make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11, NIV).
Recorder
Can we ever find a surer guide than the Lord Jesus? True religion is embodied in the Word of God, and consists in being under the guidance of the Holy One in thought, word, and deed. He who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, takes the humble, earnest, whole-hearted seeker, and says, Follow me. He leads him in the narrow way to holiness and heaven. Christ has opened this path for us at great cost to himself. We are not left to stumble our way along in darkness. Jesus is at our right hand, proclaiming, “I am the Way.” And all who decide to follow the Lord fully will be led in the royal path, yea more, in the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in.
—Ellen G. White, “The Truth As It Is in Jesus,” The Review and Herald, March 29, 1906
Recorder
Publisher Ray Tetz
Editor Alberto Valenzuela
Assistant Editor Connie Jeffery
Design/Layout
Stephanie Leal • Alberto Valenzuela
Printing
Adventist Health 916-742-0429
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What’s inside
4 Finding Your Path
8 Fundamental Belief Number #16: Rediscovering the Meaning of the Lord’s Supper
10 Hiram Edson’s Autobiographical Manuscript, Part 2
15 A Letter That Changes Everything
18 Faithful Waiting
21 Newsdesk
28 Christ’s Heart for the City: Reaching the Unreached in Our Inner Cities
Pacific Press Publishing Association www.pacificpress.com Postal Regs: The Pacific Union Recorder (ISSN 0744-6381), Volume 125, Number 7, is the official journal of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and is published monthly. Subscription rate: No charge to Pacific Union Adventist church members; $16 per year in U.S.; $20 foreign (U.S. funds); single copy, $2.
Send address changes to: Circulation Department, Pacific Union Recorder, Box 5005, Westlake Village, CA 91359. Info@adventistfaith.com.
Finding
Your Path
By Bradford C. Newton
Remember using a map? In these days of Apple Maps, Google Maps, and MapQuest, consulting a paper map is a bygone practice. Yet, it doesn’t seem that long ago that when a road trip was at hand, the Road Atlas would be opened at the kitchen table, and we’d use a highlighter and pencil to plan our route. Back then, the process of finding your way was prone to unexpected road closures, traffic jams in strange cities, and the fervent hope that you didn’t miss the crucial next turn.
Finding our path along the road of life is obviously more complicated, with many more challenges in comparison to a car trip. Marriage, job responsibilities, moving to a new city, caring for children or aging parents, relationship with God and church, healthcare issues, and times of profound loss are just some of the matters about which we search for guidance and direction.
“How can I know God’s will for my life?” is a question we each confront no matter our age, profession, personal circumstances, or economic status. How thankful I am for wise parents, good friends, committed teachers, experienced colleagues, and most of all my wonderful wife, who have helped me in seeking life pathways that honor God and bless me.
How did it happen that these precious people were in my life at just the right time? It was not happenstance or by accident. When I was a teenager, I recall my pastor sharing Psalm 37:4-5
with me, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.”1 It remains a go-to passage for me to this day.
Every believer can experience God’s leading along the pathway of life. He longs that each of His children experience direction, purpose, meaning, and even joy when facing their biggest problems or decisions. For generations of Christfollowers, finding the pathway of life has meant employing essential spiritual principles to discover God’s will.
Principle 1: Anchor every decision in the Word of God. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” There is no better place to start than the Bible for building the solid foundation for our decisions. Psalm 119:11 declares, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Even when we can’t see everything ahead, we do know One who has been there before. When we root ourselves in Bible truths, we are on safe ground. Psalm 119:165 says, “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.”
Principle 2: Seek God daily in prayer. Finding God’s leading for life comes in the context of our daily conversations with Him. “Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend” (Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 93). When we share
both our joys and disappointments with Him, a growing trust and spiritual intimacy grows. Philippians 4:6-7 advises, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” We can trust Him as we grapple with important life decisions. Proverbs 3:5-6 promises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Principle 3: Seek wise counselors. Proverbs give timeless advice about where to seek counsel. Proverbs 12:26 says “The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray” (NLT). These sources are biblical in content and prayerful in practice. God gives this directive, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in a multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).
Principle 4: Watch for divine direction through circumstances. When you are reading the Bible, praying over a decision, and listening to godly counselors, there may also be ways that God is speaking through circumstances that are forming around you. Romans 8:28, 31 reminds us, “And we
know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose…. If God is for us, who can be against us?” When we have placed our trust in our Heavenly Father, we can be assured that we are not forsaken and that He will guide us to the best path.
Principle 5: Does this decision glorify God? As choices present themselves, the first consideration is how this impacts my commitment as a follower of Jesus. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Will the path before you take you closer to the Lord or draw you away from Him?
However, sometimes we make poor decisions. Or we do our best and things still don’t work out as we hoped. What then? We live in a sinful world, and we ourselves are part of this system. There is forgiveness when we fail. When things go badly, we are not alone. God assures us, “Be strong and of good courage.… And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).
As we travel the path of this life, we do so with our Greatest Friend on the journey. His promise remains that in the end a wonderful future awaits each of us. “I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3).
Bradford C. Newton is the president of the Pacific Union Conference.
1Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version.
Every believer can experience God’s leading along the pathway of life. He longs that each of His children experience direction, purpose, meaning, and even joy when facing their biggest problems or decisions.
Fundamental Belief Number #16
Rediscovering the Meaning of the Supper
Because I became an Adventist as a teenager, the first time I experienced the Lord’s Supper was an intriguing experience.
Beginning with the foot-washing ceremony and followed by the partaking of the bread (what to me seemed to be Wheat Thin crackers) and the tiny cup of “wine,” the whole ritual left me a bit confused. What impressed me was the solemnity everyone bestowed on this unique ritual. Unlike other worship services at the same church, everybody was very serious. Some seemed like they were about to cry.
That solemn event commemorated the Lord’s last meal on earth.
There is something sacred about a meal shared in love. Around a table, hearts open, stories are told, and relationships are deepened. Jesus understood this. On the night He was betrayed, He didn't preach a sermon or perform a miracle—He shared a meal. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is one of the most significant rituals we practice, not because of the bread or the wine themselves, but because of what—and who—they represent.
Yet how easily this powerful symbol can become routine. We might go through the motions without thinking, just as ancient Israel once allowed God’s rituals to turn into rote ceremonies. That is why today we are called to pause and look again. What does it mean to sit at the Lord’s Table? What is God
Lord’s
By Alberto Valenzuela
saying to us through the bread, the cup, and the act of gathering together?
Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:24).1 The Lord’s Supper is not a mere formality. It is a living memorial—a keepsake of love left by the Savior. When He broke the bread and shared the cup, He was pointing not just to His death but to His heart.
In John 13:1, we are told, “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” That love reached its fullest expression not only on the cross but also in the quiet upper room where Jesus, knowing what lay ahead, gave His disciples the gift of Communion.
Roswell Cottrell, who was a Seventh Day Baptist preacher in the 19th century before converting to Adventism, once wrote: “With what joy should the Christian keep the token which Jesus left us of his dying love!”2 It is a reminder that, though we are broken, He was broken for us. Though we thirst, His blood was poured out so we might be filled.
Too often we think of rituals as old-fashioned or empty. But rituals, when rightly understood, are powerful tools for shaping faith. Rituals are “milestones on the way” that make us reflect on our relationship with Jesus.
In the Lord’s Supper, we do more than watch—we participate. We eat. We drink. We take Jesus into our
lives symbolically but also spiritually. As He once said, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you” (John 6:53). It is not the bread or wine that gives life, but what they point to: His sacrifice, His presence, His promise.
Every time we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we declare to the world and to ourselves: Jesus died for me—and He is coming again!
In Paul’s words: “Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body, for we all share the one loaf” (1 Corinthians 10:17). This simple act of sharing bread becomes a profound expression of solidarity. It unites diverse people across cultures, languages, generations, and experiences into one family—the body of Christ.
Warren Trenchard reminds us that the Lord’s Supper is a symbol of both unity and diversity. It reminds us that the church is not uniform—but it is unified. We come from different places, but we are bound together in Jesus.3
This message could not be more timely. Our world—and sometimes our church—is fractured by politics, culture, and personality. But at the table of the Lord, the barriers fall. Here, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, male nor female, young nor old, liberal nor conservative. Here, we are one—not because we are the same but because we are all held by the same Savior.
Before the meal, Jesus got down on His knees and washed His disciples’ feet. This was no ordinary act—it was the work of a servant. And then He told them, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15).
The foot-washing service, often linked to the Lord’s Supper in Adventist practice, is a moment of humility and reconciliation. It invites us to forgive, to confess, to serve, and to love. In washing feet, we lower ourselves so we might lift each other up.
And just as Jesus did not exclude Judas from the meal—even knowing he would betray Him—we are reminded that grace does not check credentials at the door. Communion is open to all who believe, for none of us come worthy. We come because Jesus invited us.
The Lord’s Supper is a meal with two horizons. It looks backward to the cross and forward to the kingdom. As Paul said, “You proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). This is not a funeral meal—it is a feast of hope.
Jesus promised, “I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29). Every Communion service is a rehearsal for that great celebration to come—the marriage supper of the Lamb.
In a world filled with sorrow, this gives us joy. In the face of death, this gives us hope. At the Lord’s Table, we remember not just that He died—but that He lives and will return.
So today, hear the invitation again—not from the preacher, but from Jesus: “Take and eat; this is my body… Drink from it, all of you” (Matthew 26:26-27).
Come, not because you are worthy but because He is. Come, not because you have everything together but because He is holding everything together. Come, not just to remember but to receive—to receive His love, His grace, and His transforming power.
And as you rise from that table, go out and live what you received. Serve one another. Love one another. Forgive one another. Proclaim His death until He comes.
The Lord’s Supper is not just about a piece of bread or a cup of juice. It is about Jesus—broken for you, poured out for you, coming again for you.
Let us never forget the gift, the calling, and the hope of this sacred meal.
Alberto Valenzuela is associate director of communication and community engagement of the Pacific Union Conference and the Recorder editor.
1Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the New International Version.
2Roswell F. Cottrell, The Bible Class (Rochester, NY: Advent Review Office, 1855), p. 98.
3Warren Trenchard, “Symbol of Solidarity and Diversity: Another Look at the Lord’s Supper,” Adventist Review, March 13, 1997, pp. 12-15.
Edson’s Hiram
Hiram Edson and Owen Crosier crossing the cornfield.
Last month, Part 1 of this series described the trauma Millerites experienced when Jesus did not return on October 22, 1844, and the views many developed to explain their disappointment. Part 2 examines the experience of Hiram Edson as described in his autobiographical manuscript.
By Brian E. Strayer
Autobiographical PART 2
Manuscript
Cornfield Cleopas
Luke 24 tells the story of two of Christ’s disciples, Cleopas and his unnamed friend, who were returning to their home in Emmaus following the crucifixion of Jesus when the risen Christ appeared beside them, although they did not recognize Him. After listening to them express their disappointment at His death and subsequent disappearance from the tomb, Christ revealed to them all that the law and the prophets had predicted about His death and resurrection. During supper at the men’s home that evening, as Jesus was dividing the bread among them, they saw the nail scars in His hands and knew who He was, but He disappeared. Forgetting their supper, they returned to Jerusalem to share the good news of a resurrected Savior with the other disciples. As they ran, one of them said to the other, “When he talked with us along the road and explained the Scriptures to us, didn’t it warm our hearts?” (Luke 24:32, CEV). Suddenly, they experienced a paradigm shift in their understanding of the Old Testament prophecies concerning Christ that they had read many times before.
Drawing a modern parallel to that experience, one author emphasized that, just as Cleopas and his friend expected Christ to come as a king and conqueror of the
Romans and not as a crucified Savior on a cross of shame, so Edson and his Millerite friends expected Him to come in glory to cleanse the earth by fire on October 22, 1844. And just as He opened those two disciples’ eyes to the true meaning of the Old Testament Scriptures relating to His mission on earth, His death at Calvary, and His resurrection, so He opened Edson’s and Crosier’s eyes to the Scriptures regarding His ministry in the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary beginning on October 22, 1844. In both cases, sincere seekers after truth received new light that led to a major shift in their understanding.1
Yet while Cleopas and his companion trod a well-worn road to share this new understanding, Edson and Crosier cut through a field to encourage their disappointed friends on October 23, 1844.2 Why? Most writers have assumed that, in light of the verbal and physical abuse many Millerites had endured, the two men ducked across the field to avoid facing hostile neighbors. While this explanation might apply to the 24-year-old Crosier, it does not fit the profile of 38-year-old Edson, who (as described in Chapter 3 of my biography) exhibited boldness and courage rather than cowardice and fear in the face of physical threats. Edson may have felt embarrassed at not knowing how to explain to his neighbors why he had not ascended to heaven the previous day, but it is unlikely that he was afraid of them. One explanation would be simple geometry: Since country roads stretched for miles with few intersections, taking a shortcut through
a field saved time. Another explanation would be meteorological: If it had rained recently, the dirt roads would have been quagmires deeply rutted with mud, whereas the cornfields, often planted with squash and pumpkins (as Native Americans had taught the early settlers), would have absorbed much of that rainfall and thus provided firmer ground for walking. In the 19th century, people often cut across fields when heavy rainstorms and blizzards made the dirt roads impassable.3
Edson’s autobiographical manuscript
While reading Edson’s handwritten manuscript is obviously of the utmost importance in understanding his view of what happened on October 23, this document has raised some questions among church historians. It is generally acknowledged that Edson wrote it, but since it is not dated, scholars are unsure as to when it was actually written: in 1844, in the mid-1850s, during the 1860s, or late in his life? Obviously, a document written in 1844 would be more reliable than one penned years later when Edson’s memory had faded. Chapter 11 (“Dark Days”) in my book explores this issue further.
Originally more than 200 pages long, the document included autobiographical material as well as prophetic speculation concerning the future of England.4 When Edson took it to the press in Battle Creek, requesting that it be published, the reading committee (including James White, J.N. Loughborough, Uriah Smith, and J.N. Andrews) agreed to print the autobiographical section but
Edson Home and barn
refused to publish the theological parts, viewing them as “a little too visionary [speculative].” Edson told Andrews, “But I have got some light [from God].” Andrews allegedly replied, “Then let me spoil your light.” Edson told them either to publish it all or publish nothing. The Review published none of it.5
Subsequently, Edson gave the manuscript to Abby Lindsay, who edited it nine times, allegedly keeping a portion of it (about 33 pages), which she later shared with Arthur W. Spalding in June 1907.6 Three years later he quoted extensively from it in an article in the Youth’s Instructor 7 The rest of the manuscript was entrusted to John E. Place for safekeeping.8 After Edson’s death in 1882, Place presumably returned it to Edson’s daughter, Viah Ophelia Cross, who took it with her when she moved to Florida.9 Sometime later, Cross gave it to her daughter, Viah May Cross, of Pensacola, Florida.10 Cross loaned the manuscript to Herbert M. Kelley
in 1921 and again in 1936, and Kelley subsequently mailed it to LeRoy Froom, who placed it in the Advent Source Collection at the General Conference in Takoma Park, Maryland.11 The manuscript was lost for nearly two decades until Mary Jane Mitchell, head librarian for the Adventist Theological Seminary in Takoma Park, rediscovered it in the 1950s.12 Over the ensuing decades, largely due to neglect, the extant manuscript shrank even further to only a dozen pages. But thanks to references to it in the writings of Froom, Spalding, Spicer, and others, it soon became more widely known among Adventist scholars.13
As related in Edson’s manuscript, on the morning of October 22, a few believers met in the Edson home to prepare for the Lord’s imminent return. When midnight came and Christ did not come, they wept together until dawn. The men then retired to the granary in the barn to kneel in prayer, asking God for light regarding their disappointment. Following this prayer session, most of the attendees went home, but Edson and Crosier decided to walk together to “encourage some of our brethren.” In Edson’s own words:
We started, and while passing through a large field I was stopped midway of the field. Heaven seemed open to my view, and I saw distinctly, and clearly, that instead of our High Priest coming out of the Most Holy of the heavenly sanctuary to come to this earth on the tenth day of the seventh month, at the end of the 2300 days, that he, for the first time entered on that day the second apartment of that sanctuary; and that he had a work to perform in the Most Holy before coming to this earth. That he came to the marriage at that time; in other words, to the Ancient of days, to receive a kingdom, dominion, and glory; and we must wait for his return from the wedding; and my mind was directed to the tenth ch[apter] of Rev[elation] where I could see the vision had spoken and did not lie.14
O.R.L. Crosier—photo found in The Founders of the Seventh day Adventist Denomination, by L.R. Conradi (1939).
