowed international

The Reading Buddy Program places high school and grade school students to work together to improve reading skills and learn about each other’s cultures through socialization.

Students take a break from reading for a quick arm wrestle.

High school ESL students made Christmas cards with their reading buddies at La Sierra Academy during their semester-long reading program.

Students take turns reading to practice pronunciation and vocabulary before discussing the page.

The first-graders show off their Christmas cards with their reading buddy at La Sierra Academy.

Next school year the program will expand to include both first-grade classes both semesters.

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Southeastern California Conference

Quiet Hour Ministries Marks 80 Years of Evangelism

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uiet Hour Ministries is a household name in the Adventist world. This year, the ministry celebrates its 80th year of spreading the gospel worldwide. During those eight decades of service, many thousands of lives have been blessed, inside and outside the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Those who recognize the name Quiet Hour Ministries likely remember the radio broadcast for which the original name, “The Quiet Hour,” was given. But because of its long history in radio and television broadcasting, many people do not realize that the ministry’s primary focus is now international evangelism mission trips.

More than being a broadcast, Bible school, publisher, or airplane ministry, as it has been at various times during the past 80 years, QHM’s top priority has always been sharing the message of Jesus’ love with the world.

“We were never just a radio show or a television program,” said QHM president and CEO, Randy Bates. “We don’t define our ministry by any of the things that we did. We have always been, and still are, simply a channel of communication to people who don’t know Christ.”

This one goal of reaching people with the gospel has allowed the ministry to make great strides in evangelism.

In just the past 10 years, from 2007 to 2016, QHM has baptized more than 90,000 people by holding 2,449 evangelistic series in 88 countries. They have also given away more than 100,000 local-language Bibles and built 261 chapels.

With its decades of history that started in Portland, Oregon, Today, Quiet Hour Ministries sends volunteers on international mission trips to

then Berrien Springs, Michigan, then Oakland, California, and finally ending up in Redlands in 1973, QHM remains a strong evangelistic presence for the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Though it is an independent ministry that is supported completely by donors, QHM is committed to sharing the Adventist message and supporting the mission of the church.

In celebration of its 80-year milestone, QHM will hold an anniversary celebration at the Loma Linda University church on July 8 at 5 p.m. The program will highlight some of the ministry’s history along with its current mission efforts around the world.

Special musical guest Rudy Micelli will be providing music, and the message will be given

by Roy Ice, associate pastor at Loma Linda University church. All are invited to attend the event and enjoy an inspiring evening highlighting how God has led the ministry over the past 80 years — and will continue leading as QHM moves forward into its ninth decade of ministry.

“We will keep telling people about Jesus. And the more people we can get involved, the more work we can complete,” Bates said. “I can’t wait to see what God will accomplish next!”

Emily Weber

preach evangelistic meetings, build chapels, hold clinics, and do children’s outreach.

Preaching, baptizing, and giving away local-language Bibles is an important part of Quiet Hour Ministries’ worldwide outreach.

Though now retired, Bill Tucker remains actively involved in the ministry and occasionally preaches an evangelistic series.

July 2017

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Southeastern California Conference

Valley Center Church Supports Church in Arizona

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PHOTOS COURTESY DAVE PECKHAM

or members at Valley Center church, a small community nestled close to Palomar Mountain, God’s mission field is not too far from home. On April 16-21, a group traveled to Page, Ariz., to help revitalize the building of their sister congregation, All Nations church, in laying out 1,500 square feet of ceramic tile on the ground level. It all started with a road trip.

Kim Streit, a member of Valley Center, was traveling with her husband through Arizona, visiting national parks and enjoying the beauty of creation in the summer of 2016. During their trip, they looked around to find a church to attend on Sabbath.

“It was a case of divine providence,” Streit said as she explained the unlikelihood of meeting the small congregation of All Nations church in Page. She and her husband walked inside the two-story building and found a small group of people worshiping. She was blessed by how God was working in their church.

The church is specifically geared toward serving the Navajo people, and their focus is in communing with the area’s underserved community. Their current building was bought for a bargain price from the Methodist church.

The building needed numerous renovations at the time of purchase. When Streit visited, she

Bob Rudat prepares to place ceramic tiles on the first floor of All Nations church in Page, Ariz., in April.

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and Nancy Crosby — who serves All Nations church along with her husband, James, who pastors there — discussed the situation and became prayer partners.

Streit presented the challenges that All Nations was going through to Valley Center, and soon the two became sister churches.

The first Valley Center church group trip to Arizona was to help install shelves needed for the food All Nations church in Page, Ariz., is a two-story building pantry in the fall of that was almost sold as a restaurant.

2016. While there, they saw more projects that needed attention. committed themselves to purchasing the The Crosbys worked to get the building in supplies, as well as making another trip out in working order, but ran out of resources to finish April to install the tile. the flooring.

“When we realized how the church was While they were praying for this specific purchased, how hard the Crosby family project, Valley Center church members had had worked to refurbish it, and the tough assignment of reaching the Navajo Indians, we became even more motivated to help them refurbish a house of worship,” said Dave Peckham, pastor at Valley Center.

Church members made the trip to Arizona on April 16 and completed tiling in six days. They plan on returning next year to continue their mission work.

“Very often, we think that we have to go overseas for mission trips,” Peckham said. “But there are so many needs just on our doorstep.

There are neighborhoods and churches that need help, right here in the States.”

Because of funding and teamwork, members at All Nations church will be able to continue serving the Navajo people, providing a space for worship, outreach, and ministry.

Rick Meyer cuts the tile during the six-day mission trip.

