Recorder PA C I F I C U N IO N
SEPTEMBER 2026
Pacific Union Conference 32nd Constituency Session Report Faith Is More Than Belief | Learning From Enoch
COME VISIT US!
God does not always answer our prayers as we expect, for we may not ask what would be for our highest good; but in his infinite love and wisdom he will give us those things which we most need. Happy the minister who has a faithful Aaron and Hur to strengthen his hands when they become weary, and to hold them up by faith and prayer. Such a support is a powerful aid to the servant of Christ in his work, and will often make the cause of truth to triumph gloriously. —Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 32 On the cover: Victory O Lord! is an 1871 painting by John Everett Millais depicting Moses, Aaron, and Hur during the Battle of Rephidim against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:11-13).
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What’s inside 4 8
Faith Is More Than Belief Fundamental Belief #28: The New Earth
10
Pacific Union Conference Elects New Officers at 32nd Constituency Session
18
Newsdesk
20
Arizona Conference
22
Central California Conference
26
Hawaii Conference
28
Holbrook Indian School
30
Adventist Health
31
La Sierra University
32
Loma Linda University Health
33
Pacific Union College
34
Nevada-Utah Conference
36
Northern California Conference
40
Southeastern California Conference
44
Southern California Conference
48
Community & Marketplace
52
Sunset Calendars
54
The Last Word: Learning From Enoch
The Recorder is a monthly publication reaching approximately 76,000 Seventh-day Adventist homes in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. Our mission is to inform, educate, and inspire our readers to action in all areas of ministry.
Publisher Ray Tetz Editor Alberto Valenzuela Design/Layout Stephanie Leal • Alberto Valenzuela Printing Pacific Press Publishing Association www.pacificpress.com
Adventist Health 916-742-0429 Kim Strobel strobeka@ah.org
Holbrook Indian School 928-524-6845 x109 Jacqui Reed jreed@hissda.org
Northern California 916-886-5600 Laurie Trujillo Laurie.Trujillo@nccsda.com
Arizona 480-991-6777 Alexis Camacho ACamacho@azconference.org
La Sierra University 951-785-2000 Darla Tucker dmartint@lasierra.edu
Pacific Union College 951-809-6777 Gene Edelbach gedelbach@puc.edu
Central California 559-347-3030 Reiss Ramirez rramirez@cccsda.org
Loma Linda 909-651-5925 Ansel Oliver anoliver@llu.edu
Southeastern California 951-509-2258 Taji Saleem taji.saleem@seccsda.org
Hawaii 808-595-7591 Miguel Manzo communicationsdept@hawaiisda.com
Nevada-Utah 775-322-6929 Michael Jenkins Jr. mjenkins@nevadautah.org
Southern California 818-546-8400 Lauren Lacson Llacson@sccsda.org
Editorial Correspondents
Postal Regs: The Pacific Union Recorder (ISSN 0744-6381), Volume 126, Number 9, is the official journal of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and is published monthly. Subscription rate: No charge to Pacific Union Adventist church members; $16 per year in U.S.; $20 foreign (U.S. funds); single copy, $2. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Circulation Department, Pacific Union Recorder, Box 5005, Westlake Village, CA 91359. Info@adventistfaith.com.
September 2026 3
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Faith Is More Than
A
t age 71, I find myself less
Christian vocabulary and one of the easiest to reduce
impressed by declarations of
to an abstraction. We speak of having faith, losing
certainty than I once was. I have
faith, defending the faith, and strengthening our faith.
heard many sermons about faith,
Often we mean believing the right things about God.
preached a few of them myself, and spent
Belief matters; I would not suggest otherwise. I have
much of my life among people who sincerely
spent too many years studying Scripture and church
wanted to understand what it means to trust
history to dismiss the importance of what we believe.
God. Through the years I have also watched
But the biblical understanding of faith is larger than
faithful people become ill, bury those they
assent to a collection of doctrines. It reaches beyond
loved, lose work, endure disappointment, and
what the mind accepts to the way a person lives
pray for answers that did not come when they
when certainty is incomplete and the road ahead
expected them. Some of them spoke with
cannot be seen.
great confidence. Others could barely speak
The Hebrew word often translated as faith is
at all. Yet they kept turning toward God. That
’emunah. It includes belief, but it also carries the
tells us more about faith than many of our
sense of firmness, steadfastness, reliability, and
definitions do.
fidelity.1 It describes something—or someone—
Faith is one of the most familiar words in the
4 Pacific Union Recorder
capable of bearing weight.2 Faith, in that sense, is
Belief
By Alberto Valenzuela
not merely an idea we hold. It is where we place the
and no amount of spiritual language could
weight of our life.
make his muscles less tired. He needed a
One of the early uses of ’emunah in Scripture
stone on which to sit and friends willing to
appears in a setting that has always moved me.
stand beside him. Faith was not heroic self-
During Israel’s battle with Amalek, Moses stood
sufficiency. It was perseverance supported by
on a hill with the staff of God in his hands. As long
a community.
as his arms remained raised, Israel prevailed.