No doubt absorbed in his own thoughts, Crosier had continued walking across the field until he realized that his friend had stopped. Turning around, he inquired why Edson had paused in the middle of the field. Edson informed Crosier that the Lord was answering their morning prayers and that the sanctuary was not this earth, but was located in heaven. 15
What exactly Edson “saw distinctly and clearly” in the cornfield has divided church historians, scholars, skeptics, and popular writers for nearly two centuries. Was it a revelation—a visible or audible intervention by God as in a vision? Was it inspiration—the Holy Spirit’s special urging of a messenger to speak or write with “fire in his bones”? Could it have been illumination—the Holy Spirit enlightening his mind with a great idea to share with his Adventist friends?16 Or did nothing of any significance occur in the cornfield?17
Next month, in Part 3, we will examine those writers who have advocated the first two views—that Edson received either a “vision” (a divine revelation) or a “flash of light” (a vivid impression) while crossing that cornfield.
Brian E. Strayer retired after 41 years of teaching and, in addition to writing, is a frequent speaker at camp meetings, weeks of prayer, conferences, and churches.
1Clark Allan Floyd, “Who Was Cleopas?” Our Firm Foundation, Sept. 2013, pp. 4-6.
2Although Edson, like the Gospel writer Luke, never mentioned the name of his cornfield companion, the consensus among Adventist historians and scholars has been that it was probably his close friend and houseguest Owen Russell Loomis Crosier.
3For accounts of the bad roads that Adventist pioneers faced even in the second half of the 19th century, see Review, Feb. 12, 1862, p. 85; May 15, 1879, p. 159; April 18, 1882, p. 253; and Feb. 26, 1884, p. 140.
4Herbert M. Kelley to L.E. Froom, July 1, 1936, ms. VT000273, no. 4, Center for Adventist Research, James White Library, Andrews University (hereafter cited as CAR, JWL, AU).
5J.N. Loughborough to A.W. Spalding, Aug. 2, 1921, A.W. Spalding Correspondence, Coll. 10, Box 1, Fld. 2, CAR, JWL, AU; bracketed material mine.
6Kelley to Froom, July 1, 1936, ms. VT000273, no. 4, CAR, JWL, AU.
7Arthur W. Spalding, “Light on the Sanctuary: Adapted from the Manuscript of Hiram, Edson,” Youth’s Instructor, March 8, 1910, pp. 4-6.
8Kelley to Froom, July 1, 1936, ms. VT000273, no. 4, CAR, JWL, AU.
9Willian A. Spicer, Pioneer Days of the Advent Movement (Washington, DC:
Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1941), p. 66.
10Affidavit signed by Viah Cross, Sept. 30, 1936, in Pensacola, Florida, ms. VT000273, CAR, JWL, AU.
11Kelley to Froom, July 1, 1936, ms. VT000273, CAR, JWL, AU. There is some disagreement over whether Kelley mailed the Edson manuscript to Froom first in 1921 and later in 1936. Don Neufeld, speaking of his article, “The Disappointment According to Hiram Edson” in the Review, Oct. 22, 1970 (pp. 2-4), states that this exchange occurred in 1933.
12L.E. Froom to Jim Nix, Nov. 3, 1971, in James R. Nix, “The Life and Work of Hiram Edson” (term paper for Church History 600—Problems in Church History, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, 1971), Appendix E, p. 159.
13See, for example, A.W. Spalding to D.E. Robinson, Dec. 6, 1934, Spalding Correspondence, Coll. 10, Box 1, Fld. 2, CAR, JWL, AU; L.E. Froom to A.W. Spalding, Aug. 22, 1949; A.W. Spalding to L.E. Froom, Aug. 25, 1849, Spalding Correspondence, Coll. 10, Box 2, Fld. 2, CAR, JWL, AU; W.A. Spicer, Certainties of the Advent Movement (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1929), pp. 169-170.
14Hiram Edson, “Description of Hiram Edson’s Experience in the Cornfield on October 23, 1844 Plus Some Other Experiences in His Life Around the Same Time,” undated manuscript VT000272, CAR, JWL, AU.
15Claiming that Edson had related to him the events of Oct. 22-23, 1844, as they were traveling together in 1852, Loughborough tells a much different story: That on Oct. 22, believers met in the Port Gibson schoolhouse, not in the Edson home; that they sang and prayed all night there, not returning to Edson’s farm until the next morning; and that while crossing the cornfield, they prayed three times by the corn shocks, after which Hiram received “light” about the heavenly sanctuary. As several historians have pointed out, however, Loughborough’s accounts of Adventist history prior to his conversion in 1852 are frequently unreliable. See J.N. Loughborough to A.W. Spalding, Aug. 2, 1921, Spalding Correspondence, Coll. 10, Box 1, Fld. 2, CAR, JWL, AU; A.W. Spalding to L.E. Froom, Aug. 25, 1949, Spalding Correspondence, Coll. 10, Box 2, Fld. 2, CAR, JWL, AU; Nix, “Edson,” p. 151; and Brian E. Strayer, J.N. Loughborough: The Last of the Adventist Pioneers (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 2014), pp. 326-330, 341, 391-395, 405.
16These three differing viewpoints are ably discussed in Alden Thompson, Inspiration: Hard Questions, Honest Answers, 2nd ed. (Gonzalez, FL: Energion Publications, 2016), p. 62.
17This is the view advanced by such critics as Donald Barnhouse and Fernand Fisel, discussed as a fourth group.
Hiram and Esther Edson's Grave
A Letter That Changes Everything
By Melody J. Wachsmuth
At just 25 verses, it could easily be overlooked. Yet in its brief lines, Paul’s letter to Philemon offers a vision so radical, so transformational, that it challenges not just ancient social norms but the ones we still cling to today. Through his intercession on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave, Paul calls Philemon—and all of us—to go beyond cultural expectations and live out the reality of being new creations in Christ.
Against this backdrop, Paul writes a personal letter while imprisoned, interceding for Onesimus. Instead of waging a direct assault on the institution of slavery, Paul chooses to address something even deeper: the human heart, where real transformation begins.
To appreciate the force of Paul's message, we must first understand the world he inhabited. In Greco-Roman society, slavery was deeply embedded in the social order. Aristotle himself argued for “natural slavery,” asserting that some were born to rule and others to serve. This was not merely economic but deeply racial and ethnic. Freedom rarely erased the stigma of slavery; even a freedman still carried the identity of a former slave.
Philemon’s letter is characterized by rich relational terminology. Paul identifies Philemon as “brother,” “co-worker,” and “partner,” signifying equality and mutual respect. However, Paul’s appeal for Onesimus transcends social convention. Rather than wielding apostolic authority to command Philemon’s compliance, Paul appeals “for love’s sake” (verse 9, ESV). This voluntary relinquishment of power mirrors Christ’s own humility, as described in Philippians 2. Paul models something radical: the relinquishment of power. As an elder, a mentor, and a prisoner for Christ, Paul had every right to demand obedience. Yet he sets aside his rights so
that Philemon's good deed might be voluntary (verse 14). Here, Paul mirrors Christ Himself, "who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited" (Philippians 2:6, NRSV).
At the heart of Paul’s argument lies love—not duty, guilt, or law. In verse 14, Paul emphasizes that Philemon’s “good deed might be voluntary” (NRSV). True transformation, Paul insists, cannot be coerced; it must stem from a heart transformed by Christ. Legal emancipation without a corresponding heart change would leave systemic injustices intact. Love, therefore, is the engine of genuine relational transformation.
This insight has enduring relevance. While laws and activism can reform external structures, only love changes hearts. In the church’s mission today, embodying Christ’s love remains the cornerstone of authentic social change. Paul’s relationship with
Onesimus also shows a transformation. No longer is Onesimus merely a “useless” runaway slave; he becomes “my child,” “my very heart” (verses 10-12, ESV). He is a brother in Christ, a beloved son.
And to Philemon, Paul dares to make the boldest request of all: receive Onesimus “no longer as a slave but as more than a slave, a beloved brother” (verse16, NRSV). Paul is not just advocating for Onesimus's freedom but for a complete redefinition of identity and relationship, rooted in the family of God.
Paul’s entire appeal hinges on love. Not duty. Not guilt. Love. In verse 9, Paul says, “Yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you” (ESV). Why?
Because love transforms the heart in a way that obligation never can. Paul understood that legal freedom for Onesimus, without a change of heart, would accomplish little. Philemon could free Onesimus and still see him as inferior. Instead, Paul calls Philemon to a deeper transformation—
While laws and activism can reform external structures, only love changes hearts.
to see Onesimus not through the eyes of culture but through the eyes of Christ.
This principle is timeless. Our world often pushes for social change through law and activism. These have their place. But unless hearts are changed—unless love reigns—true transformation remains elusive. The church’s mission is not merely to preach transformation but to live it. And often, this involves tension. Paul did not immediately overthrow the institution of slavery. Instead, he planted seeds of relational transformation that, over time, eroded the very foundations of inequality.
Today, we face similar challenges. Migration, nationalism, racial tensions, and economic disparities strain our societies. The temptation is to retreat into our comfortable social identities—to prioritize citizenship, race, or class over our identity in Christ. But Paul's letter reminds us: if we are in Christ, “there is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28, NRSV).
simply to free Onesimus but to welcome him as a brother. To relinquish social power, to embrace equality, to love deeply.
In John 17:23, Jesus prayed, “I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (NRSV). Paul's letter to Philemon is a living embodiment of that prayer.
Paul's letter reminds us: if we are in Christ, “there is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:28, NRSV
What does this look like today? It means churches partnering across ethnic and economic lines not out of pity but out of genuine mutuality. It means relationships where those with power voluntarily lay it down to lift up others. It means listening, learning, and loving across barriers.
To truly live out the gospel, those with societal power must choose voluntary displacement. Jesus Himself “emptied himself, taking the form of a slave” (Philippians 2:7, NRSV). Paul follows suit by choosing the path of appeal over command.
Likewise, for Philemon, the challenge was not
It shows that the unity of the church—across all social, racial, and economic barriers— is not just a spiritual reality but a lived, relational one.
Living out the gospel means more than personal piety; it demands radical relational transformation. It calls for the voluntary relinquishment of societal power, the embracing of “the other” as beloved family, and the living witness that in Christ we are truly one. Through such transformative relationships, the church can fulfill its prophetic calling, revealing to the world that Jesus Christ has come, that He loves us, and that His love breaks every barrier.
May we, like Paul, be willing to relinquish power for the sake of love. May we, like Philemon, be willing to transform relationships, even when culture says otherwise. May we, like Onesimus, find our true identity not in society's labels but in Christ's love. As we step beyond social barriers, we bear prophetic witness to a watching world: that Jesus Christ has indeed come, that He loves us, and that in Him, we are truly one.
Melody J. Wachsmuth, at the time of this writing, was a graduate student at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.
Faithful
Waiting
By Janis Lowry
What does it mean to live as faithful followers of Jesus in a world that is crowded, noisy, and constantly changing? We live in an age of overwhelming information and scarce connection. While we are surrounded by the tools of communication—phones, computers, media—many of us, even within our families and churches, feel isolated. What does it mean to be Adventist, to live as people waiting for Christ’s return, in such a time as this?
Our guide for today is drawn from the words of Jesus Himself—particularly from Matthew chapters 24 and 25, where we find four interconnected parables: the Unfaithful Servant, the Ten Bridesmaids, the Bags of Gold, and the Sheep and the Goats. These stories are not merely about “signs of the times” or doctrinal warnings—they are about living faithfully, relationally, and actively as we wait for the Lord. Let us explore what these stories teach us about our mission—not just as individuals, but as Seventh-day Adventists living in the public square.
Faithful servants: Living with integrity
(Matthew 24:45-51)
Jesus begins with the parable of the faithful and unfaithful servants. The faithful servant feeds his fellow servants, caring for their needs while the master is away. But the unfaithful servant, convinced the master will delay, abuses his fellow servants and indulges himself. This parable reminds us that our calling is not just about public declarations of faith but about how we treat one another in everyday life. Are we caring for those entrusted to us? Are we feeding—not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally—those around us?
Ellen G. White reminds us in The Desire of Ages that “Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves” (p. 25). When we understand this, we see our neighbors, colleagues, and even strangers as people worthy of care—not because they earn it, but because Christ valued them first.
In today’s world, the public square has shifted. It is not only the literal street or town square but social media, workplaces, community spaces. Are we faithful in these spaces? Do we offer encouragement, justice, kindness, and care? Or do we fall into the patterns of neglect, self-interest, and sometimes even cruelty, justifying it because “the master has not yet come”? The faithful servant’s reward was not just praise but an enlargement of his responsibility. When Christ returns, will He find us faithfully engaged in the work He left us?
Wise bridesmaids: Preparedness and readiness
(Matthew 25:1-13)
The parable of the ten bridesmaids speaks to readiness. All ten were invited; all had lamps; all were waiting. But only five had brought extra oil. When the bridegroom came, the foolish five realized too late that they were unprepared. Adventists are known as “people of the Second Coming,” but let’s be honest: we’ve been waiting a long time. How do we keep our lamps burning while waiting through delays? Do we let the fire of our faith flicker
out? Do we think we can borrow someone else’s preparedness—rely on the faith of our parents, pastors, or institutions?
This parable speaks directly to personal responsibility. We cannot share someone else’s oil. We must cultivate our own relationship with Jesus. Ellen White puts it this way: “It is in a crisis that character is revealed” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 412). If we wait without preparation, we will find ourselves scrambling when the time comes. Preparedness here is not merely doctrinal knowledge or church attendance. It’s about the depth of our connection to Christ. Are we daily refilling our lamps through prayer, Scripture, service, and communion with God? Are we nurturing a living, breathing faith that can withstand the night of delay?