Mario Munoz

Southeastern California Conference

Growing Young Takes on Encouraging Meaning for Pastors

Jake Mulder, director of strategic initiatives at Fuller Youth Institute and one of the three authors of the book Growing Young, was the guest speaker at pastors meeting.

PHOTOS BY ENNO MÜLLER

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ver 180 pastors gathered at the Garden Grove church for a pastors meeting on May 16. The focus of the day was to share ideas on how to empower youth and young adults in churches. The meeting was planned by Jonathan Park, conference executive secretary; Eric Penick, associate youth director for senior youth and young adults; and Filip Milosavljevic, youth pastor at Loma Linda University church; and comes on the heels of the release of Southeastern California Conference’s strategic initiative, which was shared in the June issue of the Recorder.

The pastors meeting lined up with the first of the conference’s four strategic initiatives; engage, which emphasizes the need to engage our youth and young adults to develop them into the next leaders. The focus of the meeting was to give pastors resources and ideas on how to involve a group in their church that might have been neglected in the past.

The meeting featured guest speaker Jake Mulder, director of strategic initiatives at Fuller Youth Institute and one of the three authors of the book, Growing Young.

“Pastors and leaders can position their churches to retain teenagers and young adults and help them grow spiritually, emotionally, missionally, and numerically,” Mulder said. “This is a way that breathes vitality, life, and energy into a whole church.”

The meeting allowed pastors to understand that the biggest roadblocks — such as not having a youth coordinator or youth pastor — do not inhibit young people from engaging in their church.

“Christian churches are not calibrated to reach youth and young adults.

We need to recalibrate,” Mulder said.

During his presentation, Mulder shared the exhaustive research process he and his colleagues undertook, which led them to discover six core

Pastors sat in small groups, prayed for each other, and reflected on the key points of what Mulder mentioned and put them in the context of their churches.

common commitments of congregations that were successful in “growing young:” • They exhibit keychain leadership, where a church leader passes responsibility onto a young person.

• They empathize with young people.

• They take Jesus’ message seriously.

• They fuel a warm community.

• They prioritize young people and families everywhere.

• They are good neighbors to their communities.

“The research Mulder shared was impressive, helpful, and will help refocus us on young people’s passion and need for conversations,” said Sara-May Colón, youth pastor at Garden Grove church.

Pastors sat in small groups and reflected on the key points of what Mulder mentioned and put them in the context of their churches. Ron Pickell, NAD secular campus ministry director, and Scott Ward, NAD public high school ministries coordinator of Living It, delivered messages encouraging pastors to reach out to the masses of youth and young adults in our public school systems.

“There are so many young people that are not connecting with our church that we need to use proven methods to reach out to them — and that does not eliminate any of our doctrinal distinctions,” said Penick.

Jeffrey Harper, youth pastor at Fallbrook church, reflected, “In my church there is a perception of what youth ministry looks like. What was new to me was that when the church focuses on involving and empowering youth, it not only benefits them, but the entire church.”

Stories of how these principles are being applied in our churches will be shared in upcoming issues.

Enno Müller July 2017

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Central California Conference

Soquel Camp Meeting Becomes a Life Hope Centers’ ‘Army of 10,000’

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oquel is the place to be this month when the annual camp meeting will also host a Life Hope Centers program. In a unique reversal, camp meeting attendees may access the same free healthcare services currently being offered at no charge to local communities through church-sponsored programs under the Central California Conference’s Life Hope Centers initiative.

Services include dental treatment, eye exams, prescription glasses, health screenings, and massage therapy. There will also be a focus on health education, cooking options, and lifestyle coaching. Training workshops will help participants learn new skills and effective LHC outreach. Throughout camp meeting, the theme and speakers will reinforce this concept: The key to reaching people spiritually is to first minister to their physical needs.

Based upon Ellen White’s concept that Seventh-day Adventist churches should become holistic urban ministry centers or centers of influence, local churches are establishing LHC in their communities and implementing the ongoing process of building relationships. This includes mingling with people, showing sympathy toward them, ministering to their needs, winning their confidence, and then, after a concerted relationship building process, inviting them to follow Jesus.

Following Christ’s example, churches are enthusiastically organizing community health fairs with volunteer physicians, dentists, optometrists, and other health and lifestyle professionals, serving patients. To facilitate local efforts, the conference provides mini-medical and dental clinics for LHC health programs. Its much-in-demand mobile service unit houses six portable dental service units, chairs, and related equipment, as well

Massage therapy is offered to meet a patient’s physical needs.

as equipment for vision exams. The LHC initiative is off to an impressive start. After 18 months, approximately 17 Central California churches and nearly 2,000 volunteers have helped more than 4,000 patients.

“We’re excited to witness how God is blessing our fledgling Life Hope Centers, which grew from CCC’s 2013 Bridges: Bay Area for Jesus initiative,” says conference president Ramiro Cano. “We are Christ’s instrument to lead others to a more abundant life and to give them the blessed hope. As we focus on this vital ministry at camp meeting, we’ll prayerfully encourage each member and local churches to engage in ministries of compassion. We can only begin to imagine the results for the Kingdom when all our members commit to LHC by extending hands of love.”

Thinking Outside

A patient receives vision care from Life Hope Centers.

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According to CCC director of Life Hope Centers Dr. Ed Urbina, who had a distinguished 37-year career as a dentist, LHC is a program — part of an entire evangelism strategy — not an event. Urbina encourages churches to first lay the groundwork, thinking outside the box to communicate that the local Adventist church has a vested interest in its community.

Urbina recommends getting out of one’s comfort zone by spreading acts of kindness throughout the community.