The older I become, the more truth I
But Moses became tired. Aaron and Hur found a
see in that scene. There was a time when I
stone for him to sit on and held up his arms, one
may have imagined that strong faith meant
on each side, until sunset. The Bible says that “his
standing without help. Life has cured me
hands remained steady” (Exodus 17:12). The word
of that illusion. We all become tired. The
translated “steady” is ’emunah.
body reminds us that it has limits. Grief
Before faith became a subject for theologians,
arrives without asking permission. People we
it described the tired arms of an old man that
thought would always be with us disappear
remained in place because two companions
from the table and from the telephone calls
helped him carry the burden. There is nothing
that once marked our days. At such times,
sentimental about that picture. Moses was weary,
faith may look less like victory and more like
September 2026 5
allowing someone else to hold up our arms. There
questions. He wondered how God’s promise could
is no shame in that. Even Moses needed Aaron
be fulfilled while he remained childless. Sarah
and Hur.
laughed. They grew old. Years passed, and the
The same Hebrew root is used for a nurse or foster
promise seemed no closer to fulfillment (Genesis
parent who carries and nurtures a child. Moses drew
15-18). Abraham’s faith did not consist of never
upon that image when, overwhelmed by the demands
wondering whether he had misunderstood God. It
of Israel, he asked whether he had conceived all those
consisted of continuing the journey and ordering
people and whether he was expected to carry them at
his life around a promise whose fulfillment he
his breast as a nurse carries an infant (Numbers 11:11-
could not yet see.
15). ’Emunah, then, is connected with what sustains,
The same pattern appears throughout Scripture.
nourishes, and remains dependable over time. It is not
Moses argued with God at the burning bush (Exodus
a burst of religious emotion. It is the quiet faithfulness
3:11). Jeremiah protested that he was too young
that gets up the next morning and does again what
(Jeremiah 1:6-8). Elijah, after his triumph on Mount
love requires.
Carmel, fled into the wilderness and asked to die
I have seen that kind of faith in places far from
(1 Kings 19:4). David prayed, “How long, O Lord?
home. During years of travel through Africa, Asia,
Will You forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1, NKJV). The
Latin America, and other parts of the world, I met
Bible preserves those words because faith does not
believers who possessed little formal theological
require us to pretend. A question brought honestly
education and few of the resources many of
to God may itself be an expression of trust. Doubt
us take for granted. Some worshiped in simple
that continues speaking to God is very different from
buildings. Some lived with sickness or poverty close
unbelief that turns away and no longer wishes to
at hand. Their prayers did not ignore reality, but
hear His voice.
neither were they controlled by it. They trusted
I have always been interested in the questions
God, cared for one another, and continued doing
that science places before us. Although algebra and
the work before them. I often arrived thinking I had
calculus never came easily to me, the mysteries
something to offer and left aware that I had been
of physics, the immensity of the universe, and
the one instructed.
the possibility that reality is stranger than our
Those encounters taught me that faith cannot
senses can perceive have fascinated me for years.
be measured by the number of answers a person
I have never believed that faith requires us to fear
has accumulated. It becomes visible in whom we
honest inquiry. Truth does not become less true
continue to trust when our answers are not enough.
because we examine it. Scripture itself invites
Instead of asking only, “How certain am I?” Scripture
us to remember, reason, consider, and test. Yet
leads us toward the more difficult question: “Am I
reason, for all its necessity, does not remove every
becoming faithful?”
uncertainty. Eventually every meaningful relationship
Abraham is remembered as the father of faith,
asks for trust beyond what can be demonstrated in
but the Bible does not turn him into a man without
advance. Our relationship with God is no exception.
The gospel does not introduce trust into human experience; we are already trusting something. The gospel redirects our trust toward the One who alone can bear it. 6 Pacific Union Recorder
For that reason, faith is better understood as
into human experience; we are already trusting
resilient reliance upon God than as perfect intellectual
something. The gospel redirects our trust toward
certainty. It is relational before it is propositional. It
the One who alone can bear it.
reveals itself through perseverance more than through
After a lifetime in the church, I know that our
emotion. There are mornings when faith feels strong,
faithfulness is uneven. We promise more than we
and there are nights when it feels like little more than
perform. We become distracted, frightened, or
the refusal to let go. Both may be genuine faith.
weary. Sometimes we disappoint God and ourselves.
The father who brought his afflicted son to Jesus
That is why the center of the Christian hope cannot
understood this mixture of trust and uncertainty.
be the strength of our grip on God; rather, it is
“I believe; help my unbelief!” he cried (Mark 9:24,
the strength of His grip on us. Paul writes, “If we
NKJV). With age, I have grown increasingly grateful
are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny
that this sentence remains in the Gospel. The
Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13, NKJV). Our ’emunah is
man did not offer Christ a polished confession. He
always an answer to His. We learn fidelity because
offered the truth about himself. Jesus did not reject
God has first been faithful to us.
him for possessing an imperfect faith. He honored the decision to bring that imperfection to Him. The rabbinic tradition also understood ’emunah
Faith, then, is more than the doorway through which we enter the Christian life. It is the road itself, traveled one day at a time. Sometimes we
as steadfastness, trustworthiness, and faithful
walk like Abraham, without seeing the destination.
obedience to God’s instruction. Faith matured
Sometimes we pray like David, with more anguish
through repeated acts of covenant loyalty.
than triumph. Sometimes we sit like Moses, too tired
Obedience was not a way of purchasing God’s favor
to remain standing, while others hold up our arms.
but the lived expression of trust in the God who had
And sometimes, after many years, we look back
already redeemed His people. Jewish reflection often
and recognize that even when the road seemed
emphasized that understanding comes through
uncertain, we were never traveling alone.
doing. We learn faithfulness by practicing it, and the practice itself deepens the relationship.