Bags of gold: Investing God’s gifts (Matthew 25:14-30)
The third parable tells of servants given bags of gold—or talents, as some translations put it. Two servants invest wisely, doubling what they were given. The third buries his in the ground, paralyzed by fear. Here we encounter a crucial teaching: God has entrusted each of us with resources—time, talents, relationships, influence. He expects us not to hoard or protect them out of fear but to use them courageously for His kingdom.
What does this mean in practice? It means using our abilities to bless others, to build up the body of Christ, to serve the community. Whether you are a teacher, nurse, musician, mechanic, businessperson, or stay-at-home parent, you have been given gifts. The question is: are you investing them for the Master? Notice that the Master praises not just the results but the faithfulness. The reward is not just “Well done” but greater participation in the Master’s work. As Ellen White indicates: “None can know what may be God's purpose in His discipline; but all may be certain that faithfulness in little things is the evidence of fitness for greater responsibilities” (Education, p. 61).
Sheep and goats: Serving Christ in others (Matthew 25:31-46)
Finally, we come to the judgment scene—the division between the sheep and the goats. Here, the criteria are strikingly simple: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned. The surprise is that the righteous did not even realize they were serving Christ when they served “the least of these.”
Adventists have often been identified by our beliefs, our doctrines, even our health practices. But it should trouble us if we are known more for what we don’t eat than for whom we do feed. Jesus’ standard for judgment here is not about religious knowledge or church participation—it is about love in action. How does this apply to us today? It means recognizing Christ in the refugee, the homeless, the addicted, the lonely, the marginalized. It means shifting from passive waiting to active engagement. As Ellen White wrote: “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 143).
So, how do we bring all of this together? What does it mean for Seventh-day Adventists to live faithfully in today’s public square? The old “informational model” of evangelism—distributing literature, holding large crusades, focusing solely on preaching—is no longer as effective in a society flooded with information but starving for relationship. People today are not looking for more noise; they are looking for authentic connection.
This means our witness must be lived, not just spoken. It’s in the way we care for each other, the way we serve our neighbors, the way we show integrity at work, compassion in public discourse, humility in conflict. It means we are not called to withdraw from the public square in fear or arrogance, nor to shout louder to be heard—but to show up faithfully as servants, bridesmaids, stewards, and sheep who know the Master and serve Him in others.
Let me offer these practical takeaways: Be faithful where you are—you don’t need a platform, a microphone, or a title to be a faithful servant. Begin where you are—in your family, your workplace, your neighborhood. Feed the people around you—not just physically, but with encouragement, love, and practical help. Prepare daily—don’t assume you can borrow faith or readiness from others. Cultivate your own connection with God through Scripture, prayer, and service. Keep your lamp filled and burning, even during long nights of waiting. Invest your gifts—what has God entrusted to you? Identify your talents, resources, and opportunities, and put them to use— not just for your own advancement, but for God’s kingdom. Step out in courage, not fear.
Feed the people around you— not just physically, but with encouragement, love, and practical help.
Adventism in the public square is not about making noise, winning arguments, or standing above the crowd. It’s about living a life of quiet, courageous faithfulness. It’s about feeding, preparing, investing, and serving as we wait for the Master’s return. When Jesus returns—and He will return!—may He find us not sitting idly, nor anxiously staring at the sky, nor caught up in self-serving pursuits, but faithfully engaged in the work He left us to do. May we be among those who hear the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Master.”
Janis L Lowry is an assistant professor and works in both the Center for Academic Achievement and Health and Biomedical Sciences Department at AdventHealth University.
Summer Camps Utilize Discovery Mountain Bible Guides for Pentecost 2025
Across the continent, Seventh-day Adventist churches and schools are proclaiming the gospel through events and Bible studies— many made possible by Pentecost 2025, a North American Division (NAD) initiative intended to mobilize church members for evangelism this year through start-up funds, resources, and training. But pastors, elders, principals, and teachers are not the only local church leaders involved in this widespread evangelistic push.
Numerous summer camp directors and counselors have also plunged into Pentecost 2025, utilizing nearly 5,700 sets of sleekly designed, highly relevant kids’ lessons: the Discovery Mountain Expedition Bible Guides. Created by the Voice of Prophecy (VOP), these studies feature a compelling continuous story set in Discovery Mountain Camp, a fictional summer camp familiar to fans of VOP’s popular Bible-based audio drama, Discovery Mountain
The Pentecost 2025 planning committee did not originally intend to include summer camps in their initiative, according to Rick Remmers, assistant to
the president at the NAD. Plans shifted when camps expressed interest in joining. Leadership chose to supply them with Bible studies.
The NAD’s Youth and Young Adult Ministries Department already had Momentum, a Bible study series for teens. But the NAD didn’t have a resource geared toward the majority of summer camp attendees—junior-aged kids. That changed when Remmers spoke with Alex Rodriguez, an associate speaker and the evangelism director for VOP. (The media ministry is one of Pentecost 2025’s official partners.)
Rodriguez recommended the Expedition Bible Guides—14 lessons that not only introduce readers to key doctrines of the Adventist Church but also immerse them in the world of Discovery Mountain, which releases fresh spiritual content each week and reaches hundreds of thousands of young listeners around the globe.
A counselor prays with a camper at Camp Yavapines.
“The Expedition Bible Guides are more than just lessons,” Rodriguez said.
“They’re supported by
“A really neat aspect of this camp Bible study initiative is that the people who will be doing most of the teaching will be Adventist young adults, collegiates, and older high school students.” Alex Rodriguez
The Voice of Prophecy’s Expedition Bible Guides immerse readers in the world of Discovery Mountain, a popular Bible-based audio adventure series started by the media ministry more than eight years ago.
Learn more at DiscoveryMountain.com/Expedition.
the Discovery Mountain wholistic universe, and with them we have the opportunity to provide a support system especially for campers who are not Adventist and will not be returning home to Adventist churches or schools.”
“Discovery Mountain could become their ‘family,’” he continued, “and we hope that the things they learn in these guides and through Discovery
Mountain programming will continue sparking a flame in their hearts until the day that the Lord gives them an opportunity to take their place in the army of God.”
When the NAD announced their offer to supply camps with kids’ Bible studies, orders poured in. More than 30 camps requested Expedition Bible Guide sets, often by the hundreds. With their appealing graphics and solid biblical context, these guides will enable camps to easily infuse their activities with spiritual content, Remmers said. He’s also excited to see how these guides will equip counselors.
“A really neat aspect of this camp Bible study initiative is that the people who will be doing most of the teaching will be Adventist young adults, collegiates, and older high school students,” he said. “Being a camp counselor already challenges them in a lot of ways; giving Bible studies will keep nudging them forward spiritually—and it becomes easy when you have a guide like Expedition, which walks you through the process.”
Jean Boonstra, Discovery Mountain’s executive director and a VOP associate speaker, further described how these guides perfectly fit the camp
Campers are baptized at Camp Yavapines.
environment. “The Expedition Bible Guides are a wonderful resource for small group study or oneon-one baptismal studies, and the boxed set comes with clear instructions for leaders and students,” she explained. “Each guide begins with a summer camp story—so the context will be meaningful for campers—and that story ends with a cliffhanger so the student will want to read more. I hope campers grow with God this summer by using these studies.”
Tracy Woods, director of NAD youth and young adult ministries, expects each camp to utilize the Expedition Bible Guides in a way that blends with their unique operations. Some will use the guides during cabin devotional times, others in Bible study sessions, and still others during rest periods and before bedtime.
“There is one thing that all of our 60-plus Adventist camps do well with,” Woods affirmed, “and that is sending campers home with rich spiritual experiences and lifelong memories.”
Daniel Ortega, youth ministries and summer camp director for the Southern California Conference, explained that counselors at Camp Cedar Falls will use the guides to conduct evening worships in their cabins.
“Counselors will go over the first five lessons and invite the campers to complete the rest,” he added. “Those who complete all the lessons will be recognized and sent a certificate of completion
and a small gift from the camp. Our goal is to share those items with their pastor—or a pastor in their area if the camper is not part of an Adventist church.”
Ortega is one of several directors planning to use these Bible studies as a way to connect kids with local churches. In fact, many are planning to send the guides home with campers. That way, any kid who wants to continue studying the Bible will have a resource to read while waiting for additional study arrangements to be made with their local Adventist church.
“Last year, we at Camp Yavapines sent home Bible study guides with most of our baptismal candidates,” said Melanie Cruz, director of camp ministries and Adventist Community Services for the Arizona Conference. “This year, we’re hoping to send the Expedition Bible Guides home with everyone.”
Cruz views this initiative as a way to reach both campers and their families. “We’re excited that every home, every family, will have the opportunity to grow further in their relationship with Christ after the kids return from camp,” she said. “We have quite a few non-Adventists who attend our summer camp, and I pray that God will help us know how to continue connecting with them and their families.”
Amanda Blake is an editorial assistant at the Voice of Prophecy.
Vietnamese Refugees Mark 50 Years Since Arriving at Loma Linda University Medical Center and New Lives in America
Loma Linda University and Medical Center welcomed 410 Vietnamese refugees to campus on May 2, 1975—the end of a long journey for a group of health workers evacuated from Saigon Adventist Hospital and others from their positions as Adventist pastors and church leadership in South Vietnam. Fifty years later, dozens of members from that group gathered at the Loma Linda Chinese church to recall the circumstances surrounding this pivotal moment in
their lives and to say a public thank you to Loma Linda University Health and the community that welcomed them with open arms.
Richard Hart, president of Loma Linda University Health, represented the university, medical center, and community during the May 3 ceremony, accepting a plaque from the group that recognized the ways the Loma Linda community did more than respond to a crisis, embracing the 410 refugees with grace and kindness.
Fifty years ago, South Vietnam was a country in turmoil. By early April 1975, 16 divisions of North Vietnamese troops surrounded the capitol city of Saigon. Evacuations were underway to move Americans to safety.
Ralph Watts Jr., at the time the president of the Southeast Asia Union and chair of the Saigon Adventist Hospital board, had been assigned to phase out the operations of Saigon Adventist Hospital. Watts quickly recognized that because of
their affiliation with an organization headquartered in the United States, the lives of Vietnamese citizens who had been serving at the hospital would be at risk once the North Vietnamese took over the city.
Watts began relentless efforts to arrange for the safe evacuation of the hospital’s Vietnamese employees. Working with Vietnamese Adventist Church leadership, who identified 125 people whose lives were clearly at risk, Watts launched a series of delicate negotiations with U.S. military officials to arrange for the group’s evacuation. But while the evacuation plans for the 125 hospital employees began to come together, the church leaders began giving Watts additional names of people at risk. Watts worked tirelessly with United States military leaders to make sure that each person was ultimately approved for evacuation. As the group boarded a series of military evacuation planes on April 24 and 25, 1975, Watts had secured the safe evacuation of 410 hospital employees, church workers, and direct family members.
All Vietnam evacuees were taken to Guam for processing. But U.S. immigration policy would not allow any refugee to leave the island without a sponsor. None in the 410-member group had a sponsor to continue to the United States.
Watts sought help from David Hinshaw, dean of the LLU School of Medicine and director of the Medical Center. Several phone calls later, Hinshaw confirmed that Loma Linda University
would sponsor all 410 group members. Hinshaw went on to officially notify immigration officials in Guam of Loma Linda’s intent, and within days, the refugees flew from Guam to Camp Pendleton near San Diego, traveling by bus for the final leg of their journey to Loma Linda.
While the refugees were traveling, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, the community, and local businesses quickly prepared to welcome the group to their new country with open arms and open hearts. Rows of donated army cots filled the floor of the Gentry Gym, the gymnasium on campus at the time. Businesses and community members donated thousands of clothing items, toys, blankets, and other supplies. Doctors and other medical staff offered their time to provide needed physical examinations and other healthcare services.
While Gentry Gym served as the group’s home, Loma Linda University was partnering with the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists to identify locations that could offer employment opportunities, housing, and educational options for the children. The 410-member group included physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians and other skilled medical workers, pastors, teachers, and other office workers. Many of these professionals quickly found employment and other assistance from Adventist organizations across the country. Student-age refugees received intense English language instruction at La Sierra University, many of them going on to become professionals in various
business and healthcare-related fields.
Loma Linda University’s enthusiastic support opened opportunities for the refugee group that shaped entire families and generations to come. This first wave of refugees made significant impacts where they were resettled. Almost every group formed a new Adventist company or congregation, allowing them to share the gospel and provide support for other Vietnamese refugees who arrived in the United States in the years that followed.
TWithin two weeks, Loma Linda’s operations at Gentry Gym concluded. But the legacy of these 410 lives continues to tell a story of God’s miraculous leading through moments of incredible difficulty. Loma Linda University and the surrounding community stepped up without hesitation, providing a place of healing and hope to 410 Vietnamese nationals displaced to a new country. And 50 years later, those acts of generosity continue to be remembered.
California Adventist Universities
Join Forces to Champion Student Success
hree premier Adventist institutions in California—Pacific Union College, La Sierra University, and Loma Linda University—are exploring an ambitious new collaboration aimed squarely at elevating the student experience. Backed by the Pacific Union Conference, the proposed California Adventist Consortium responds to growing pressures in higher education, such as federal funding cuts, mounting student debt, and declining enrollment due to shifting demographics. The vision behind this initiative is clear: by uniting
their strengths, these institutions aim to create a more accessible, innovative, and supportive academic environment while still honoring the unique identity and mission of each campus.
One of the most compelling aspects of the consortium is its promise to broaden academic access. Students will be able to take select courses from other member campuses without needing to transfer, giving them greater flexibility and a more diverse range of educational options. This intercampus cooperation allows learners to customize
their academic paths in ways that reflect their goals and interests.
The consortium also seeks to enrich students’ learning experiences through expanded research opportunities. By pooling faculty expertise and research infrastructure, the participating schools will offer more interdisciplinary projects and hands-on learning, equipping students with the kind of realworld skills and insight that today’s careers demand.
Career readiness is another key focus. Shared programs and cross-campus events will provide students with valuable networking opportunities, preparing them to enter the workforce with confidence and competence. Whether through internships, mentoring, or professional development seminars, students will benefit from a broader support system as they transition from the classroom to their careers.
Equally important is the initiative’s emphasis on
affordability and efficiency. By sharing resources and implementing collaborative funding strategies, the consortium intends to reduce operational costs and increase the overall value of a Christian Adventist education in California.
Finally, the initiative serves as a launchpad for student-centered innovation. From modernizing education delivery methods to improving student services and integrating new technologies, the consortium aims to be a hub for forward-thinking solutions that place students at the center of every decision.
As discussions move forward, organizers are also working through the necessary legal and accreditation frameworks to ensure the consortium’s sustainability and compliance. If successful, this unified approach could mark a transformative chapter in Adventist higher education across California.
Christ’s Heart for the City:
Reaching the Unreached in Our Inner Cities
By Leon Brown
While we have eagerly sent missionaries across oceans— and to some extent we still do— and send our youth on short-term mission trips, we have sometimes forgotten the hurting, searching, and unreached souls just a few miles from our churches, right in the inner cities of America. These are places of challenge—but also places of opportunity, where God’s love is desperately needed. The Bible message is simple but urgent: God’s heart beats for the inner city, and He calls us to carry His light into even the hardest corners of our urban world.