For example, churches can honor the vital first responders and adopt a local police and/or fire department, and then on a monthly basis, take them cookies and beverages, or arrange with the city to adopt a park or school and help care for the grounds. They could then host a health clinic at the local church, communicating how the church cares about individual community members. Next, continue relationship-building services

Central California Conference

Life Hope Centers’ volunteers gather to treat local communities.

A dentist gives her time to help at the event.

Dr. Ed Urbina (left) provides dental care at a church event.

and programs during subsequent weeks and months, based upon the assessed needs of local residents, which might include lifestyle and ongoing life improvement seminars. Members can concurrently maintain regular communications with participants through various channels, including personal contacts, social media, texts, emails, and newsletters.

As a result of these actions, people will be more receptive to participating in traditional Bible studies and evangelistic programs.

“LHC ministry removes barriers of bias toward Seventh-day Adventists and extends our influence into the community, even opening doors to partnerships with local health and civic organizations,” says Urbina.

“When we mingle with people and show them we care, they will be curious about our beliefs, and will be drawn naturally to our church. It’s a practical, hands-on ministry that anyone, of any age, of any religious conviction can get involved in.”

Steve Horton, CCC vice president for ministries, is elated over the continued success of the LHC ministry. According to Horton, there are positive responses from the churches, which have organized health clinics and are involved in follow-up activities. There’s also high praise from the many committed volunteers who made it happen, and particularly, from the grateful patients who received help.

“This year’s camp meeting will truly be a life-changing experience for attendees,” declares Horton. “Our own members need healthcare services just as much as others. More importantly, attendees will be introduced to LHC ministries and be motivated to put principles into practice.

“We don’t have to create the fruit, it’s ripe for the picking,” says Horton.

“We’re training an army of 10,000 this summer, and the charge will be: You’ve come, you’ve received — now it’s time to give back.”

Nancy L. Reynolds July 2017

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CE NTR A L C A LI F OR N I A C ON FER E N CE

Central California Conference

SO Q UEL C A MP MEETING 20 17

WINDOWS OF HOPE

FEATURED SPEAKERS MARK FINLEY AND DEBLEAIRE SNELL FEATURED SPANISH SPEAKERS ROGER HERNANDEZ AND ARNOLDO R. CRUZ FIGUEROA FEATURED CONCERTS BY MICHAEL CARD AND BREATH OF LIFE QUARTET JOIN US IN SOQUEL, JULY 13-22, 2017 LIVE OR ON HOPE CHURCH CHANNEL OR LIVESTREAM AT SOQUELCAMPMEETING.ORG

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REGISTER AT SOQUELCAMPMEETING.ORG

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Loma Linda University Health

School of Medicine Awards 11,000th Diploma

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uring commencement ceremonies for Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Michelle Wheeler, a member of the class of 2017, received a huge surprise. Wheeler, who will remain in Loma Linda to begin an OB-GYN residency, became the school’s 11,000th graduate since its founding as the College of Medical Evangelists in 1909. The school is the only institution in the western United States to produce 11,000 physician graduates.

Larry Becker

Michelle Wheeler is announced as the 11,000th physician graduate of Loma Linda University School of Medicine during commencement.

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oma Linda University’s eighteenth Diversity Consecration Service honored the educational accomplishments of diverse and first-generation graduates from the university’s eight professional schools.

Dilys Brooks, M.Div, M.A., M.S., associate chaplain for the university, reminded the graduates that they followed the footsteps of students who have come to the university for more than 100 years to prepare to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

ANSEL OLIVER

Service Honors Diversity, Student Accomplishments As she related the biblical story of Gideon, Brooks said, “You are going to a world that is combative, troubled, fragmented, diverse and may be unwelcoming. But, like God told Gideon, you have exactly what you need. There are places you can go that I can’t go. There are things you can say that I can’t say. Your history and the flesh you came into this world with, matters.”

Larry Becker

Members of the Black Health Professional Student Association share special music during the 2017 Diversity Consecration Service.

Robert E. Lemon Receives Honorary Doctorate

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uring commencement ceremonies for Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, retired General Conference treasurer Robert E. Lemon, M.Div., was awarded the honorary Doctor of Humanitarian Service degree.

Throughout his career, Lemon has modeled faithful stewardship and financial leadership as a union auditor, conference and division treasurer, under-treasurer, and treasurer of the General Conference. He now serves as a consultant for more than a dozen boards, including those of Loma Linda University and Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Nancy Yuen

Robert E. Lemon, M.Div., was awarded the honorary doctorate during commencement ceremonies for the School of Dentistry.

July 2017

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Hawaii Conference

Helen Pacleb Finds Hope in Revelation Pastor Eric Alindogan (left) and Taj Pacleb baptize Helen in the waters of the Waianae coast.

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n April 1, 2017, Helen Pacleb, accompanied by her new Waianae church family, was baptized at a beach in Hawaii.

Her father, Mac Pacleb, was overjoyed as he witnessed her baptism, “Helen, my daughter!

I’m so happy for you. You are now my sister in Christ.” Helen’s new life is a testimony to the power of God and the perseverance of prayer.

Helen Pacleb struggled all her life with addictions and various world views. When members of her family became Christians, she challenged their faith and warned them of

organized religion. She would always say, “To each his own,” affirming her belief that there were no moral absolutes and that everything, including morality, was relative to one’s own personal experience.

She held strongly to this view until she began attending the Revelation of Hope Bible prophecy seminar in Aiea, Hawaii, where her nephew, Taj Pacleb, was preaching. Helen came every night with an open mind and a searching heart. She found herself dissatisfied with life, enslaved by bad habits, confused by the

Helen’s new church family celebrate her decision and remind each other that Jesus is coming soon.