3
Isaiah made the same connection when he warned
I no longer think faith is best expressed by pretending to have no doubts. Faith is the steadfast decision to entrust ourselves—our questions, our
King Ahaz, “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you
losses, our hopes, our aging bodies, and the people
will not stand at all” (Isaiah 7:9, NIV). Ahaz looked
we love—to the God whose faithfulness does not
for security in political alliances. Isaiah pointed him
diminish with the passing of time. Belief gives faith
toward God. The issue was not whether politics,
its language. Faithfulness gives it a life.
planning, or prudent action had a place. The issue
_____________________________
was where Ahaz had placed the final weight of his life.
Alberto Valenzuela is the associate director of
That question has not become less urgent with
communication and community engagement for the
time. We place our confidence in work, institutions,
Pacific Union Conference and editor of the Recorder.
savings, health, reputation, family, and our own ability to manage what comes next. Many of these are good gifts, and wisdom asks us to care for them. But none can bear the full weight of a human life. Careers end. Institutions disappoint. Health changes. People whom we love cannot remain with us forever. The gospel does not introduce trust
“Hebrew Strong’s 530,” Bible Hub, https://biblehub.com/hebrew/530.htm. J.P. Healey, “Faith: Old Testament,” in The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, vol. 2, ed. David Noel Freedman (New York: Doubleday, 1992), p. 745. 3 See Susan Handelman, “Emunah: The Craft of Faith,” CrossCurrents 42, no. 3 (Fall 1992), p. 311; William Lad Sessions, The Concept of Faith: A Philosophical Investigation (Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1994), p. 130; and “Faith—Emunah,” Chabad.org, https://www.chabad.org/library/ article_cdo/aid/5802837/jewish/Faith-Emunah.htm. 1 2
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Fundamental Belief #28
The New Earth By Aren Rennacker
F
or a doctrine so revered, we know surprisingly little about the “new earth.” The writers of both the Torah and Gospels hardly make mention of that which is to come, nor does the Apostle Paul provide one of his classic explorations on the topic. Scripture makes minimal effort to detail our final
chapter; yet the assurance that is provided is somehow more than enough. Interestingly, the first reference to the new earth is found in the ancient writings of
the prophets: “‘As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me,’ declares the Lord, ‘so will your name and descendants endure’” (Isaiah 66:22, NIV). This is then picked up in the New Testament by Peter: “We are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13, NLT). Of course, the bulk of what we learn is found in the final two chapters of Revelation. John writes, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth age will I be? What’s on the menu?—that which ultimately matters is provided: “I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people,
8 Pacific Union Recorder
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had disappeared” (Revelation 21:1, NLT). While we may scour for more specifics—What
and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and
“When Christ's kingdom comes, then, as he has taught
God himself will be with them and be their God. He will
us, God’s will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. This
wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more
means that the earth will then be perfect, without sin or
death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of
sinner. And that will be the new earth.”2
things has passed away’” (Revelation 21:3-4, NIV).
However, whatever our expectations of this future in
John follows this with an intriguing description of
the new earth, we simply cannot imagine what it will be
the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:10-27), and then he
like. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has
continues with the assurance that God will be in the city,
imagined what God has prepared for those who love him”
that there will be no night, and no need for the sun or any
(1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT).
lamps because God gives them light (Revelation 22:3-5).
But this is not an unrealizable dream. The words of
What an incredible vision of the future! Yet how do
John M. Fowler are especially appreciated: “To the Bible
we share this hope without it coming across as fabled or
writers, the coming new heaven and the new earth is
overly saccharine?
an absolute reality. It is not a pie-in-the-sky Utopia. Nor
Perhaps such an attitude is because many descriptions
is it a theological myth. Scripture portrays history as
of the future life sound static and, to be honest, boring.
God’s venue of redemptive action. That history, linear in
(I have yet to pick up the harp.) In contrast, Ellen White
character, is moving toward its eschatological fulfillment.”3
points to a future that is both active and fulfilling. “Heaven is a school; its field of study, the universe; its teacher, the
Finally, we will be home with Jesus. This is the ultimate objective, our greatest joy.
Infinite One.… All the treasures of the universe will be
“The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners
open to the study of God’s redeemed.… And the years
are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of
of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more
harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation.
glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is
From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness,
progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase.
throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the
The more men learn of God, the greater will be their
minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate
admiration of His character.… There we shall know even as
and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect
also we are known. There the loves and sympathies that
joy, declare that God is love” (Ellen G. White, The Great
God has planted in the soul will find truest and sweetest
Controversy, p. 678).
exercise” (The Adventist Home, pp. 547-548).