Let’s be honest: bringing the gospel into the inner city isn’t easy. We are faced with some very deep barriers to working in the inner cities: poverty, crime, broken families, itinerant living, poor education, and racism.
Poverty is not just an economic condition—it’s a spiritual burden. Families struggle to survive day to day, often consumed by hunger, worries about unpaid bills, and inadequate housing. It’s hard to focus on spiritual matters when physical needs press so heavily. And yet, as Jesus showed when He fed the hungry before preaching (John 6), addressing physical needs can open the door for spiritual truth.
Fear hangs heavy over many city neighborhoods, both for residents and for “missionaries.” We cannot downplay the need to be streetwise and alert when working in the inner city. But we must remember: our Lord walked straight into places others feared to go. He sat with tax collectors, sinners, and outcasts (Luke 15). We are called to step into danger zones—not foolishly but courageously, bearing the peace of Christ.
In many inner-city homes, family structures are fractured. Fathers may be absent; mothers may struggle alone. And yet, the gospel speaks powerfully into this void, offering healing, restoration, and a vision of belonging in God’s
family. “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling” (Psalm 68:5).
People move frequently, often without notice— fleeing danger, dodging debts, or simply trying to survive. For the evangelist, this means ministry has to be immediate, personal, and flexible. We must seize every opportunity, knowing that the window to share the gospel may close tomorrow.
Teaching God’s Word to people who struggle with reading or understanding theological terms can require patience. But isn’t this what Jesus did? He taught in parables, using everyday language. We are called to speak plainly, lovingly, without assuming people have the tools we take for granted.
Finally, the painful reality of racism shapes interactions on both sides. White evangelists entering Black neighborhoods must recognize both their own unconscious biases and the understandable mistrust they may encounter. Humility, patience, and consistency are key.
While the challenges are great, the opportunities are even greater. The gospel thrives in places of need because God’s power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Unlike suburban sprawl, inner cities pack people together— sometimes multiple families live in a single house or apartment. One visit can reach many. The harvest is plentiful! (Matthew 9:37). Because of high
unemployment, many residents are home during the day, providing access for outreach. While joblessness is a tragedy, it can also create openings for deep, transformative conversations about life, hope, and the future in Christ.
So how do we bring the light of Christ into such a complex environment? Traditional doorto-door work still has value—but it’s often less effective in high-poverty areas where people may be reluctant or suspicious. The real breakthroughs happen through friendship. Just as Jesus befriended Zacchaeus (Luke 19) and the Samaritan woman (John 4), we are called to build authentic relationships—without judgment, without rushing, without condescension. Even moments of humor or kindness can lead to spiritual openness.
Christian schools in the city may be more than just educational centers; they may be powerful
Let’s be honest: bringing the gospel into the inner city isn’t easy. We are faced with some very deep barriers to working in the inner cities: poverty, crime, broken families, itinerant living, poor education, and racism.
mission tools. Parents eager to improve their children’s futures are drawn to these schools and, through them, to the faith that shapes the school community. This provides a natural, organic connection between education and evangelism.
While the church’s ultimate mission is spiritual, meeting physical needs is often the first step. Whether through food pantries, clothing drives, or housing assistance, churches can show the tangible love of Christ. As 1 John 3:17 reminds us, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” At the heart of urban mission work is the belief that God’s Word works. Isaiah 55:11 promises that God’s Word “will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” We must hold onto the truth that it is God who makes things grow (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Our job is to plant and water, trusting Him for the harvest.
Jesus Himself modeled urban ministry. He walked through crowded streets, spoke to the despised, touched the untouchable, and loved the unlovable. He was not intimidated by poverty, reputation, or threat. When we minister in the inner city, we follow Jesus into the places where He is most needed—and often most welcomed.
Remember how the “sinners and tax collectors” flocked to Him, while the religious elite often held back (Luke 15:1-2).
Church, do not fear the inner city. Do not shy away because of the challenges. Let’s remember Ellen G. White’s words: “When the cities are worked as God would have them, the result will be the setting in operation of a mighty movement such as we have not yet witnessed” (Medical Ministry, p. 304). The cities are not God-forsaken—they are ripe for revival! We must pray, plan, and step out in faith, knowing that God longs to reclaim these places for His kingdom.
Do we carry unconscious fears or prejudices that keep us from reaching into the city? Are we willing to lay aside comfort, reputation, and convenience to serve Christ among the least of these? Even if you personally cannot go, you can give, pray, and advocate for ministries already laboring in the city. Seek out urban “missionaries” and encourage them. Ask how your church can partner with inner-city congregations. Innercity ministry requires preparation—not only in
Scripture but in cultural awareness, street smarts, and relationship-building skills. Take time to learn, to listen, and to be equipped.
The gospel is not limited by context. It changes hearts in the suburbs, the countryside, and the cities alike. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11) is at work today in apartments, alleyways, and shelters.
Remember, the challenges we face are no match for the power of God. As Paul writes in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
Let us hear Christ’s call anew: the fields are white for harvest, even—and perhaps especially— in the inner cities. Let’s not shrink back. Let’s not wait for someone else to go. May we be bold. May we be humble. May we carry the love of Christ into places of need, trusting that wherever the gospel is preached, God will bring life.
Leon Brown is vice president of the Pacific Union Conference.
“ Native American Camp Meeting
Iwant to thank the staff here at Holbrook for their support,” said Dale Wolcott, speaking at the beginning of the Arizona Conference Native American Camp Meeting. “They even moved the location of their graduation to allow us to set up.”
The Native American Camp Meeting is organized by the Arizona Conference Native American Ministries Department, headed by Wolcott.
The camp meeting had to move to the Holbrook Indian School gym because the church, which usually hosts it, was being renovated to repair damage from a burst pipe that had flooded it earlier in the school year. The school staff and administration offered the gym and moved the graduation ceremony offsite.
This year, the event featured speakers with roots deep in the Navajo community.
“Instead of bringing in outside speakers this year, we decided to feature local people involved in ministry,” said Wolcott.
Speakers included Dawna Holiday Shchedrov, Nathan Manuelito, Oliver Fulton, and Misty Yazzie Kirtley. Their messages resonated deeply with attendees as they testified about their spiritual journeys, emphasized resilience, and discussed cultural identity within the Christian journey. Desert Witness, whose performances added a heartfelt dimension to the worship experience, provided musical inspiration.
In addition to the main sessions, the camp meeting offered dedicated children's programs, ensuring that participants of all ages could engage meaningfully with the event. Katie Chitwood, who had organized the children’s programming in previous years, returned to lead these programs, combining spiritual lessons with interactive activities.
By Jeff Rogers
The Holbrook Indian School gym was the site of this year’s Native American Camp Meeting.
LEFT: A special prayer session closed out the Friday evening program. RIGHT: Hermus Poor Thunder leads out as part of the Sabbath School panel.
Dale Wolcott introduces Dawna Holiday Shchedrov at the Friday evening program.
Sounds of Freedom
“
There is a large push for religious liberty today from Christian circles,” said Ray Navarro. “My goal is for our church members to gain a better understanding of where the Seventhday Adventist Church stands on the major issues surrounding religious liberty.”
Navarro serves as the executive secretary of the Arizona Conference and heads the Arizona Conference Religious Liberty department. The department organized a rally May 16 and 17 at the Phoenix Camelback church featuring Bettina Krause, editor of Liberty Magazine, and Alan Reinach, executive director of the Pacific Union Church State Council, as presenters. The event’s theme, “Sounds of Freedom,” brought together church members and leaders to explore contemporary challenges and affirm the importance of religious freedom in today’s society.
Krause kicked off the Arizona Conference Religious Liberty Rally with her keynote address Friday evening. Drawing from her experience in Washington, D.C., and international advocacy, Krause emphasized the enduring significance of safeguarding religious freedom amid an evolving socio-political landscape. On Sabbath, she delivered the main worship service message, further delving into the rally’s central theme.
On Sabbath morning, attendees participated in a Sabbath School session led by Reinach. His presentation, “The Supreme Court and Religious Freedom: Hate Speech or Free Speech?” examined recent legal developments and their implications for religious expression.
A panel discussion moderated by Navarro on Sabbath afternoon fielded questions that addressed
pressing topics such as religious employment rights, the rise of Christian sociopolitical forces in government, the role of religious liberty in the light of the gospel and Revelation, and fostering interfaith relationships. Panelists included Camelback Pastor John Stanton, Reinach, Krause, and Thunderbird Adventist Academy history and government teacher Will Gile.
“It was very well done, especially the panel discussion,” responded one attendee. “We were considering skipping, but we’re glad we stayed.”
Navarro is looking forward to hosting more events to broaden the knowledge base of conference constituents. “I want to be a resource person for our local religious liberty church leaders,” he said. “Also, I’d like to be involved in fighting for religious liberty rights in our community.”
By Jeff Rogers
ABOVE: Alan Reinach (left) engages in a conversation with Bettina Krause (right) during the panel discussion. FAR
LEFT: Ray Navarro addresses the audience at the religious liberty rally.
LEFT: John Stanton (left) addresses a question during the panel discussion.
Prayer Ads to Pew Seats: How Orosi Church Turned Digital Clicks Into Real-Life Bible Studies
Prayer ads on Facebook have done more than collect clicks for Orosi church—they’ve opened Bibles and filled pews. Pastor Daniel Miranda began the digital evangelism prayer ads with one simple conviction: “If Jesus met people at wells and marketplaces, His church must meet people where they gather today—online.”
Launching faith online
When Miranda first suggested running prayer ads on Facebook, some members of the Orosi church wondered
whether digital outreach could bear fruit in their small agricultural town. Yet—supported by conference funding and guidance from the communication department—the ads soon routed a wave of prayer requests straight to the church. Within days, the digital missionaries’ phones lit up nonstop with prayer requests: concerns about failing health, strained marriages, financial pressures, and grief. For Miranda, those requests confirmed that in 2025 digital evangelism is no luxury; it is a necessity.
Prayers to pews
Miranda loves to tell the story of Myra, who clicked on a prayer ad. Battling illness and anxious for her grandson’s future, she submitted prayer requests to the Orosi church. Miranda assigned her request to one of the church’s digital missionaries, and the two quickly formed a beautiful friendship—Myra had found not a stranger but a sister in Christ. A week later she asked if she could visit the Orosi church “just to meet the people who were praying for me.” Today she attends weekly Bible studies, is planning her grandson’s dedication, and invites family members to worship—evidence, Miranda said, that she “found the church she’d been looking for.”
Screens to sanctuary
Miranda shared another story—about José’s family. Grieving the recent loss of both parents, José clicked the Orosi church’s Facebook prayer ad and typed a desperate request. “I never expected an answer so quickly,” he later
The José Family visits the Orosi Adventist church.
Pastor Daniel Miranda prays at the Orosi church.
said. Miranda responded at once, prayed with him online, and soon arranged an in-person visit. Sitting in José’s living room, they opened Scripture, prayed for comfort, and formed a bond that led the entire family to attend Sabbath worship. Church members warmly welcomed them, turning a digital encounter into face-to-face fellowship. “I’m so grateful that a conversation online brought us all the way to church,” José reflected.
A church re-energized
Through the ads, the Orosi church has become far more visible in the community and has even reconnected with members who had slipped away. “Some who left years ago saw the ads, realized the church is still here, and reached out,” Miranda reported. The project has also ignited fresh missionary passion within the congregation. “They had the desire, and they’ve done wonderful work,” he said, adding, “Sometimes we think we know who is fit for this work, but that’s God’s decision. I can’t deny the opportunity to
anyone willing to serve.” The result? Orosi church feels newly energized—its members convinced that when love meets consistency, prayers really can lead people to the pews.
Lessons learned
What has the team discovered?
1. Simplicity wins. Basic graphics, clear messaging, and quick, heartfelt replies opened the door to spiritual conversations in the digital space.
2. Every member can serve. Training was minimal; desire to help was enough. “God calls and equips,” Miranda said.
3. Consistency matters. Follow-up turns a one-time prayer into an ongoing friendship.
Miranda’s advice to other churches is direct: pray, start small, listen more than you speak, and record every contact so no one is overlooked. “If you love people and you’re good at making friends,” he said, “digital ministry is for you. Just be consistent.”
A call to action
Running ads can be inexpensive—sometimes as little as $10 a week—and the reach is vast. Miranda imagines a wave of Central California congregations using similar prayer ads to connect with neighbors and open Bibles across the region. “If our church can move someone from a Facebook scroll to a Bible study and a seat in the sanctuary,” he said, “imagine what God can do through dozens of churches that choose to press ‘Post’ for His kingdom.”
By Bryan Bong
Members of the Orosi Church praying over the José family.
BELOW: Dee Dee Bindernagel (right), Director of Digital Evangelism at Orosi church.
Honoring a Legacy of Service: Ron Rasmussen to Retire After 44 Years of Ministry
...the longest-serving executive secretary in conference history
Ron Rasmussen officially retired on June 1, 2025, after serving the Central California Conference for an exceptional 43 years and 11 months. His nearly 44year tenure reflects a deep dedication to ministry and mission.
Rasmussen started pastoral ministry in July 1981, serving as assistant pastor of the Bakersfield Hillcrest and Arvin churches. After seminary training, he served as associate pastor of the Sunnyvale church from September 1984 to January 1988. From February 1988 to September 1991, Rasmussen was pastor of the Chowchilla church. From October 1991 to June 2002, he served as pastor of the San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay churches. From June 2002 to January 2011, he was pastor of the Modesto Parkwood church. On Jan. 16, 2011, Rasmussen became executive secretary of the Central California Conference; he had the honor of being the longest-serving executive secretary in conference history, holding the post for 14 years. During that time, he also served in various roles such as interim president, and for some months he coordinated the communication department and, more recently, the human resources department.
Rasmussen received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loma Linda University in ministerial studies with an emphasis in educational ministry. He obtained a Master of Divinity from Andrews University and later earned a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, concentrating on church health and growth, church leadership, marketing and mission, church management, and conflict management.
The Central California Conference expresses heartfelt appreciation to Elder Ron Rasmussen for his unwavering dedication, spiritual leadership, and Christ-centered service. His legacy of faithfulness and excellence has blessed countless lives and strengthened the mission of the church. We wish him God’s richest blessings in retirement.
By Justin Kim
Walking God’s Path at the Pathfinder Fair
Pathfinders from across the Central California Conference converged on Fresno Adventist Academy May 2-4 for the 2025 Pathfinder Fair—three unforgettable days of fellowship and friendly competition under the theme “Walking the Path God Has Set,” inspired by Isaiah 30:21: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (NIV).
Clubs showcased their skills in events such as Bible Hunt, First Aid Relay, and Shelter Pitch, and Pathfinders proudly displayed crafts they had created throughout the year—testaments to the creativity, perseverance, and dedication of Adventist youth. For the first time, a group of Adventurers joined the fair, marching in the parade and exhibiting their own art projects—an inspiring glimpse of the next generation already embracing the Pathfinder spirit.