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various world views she had explored, broken by unhealthy relationships, and longing for something better.

“For a large portion of my life, I was depressed,” said Pacleb. “I did not know it at that time. But what I did know was that I was often in trouble, had many relationship conflicts, and was never comfortable in my skin. Running away was my solution. I never got far from home, and I always returned. Nobody knew.

“My journey with God was put into motion two years ago, when I found myself restless.

Hawaii Conference

Helen attends the Revelation of Hope evangelistic series at Aiea Church.

With alcohol in one hand, cigarettes in the other, I began pondering, ‘What is the purpose of my life? Is there more to life than this?’ My addictions had consumed 30 years of my life. It seems like I had been trying to quit smoking and drinking for as long as I had been doing it. I had engaged in many risky behaviors, relationships, and mind-altering substances in hope of uncovering what every human being desires: love, acceptance, and discovery of oneself. While at one time my activities were satisfying, that satisfaction had long ago burned its wick and all I felt was smolders of a long-ago memory.”

But then Helen attended the Revelation of Hope Seminar in Aiea. As the speaker’s aunt, she had attended his meetings a few times in the past as a participant in a family excursion.

“I was usually in an altered state, a little high and a little drunk. It made everything more pleasant. But at this meeting I was not in that happy state. Instead, I was in a state of ‘openness.’ What I heard moved my heart.”

She said that Christ’s sacrifice was not new to her. She grew up Christian and learned about Jesus dying on the cross for our sins.

But in college, she learned about evolution in the various sciences, existentialism in philosophy class, meditation, death, and dying in religion, history of the world and civilization, ethnic studies, anthropology, Beowulf, Shakespeare, Chaucer, Gilgamesh, etc. She said that she moved so far from the Bible that God was just an idea, a belief system, just like everything else taught Helen’s father, Mac, welcomes his daughter into a new life in Jesus. in school.

In the Revelation of Hope meetings, she said, “Hearing about Christ’s sacrifice this time around was different. His experience became relatable. I recently invested in a real estate program that I was not making money on. Like I did, Jesus Christ made an investment when He died on the cross. A price higher than I paid for my program. I felt for Him. So I prayed and made a deal. If He helped me quit smoking and drinking, I would be a worthwhile return.

It’s been a year and a half. I have not drunk nor smoked. The more I learn about Him, the more I want to invest. The love that I looked for in all those relationships, I found in Him. When I feel rejected, abandoned, or lonely, I look to Jesus Christ in prayer.”

Jesus’ words uplifted her, Helen said, and her fears were allayed. She feels whole, and that God is looking out for her. “In my trouble, I can access His love and grace to carry me out of the depression that has stalked me for so long.

For these experiences, choosing to be baptized became an easy choice. I dedicate my life to Him!” Every time Helen talks about Jesus, tears flow. She has found a love that has liberated her from bondage. Now her passion is to help her family and friends to also see the Light.

Taj Pacleb July 2017

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Advertisments Hayward church, 26400 Gading Road.

Info: 510-782-3422.

C ALENDARS

WEST COAST KOREAN CAMP MEETING (July 30-Aug. 6) Pacific Union College. “Let It Echo.”

Programs for all age. Info: www. westcoastcampmeeting.com.

La Sierra University MONTECITO INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL returns to La Sierra. The prestigious Montecito International Music Festival returns to La Sierra University July 16-Aug. 4 and will include free public concerts by such luminaries as former New York Philharmonic concertmaster and violinist Glenn Dicterow. Info: montecitomusicfestival.com.

Pacific Union College SUMMER QUARTER CLASSES PUC offers a full range of courses on campus, with tuition and housing both 50% off. Info: puc.edu/summerclasses or 800-862-7080.

Northern California

NCC AFRICAN AMERICAN MINISTRIES CAMP MEETING (June 28-July 1) PUC hosts a special five-day camp meeting sponsored by the Northern California Conference African American Ministries Department. Info: www.nccsda.com/ IgniteCampMeeting.

LOCAL CHURCH TREASURER TRAINING (July 2) 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Carmichael church, 4600 Winding Way, Sacramento. Lunch provided.

Info: NCC Treasurer’s Office 888-4344622, ext. 209.

REDWOOD CAMP MEETING (July 20-29) Speakers: Ty Gibson, Dave Osborne in Pepperwood Pavilion; Roy Ice in Adult II; Raul and Mireya Hernandez in Campestre Hispano.

Programs for all ages. Info: www. nccsda.com/redwood.

PUC AT SOQUEL (July 13-22) Stop

by PUC’s booth during Soquel Camp Meeting, then join PUC’s Alumni Relations team for a special luncheon on Sabbath. Info: alumni@puc.edu or 707-965-7500.

3 minutes s of new tion

a informti o n!

& inspira

ALL GOD'S PEOPLE

F R I D AY S O N F A C E B O O K & P U C O N L I N E . O R G / A G P

PUC AT REDWOOD (July 20-29) Stop by the PUC booth, then join PUC’s Alumni Relations team for a luncheon on Sabbath, July 29. Info: alumni@ puc.edu or 707-965-7500.

WEST COAST KOREAN CAMP MEETING (July 30-Aug. 6) PUC hosts the annual assembly for Korean Adventist congregations on the West Coast on its Napa Valley destination campus. Info: 707-965-7362.

FALL 2017 REGISTRATION (Ongoing) Incoming and returning students can apply and/or register for the ideal Fall quarter schedule.

Scholarships and residence hall housing still available. Info: 707-9656336 or puc.edu/admissions.