_____________________________
Early Adventists often spoke about the new earth. There are over 2,000 references to it in the writings of the
Aren Rennacker is director of Growing Young Leaders for the Pacific Union Conference.
pioneers. For example: “The inheritance of righteousness, which was promised to Abraham for an everlasting possession, to be had through the resurrection, at the coming of the Lord, was the ‘new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness,’ for which we look according to the promise of God.”1
1 E.J. Waggoner, The Everlasting Covenant (England: International Tract Society, 1900), pp. 123-124, http://www.theoakisintheacorn.com/ uploads/3/4/2/5/34255578/the_everlasting_covenant_-_ej_waggoner.pdf. 2 A.T. Jones, “Christ’s Kingdom Not of This World,” American Sentinel (Oct. 24, 1895), p. 330. 3 John M. Fowler, “New Heaven and the New Earth: The Home of the Redeemed,” Ministry Magazine (January 2005), https://www.ministrymagazine. org/archive/2005/01/new-heaven-and-the-new-earth.html.
What an incredible vision of the future! Yet how do we share this hope without it coming across as fabled or overly saccharine? September 2026 9
PHOTO: ENNO MÜLLER
New officers (left to right): Manuel “Manny” Vitug, Yohalmo Saravia, Alberto Ingleton, Stephen Mayer, Marc K. Woodson, Sandra E. Roberts, James P. Willis II, Leon Brown Sr.
Pacific Union Conf New Officers at 32nd Constitu 10 Pacific Union Recorder
ference Elects uency Session
By Becky St. Clair
O
n August 16-17, the Pacific Union Conference held its 32nd Constituency Session in Indian Wells, California. Three hundred
and one delegates from across the five-state region gathered to vote on bylaws changes and new leadership for the upcoming quinquennium. Though delegates were gathered to conduct business for the union, there was also ample time to worship together in song, Scripture, and spoken word. Bradford Newton, outgoing president of the union, provided the message on Sunday evening. He told the story of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics when Derek Redmond tore his hamstring while competing in the 400-meter race. “The people of God are on the final sprint to the finish line,” Newton said. “May each of us live each day in anticipation of His soon return, when the race will be won.” To close the evening, the conferences split into caucuses to nominate the members of the union’s Executive Committee. In honor of the union’s 125th anniversary, each delegate, when leaving the session Sunday evening, was given a commemorative book written by Pastor Newton. On Monday morning, Ricardo Viloria, president of Central California Conference, shared a brief segment about the San Francisco Central church fire and subsequent partnership of Central church and the Philadelphian church in San Francisco. His presentation was accompanied by video taken the week of the fire.
September 2026 11
Pastor Newton chairs the opening session on Sunday evening.
PHOTOS: ENNO MÜLLER
Executive Secretary Sandra Roberts during the opening program.
Pastor Bradford Newton preaches on Sunday evening at the beginning of the Constituency Session.
12 Pacific Union Recorder
G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division, preaches to the delegates during the Monday morning program.
ABOVE: G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division, prays for the Pacific Union Conference elected officers.
Monday morning’s message was given by G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division. He shared about his childhood, when he and his siblings would keep a lookout for their parents coming home so they’d know when it was time to quickly clean up. When they saw the dust cloud at the end of the driveway, they knew it was time. “What I see in the world today is all dust clouds,” Bryant said. “I have come to tell you that Jesus is on His way, and He’s coming back soon.” The business portion of the Monday session began with the Nominating Committee report, provided by Bryant, chair of the committee. He presented the candidates for union leadership for the 2026-2031 quinquennium, and the delegates then affirmed the committee’s nominations with approving votes. The newly elected union administrative team is as follows:
President Marc K. Woodson Executive Secretary Sandra E. Roberts (incumbent) Treasurer Stephen Mayer (incumbent) Executive Vice President Alberto Ingleton Vice President for Asian Pacific Ministries Manuel “Manny” Vitug Vice President for Black Ministries Leon Brown Sr. Vice President for Education James P. Willis II (incumbent) Vice President for Hispanic Ministries Yohalmo Saravia
September 2026 13
Following the introduction of the officers, Bryant delivered their charge and offered a prayer of consecration over them. “Guard your own life while doing the work of the Lord,” he instructed the leaders. “Anchor yourself in truth. Lead with servant-hearted love. Recognize that you serve a higher authority. May God grant you His peace, grace, wisdom, guidance, and strong arm.” Then Bryant prayed, “I pray for these officers, their spouses, and their homes. Please send them extra angels and
deeply humbled and honored,” he said. “I love the
grant them health. And may our next constituency
Pacific Union. This is my home, and I look forward
session be in heaven. Amen.”
to serving with these good people. Let us work
Woodson, the newly elected union president, made a few remarks after being voted in. “I am
together in faith as we go forward. The time is close for His return, and we must work together. Please keep us in your prayers as we do this work. May God bless the great Pacific Union Conference.” Sandra Roberts, executive secretary for the union and chair of the Bylaws Committee, and Jose Marin, executive secretary of the Northern California Conference and secretary of the committee, presented the bylaws amendments to be considered: • Changing “Vice President” to “Executive Vice President,” for clarification. • Rewording of the section on the performance assessment subcommittee of the union Executive Committee to clarify membership. • Adding Vice President for Children and Youth and Young Adult Ministries to the Vice Presidents for Specialized Ministries.