The weekend also marked the historic debut of the
conference’s drum corps, The Central Valley Golden Eagles, whose precision rhythms drew enthusiastic applause. Between events, attendees sampled crowd favorites—pupusas, Orosi’s famous burgers, refreshing boba, and more—turning the fairgrounds into a festival of flavors and fellowship.
Sabbath afternoon brought a heartfelt tribute to Helen and Albert Hill, honored for 40 and 39 years of service as Area 1 Coordinators. The gathering also bid a fond farewell to Area 2 Coordinators Alexis and Lee Catala, who are relocating to Michigan after 28 years of devoted leadership in Central California. Their legacy of mentorship and ministry was met with standing ovations and grateful prayers.
The Pathfinder Fair capped the program year—a time to reflect on growth, celebrate milestones, and give glory to God for His faithful guidance every step of the way. As one leader urged, “Let’s continue walking the path God has set together.”
By Norma Villarreal
Hawaii Conference Hosts First-Ever Clerks and Treasurers Retreat at Camp Waianae
For the first time, the Hawaii Conference brought together church clerks and treasurers from across the islands for a weekend of connection, education, and spiritual growth. Held at Camp Waianae, this inaugural event marked a significant step in equipping and empowering those who serve in these vital ministry roles. The weekend’s theme, “Called to Invest: A Ministry of Data, People, and Mission,” emphasized the spiritual calling behind the administrative work that supports the mission of the church.
Attendees gathered on Oahu at Camp Waianae to reflect on their responsibilities, exchange best practices, and grow in fellowship. The event was more than a training—it was a spiritual retreat designed to affirm and uplift those who often serve quietly behind the scenes.
A highlight of the weekend was the keynote presentation by Jorge Ramirez, guest speaker from the North American Division. With clarity and conviction, Ramirez spoke on the crucial importance of clerks and treasurers in the overall mission of the church. His message underscored that managing records, resources, and data is not simply a task—it is a ministry that enables the church to thrive and move forward with purpose.
Breakout sessions provided a space for clerks and treasurers to meet separately in focused workshops tailored to their specific responsibilities. These sessions allowed for meaningful discussions, hands-on training, and
the opportunity to address common challenges in a collaborative environment. Participants left better equipped and inspired to bring new energy and ideas back to their local churches.
The retreat also provided moments of worship, reflection, and fellowship, helping to strengthen the bonds between ministry peers across the conference. For many, it was a much-needed reminder that they are not alone in their work—and that they are indeed "called to invest" their gifts for the advancement of God’s mission.
As the weekend concluded, there was a shared sense of gratitude and momentum. The Hawaii Conference looks forward to continuing this initiative, supporting its ministry leaders, and building a stronger, more connected community of faith.
By Miguel Manzo
Bearing His Image as Artists
Genesis tells us that “In the beginning, God created.” From the start, the Bible states that God is an artist, so is it any wonder that many who walk the earth bear His image as an artist? From photography to graphic design to sculpture, pottery, paint, charcoal, and more, artists across the globe continue to share their gifts with us through various forms of art.
At Holbrook Indian School (HIS) there is no shortage of artists. A great number of our students are incredibly gifted in the arts, and it has been such a blessing and privilege to witness the level of skill and excellence that flowed from their fingertips this year. Our graphic arts teacher, Mrs. Importante, hosted an art exhibit to display their talents schoolwide. Parents and family members were also encouraged to attend.
On April 15, students and three staff members showcased their work during the first-ever HIS art exhibit. Students experienced firsthand the effects that their creativity has on others as they watched fellow students and staff bid for their pieces during the silent auction.
The program began with opening remarks from Mrs. Importante, as well as a few students, sharing why it’s important to develop the gifts and talents we’ve been given by our Creator. Selected staff served as judges for the artwork and together collaborated to decide which awards students received in each category. However, there were two students who stood out among the group. Marina, a ninth-grader, earned the Artist of the Year award, and Leo, a junior, earned the People’s Choice Award as well as the Distinguished Artist award.
Artist: Leo
Calvin explains his work to Mr. W, one of the judges.
Truly, each work of art was a masterpiece because each artist put their heart and soul into it. When we think about the effort and thought that an artist puts into their work, and when we consider Ephesians 2:10— “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (NLT)—we gain a better understanding of His deep love for us.
At HIS, we take great effort to encourage our students to recognize the gifts and talents they’ve been
given, and where possible, we help them consider those gifts as part of the decision process when choosing a college or trade school to attend after graduation. In His knowledge and care for our hearts, God gave each one of us the ability to represent Him through our gifts and the mark He left on us as co-creators and co-artists with Him. Let’s remember that truth when we find ourselves at a crossroads, wondering what may be His next step for us.
To see more of our students’ artwork, visit: holbrookindianschool.org/hisnation.
By Kimberly Cruz
A Seventh-day Adventist Boarding Academy Serving Native American Youth Since 1946
Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is a first- through twelfth-grade boarding academy operated by the Pacific Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. HIS also manages a firstthrough eighth-grade day school on the Navajo reservation in Chinle, Arizona. Eighty-seven percent of funding comes from individuals who have a desire to support Native American ministries and Christian education. Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of our students, their families, and the communities they serve.
Thank you for your support.
Leo uses his gift of graffiti in a positive way.
Draven’s art leans toward skateboard graphic design.
Cowen’s 3-D masterpiece
PUC Nursing Students Study Jesus as Healer
The Jesus as Healer class, offered by Adventist Health for nursing students at Pacific Union College, begins by considering a historical scene: A plague has struck the ancient city of Athens, killing one-quarter of the population—an estimated 75,000 to 100,000 people dead in less than two years. One survivor, Thucydides, an Athenian military commander and historian, contracted the illness and lived to describe “violent heats in the head,” “discharges of bile of every kind,” “ineffectual retching,” “small pustules and ulcers” and “bodies of the dying heaped one on top of the other.”
Modern scholars surmise this plague was caused by smallpox, typhus, or bubonic plague. Whatever the cause, conditions were desperate, fear rampant, and organized healthcare nearly non-existent. “When people were afraid to visit the sick, then they died with no one to look out after them; indeed, there were many houses in which all the inhabitants perished through lack of attention,” wrote Thucydides.
This grim scene—one in which the very wealthy enjoyed access to basic medical care, but the vast
majority attempted to survive without doctors, nurses, and medicine—was one of several ancient plagues setting the backdrop to a dramatic shift in the history of medical care. The pivot began much later in Galilee as “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:35-36, NIV).
The New Testament records more than 30 instances of Jesus healing people. Revolutionary ways of thinking about the physical body took root and inspired a new approach to caring for ourselves and one another. The followers of Jesus became the driving force behind radical changes in healthcare. People came together across class, gender, race, ethnicity, and background to support one another in unprecedented ways. The way Christian communities cared for the sick became more structured and organized, and community hospitals took shape.
In the Jesus as Healer class at PUC today, nursing students think deeply about these roots of modern healthcare. They consider: What does it mean that God desires our good health? How am I called to serve as Jesus did? How does what I believe about God and the world affect the nursing care I will provide?
They ponder nursing as a vocation—a calling from God to care for others—rather than simply a career. They think about Jesus’ example and consider how inspiring one another with health is holy work. They absorb His promise that there will come a day when all sickness and pain are a thing of the past. They are becoming the nurses we want to care for us when we are sick or injured or scared.
Adventism itself has been greatly shaped by the healing ministry of Jesus. Adventists care about health and healthcare. It’s deeply ingrained in our identity. “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38, NIV). The PUC School of Nursing, partnering with Adventist Health on classes and nursing cohort training, is developing the next generation of nurses who will provide more caring, healing, and hope as Jesus did.
By Kim Strobel
Christon Arthur Inducted as La Sierra University’s Sixth President
More than 10 months into his tenure as La Sierra University’s sixth president, Dr. Christon Arthur was inaugurated in an official ceremony on May 20 that celebrated his arrival and first academic year in the new role.
Arthur was selected by the La Sierra University Board of Trustees in May 2024 and began his presidency last July 1. He serves as the first Black president in La Sierra’s 103-year history.
Arthur previously served eight years as provost of Andrews University in Michigan and before that as dean of the School of Graduate Studies & Research. Prior to Andrews, he held administrative posts for four years at Tennessee State University. Altogether, Arthur holds 25 years in higher education, of which about 20 years occurred in leadership positions.
Since his arrival at La Sierra, Arthur has led initiatives designed to spur growth and bolster enrollment through goal-setting and improved processes, with a focus on reviving a cohesive campus culture by building community, practicing inclusivity, and creating transparency. He has implemented strategic marketing and enrollment investments and the development of core values and purpose to guide institutional and individual actions.
The May 20 inauguration ceremony included official greetings from students, faculty, staff, alumni, city of Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson; Dr. Wolde-Ab Isaac, chancellor of the Riverside Community College District; Dr. David Morrow, president of the 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire community nonprofit; Dr. Bradford Newton, chair of the La Sierra University Board of Trustees; and Juan Antonio López de la Torre, director of Adventist Colleges Abroad.
Dr. Andrea Luxton, president emerita of Andrews University and associate director of higher education for the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, delivered an inaugural address titled “The Power of Yes.” She noted that those in leadership roles must proceed with both heart and mind fully engaged. She described how the word “yes” nurtures potential, paves pathways forward, and inspires hope, opening the ability to see potential in people and situations and embrace strong voices.
Dr. Bradford C. Newton, chair of the La Sierra University Board of Trustees, left, pauses for a photo with Dr. Christon Arthur, president of La Sierra University, following Arthur’s receipt of the presidential medallion.
Following the inaugural address, Newton carried out the installation ceremony, which culminated with the bestowing of the presidential medallion upon Arthur. Noting Arthur’s significant career and academic achievements, Newton added that presidents arrive with different personality and character traits and styles. “I do know, Dr. Arthur, God had you prepared for us. Thank you for saying ‘yes,’” he said.
In his response, Arthur pointed to La Sierra University's call to make the impossible possible, describing the university’s commitment to its core mission of seeking truth, knowing God, and serving others while finding the right balance between tradition and innovation as it pursues a dedication to equity, meritocracy, and student success as they cultivate their potential to better God’s world.
“I stand here to attest that with God, the impossible is possible,” Arthur said. “We believe that we are called to great things. We believe that we must do what no one else tries to do. We believe that with God, La Sierra University will make the impossible possible.”
By Darla Martin Tucker
Medical Center and Children’s Hospitals
Earn Magnet Redesignation
Loma Linda University Medical Center and Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital each earned Magnet re-designation as part of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. The exclusive honor, which was announced in May, continues to distinguish the hospitals as the gold standard for nursing excellence and patient care within the entire Inland Empire and the only hospitals in San Bernardino County to hold the designation.
The voluntary credentialing program for hospitals recognizes excellence in nursing and is the highest honor a healthcare organization can receive for professional nursing practice. This is the second time the two hospitals have received the prestigious distinction, which recognizes organizations whose nursing strategic goals align to improve patient outcomes.
Helen Staples-Evans, DNP, RN, NE-BC, senior vice president of care services and chief nursing officer at Loma Linda University Medical Center, thanked the ANCC for their commitment to excellence and for the recognition and attributed the honor to the nursing staff.
“Our original Magnet designation in 2020 set lofty expectations before us. Today, this re-designation affirms our achievements and reflects
See the latest news and Health & Wellness stories from Loma Linda University Health at news.llu.edu.
the years of commitment each of you has shown to our mission, our patients, and one another,” StaplesEvans told staff.
Sherry Nolfe, DNP, RN, chief nursing officer at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, said the re-designation again underscores the quality of care that Children’s Hospital offers the community.
“This prestigious honor reflects the dedicated, compassionate, and excellent care our nurses provide to the women, children, and families who seek our help in their moments of greatest need,” Nolfe told employees. “This was a team effort with all our clinical colleagues, and we will remain steadfast in our mission to maintain remarkable patient outcomes.”
Less than 10% of the more than 6,000 hospitals in the United States have been evaluated as worthy of Magnet status.
By Ansel Oliver
PUC Establishes Master of Arts in Communication Online Program
Pacific Union College is proud to announce a new online Master of Arts in Communication program, currently the only Seventh-day Adventist institution to offer this degree.
Tara Hargrove, PUC chair of the Departments of Communication and World Languages, is excited about this new degree program. "I am especially looking forward to possible collaborations with other departments, institutions, and organizations," she said. "Courses are designed by industry professionals and faculty to include real-world experiences and applications, including a study tour experience— location pending! I love that this program is asynchronous and accessible for a wider range of students to add to their skill sets."
The degree has three emphases: Communication Research, Strategic Communication, and Health Communication. The program also offers four certificates that can be stacked or taken on their own: Communication Research, Strategic Communication, Health Communication, and Communication.
The program is for working professionals who want practical skills in digital communication, media strategy, leadership, and analytics. It equips graduates to excel in dynamic communication roles across industries, including healthcare and denominational employment.
Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Professions Milbert Mariano said this new online program means PUC can reach students beyond campus. “We are adding to our list of online graduate programs providing much-needed training for busy professionals who want to advance their careers through master's degrees,” he said. “It also means we can collaborate with our MBA program to introduce a new MBA Emphasis in Strategic Communication.”
The MA in Communication joins the four other online degrees PUC offers. For information on the master’s and online degrees, visit puc.edu/academics.
By Ally Romanes
RIGHT: Patsy receives her certificate of achievement and badges, celebrating her accomplishments in honors like Camping Beginner, Camping Advanced, and Archery.
FAR RIGHT: Patsy Jenkins stands for a portrait during the endof-year Pathfinder ceremony at Mountain View church.
Patsy and the Sin City Saints Win First Place at the NAD-Level PBE
Meet Patsy Jenkins. Patsy is not a Seventhday Adventist, but you wouldn’t know it by the way she leads, teaches, and disciples the Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) team at Mountain View church in Las Vegas. For the past three years, she’s coached a group of young people called the Sin City Saints—and in 2025, they took first place at the North American Division PBE Finals, a national-level achievement.
But this story is about more than a trophy. It’s about what happens when a local church opens the door wide enough for someone outside the denomination to walk in, serve with purpose, and change lives— including their own.
Patsy’s passion isn’t complicated. She saw what kids were missing, and she decided to do something about it.
“With everything that’s going on and the kids always out and about,” she said, “most kids are not growing up in the church, or they’re not studying. So I figured if we do PBE, it gives the kids the opportunity to dig into the Bible, dig into God’s Word. And that’s something they keep with them.”
She’s seen how the Word of God becomes part of their lives. “It comes to you whether you think you forgot it or not—something happens, and it’s there. It’s in your heart. The Word is there, and you’re able to cling to that.”
A
culture of the Bible, not just a club
Her approach is spiritual and structured. Every day begins with the same priorities: “Bible first, pray first, praise first.”
Their team studies together at 8:00 a.m. daily. Each member is responsible for specific chapters, but they all come together to review, discuss, and truly understand the Word. “Before they study on their own, I break the
chapters down. What is this chapter about? What is it talking about? We have to understand it first. Once you understand it, then you can study it.”
Patsy insists on physical Bibles, no screens. “You can have all the electronics you want, but you’re going to pick up a physical Bible. Hold God’s Word in your hands. It’s different than reading on the phone. You feel the weight of it.”