PACIFICQUEST (July 9-14) Motivated students entering grades 6-8 enjoy a PUC NOW (ONLINE) Stay connected week of learning and fun. Info: www. with Pacific Union College by signing puc.edu/pacificquest. up for our email newsletter. Info: puc. edu/puc-now.

“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”

- Exodus 20:8

LEE GIVHAN of The Lesser Light Collective Concert (July 29) 7:15 p.m.

SUNSETS

Alturas Angwin Calexico Chico Eureka Fresno Hilo Honolulu Las Vegas Lodi Loma Linda Los Angeles Moab Oakland Phoenix Reno Riverside Sacramento Salt Lake City San Diego San Francisco San Jose Tucson 40

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7/21 7/28 8:28 8:22 8:28 8:22 7:47 7:42 8:29 8:23 8:41 8:34 8:13 8:06 7:01 6:58 7:14 7:11 7:53 7:48 8:22 8:16 7:57 7:52 8:01 7:56 8:36 8:30 8:25 8:19 7:34 7:29 8:20 8:14 7:57 7:52 8:24 8:18 8:52 8:45 7:53 7:48 8:26 8:20 8:23 8:17 7:27 7:22

Southeastern California EXPERIENCE THE DIVINE (July 1, 8, 15, 22) 11 a.m., Campus Hill church, 11057 Hill Dr., Loma Linda.

Join with other guests over the first four Sabbaths in July to hear Jonathan Henderson preach on prayer and the person; prayer and the place; prayer and the purpose; and prayer and participation. Info: 909-796-0222.

SECC CAMP MEETING (July 7-8) Riverside Convention Center, 3637 5th St., Riverside. Join Black Ministries this year to go “Deeper” into the love and understand of God. There will be health presentations, special musical guests and speakers, free physical exams, dental cleaning, health insurance, blood pressure checks, and more. There will also be adult, youth, and children worship services. Info: bit.ly/2017SECCcampmeeting.

QUIET HOUR MINISTRIES 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION (July 8) 5 p.m., Loma Linda University church, 11125 Campus St., Loma Linda. Come and celebrate Quiet Hour Ministries’ 80th anniversary as they highlight how God has led and will continue leading through the ministry. Info: Emily Weber, 800-9009021, ext. 106.

MAKER FUN FACTORY (July 10-14) 6-8:30 p.m., Azure Hills church, 22633 Barton Rd., Grand Terrace. Imagine a world where curious kids become hands-on inventors who discover they’re lovingly crafted by God. Info: Patty Marruffo, pastorpatty@ azurehills.org.

Southern California “THAT SUGAR FILM” FILM SCREENING & Cooking Demonstration (July 15) at South Bay church, 401 S. Prospect Ave., Redondo Beach, CA 90277. Info: 310-214-3123, www.southbaychurch.net.

ANNUAL CAR SHOW (July 23) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Altadena church, 2609 Lincoln Ave., Altadena, CA 91001.

Prizes, food, live entertainment, raffles and mostly fun. Info: 626-794-3953.

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Bulletin Board ADVENTIST BOOKS: Looking for NEW Adventist titles to encourage and grow your daily walk? Visit us at www.TEACHServices.com. For USED Adventist books visit www.LNFBooks.com. AUTHORS: If you’re interested in having your book published, call 800-367-1844 for a free evaluation.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! AMEN free clinic (Oct. 17-20) Ukiah, Calif. Need dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, physicians, ophthalmologists/ optometrists, registration, hospitality, communication and general help. Info: ukiahsda.com - click on AMEN medical clinic or call 707-695-0432.

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ANDREWS UNIVERSITY seeks an Assistant, Associate Professor, or Producer-in-residence expert in new media journalism, broadcast journalism or television production to teach undergraduate level courses in one or more of those areas. With a brand, new broadcast television studio in place at the University, we are also seeking someone who can utilize the facilities to advance the program. Candidate will manage broadcast studio facilities and work closely with our studio manager handling outside projects. Advises students and oversees some student projects, and continues developing professional projects. For more information or to apply visit: www.andrews.edu/ admres/jobs/show/faculty#job_13 M.D. & MID-LEVEL PRACTITIONERS wanted for our growing mental health clinic. Located in Northern Calif. where there are beautiful outdoor escapes that would be ideal for an adventurous soul.

Our company is family oriented, offers competitive benefits package, and flexible schedules. If interested, please call 530-226-7419 and ask for Rachael.

PROFESSOR (Assistant/Associate/ Full), Loma Linda University School of Religion is seeking a New Testament professor who will excel in teaching graduate and undergraduate students, services, research, and denominational leadership. Ph.D. or equivalent. Please email a cover letter, CV, and three letters of recommendation to Dr. David Larson, dlarson@llu.edu.

PUC IS SEEKING FULL TIME positions in our Nursing Department. Looking for Professors in the areas of Adult Clinical Focus, Adult Clinical Focus-Leadership/ Preceptorship, and Obstetric or Children Clinical Focus. Preference is for Master’s degree in Nursing, Current California RN License, and a minimum of one year teaching experience desired. For more information or to apply, please call 707965-6231 or visit puc.edu/faculty-staff/ current-job-postings.

PUC IS SEEKING FULL TIME positions in our Psychology Department. Looking for Professors in the areas of Development Emphasis, Clinical & Counseling Emphasis, and Research Emphasis with Preference for Cognitive and Physiological Psychology. Preference is for Doctorate degree, experience in undergraduate teaching desired. For more information or to apply, please call 707-965-6231 or visit puc.edu/ faculty-staff/current-job-postings.