PHOTOS: ENNO MÜLLER
• Increasing the union Executive Committee from 48 to 50 members, reflecting the addition of the VP for Children, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries as an ex officio member and adding a Sandra Roberts, union executive secretary, and José Marín, executive secretary of the Northern California Conference, present to the delegates the changes and additions to the bylaws on Monday morning.
14 Pacific Union Recorder
layperson position to maintain the balance between employees and laypersons. A request was made to consider doing away
September 2026 15
with the term “layperson” and instead using “nondenominationally employed” or something similar. This will be considered for the next constituency session. Each of these amendments and edits passed.
• Virgil Childs, outgoing vice president for Black Ministries “Thank you for your service,” Woodson remarked. “You have a passion for ministry, and
Ruby Joy Alabat Evasco, audit manager for
we thank you for your vision and diligence.”
General Conference Auditing Service, presented
Before entertaining a motion to adjourn,
the audit report and affirmed that the audit
incoming Pacific Union President Marc K.
opinion issued on all reports was the highest level:
Woodson shared a few closing thoughts. “For
unmodified. “The financial statements are clearly
those of you who have served as delegates, you
presented in all material, utilizing accounting
took the time to help your church.” He noted
principles generally accepted in the U.S.,” Alabat
there was a high school student serving as a
Evasco stated to close her report.
delegate from Northern California Conference.
Following the audit report, outgoing officers were honored for their service:
“They need to see how our church works,” Woodson said. “Thank you for being an example
• Bradford Newton, outgoing president
to the young people in the church. Now let’s get
• VicLouis Arreola III, outgoing vice president for
ready to go home and hear ‘Well done, my good
Asian Pacific Ministries
and faithful servant.’”
PHOTOS: ENNO MÜLLER
Outgoing officers are honored for their service: VicLouis Arreola III, Virgil Childs and spouse Pat Brown, and Bradford Newton.
16 Pacific Union Recorder
Newly elected Pacific Union Conference President Marc Woodson shares closing thoughts at the end of the Constituency Session.
September 2026 17
N E W S D E S K
She Did Not Quit: Dorothy Womack’s Lifelong Call to Ministry
D
orothy Womack implemented. Even has been blessed so, some women were with a strong pastors and evangelists, sense of being called by and Ellen White was God to share His grace. issued several ordination Now, at age 101, she certificates. will be recognized with In 1975 Womack others at the October 24 was a delegate to the Association of Adventist General Conference Women’s Woman Session in Vienna, of the Year Awards where she heard Banquet in the Loma negative discussions Linda University church about women pastors. fellowship hall. “I did not allow that to Womack was the first dampen my unwavering woman chaplain of Loma determination to pursue Linda University Medical ministry,” she said. Even Center (LLUMC). In 1975 though she personally she was hired to do felt strong resistance Left to right: Association of Adventist Women officers chaplaincy and Bible work, Priscilla Walters and Ruth Peeters tell 101-year-old in her work as a Dorothy Womack of her upcoming award. which included following chaplain, she remained up on patients in their homes after discharge. committed to God’s call throughout her life. Finding practical solutions for her patients Fellow chaplain Sam Geli recalls that her beeper sometimes meant opening her home to those was on whether she was on-call or not. If other needing to remain in the area for treatment, offering chaplains needed coverage or if there was an not only shelter but compassion, dignity, and hope. emergency, she was always available. He remembers While she received much encouragement for her empathy for people, how carefully she listened, her work as chaplain, this was a time in Adventist and how she responded in relevant and relational church history when there was opposition to ways to their needs. women in ministry. Although a resolution to ordain Yucaipa church member Ruth Peeters, a former women to the gospel ministry occurred at the 1881 social worker at LLUMC, remembers that Womack General Conference Session, it was never formally embodied remarkable resilience and inner strength
“When confronted with workplace challenges, she demonstrated moral courage, standing firm in her ministry and in the calling she believed God had entrusted to her.” 18 Pacific Union Recorder
N E W S D E S K even in the face of misunderstanding, bias, and institutional limitations. “When confronted with workplace challenges, she demonstrated moral courage, standing firm in her ministry and in the calling she believed God had entrusted to her.” When asked what helped prepare her for ministry, she said, “My experiences in literature evangelism, work as a Bible instructor, and teaching Sabbath School. These experiences taught me to meet and speak to people about faith, to listen to their needs, and to point them to Jesus as their certain hope.” She learned that listening to people is the best gift you can give, especially as death approaches. She published a sensitive article about end-oflife issues entitled “A Listening Ear at the Hour of Death” in the June 1978 issue of Ministry Magazine. Her insights on this subject reveal her compassion for suffering and dying people, their families, and the medical staff who care for them. After Womack left chaplaincy, for two years she served as interest coordinator and Bible counselor with the Voice of Prophecy. She found ministry opportunities with the Quiet Hour radio program, organizing volunteers to answer the phone line for prayer, Bible counseling, and book offers. The main focus was on prayer, encouraging people to share their hurts, disappointments, and joys. In 1995 Womack began pastoral ministry in the Yucaipa church with Pastor Norm Farely, who had worked with her in Orange County and appreciated her God-given talent for ministry. Later, Pastor Douglas Elsey was assigned to the Yucaipa church. Being young, he felt intimidated since many retired pastors were in his congregation. Womack, who was about 65 years old, reassured him. While Elsey mainly visited church leaders, elders, and deacons, she visited families. She alerted him of their needs and took him weekly in her old blue car to visit four or five families. In the five years Elsey pastored the Yucaipa church, the congregation grew from 150 to over 400, largely because of her ministry. In Elsey’s words, “I have worked with a lot of great pastors,