Building disciples, not just winners
What stands out most is how deeply Patsy is shaping the spiritual lives of her team within the structure of the Pathfinder Club.
“They’re able to carry [the Word] with them. When they’re going through something, they remember, ‘In Kings, it said this. In James, it said this.’ That’s what it’s about.”
That’s discipleship. That’s leadership. And that’s why the Sin City Saints are already preparing for next year with chapters assigned and hearts set on going all the way again.
By Neat Randriamialison
A group photo of the Pathfinders, leaders, conference representatives, and the Sin City Saints, marking the close of another memorable Pathfinder year.
All ages participate in lifting up prayers for the church and its mission. RIGHT: A family pauses for personal prayer at one of the designated stations.
Wasatch Hills Hosts Powerful Prayer Vigil in Preparation for Pentecost 2025
On April 5, members and friends of Wasatch Hills church gathered for an afternoon of focused prayer during a special prayer vigil. Held on a Sabbath afternoon at the church, the event marked
ABOVE: A young participant engages in a creative activity tied to one of the interactive prayer stations.
RIGHT: Prayer station kits are ready for participants to use as they journey through the church during the prayer vigil.
an important step in the congregation’s spiritual preparation for Pentecost 2025.
Designed as a self-guided experience, the vigil invited participants to journey through the church building at their own pace, pausing at various stations to lift up prayers for specific ministries, classes, leaders, and areas of service. Each location—from classrooms and offices to the sanctuary and parking lot—was paired with tailored prayer prompts to support heartfelt intercession.
Prayer themes included welcoming newcomers, empowering ministry leaders, fostering spiritual growth across all age groups, and preparing hearts for outreach and evangelism. Special emphasis was placed on praying for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and for the success of the church’s outreach efforts as part of Pentecost 2025.
The event drew inspiration from Matthew 18:20, affirming the power of united prayer: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (NIV).
After inviting God's presence into every corner of ministry, participants left encouraged and spiritually refreshed, reminded of the power of prayer to unite the church.
By Hillary Schlehuber
LEFT:
BELOW: 1. Chico Oaks Adventist School, 2. Clearlake SDA Christian School, 3. Echo Ridge Christian School, 4. Feather River Adventist School, 5. El Dorado Adventist School, 6. Foothills Adventist Elementary School, 7. Galt Adventist Christian School
OPPOSITE PAGE: 8. Ukiah Junior Academy, 9. Sacramento Adventist Academy, 10. Hilltop Christian School, 11. Orangevale SDA School, 12. Napa Christian Campus of Education, 13. PUC Elementary, 14. Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy, 15. Redding Adventist Academy, 16. Paradise Adventist Elementary, 17. Middletown Adventist School, 18. Pine Hills Adventist Academy, 19. Lodi SDA Elementary, 20. Yreka Adventist Christian School, 21. Westlake SDA School, 22. Vacaville Adventist School, 23. Redwood Adventist Academy
Congratulations to the extraordinary Class of 2024! These inspiring young men and women remind us that God's purpose for children is far greater, deeper, and higher than we could ever imagine.
If you've been following our weekly newsletter, Northern Lights, you've witnessed the remarkable stories of these outstanding graduates and glimpsed their immense potential. Each story is a testament to their hard work, faith, and dedication.
Our church's educational system is more than just a place of learning; it is a training ground for the soul, illuminating the gospel in every household, school, parent, teacher, and child. Here we nurture not only academic excellence but also spiritual growth and moral integrity.
Every day these graduates bravely navigate the complexities of our world, confronting unique challenges with unwavering resilience and determination. Their journey and accomplishments inspire us all, reminding us of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead when faith and perseverance guide the way. As they step into the future, we are confident they will continue to shine brightly and make a profound impact on the world.
By Communication Staff
Northern California
Lodi Academy
Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy
Pacific Union College Preparatory School
Pine Hills Adventist Academy
Paradise Adventist Academy
Academy Graduates
Rio Lindo Adventist Academy
Napa Christian Campus of Education
Sacramento Adventist Academy
Black Is Not a Monolith: A Tapestry of Worship and Culture
On May 12, the Riverside Kansas Avenue church was transformed into a vibrant celebration of sound, soul, and spiritual depth through an event titled “Black Is Not a Monolith.” Created and curated by young adult Marissa Wright, the night sought to challenge the narrow assumptions often placed on Black worship—namely, that it exists solely within the gospel tradition.
The evening featured a diverse range of musical expressions, from classical choral pieces and hymns to jazz, contemporary worship, and spoken word—all offered through the lens of Black spirituality. For Wright, the title and vision of the event were deeply personal and years in the making. “The title came from a moment in a theology class where a professor asked how we worship,” Wright recalled. “My friend Joseph Smittick responded simply, ‘Black is not a monolith.’ That stuck
with me. We are not a singular sound or story.”
Wright’s own worship journey spans various communities—from gospel services at Kansas Avenue to classical performances with the Aeolians of Oakwood University. “I was hoping to communicate our versatility,” she said. “There’s nothing we can’t do—and we do it excellently. This event was about showcasing the range of Black expression in worship, something many people haven’t had the chance to see.”
Delroy Brooks, associate pastor of Kansas Avenue, offered support for the event and emphasized the importance of creating space for new voices in ministry. “I see myself as a cheerleader,” he said. “Events like this show us that young people aren’t walking away from church—they’re transitioning. We need to make room for their creativity.”
The event sparked meaningful reflection on how church communities can better honor the fullness of Black identity. “Our identity has too often been shaped by media or politics,” Brooks noted. “My hope is that we return to our first love and allow our worship to reflect the truth of who we are in God.” While Wright is cautious about promising a series, she’s open to what’s next. “I definitely want to do this again,” she said. “But only with the same level of prayer, purpose, and intention.”
“Black Is Not a Monolith” was more than a program. Instead, it was a movement in melody that reminded all in attendance that Black worship is, and always has been, a beautifully complex tapestry.
By Jordyn Wright
LEFT: Marissa Wright explains the reasoning behind the worship night. RIGHT: Joseph Smittick opens the evening by reading an original poem.
Discipleship and Evangelism Take Form at SECC’s CDE Rally
Discipleship will remain at the core of a believer’s journey—to become a disciple of Jesus and help make disciples. The Ministerial Department of Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is creating an intentional focus on discipleship for members. On May 3, at the Loma Linda Korean church, over 300 members, leaders, and pastors were welcomed to the first Center for Discipleship & Evangelism (CDE) Rally. The aim was to introduce the new Center’s initiative. Attendees heard inspiring messages from four main speakers, spent time in prayer, were led in thought-provoking panel discussions, and fellowshipped with other participants.
intentional community in the disciple-making process. Testimonies and conversations throughout the rally reflected a shared hunger for deeper spiritual growth and practical ministry tools.
The evening began with a welcome from SECC President Jonathan Park, Ministerial Director Will Penick, and Associate Ministerial Director Meshach Soli, who provided an overview of the rally. Members in attendance were eager to learn about ways to get involved through CDE.
The featured speakers included Nimrod Maua, pastor of Church in the Valley; Kendra Haloviak Valentine, professor of New Testament and Ethics at La Sierra University; Jonathan Henderson, pastor of Vallejo Drive church; and Vadim Dementyev, associate director at Center of Community Change. Each speaker emphasized the need for personal transformation and
The panel discussion was comprised of four pastors who shared personal testimonies of their experience with cohort discipleship, called “The Journey,” and its impact on their ministries. Mark Sigue, pastor of Loma Linda Filipino, participated on the panel and shared, “After 22 years, ministry took a whole new turn for me.” He acknowledged that the curriculum ensures that different perspectives are shared, which helped create environments for intergenerational worship at his church.
Throughout the evening, attendees were introduced to CDE’s core pathways, including leadership development, evangelistic training, and support for church revitalization. Resources such as workshops, coaching cohorts, and digital content will be available to help individuals and congregations grow in their calling to make disciples.
“Discipleship is not a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle,” said Penick. “The Center exists to walk with churches on that journey, so that every member can live out their faith with purpose and impact.”
The rally concluded with a recommitment prayer as participants stood together in unity—affirming their desire to be transformed disciples who disciple others. With strong interest and momentum from the rally, SECC leaders are hopeful that the Center for Discipleship & Evangelism will become a catalyst for spiritual renewal across the conference.
By Taji Saleem
LEFT: Henderson preaches to the congregation. RIGHT: Penick asks a question of the panel of pastors.
A group of attendees prays together.
Clubs line up prepared to march.
Marching with Purpose: Celebrating Club Ministries within SECC
The campus of La Sierra University was vibrant with rhythmic drums, food booths, and over 3,000 attendees who gathered for the Southeastern California Conference’s (SECC) fourth annual Club Ministries Fair. With over 100 clubs represented and more than 2,000 participants marching in the parade, the event reflected the camaraderie developed by Pathfinders, Adventurers, and Master Guides in SECC.
Now in its third year being held on La Sierra’s campus, the Club Ministries Fair is the result of merging the longstanding Pathfinder Fair and Adventurer Fun Day. This fusion has not only preserved cherished traditions but also created a new space to celebrate the accomplishments of clubs at the end of their ministry season. This year’s fair marked a milestone in attendance and participation, reflecting the increasing energy and commitment within SECC’s club ministries.
Organized by Michel Aguinaga, club ministries director; Savannah Villa, youth secretary; Jared Gonzalez, assistant media director; and 25 dedicated club ministry coordinators, the success of the event was evident through the vibrancy throughout the day. “I really enjoyed seeing all the families and friends come together to support the clubs,” Gonzalez said. “Everyone had a smile on their face as the clubs from every county marched on the grounds of La Sierra University.” He especially highlighted the enthusiasm around the Drill
Eleven clubs are recognized with awards.
Down competitions, noting the high level of preparation and discipline displayed by participating Pathfinders. La Sierra University President Christon Arthur addressed the morning crowd with an inviting message: “This is your home.”
Recognition was another key feature of the day. Eleven clubs earned a prestigious platinum award, while others received silver and bronze honors. Special acknowledgment was given to Pathfinder Bible Experience teams and the first Adventurer Bible Game participants—underscoring the commitment to spiritual growth and excellence.
The event offered more than just marching and awards: slip-and-slide games and a foam machine enticed attendees with active fun. A diverse menu including pupusas, burgers, and Kona Ice refreshed hungry attendees.
The success of the fair, as Gonzalez noted, was not only in the numbers but in the seamless execution and positive feedback from directors and families alike. “One director told me how everything was on time and even ahead of schedule,” he said. “It just showed how committed everyone was to making this event a success.”
In every way, the Club Ministries Fair exemplified the unity and spirit of SECC’s club ministries—a celebration of what happens when dedication, hard work, and community come together.
By Jordyn Wright and Taji Saleem
Pathfinders present the flags during the parade ceremony.
Making History and Music: Celebrating 40 Years at RAA
When people think of Redlands Adventist Academy (RAA), a rush of images likely comes to mind: community, spirited sports, engaging academics, cherished friendships, and the phrase “Go Bulldogs!” For many, that list also includes music, and when music is mentioned at RAA, it is easy to think of this name: Mr. James Walters. RAA recently paid tribute to this longtime educator and music director by celebrating an extraordinary 40-year legacy of teaching and mentorship with a surprise performance at the school’s annual High School Spring Concert.
Walters, a figure at RAA since the early 1980s, has worn many hats—teaching history, government, and economics while also directing the school’s band and acclaimed handbell ensembles. Known for his peacesign greeting, fun-loving humor, historical insight, and appreciation for Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Walters has left an enduring mark on generations of students.
To honor his four decades of service, alumni and current members of RAA’s Bellissimo handbell ensemble organized a covert tribute under the direction of Principal Will Arnold. Walters was invited to the gym on the evening of the concert under the pretense of helping with a project. As the concert began, Arnold addressed the audience, reflecting on Walters’ influence and assuring attendees that this was not a retirement announcement.
At Arnold’s cue, a group of 10 to 12 alumni and seven to eight current students entered the gym holding
copies of Walters’ very first handbell composition. The crowd responded with gasps and applause as the ensemble quietly assembled. As the final player joined, Walters was invited to the podium to conduct the piece himself—completely unaware of the plan until that moment. Although the group had only one day of rehearsal, the performance was heartfelt and polished, ending in an emotional standing ovation.
In addition to the live tribute, all handbell students from grades 5 through 12 signed a commemorative gift: a decorative message mounted behind a vintage brass school bell—symbolizing the sound legacy of a teacher whose impact continues to ring through the halls of RAA.
By Kay Bracker
Alumni and students gather around Mr. Walters.
Students take the iconic “Walters peace sign” selfie.
Churches Promote Well-Being During Mental Health Awareness Month
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month, observed each May, has helped address the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. This May, Bellflower, North Hills, and All Nations churches hosted special programs to raise awareness, offer resources, and create space for open conversations around mental health.
Bellflower church invited speakers to talk about mental health and well-being. One Sabbath, Byron Rivera, Psy.D., spoke about the role of shame in mental health. Sharing about the woman at the well in one session, Rivera talked about the emotional weight shame carries and how faith, paired with honest self-awareness, can lead to deeper healing and mental well-being. Another Sabbath, Linda CavinessPark, Ph.D., spoke about neuroscience and the path to psychological well-being.
“There is a [fractal] pattern God used when He created Adam and Eve—and in turn, you and me,” Caviness-Park said in a session. “That pattern is not just a pattern of how He put us together as brain, body, and heart, but it’s a pattern that goes much deeper.”
She explained how this pattern shows God’s thumbprint at every level in the body, which she described as mental, physical, and spiritual health working together for optimum health.
The annual Heart and Mind Summit hosted by North Hills church addresses mental health challenges that impact the community. This year’s theme,
“Untangling Our Relationships,” focused on bringing healing and restoration to families. Recognizing that mental health is not just an adult issue, this year’s summit offered tracks for kids ages 5-10 and 11-14 and provided daycare for preschool-aged kids. Some activities in the sessions included identifying circles of trust among friends and family, understanding emotions, and learning coping skills.
“I think it’s important to help kids build emotional vocabulary and find ways to express the big feelings they experience,” Angel Smith, North Hills associate pastor, said. “It was a blessing to help walk them through it and let them know it’s OK to be angry, for example, and to provide them with healthy ways to manage their emotions.”
All Nations church also aimed to provide resources for the younger generation. At the end of the month, the church held a mental health talk and dinner designed for middle and high school students. A session presented by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) included a presentation, short videos, and a personal testimony from a young adult about their journey to recovery. Youth had the opportunity to ask questions to understand this oftenmisunderstood topic.
“Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are very common,” said Melissa Eusebio, All Nations health ministries director. “Teens are especially vulnerable because they often feel the need to be accepted and validated. We need to share positive messages about mental health with teens and the ways they can connect with care so that they don’t feel alone when they need to manage a mental illness.”
These are just some examples of how churches throughout Southern California Conference are working to break down the stigma around mental health and provide tools to improve mental well-being.
By Araya Moss
LEFT: Sharon Tanghal, L.C.S.W., leads kids in an activity in understanding their emotions. RIGHT: A presenter shares how to recognize warning signs.