Events 10 DAYS OF PRAYER returns (Jan. 10-20, 2018) with the theme “Our High Priest.” Congregations worldwide continue to be blessed by this powerful prayer initiative. For more info and to sign up your church, visit www. tendaysofprayer.org.

MARANATHA CONVENTION. You’re invited to Maranatha Volunteers International’s annual mission weekend “Mission: Maranatha” (Sept.

22-23), in Sacramento, Calif. Featuring testimonies from volunteers, mission stories from international guests, and musical performances by King’s Herald (Arautos do Rei) from Brazil and Jarrod McNaughton. For times, location, and registration for this FREE event, visit www.maranatha.org/convention or call 916-774-7700.

RESCHEDULED: The Natural Remedies & Hydrotherapy workshop scheduled (Aug. 6-11) at Andrews University has been rescheduled for spring 2018.

Details will be provided as they become available. For more information, email chis@andrews.edu.

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Close to both church and school. Well established. Office available for sale or lease. Call 209-753-7991, evenings.

HEALTH MINISTRY COORDINATORS and Personal Ministry Directors Beautiful inexpensive witnessing supplies: magazines, brochures, tracts and books. Free catalog and sample. Call 1-800-777-2848 or visit us at www. familyheritagebooks.com.

REMNANT PUBLICATIONS has the perfect Study Bible, which will enhance personal devotions for both adults and children. We can also provide you with sharing books, pocketbooks and DVD’s to help you reach your community with the gospel. Visit your ABC, or www. remnantpublications.com or call 800423-1319 for a free catalog.

Real Estate COUNTRY LIVING with all utilities, off-grid possibilities, 24.04 acres’ forest/ fruit trees, 42’x48’ shop, large garage, 2 Tuff office/garden storage sheds, pump house, furnished 40’ 5th wheel trailer, washer/dryer, fire place, covered 40’ timber-tech deck with lovely view. SDA church & school within 10 miles. Boating/swimming reservoir nearby. Azalea, Ore. 541-670-0395.

HOUSE FOR SALE, Trinity County, Calif. 1.6 Ac, 4-bdrm, 3-bath, 2-car attached garage, 20’X30’ outbuilding.

City water & sewer. Built 2000. 15 miles to SDA church. Nice area to retire.

Near river and lakes. For more info or pictures, 509-365-3607 or rnpetersen@ centurylink.net.

PRIVATE COUNTRY HOME bird tweet quiet with expansive mountain, lake views in Kettle Falls, Wash. Well maintained, 2,785 sq. ft. home, spacious rooms, 2-bdrms, 3-bath, food storage, 20 acres, extensive fenced organic garden, orchard, 900 sq. ft. furnished cabin, and more. $425,000. www. westergardrealestate.com, MLS No. 33802. Call 509-675-4447.

Reunions WELCOME HOME WEEKEND (October 20-22, 2017) Victorville Church in celebration of 50 years at the 16070 Lorene Drive, Victorville, Calif. location.

All former members, pastors, teachers and friends are invited. Sabbath fellowship lunch. For more information on service times, call 760-245-3620. Email: vvsdachurch@gmail.com.

Vacation Opportunities

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Two trips this fall 2017 (Nov. 12-20) $2,995; (Nov. 19-27) $2,995. Includes all tips, taxes, air, and breakfast and dinner buffets daily. From New York, Chicago or Los Angeles, Other departure cities available. Call Jennifer at 602-788-8864.

MAUI VACATION CONDO in Kihei.

Relaxing & Affordable. Only a 3-minute walk to the beach! 1-bdrm w/king bed.

Clean, comfortable, well-maintained.

Sleeps 4. Fully-furnished kitchen, washer/dryer & more! FREE parking, Wi-Fi, & calls to U.S./Canada. Friendly Kihei SDA church nearby. Visit us at: www.vrbo. com/62799. Email: mauivista1125@ gmail.com or call Mark, 909-800-9841.

OCEANFRONT MAUI 10th floor studio condo for rent with full kitchen. Sleeps four. $145-$160 night plus tax and $100 cleaning fee. Wonderful whale watching from lanai in season. Non-smokers only. To view property go to VRBO #213797 or www.maui-mcneilus.com.

Email to: denmarge@frontiernet.net or call Marge McNeilus, 507-374-6747.

SUNRIVER, CENTRAL OREGON. Four-bedroom vacation home on the North Woodlands golf course. Two master king suites, two queens one bunk set, hot tub, loft, Jacuzzi bath, gas log fireplace, BBQ, W/D, bikes, all resort amenities, sleeps 10, no smoking, no pets. For rates, photos and reservations call: 541-279-9553, or email, schultz@ crestviewcable.com.

TWO, 5 OR 7 BEDROOMS fully furnished home for rent, 2 miles from PUC on 20 acres near Las Posadas State Park, vineyard views from every room. LR, DR, FR, fireplace, baby grand piano, BBQ, deck. $500-$2500/week. Call Valerie, 415-497-5678 or nvroger@mac.com.

2BR CONDO IN HONOLULU, Hawaii, in Nu'uanu, Relaxing & affordable. Minutes to beaches, Chinatown and hiking!

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AT REST

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BEOPPLE, ERMA IDA – b. Oct. 17, 1923, McClusky, N.D.; d. May 25, 2017, Fallon, Nev. Survivors: daughters, Mavis Lawrence, Connie Lackie; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild.

BLINCOE, HELEN R. – b. April 1, 1915, Long Beach, Calif.; d. May 21, 2017, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: son, Tom; daughter, Kay Prins.

BOYLL JR., R. EARL – b. Oct. 30, 1921, Los Angeles, Calif.; d. Dec. 14, 2016, Vista, Calif. Survivors: son, R. Earl III; daughters, Terri Lynn, Kathy Wootton; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Vera Dean Nance.