but Dorothy was the best.” One young lady whom she had prepared for baptism told the pastor, "I like you, but I want Mrs. Womack to baptize me." Womack was reticent, not wanting to offend certain church members. Elsey believed that it would be better to offend the saints than this young new member, so Dorothy performed the baptism. Another young pastor, Elijah Grekov, not long in this country, worked side by side with Womack in Yucaipa. He said, “We had a visitation system: I knocked and she talked.” When Pastor Grekov was discouraged, she noticed and encouraged him not to give up. She gifted him a plaque with the message “Don’t Quit.” Pastor Grekov keeps this plaque on the wall as a memory of Womack’s thoughtfulness and care. She understood, because that was her life experience too. In spite of opposition and setbacks, she did not quit—she kept going. As assistant pastor in the Yucaipa church, she began a seniors’ ministry with newsletters, movie nights, potlucks, and regular outings to places of interest. For people who could not drive at night, she organized a Wednesday morning prayer meeting. Whether it was a unique Sabbath School class for new believers or an annual “Vespers in the Park” musical event, Womack created many ministry projects. She organized a team to carry on with the ministry as she moved to the next ministry; in that way all the ministries she began continued and thrived. Womack, now in assisted living, praises sermons she hears preached by women. She continues to give Bible studies and share cheerful and witty words with those around her. Womack demonstrates that her zeal for ministry is a lifelong commitment, anchored in the conviction of God’s call on her life. Go to associationofadventistwomen.com for more information, including about the banquet. _____________________________
Joyce Neergaard is a writer for Association of Adventist Women.
September 2026 19
Looking Up: A Summer of Transformation at Camp Yavapines
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his summer, Camp Yavapines became a place where adventure met faith and lasting friendships pointed young hearts toward Jesus. Over the course of four weeks, 328 campers experienced a summer filled with worship, outdoor adventure, meaningful relationships, and life-changing encounters with God. Guided by the theme "UP," based on Psalm 121, campers discovered that when they look to God, they can trust Him to provide help, protection, guidance, and hope in every circumstance. "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:1-2, NIV).
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Arizona Conference
This promise became more than a memory verse throughout the summer; it became a daily reminder that God faithfully watches over His children. Each week welcomed campers from different age groups, including Adventurers, Juniors, Tweens, and Teens. While every age group brought its own energy and excitement, they all shared the same mission: growing closer to Jesus while enjoying the beauty of God's creation. Campers immersed themselves in a wide variety of activities designed to challenge, inspire, and build confidence. Whether soaring across the zip line, aiming for the bullseye in archery, climbing the rock wall, cooling off during aquatics, racing go-karts, competing in paintball, or expressing creativity through pottery, photography, drama, crochet, gardening, ukulele, STEM, and food creations, every experience provided opportunities to develop new skills, build friendships, and discover God-given talents. While these activities created unforgettable memories, the greatest victories happened away from the activity fields and cabins. They happened during worship services, small-group conversations, prayer circles, and quiet moments
when campers opened their hearts to Jesus. Throughout the summer, the Holy Spirit worked powerfully in the lives of young people. Thirty-seven campers made the decision to be baptized, publicly declaring their commitment to follow Christ. Many others took important spiritual steps as well. During the first week alone, 55 spiritual decisions were recorded as campers accepted Jesus, recommitted their lives to Him, or expressed a desire to prepare for baptism. The camp experience also transformed those serving behind the scenes. Staff members who dedicated their summer to mentoring campers found themselves growing spiritually as well. By the end of the season, three staff members chose to be baptized, while 24 others recommitted their lives through rebaptism. Their decisions served as a reminder that ministry changes not only those who are served but also those who serve. A significant part of each week's spiritual journey was shaped by the messages shared by the camp's guest speakers. Rocio Rojas McFadin, Pastor Eddie Turner, Pastor Chris Morris, and Pastor Phil Vecchiarelli each faithfully opened God's Word, encouraging campers to trust the Lord in every season of life. Some of the most meaningful moments of the summer, however, happened away from the stage. One young camper approached the camp director with an unexpected request: "Can I pray for you?" Placing complete faith in God, the child offered a sincere prayer asking for healing, wisdom, guidance, and strength. It was a simple but profound reminder that God often speaks through the faith of children. In another quiet moment, two campers struggling with homesickness found comfort through the compassionate presence of a staff member. Rather than simply distracting them, the counselor patiently listened, reassured them that they were safe and loved, and reminded them that they were surrounded by people who cared deeply for them. Those moments reflected Camp Yavapines' ministry philosophy: Love Deeply. At camp, ministry is found not only in planned programs and worship services but also in everyday acts of kindness, compassion, and Christlike care. The ministry of Camp Yavapines was further strengthened through valuable partnerships that expanded its reach beyond the Arizona Conference. Through HE SAID GO Volunteer Ministries, international volunteers joined the summer staff, bringing unique experiences, diverse perspectives, and a shared passion for serving Christ. Their