LEFT ABOVE: SCC President John H. Cress provides a framed copy of the congratulatory letter to GFC from SCC leadership. RIGHT ABOVE: Demetrio Robles, who served as the lead pastor at GFC from 2010-2017 and later returned in an interim capacity, shares memories of his time at GFC and blessings for the congregation’s next chapter.
Glendale Filipino Church, “The Church With His Heart,” Marks 50 Years
Fifty years ago, a small group of members in Glendale came together as the question was asked, “We live in Glendale—why do we have to go far away to go to church when we could have our own church here in Glendale?” The Central Filipino church in Eagle Rock, planted in 1957 as the first Filipino Adventist church in the U.S., had grown to a point where a new congregation in Glendale made sense.
At every step, the Lord provided for the new congregation. After renting a facility on Pacific Avenue for about four years, they began to outgrow it. Then, at a local mayor’s breakfast, Pastor Chua Banaag connected with a realtor who shared about a church for sale in Glendale on S. Louise Street and allowed the pastor to check out the facility to see if it would be a good fit for the congregation. The building was soon purchased for around $500,000 to become the new home to the Glendale Filipino church (GFC), and the congregation still worships there today.
Since then, eight lead pastors have served at GFC, and God has brought GFC to a new chapter as Michael Magdadaro joins the congregation as its new lead pastor this summer.
Members and friends celebrated the 50th anniversary with a special weekend of festivities this May. Sabbath events included the morning church service, an afternoon worship service, and an evening new member welcome party luau. On Sunday, members gathered for food, fellowship, and fresh air at a church picnic.
Magdadaro shared a message on Sabbath morning centered on Hebrews 12:2—encouraging those in attendance to stay committed to the mission with humility and determination. “Friends, family, thank you for
responding to the call,” he said as members gathered in response to the closing appeal. “God sees your heart. God sees that we are committed to carry the torch and to light the way for others who are in darkness, to usher in the Second Coming, and to lead people to a living relationship with Jesus.”
On Sabbath afternoon, the Southern California Conference (SCC) leadership commemorated the occasion with a letter read by SCC President John H. Cress. “Since your establishment in 1975, your congregation has embodied the essence of being ‘The Church with His Heart,’ fostering a loving and compassionate community that reflects Christ’s love in every endeavor,” he read. The letter was accompanied by a $5,000 check from the conference to support the continued work of ministry.
As GFC embarks on the next 50 years, they build on the foundations laid in the first half-century of their history as they prepare themselves for Christ’s Second Coming and continue sharing the good news of His return with others.
To watch the Sabbath services or hear from the founders, visit https://scc.adventist.org/gfc50.
By Lauren Lacson
The Pathfinders share a special music in sign language to “Shout to the Lord,” accompanied by the praise team.
Campus Connect Ministry Creates Communities on Campus for Adventist College Students
To address the ever-present need for spiritual community among young people, Southern California Conference (SCC) Campus Connect
Ministries launched last fall under Senior Youth and Young Adult Ministries to support Adventist students attending non-Adventist colleges and universities in Southern California.
At the heart of this new and growing ministry is Ruth Chung, member of Upper Room Fellowship company. As a counseling psychology professor at University of Southern California (USC), she got involved with USC’s Adventist Christian Fellowship when she began working as a faculty in residence eight years ago. Chung and another faculty member were supporting the fellowship, but between covid and the high turnover of graduating students, the momentum was difficult to maintain, and they eventually lost their student organization status. Pressed but not discouraged, Chung set out to connect with more Adventist students throughout Los Angeles County.
“I just feel very passionate about trying to create campus communities where students can come together and talk about the challenges of navigating their faith as Adventists in a secular environment,” Chung said. “Young adulthood is such a dynamic period of development; it’s very formative. The things that happen during this time are so impactful.”
After finding support with leadership from SCC and
Pacific Union Conference, who saw Chung’s vision and understood the opportunities for ministry at college campuses, Eden Seo was hired as a chaplain for Campus Connect to help create community, provide resources, and support students as they develop their faith.
Seo, along with a team of young adult pastors and lay leaders in SCC, quickly went to task visiting campuses. They set up meet and greet events offering pastries and prayer. These introductions led to forming small groups at USC, Pasadena City College, and Los Angeles College of Music.
“It’s a time to fellowship and hang out,” Seo shared. “We’ll worship together, have a Bible study with an open discussion, and we always have food. Each small group is not going to look the same; it depends on the school.” The groups have also gotten together for hiking, service projects, and meals.
Slowly, more connections are being made throughout Los Angeles County, with Seo also getting to know students at California State University Northridge (CSUN) and University of California Los Angeles. Because of laws in place to protect privacy of students, the team doesn’t have access to a list of students who identify as Adventist. The ministry largely depends on students seeking them out—one campus at a time.
“These students come from all over the country,” Chung said. “If you have a child, grandchild, cousin, nephew, niece—anyone who’s attending a nonAdventist college—we’re here. We’re eager to connect with them and minister to them.”
By Araya Moss
Seo (front left) and Northridge Pastor Sergio Caishpal (front right) meet up with students from CSUN.
Christian Botello, associate pastor of Eagle Rock church, prays with a student at USC during the “cup and a blessing” meet and greet.
Hollywood Church Partners With Studio 526 to Host “We Are the Light” Art Gallery
A“friend to the city for 100 years,” the Hollywood church has fostered relationships in the community that help them meet the needs of those who come through their doors.
The church’s current partnership with social services agency The People Concern’s Studio 526 demonstrates the active and practical outworking of the Christian faith that has come to define the “purple church” in Hollywood.
“At Studio 526, we have a free art studio for the Skid Row community—for anybody who’s ever experienced homelessness, is currently homeless, or is at risk of becoming homeless,” shared Alice Corona, Arts Program Manager, Studio 526. “It’s a beautiful space where people could come and do artwork and be creative.”
“The work we do here at Hollywood and the work that [Studio 526] does in Skid Row really had the same goals, the same impact on our community and individuals,” Mae Chinn, longtime member at Hollywood church, explained, “and there was this common ground.”
The fruit of this joint interest took the form of a collaborative art exhibit that opened this May in the Hollywood church lobby featuring the work and stories of 15 artists. “There’s something, as David Bentley Hart says, about beauty that’s indispensable to the very nature of God,” noted Greg Hoenes, who currently serves as the interim pastor at Hollywood church, returning after pastoring the church from 1997-2004. “And when we express ourselves as an extension of the creativity of God, I think something amazing happens.”
After experiencing long covid, Gerardo Rivas, one of the artists, recalled going through a tough time and asking God, “What’s next in my life?” God answered
through Rivas’s artistic expression. “I’m a life, a testimony, a person that can say that through art, one can be healed in your physical body. God is repairing my physical body—emotional and spiritual.”
Many of those who come to the studio, Corona explained, have been living through trauma. “When you’re surviving, you don’t have a space to be creative,” she said. “When you come to the studio and you haven’t done art in years, maybe, and you start seeing that person just start being creative, you start seeing something wake up in that person and the excitement that they get. They’ll tell me, ‘I haven’t done art since I was in kindergarten’ or ‘I didn’t know I was an artist.’ You see a release and healing of that, and it’s just so powerful.”
Learn more at hollywoodadventist.org/we-are-thelight. The exhibit will run through July 27, 2025.
By Lauren Lacson
LEFT: Gerardo Rivas displays his “splatter paintings.”
RIGHT: A visitor enjoys “The Many Faces of Jesus” by Gary Brown (acrylic on canvas).
Mae Chinn shares information about the artwork with some visitors.
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Calendar
La Sierra University
Art Camp. Learn to create with watercolor painting, pastels, and polymer clay. For youth ages 8-12, offered July 7-10, 9 a.m. -12 noon at La Sierra University. Cost: $125. Call 951-785-2152 or email tthomas@lasierra.edu.
Pickle Paddle Swim. Learn pickle paddle swimming at La Sierra University, July 14-17, 9 a.m.-12 noon. For youth ages 8-12. Cost: $125. Info and registration: hes@ lasierra.edu. To pay, call 951-785-2152.
Pacific Union College
Korean Camp Meeting , July 20-27. Korean Camp Meeting will take place at PUC. It is open for all ages, providing a variety of meetings and activities expounding on Christian values in both Korean and English.
Birding Bonanza & Alumni Retreat , Aug. 21-24. Come spend time with fellow bird lovers and alumni to relive your favorite college memories and add to your life bird list. You will learn what PUC’s biology department has been up to and interact with current students and faculty through worship and outings focused on coastal birds and biology. Visit puc.edu/ birding for registration and more information.
Connect Ministries is a group of Pacific Union College students passionate about Jesus and sharing through music and worship. The bilingual team leads worship services, retreats, youth events, and any programs where they can inspire other young people to become worship leaders. Any school or church interested in having them visit, please email connectministries@puc.edu.
Add PUC News in Your Church Bulletin. With many updates to share at Pacific Union College, we designed a printable bulletin insert for churches to use. Just print the PDF double sided and cut in half, then include as a bulletin insert. Download at puc. edu/bulletin.
Subscribe to the PUC Now Newsletter. Stay up to date with Pacific Union College by subscribing to their monthly newsletter at puc.edu/subscribe. From campus stories and alumni features to student interviews, you’ll be in the now with PUC.
Southern California Conference Smyrna 45th Anniversary and Concert, Sept. 13. All day, ending with a concert at 6 p.m. Theme: “Celebrating 45 Years of Love & Faith, Awaiting Jesus’ Return.” Smyrna church, 4394 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016.
Classified
Employment
Holbrook Indian School is currently in need of an English/social studies teacher, a Maintenance Associate I, and a Maintenance Associate II. These are paid positions. If you or someone you know are mission-minded and would like to serve American Indian children, please see or share our jobs page at HolbrookIndianSchool.org/jobs.
The Miranda Seventh-day Adventist Church is looking for a missionary-minded couple to care for its church. The couple will rent the church trailer home and be responsible for maintaining the church grounds. For more information, please call Mike Michelli at 707-296-5518.
Wanted: Live-in housekeeper, some cooking, errands, dog care for senior widow in gorgeous estate in Henderson, NV. Private quarters, great lifestyle, guard gated community in Lake Las Vegas. Flex hours, days, must have a car. Send info to curtismyrna@verizon.net or call Myrna at 310-613-9549.
Manage estate home in Henderson, NV, part time. Perfect for semi-retired person to help with housekeeping, some cooking, dog care, and errands for widow who travels. Flex hours, gorgeous new Casita home with garage. Fantastic upscale living in guard gated community. Must have car. Call Myrna at 310-613-9549.
Adventist World Radio is seeking to hire someone to visit donors full time. Must be committed SDA, superior work ethic, available to travel 7 to 10 nights per month throughout the West Coast. AWR is the most exciting Adventist ministry today!
You Can Change Lives! Canvasback Missions is seeking a dedicated couple of strong faith to be co-directors of our Wellness Center, Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands in the tropical North Pacific. More information: https:// canvasback.org/career/ or call 707-746-7828.
Live-in caregiver available for a senior person. Highly skilled. 26 yrs experience. I "spoil" each client to make their lifestyle easy, comfortable, and worryfree. Lower cost than any facility. References. FBI background check. Open to relocating. Feel free to call: Candace 509-386-3198.
Pacific Union College seeks Dean for School of Nursing and Emergency Management. Excellent skills required in administration, leadership and support to faculty, staff, and students, program management/development, and effective communication/collaboration with all stakeholders. https://sdawest.pub/puc_newpost.
Pacific Union College seeks dedicated Executive Director to lead Human Resources operations and strategy and oversee well-being and development of talented team members. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential. https://sdawest.pub/job_posting. Email hr@puc.edu, 707-965-6231.
Pacific Union College seeks qualified candidates to fill open positions in fulfilling our mission to Learn with Purpose, Rise in Faith, and Serve in Love. Beautiful mountain campus, minutes to shopping, an hour+ drive of ocean and skiing. Current openings at https:// sdawest.pub/candidates.
Real Estate
PUC Commercial Space for Rent. Pacific Union College has commercial real estate space available for lease. The spaces are in various sizes and functionality and are available for inquiries. For additional information, please email Sam Heier at sheier@puc.edu.
Cottage for Rent. Are you looking for serenity and peace? Then this rental is the perfect place for you. A small and private cottage, complete with picket fences and gardens. 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms, skylights, and unique shower. Located in foothills by Collins Lake, CA. Contact John at Mountains. skyz@gmail.com.
For Rent to One Person: Small, rough cabin on 10 acres. $750 monthly. Owner will barter $500 monthly in labor. Needs finish work, deck built, plumbing, and solar system. You need 4WD, experience, and tools. Five miles to hardware, grocery. Calaveras County, CA Credit report required. donnadeblauw9@gmail.com.
Summit Ridge Retirement Villages, an Adventist community in a rural setting, offers affordable homes or apartments and caring neighbors, with fellowship
Discover the Healing Power of the Sabbath
What if the Sabbath is more than a commandment?
What if it’s a divine invitation to healing?
In A Day for Healing, respected author and theologian John C. Brunt takes readers on a compelling journey through the healing miracles of Jesus performed on the Sabbath. Drawing deeply from Scripture and enriched by scholarly insight and pastoral wisdom, this book challenges assumptions, uplifts the weary, and brings new meaning to Sabbath rest.
This is not a book for debate; it is for those who already cherish the Sabbath and long to live it more fully. Explore what it truly means that Jesus healed on the Sabbath. Discover how His actions reveal the Sabbath as a sign of restoration, not restriction
“The Sabbath was made for healing, and healing was made for the Sabbath.”
Perfect for Bible study groups, Sabbath School classes, and personal reflection, A Day for Healing will inspire you to see the Sabbath in a new light—one filled with compassion, freedom, and the wholeness Christ offers.
you will enjoy. Onsite church, planned activities, and transportation as needed. Onsite Wolfe Living Center offers independent living and nursing homes. Visit SummitRidgeVillage.org or call Bill Norman 405-2081289.
Choice Mountain land in the Cherokee Nat’l Forest in East Tennessee. Six tracts ranging from 2+acres to 7+ acres; gated community off a county-maintained road. Large creek. Underground power. 50 miles from SAU. Wonderful Christian neighbors.15 minutes from the Hiwassee River basin. Country living at its best. Call, text, email for more info and photos: 706-766-1825 or drdickmiller@gmail.com.
Seeking Adventist lights for this community. Threestory home; 2 complete living spaces. Four bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 kitchens, etc. Near Pacific Union College, Prep, elementary. Above river-sized creek; rolling hills. Own water access. May have dock. Close to Middletown shopping. $599,000. See pictures with details. www.listing4.com/1060deputydrive.
Country living with contemporary luxury in this newly remodeled 3-bed 2-bath 2700 sf home with open floor plan bathed in natural light with gourmet kitchen, SS appliances, granite countertops, LVP flooring. A master suite with a large bathroom and shower with a huge walk-in closet. Also a large game room/office, all on a single level. House on 1.6 acres backed by a pond and stream; more acreage available. Any questions or pictures, contact me at ptnbear@gmail.com.
Country Living in Northern California: 3-bedroom, 2-bath, newly renovated home for sale on one acre, quiet street 15 minutes from Redding, mature fruit trees, grapevines, 50x80 fenced garden area with small greenhouse, irrigation system, landscaping, 3-car garage, gym, and large 18x30 shop with RV hookups. Call, text 909-735-2745.