BRISTOL, ANSEL LEROY – b. Jan. 16, 1926, Frazee, Minn.; d. April 13, 2017, Gold River, Calif. Survivors: sons, Jan, Arlen, Todd; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Served as a pastor in Michigan and California; and as the announcer for Soquel Camp Meeting in the 1970s and ’80s.

BROWN, SANDI FAYE – b. Jan. 4, 1951, Santa Cruz, Calif.; d. April 23, 2017, Paradise, Calif. Survivors: son, Erick; daughters, Heidi Beardsley, Emily, Heather Neufeld; two grandchildren; sisters, Joan Fuller, Janet Mallory.

CHAPMAN, EVELYN ADDENE (CRUMB) – b. April 6, 1929, Hollis, Okla.; d. May 12, 2017, Thousand Oaks, Calif. Survivors: son, Frank; daughter, Lynn Marie Petersen; five grandchildren.

ETHERIDGE, RAYMOND, F. – b. Aug. 17, 1933, Faunsdale, Ala.; d. April 8, 2017, Cherry Valley, Calif. Survivors: wife, Brenda; daughters, Dana, Cindy Pauls; two grandchildren. Served as Adventist educator for over 30 years in several states including Indiana, Virginia, and California.

GEMIER, BEVERLY HOLLIGER – b.

May 21, 1930, San Diego, Calif.; d. April 4, 2017, Cottonwood, Ariz. Survivors: husband, John; son, Rick Sparks; daughters, Lynn Eastwood, Donna Hansen, Vickie Bird; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren. Served at Boulder Memorial Hospital, Porter Memorial Hospital and Paradise Valley Hospital.

AGUILERA, ZENAIDA – b. Oct. 11, 1928, Havana, Cuba; d. April 22, 2017, Merced, Calif. Survivors: husband, Ronald; sons, Ronald Jr., Richard; daughter, Janette; four grandchildren.

GILL, YARUSA SHAHEEN – b. July 30, 1958, Sialkot, Pakistan; d. May 7, 2017, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: husband, Victor; daughters, Saba, Sarah, Zara.

BABCOCK, DOUGLAS – b. June 11, 1937, Takoma Park, Md.; d. Dec. 17, 2016, Angwin, Calif. Survivors: wife, Diane; son, David; daughters, Debbie Williams, Darla Metteauer; two grandchildren.

GILLEY, GOLDIE MAY (MCNAIR) – b.

Feb. 26, 1924, Cleveland, Okla.; d. Feb. 11, 2017, Ivanhoe, Calif. Survivors: son, Leon; daughter, Jacquelyn; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Advertisments HANSON, GENEVA R. (JONES) – b.

Sept. 13, 1922, Cornelius, Ore.; d. April 20, 2017, Calistoga, Calif. Survivors: daughter, JuDee Hanson; one grandchild. Served as a missionary to S. Africa for seven years, and later as a teacher in California for 31 years.

HUSTED, MELBA M. (KNIGHT) – March 7, 1923, Centerville, Kan.; d. March 15, 2017, Murrieta, Calif.

Survivors: sons; Don Ryan, John Ryan; daughter; Patti Ryan O'Connell; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

ISSA, NICHOLAS – b. Feb. 29, 1940, Lebanon; d. April 19, 2017, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: wife, Maxine; son, Ramon; daughter, Nadia; eight grandchildren.

JONES, SHERWOOD – b. Jan. 4, 1933, Denver, Colo.; d. April 15, 2017, Redlands, Calif. Survivors: wife, Joann; son, Scott; daughters, Jeanette Tenckhoff, Susan Wilhelm; three grandchildren.

JORNADA, ELMORE – b. Oct. 22, 1935, Buenavista, Guimaras, Philippines; d. Dec. 16, 2016, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: wife, Eunice; sons, Elmore Jr., Elton; daughters, Georgette Jornada Lisud, Belinda Jornada Alexander; five grandchildren.

LESKO, LENNETTE – b. Dec. 7, 1943, Orlando, Fla.; d. April 27, 2017, Riverside, Calif. Survivors: husband, Arthur; son, Todd; daughter, Angela LeskoWebley; two grandchildren. Served as a long time trust department employee at Southeastern California Conference.

NELSON, STANLEY – b. April 9, 1926, Lucknow, India; d. March 7, 2017, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: wife, Toni Staff-Nelson; son, Kenneth; daughter, Marigene Sample; four grandchildren.

OLIVER, EVA MAE – b. March 28, 1924, St. Charles, Mich.; d. Jan. 21, 2017, Yakima, Wash. Survivors: son, Timothy; daughters, Linda, Diane, Bonnie; two grandchildren.

Gerry Wood; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.

SMITH, LOUIS LIVINGSTON – b. May 5, 1925, College Place, Wash.; d. Sept.

9, 2016, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: daughter, Patti Catalano; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.

STARK, RALPH – b. April 28, 1924, Detroit, Mich.; d. Feb. 15, 2017, Port Towsend, Wash. Survivors: son, Craig; PONDER, LA MONT DEL – b. Aug. 12, daughter, Linda; brother, Floyd. Served 1944, Pueblo, Colo.; d. Feb. 14, 2017, as a literature evangelist in Northern, Roseburg, Ore. Survivors: daughters, Southern and Hawaii conferences; Dawn, Cara; four grandchildren; worked at the ABC in Glendale, Calif.; brother, Vomen; sister, Karen. chief engineer at Glendale Adventist Medical Center.