willingness to travel and serve enriched the camp community while reminding campers that God's family extends around the world. Camp Ministries' partnership with Angel Tree Camping provided children who have an incarcerated parent the opportunity to attend summer camp. For these campers, the week offered more than outdoor recreation. It provided encouragement, stability, Christian community, and an opportunity to experience the unconditional love of Jesus in a safe and caring environment. None of these stories would have been possible without the dedication of countless individuals working behind the scenes. Staff members, volunteers, pastors, guest speakers, churches, families, ministry partners, donors, and supporters each played an important role in making this summer a reality. Together they created an environment where young people could explore nature, build friendships, discover new interests, and most importantly, encounter Christ. As another camping season comes to a close, its impact continues far beyond the camp. Campers return home carrying new friendships, cherished memories, greater confidence, and a deeper understanding of God's love. Many return to their churches inspired to become more involved in ministry, while others begin new journeys of faith that will continue for years to come. Looking back on the summer, the words of Psalm 121 remain as relevant as ever: "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." God faithfully answered prayers throughout the season. He protected, provided, comforted, transformed, and called young people into a deeper relationship with Him. As campers learned to look UP, they discovered that God had been looking after them all along. ____________________ By Melanie Cruz
Arizona Conference
September 2026 21
I’ve Never Heard This Story Before
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“What made it so amazing was seeing the staff, their love for Jesus, and their love for kids. The staff became our kids’ heroes. They just looked up to them and loved them.” - Zac Page
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or Pastor Zac Page, stepping back onto the grounds of Camp Wawona this summer felt like stepping back into the camp experience he fell in love with as a child. Zac is currently the pastor of the Templeton Hills church, but his personal history with Camp Wawona began during his childhood. He first attended as an 11-year-old camper, returning summer after summer before eventually becoming a camp staff member as soon as he was old enough. This year marked a special milestone: the return of Wawona’s Family Camp program. It was the first one since 2019. Now attending as both a camp pastor and a father of three, Zac experienced camp through a new lens. “What made it so amazing was seeing the staff, their love for Jesus, and their love for kids,” Zac shared. “The staff became our kids’ heroes. They just looked up to them and loved them. These staff members are between the ages of 18 and 24. They’re fun, creative, and talented, but most of all, it was evident how deeply they love Jesus and the kids.” Throughout the week, families enjoyed a variety of summer activities, from horseback riding, gymnastics, and archery to the giant swing, crafts, and swimming in the pool. For Zac’s daughter, Olivia, the experience was fantastic. As the family packed up on Friday, she declared, “This is the best camp in the universe!” Beyond the outdoor adventures, the spiritual atmosphere was at its height during the evening programs. Each night, staff members performed interactive skits tracing the life of King David, leading up to a Thursday night passion play depicting the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It concluded with a powerful invitation to follow Jesus through a long-standing tradition at Camp Wawona: signing the “Book of Life.” It is an activity where campers of all ages can sign their names in a physical book to symbolically
Central California Conference
signal a decision to follow Jesus. “I remember signing that book myself starting when I was 11 years old,” Zac reflected. Then, as a camp pastor he had the privilege of continuing the tradition and inviting parents and children into a deeper relationship with Christ. After the appeal concluded, Zac noticed a woman standing in the back of the auditorium. She approached him and shared her gratitude for the talks he’d given that week and for the incredible staff who had been showing love to her family. She then shared with Zac a moment that had a tremendous impact on her. She had brought her teenage granddaughter to Family Camp, but because the girl was being raised in a Buddhist household, the grandmother worried about how the message would be received. Earlier in the week, when asked if she knew who King David was, the granddaughter had simply replied that she had never heard any of these stories before. With tears in her eyes, the grandmother shared what happened during the passion play: “Tonight, I saw her go forward and sign her name in the Book of Life. I’m just so excited to see that she is accepting Jesus out of this whole experience.” For Zac, hearing that testimony was a powerful
reminder of what makes Camp Wawona special. “She was really touched by the way the staff had loved on her family,” he said. “And the programs had been a blessing to their family.” Reflecting on his connection to the camp, Zac believes Wawona is entering a powerful era under the leadership of camp director Delinda Hamilton. “I sensed this is a really, really great group of staff who just love Jesus,” Zac observed. As the summer season comes to an end, these simple and powerful moments from Camp Wawona linger in the hearts and minds of all those who attended. For Zac and his family, Camp Wawona continues to be a place where they can build friendships, create lasting memories, and encounter Jesus. ____________________ By Kisa de Bruin
Central California Conference
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Ricardo stands with his campers and fellow staff members in front of their cabin.