A rare mountain jewel, out of valley winter fog, in West Point, CA. 21.67 acres in High Sierras, just off Hwy 88, on way to Silver Lake and Lake Tahoe. 4500’ elevation, “mountain top” home site, southern exposure, plenty of water, horse corral, miles of forest trails with cedar, pine, fir, oak. 5th
NEW FROM
Oak & Acorn Publishing is a ministry of the Pacific Union Conference.
wheel and camping trailer onsite and campfire circle. $137,500. Call 209-745-2302. Owner/seller. Please no Saturday calls.
For Sale
Outpatient Physical Therapy and Aquatic Therapy in the foothills above Sacramento, CA. Turn-key practice, in business for over 30 years. Great referral base and solid practice. Lots of potential for growth. Great opportunity for someone wanting to establish a medical mission outpost or wellness center as well. 5400-sq-ft facility. $450,000. Flexible options to the right party. Contact levi2000@sbcglobal.net or leave message at 209-304-7455.
Well-established medical practice for sale in beautiful East Tennessee, one hour from Southern Adventist University. Low capital investment, 4000-sq-ft office building with 8 exam rooms, excellent support staff, completely furnished, 10 years of patients in electronic medical records. Transition assistance available. Please contact William H. Taylor II, CPA, MBA at whtayloriitn@ gmail.com indicating level of interest.
Vacation Opportunities
Biblical study tour of Greece. Footsteps of Apostles
July 2025 Sunset Calendar
City/Location JUL 4 JUL 11 JUL 18 JUL 25
Alturas (Shasta) 8:43 8:41 8:37 8:31
Angwin 8:37 8:35 8:31 8:26
Bakersfield 8:14 8:12 8:09 8:04
Calexico 7:53 7:51 7:49 7:45
Chico 8:38 8:36 8:32 8:26
Death Valley (Furnace Ck) 8:09 8:09 8:03 7:58
Eureka 8:51 8:48 8:44 8:38
Four Corners [E] 8:41 8:39 8:34 8:29
Fresno 8:21 8:19 8:16 8:11
Grand Canyon (South Rim) 7:48 7:47 7:43 7:39
Half Dome 8:23 8:21 8:17 8:12
Hilo 7:03 7:02 7:01 6:59
Holbrook (Sun City) 8:02 8:01 7:58 7:54
Honolulu 7:17 7:17 7:15 7:13
Joshua Tree 8:00 7:58 7:55 7:51
Lake Tahoe 8:28 8:26 8:22 8:17
Las Vegas 8:01 7:59 7:56 7:51
Lodi-Stockton 8:31 8:29 8:25 8:20
Loma Linda 8:04 8:02 7:59 7:55
Los Angeles 8:08 8:06 8:03 7:59
McDermitt [N] 8:29 8:26 8:22 8:16
Moab 8:45 8:43 8:39 8:34
Monterey Bay 8:29 8:27 8:24 8:19
Mt. Whitney 8:01 7:59 7:56 7:52
Napa 8:36 8:33 8:30 8:24
Nogales 7:32 7:30 7:28 7:24
Oakland 8:34 8:32 8:28 8:23
Paradise, CA 8:37 8:35 8:31 8:25
Phoenix 7:41 7:40 7:37 7:32
Pu‘uwaiau, Ni’ihau [W] 7:06 7:06 7:05 7:02
Reno 8:29 8:27 8:23 8:18
Riverside 8:04 8:02 7:59 7:55
Sacramento 8:33 8:31 8:27 8:22
Salt Lake City 9:02 8:59 8:55 8:49
San Diego 8:00 7:58 7:55 7:51
San Francisco 8:35 8:32 8:29 8:24
San Jose 8:31 8:29 8:25 8:21
Santa Rosa 8:38 8:35 8:32 8:26
Sunset Beach 8:30 8:28 8:24 8:19
Thousand Oaks 8:10 8:08 8:05 8:01
Tucson 7:34 7:32 7:29 7:25
[N]=Northernmost [S]=Southernmost [E]=Easternmost [W]=Westernmost point in the Pacific Union
“So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9
Paul and John in Greece. Sept. 3-15, 2025. A biblical journey through Philippi, Amphipolis, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Vergina, Meteora, and Delphi. Enjoy a cruise to Patmos, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, and Ephesus. Experience the Greek culture and food. Info: www.biblicaltouring.com, George Dialectakis, 860-4022247.
Biblical study tour of Turkey. Discover the Seven Churches of Revelation in Turkey. Sept. 14-21, 2025. Start at Istanbul, old Constantinople, and visit St. Sophia. Travel to the historic cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Pamukkale, Laodicea, and Kusadasi. Info: www.biblicaltouring.com, George Dialectakis, 860-402-2247.
Travel on a faith-based biblical tour to Malta and Sicily (Sept. 2025), Egypt (Dec. 2025), or Israel (March 2026) with Dr. Carl Cosaert, Dean of the School of Theology at Walla Walla University. To learn more, visit www.adventtours.org or email info@adventtours.org.
Bulletin Board
Kids need never be bored! Just point them to LifeTalkKids.net and let them listen to great adventures,
faith-building Bible stories, captivating science, and awesome nature programs and more 24/7. Kids grow better with radio. Download our free app at LifeTalk.net
Canvasback Missions: Help the Lord’s ministry of healing in Micronesia by donating your car, boat, bike, RV, or truck. All proceeds help provide free medical services to the island peoples of Micronesia. Canvasback Missions, a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, has been serving since 1986. For more info: www.canvasback.org or 707-746-7828.
Shop for new/used Adventist books: TEACH Services offers used Adventist books at www.LNFBOOKS. com or new book releases at your local ABC or www. TEACHServices.com. Authors, let us help publish your book with editing, design, marketing, and worldwide distribution. Call 706-504-9192 for a free evaluation.
Missing Members
Palm Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church, 620 S Sunrise Way Palm Springs, CA. 92264, 760-327-5112; email: palmspringsadventist@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for helping us contact the following missing members: Alejandra Alvarez, Sharon Angeles, Maria Aparecida DeSouza Bastos, Jeanette Bair, Sean Barnhart, Charles Beck, Milo Bickmore, Sue Bishop, Don Brewster, Tonja Barnhart Christianson, Evelyn Cook, Kristina Cook, Patty Cook, Mario Cuevas, Alyssa (Burton) Daymon, David Daymon, Arienne Dodrill, Preston Dubbs, John Easton, Shirley Easton, Paul Emerson, Debra Finck, Alicia Flores, Eduardo Flores, Higinio Flores, Regina Foster, Tammie Fraser, Tammy Frederick, Cathy Gardener, Fermin Garcia, Socorro Garcia, Daniel Garzam, Elizabeth Giner, Carol Gonzales, Yvonne Gonzales, Michelle Grozdich, Ruth Hammond, Irene Hall, Ella Hardin, Jessica Headley, Irene Harris, Michelle Hoskins, Robert Howell, Naomi Jabola, Nancy Jackson, Alfie Johnson, Shirl Kagle, Daniel Keller, Laura Keyser, Matthew Kirker, Peter Klein, Savanah Klein, Ronda Koochaki, Henry Kuh, Xiomana Landa, Sondra Leno, Christine Lundgren, Sama Maksoudian, Ana Marroquin, Misael Marroquin, Luz Maysonet-Calimlim, Judy Michaels, Nancy McFall, Kyla McMillan, Louise Nelson, Beau Newell, Agustin Olivera, Karin Patzke, Thomas Patzke, Elena Pelen, Brenda Perilla, Jennifer Perilla, Maria Perilla, Nicole Perez, Damien Philips, Sherry Ponce, Martha Radwell, Moises Rivas, Valene Rounsville, Linda Sage, Edythe Sandblom, Lois Schneider, Adams Sheldon, Harriet Steward, Shawn Smith, Andree Sperry, Janell Stemple, Terri Sturdevant, Maria Toth, Lydia Tucker, BuVy Valdez, Rick Vining, Kevin Wienke, Robert Willis, David Young.
At Rest
Boberg, Myrtle Kathleen – b. March 12, 1936, Seattle, WA; d. May 17, 2025, Loma Linda, CA. Survivors: children, Theo, Beth, Olin; three grandchildren.
Ford, Lavell – b. Sept. 29, 1929, Thatcher, AZ. Survivors: wife, Olive; sons Ray, Dan, Rob, Cal; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lavell was a cowboy, pastor, and elementary teacher. He retired as a physician.
Fultz, Judy – b. June 4, 1946, San Mateo, CA; d. Jan. 18, 2025, Riverbank, CA. Survivors: husband, Don; son, Donald Jr.; daughter, Monica. Judy was very involved with the Sabbath Keepers Motorcycle Ministry.
Harrom, Daniel D. (“Danny”) – b. March 11, 1948, Bloomfield, NE; d. Jan. 31, 2025, Sacramento, CA. Survivors: daughters, Tressa Ohler, Tamara Whitelaw; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Cheryl Harrom Ingold, David Harrom, Brenda Harrom, Barbara Harrom Zumwalt, Charleen Harrom Gerlic. Danny served in the U.S. Army as a medic in Vietnam. He received a Purple Heart award as a result of a grenade exploding in a medic tent where he was working, but he providentially escaped serious injury. He worked in Student Finance at Pacific Union College for several years.
Johnson, Frances – b. April 28, 1929, NC; d. April 27, 2025, Loma Linda, CA. Survivors: sons, Robert, Lawrence; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.
Marsh, Marguerite – b. April 19, 1927, Shanghai, China; d. March 10, 2025; Pasadena, CA. Survivors: son, Christopher Marsh; brother, David Strahle; nephew, Robert Strahle; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.
Mina, Javier – b. Sept. 24, 2003, Atlanta, GA; d. May 2, 2024, Kennesaw, GA. Survivors: parents, Melondy, Francisco; sisters, Francesca, Raquel; great-grandmother, Lula Spencer; aunt, Danielle Carey.
Mitchell, Opal Vinnard – b. Jan. 21, 1940, Loma Linda, CA; d. March 6, 2025, Yucaipa, CA. Survivors: sons, Greg, Scott; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Opal worked for the It Is Written television ministry for over 30 years and was a dedicated member of the Camarillo church choir throughout that time.
Nick, Marvin – b. May 31, 1929, Mobridge, SD; d. April 2, 2025, Loma Linda, CA. Survivors: wife, Margaret Nick; children, Kevin Nick, Kelly Wilson; sister, Catherine Guthrie; two grandchildren.
Rowe, Rosemary – b. May 16, 1940, Cottonwood, AZ; d. April 10, 2025, Riverside, CA. Survivors: husband, Olen; sons, Greg, Jeff, Brad; six grandchildren.
Wilson, Helen Katherine – b. June 7, 1951; d. May 24, 2025, Roseville, CA. Survivors: husband, Leland; daughters, Julie, Jennifer; sons, Gregory, Justin; five grandchildren. Her work included Feather River Hospital, St. Helena Hospital, and Adventist Health in Roseville, CA. She was very involved with music, spiritual and social nurturing, and Adventist education at every church she attended.
In this vintage engraving of the New Testament story, the blind man tells his story to the Jews.
The Last Word
By Ray Tetz
Names Matter
Where are their names? I wish I knew their names. It is a surprise to me that so few of the people who were healed by Jesus are known by their names.
Jesus cured the nobleman's son; cured Peter's mother-in-law of a fever; healed a leper; healed the centurion's servant; raised the son of the widow of Nain from the dead; cured two demoniacs; cured the paralytic; and raised the ruler's daughter from the dead. No names.
He loosened the tongue of a man who couldn’t speak; healed an invalid at the pool called Bethesda; restored a withered hand; cured a demon-possessed man; healed a woman of Canaan; cured a boy who was plagued by a demon; opened the eyes of a man born blind; cured a woman afflicted 18 years with an issue of blood; cured a man of dropsy; and cleansed 10 lepers, of which only one came back to thank him. No names.
Person after person, in situation after situation, “healing every sickness and every disease among the people” (Matthew 9:35, KJV). Yet we don’t know the names of many of these who were healed, raised from the dead, and restored to health.
And it isn’t just the miracles. We don’t know the name of the Rich Young Ruler, but perhaps that was to save him embarrassment. We don’t know the names of the Good Samaritan, the man he helped, or those who passed him by—but that was a parable, so it gets a pass. We don’t know who got married at Cana or the name of the little boy with a big lunch.
I miss the names. We know the names of the disciples—and even their nicknames. The “begats” are a list of people whose names alone tell us they were important. The story of the man who climbed the tree wouldn’t be nearly as much fun without his name—Zacchaeus.
The fact that the man who helped carry the cross was named Simon of Cyrene, and that he was the father of two boys—Alexander and Rufus—makes me long to know their story. Not only that, it convinces me that they were people just like me, with families and histories and places to safely go when the world is full of chaos. Lives behind the life stories.
But rather than asking why we don’t know very many names, perhaps we should ask why it is so important that we DO know some names. The disciples we know, for they were the ones closest to Jesus. Pilate we know because he was a coward. Nicodemus we know for his insightful queries and the resulting conversation when he sought Jesus out by night.
And we know the name of Bartimaeus (literally, Son of Timaeus). Bartimaeus was the man who was healed of blindness as Jesus was coming into Jericho (Mark 10:46-52). Bartimaeus was the first man who publicly called Jesus by a name reserved for the Messiah. Bartimaeus, when told to pipe down, turned the volume up even louder and shouted all the more! Bartimaeus, when asked by Jesus what he wanted, knew exactly the right answer: “Lord, I want to see,” which was clearly a reference to his physical condition because he saw and understood so much already.
Bartimaeus refused to be designated as beggar, blind man, troublemaker, protester, or annoying distractor. In the end we know his name: Bartimaeus. And we know that Christ commended him for his faith. We know that it was his voice and clarity that made the naysayers in authority fall silent. It was his faith, his voice, and his courage that Jesus responded to so completely and in such dramatic fashion.
Bartimaeus is memorable because he shouted and wouldn’t be quieted when others were silent. Following his healing, the Bible says he “followed Jesus along the road” (Mark 10:52, NIV). He took up the journey that Christ was on—and something tells me he wasn’t silent then either. After he was healed, I think that Bartimaeus told his story to anyone who would listen. And his witness was memorable, unforgettable. His very name became synonymous with the grace and healing that Jesus embodied.
Of course, this is just speculation, but I think it has the ring of truth: Bartimaeus told his story because he knew that his experience mattered. He knew that his story could be important to others who might be fearful. He knew that the story of how he was healed might bring courage and hope to someone who had been abused or ignored. He knew that even his name could evoke hope.
Across the centuries, when his story is told, it is not just about his blindness, his begging, his shouting, or that Jesus was passing. We put a name to this story—and names are important. They were then, and they are now, too. It’s not just “one who is blind,” not just “a beggar”—it is a man: Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, and, now and forever, disciple of Jesus Christ. A life (and a name) that matters.
Ray Tetz is the director of communication and community engagement for the Pacific Union Conference and the publisher of the Pacific Union Recorder. (His family and those who have known him for a very long time call him Raymond.)