PRICE, DOROTHY MARIE (KLEMP) – b. July 15, 1929, Scotia, Calif.; d.

STOCKDALE, JOHN CHARLES – b.

Jan. 27, 2017, Eureka, Calif. Survivors: March 25, 1925, Lincoln, Neb.; d. April husband, Neville; daughters, Kathy 26, 2017, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: Knittle, Karen Ronk, Jennifer Shaw; sons, Bob, Scott, Jay; daughter, eight grandchildren; four great-grand- Jeannie; seven grandchildren; seven children; brothers, Wayne Klemp, Gary great-grandchildren.

Klemp. Served as one of the pioneers of NCC's Redwood camp meeting.

VITELLE, DARLENE – b. Aug. 31, 1940, Fort Morgan, Colo.; d.

PURDY, ELMA M. (SCHWINDT) – b. Nov. 6, 2016, Apple Valley, Calif.

Aug. 26, 1918, Clinton, Mo.; d. Jan. 16, Survivors: husband, Duane; son, 2017, National City, Calif. Survivors: Robert John Bray; daughters, Judy son, R. Scott; daughters, Suzanne, Byington, Cynthia Day, Pamela Vitelle, Caroll Nadig, Jeanne Sadler; 10 grand- Patricia Miller; 10 grandchildren; 10 children; 18 great-grandchildren. great-grandchildren.

ROATH, DONNA JEAN – b. April 15, 1936, Sioux Falls, S.D.; d. April 22, 2017, Redlands, Calif. Survivors: son, Rodney; two grandchildren.

WARNER, WILLIAM “BILL” C. – b.

Dec. 11, 1929, Grand Rapids, Mich.; d.

Nov. 1, 2016, Redlands, Calif. Survivors: wife, Jimmie Lou; son, Douglas; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild.

ROATH, RICHARD D. – b. Oct. 27, 1932, Denver, Colo.; d. March 29, 2017, WEBB, SANDRA L. (PACE) – b.

Redlands, Calif. Survivors: son, Rodney; Feb. 14, 1953, Corbin, Ky.; d. April 16, two grandchildren.

2017, Moreno Valley, Calif. Survivors: husband, Daniel; son, Shane Goldbach; RYCKMAN, EVELYN LARSON – b. stepson, Justin; daughter, Amber MCDONALD, NORMAN – b. Feb. 27, Nov. 18, 1917, Grove City, Minn.; d.

1925, Salem, Ore.; d. April 28, 2017, May 10, 2017, Redlands, Calif. SurviWEIDLER; STEPDAUGHTER, CARParadise, Calif. Survivors: sons, Ken, vors: sons, Albert, Joseph; daughter, RIE; 10 GRANDCHILDREN; BROTHDennis, Buck; six grandchildren; three Ruby; eight grandchildren; four ER, RANDY PACE. SERVED AT LLU great-grandchildren. great-grandchildren.

DENTAL SCHOOL ADMISSIONS AND AHS WEST IN ROSEVILLE. MEYER, GWYNDOLIN V. (SUMSAMORANO, RICHARD – b. May 25, MERS) – b. Nov. 21, 1919, Chicago, Ill.; 1944, Hayward, Calif.; d. May 12, 2017, WEISS, EDWARD – b. June 17, 1929, d. April 3, 2017, Napa, Calif. Survivors: Lodi, Calif. Survivors: wife, Sherrie; Crespo, Argentina; d. Jan. 3, 2017, son, Larry (Ruth) Meyer, daughters; son, Richard; daughter, Teresa; two Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: sons, WilDonna (Alfred) Voth, Elyne (Laura) grandchildren; brother, Ed. liam, Richard; daughter, Nancy Weiss Strauss; 9 grandchildren; 18 greatCase; seven grandchildren. grandchildren. Served as lead GSA SANDERS, ROBERT M. – b. March 5, Troop #203, Oak Forest Hosp. (patient 1946, Detroit, Mich.; d. May 5, 2017, WESNER, LEONARD LEE – b. Aug. visitor), La Vida (Navajo) Mission Sup- Reno, Nev. Survivors: wife, Lynn; 16, 1923, Arbuckle, Calif.; d. Nov. 7, porter; and at Hinsdale Hospital. siblings, Liz Stephenson; Dianne Katz; 2016, Chico, Calif. Survivors: wife, Carel Mountain.

Ione; daughters, Cora Lee Bue, Laray CORRECTION: MUNDALL, STANLEY Goodwin; two grandchildren; brother, L.; – b. Sept. 7, 1934, Phoenix, AZ; d.

SAUNDERS, IVY LOUISE – b. Oct. Robert; sister, Ruth.

March 2, 2017, Harrah, Okla. Survivors: 20, 1926, Kingston, Jamaica; d. April son, Lester, Harrah; daughter, Lynn 5, 2017, Vallejo, Calif. Survivors: son, YOSHIMURA, SUMI (YANO) – b.

Young; three step-children, Julie, Richard; daughter, Pearlette Dobbins; Jan. 30, 1917, Kyushu, Japan; d. April Brett, Kelli; eight grandchildren; two grandchildren.

16, 2017, Sacramento, Calif. Survivors: two step-grandchildren, five greatson, Steve; daughter, Setsuko; four grandchildren. Served as a physician SHERMAN, RALPH M. – b. June 29, grandchildren. Served at Japan Mis(cardiology) at White Memorial and 1921, San Diego, Calif.; d. March 31, sionary College with husband, Sam; Glendale Adventist Hospitals.

2017, Napa, Calif. Survivors: daughters, later worked at Madison Hospital in Connie Lewis, Terry Winn, Jackie Savoy, Tennessee as a dietitian.

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