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“
It’s More Than Just a Camp
didn’t feel like I was qualified for the job,” explained camp counselor Ricardo Molina, “but I prayed every night for wisdom, and I felt that prayer was granted.” At the beginning of the summer, Ricardo knew he wanted to find work that was truly fulfilling, but he was not sure where to start. Camp Wawona first came up during a casual conversation with his friend, Kody Moreland. Kody eagerly shared exciting stories about his childhood summers attending camp, as well as his later experiences serving as a staff member. Inspired by Kody’s excitement to work at camp again that summer, Ricardo signed up to be a boy’s counselor, not fully knowing what to expect but eager to see what God had in store for him. The first day arrived, and Ricardo initially found himself surrounded by strangers. However, the initial anxiety quietly disappeared as he met his new coworkers. “The atmosphere was very welcoming,” Ricardo recalled. “At first Kody hadn’t shown up yet so it was just me. But, over time, I got to know a lot of people and became really good friends with everyone on the staff team.” Once Kody joined him at camp, both young men found themselves immersed in a work environment Kody described as “spiritually unmatched.” Their days were packed with devotional moments and spontaneous conversations with campers that led to
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Ricardo signs the “Book of Life.”
deeper understandings of Christ’s love. For both counselors, Thursday nights became the highlight of the week, concluding with a passion play that dramatically depicted what Jesus did at the cross. Kody’s experiences on Thursday nights had always been positive, but he said that the first week of Junior Camp was extraordinary. “I had never had a Thursday night like this,” Kody said. “I’ve never seen a group of kids completely surrender to Christ like they did after the passion play. They were all in tears, and they were sad that the week was ending. It was a special moment for me to see these kids all sign the Book of Life.”
Kody engages in camp activities.
At Camp Wawona, the “Book of Life” is a journal where young people write their names to signify a personal decision to follow Jesus. “Most of them marked that they wanted to be baptized,” Kody added. This moment reaffirmed for Kody that he was part of something far greater than just a fun camp; he felt like he was a part of a ministry that saved people’s lives through Christ’s love. Ricardo, on the other hand, encountered a Thursday night where he was still feeling out of place. “It was a rough week for me,” he explained, “I was feeling down
Kody leads worship activities.
Ricardo (center) with other camp staff.
and like I hadn’t given my all to these campers. I went through that evening’s program feeling like I hadn’t made much of an impact.” Then, a quiet moment opened his eyes to what God was doing. Ricardo continued, “Out of nowhere, one of the campers sitting in the back came up, hugged me, and said, ‘You are one of the only people that really understands me.’ In that moment I saw that I had really made an impact without knowing it. At the beginning of the week, I remember seeing myself in that kid, and I spent time getting to know him and giving him time and advice I had never got as a kid. When he told me this and I watched him decide to follow Jesus, I felt fulfilled and super happy I got to be a part of his walk with God.” As the summer concluded, Ricardo was glad Kody had recommended Camp Wawona. Ricardo shared, “Working at Camp Wawona revealed to me God’s presence in our lives. We feel like sometimes God goes away from us and, to be honest, we can’t see Him. This experience helped me to see that He was there the whole time. Working with these kids and hearing their stories was powerful. Most kids I spoke with felt their week of camp was a place where they have never felt that kind of love and warmth and sense of finding a home.” Camp Wawona proved to be far more than just a seasonal job for Ricardo and Kody. It served as a place where God’s love was tangible, lives were changed, and where everyone found true belonging in Christ. ____________________ By Kisa de Bruin
Central California Conference
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Through the Darkness There Is Hope:
Kaneohe Church Tackles Mental Health with Faith and Action
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hen the Kaneohe church opened its doors for a mental health seminar this spring, the message that emerged from a series of speakers was strikingly consistent: prayer didn't replace professional help in their lives; prayer is what led them to it. The seminar, titled “Through the Darkness There Is Hope,” brought together church members willing to speak openly about subjects rarely discussed from the pulpit: suicide, addiction, childhood trauma, and postpartum depression—offered not as cautionary tales but as testimonies of recovery. A family's long road One church member shared how decades of substance abuse led him to a night he had planned to be his last. He survived, waking not in the place he expected but with help arriving at exactly the right moment. What followed wasn't just prayer, he said, but a hard conversation with someone he trusted and, eventually, a doctor's care. “That began my 40-year journey that allowed God to use me to spread His truth,” he told the congregation. His daughter shared her own experience with suicidal thoughts in high school, a struggle she hid from the people who loved her most, until her mother noticed something was wrong and asked. That
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Hawaii Conference
conversation opened the door to therapy. “God granted me the blessing of having attentive parents,” she said, “but it is extremely important to get the professional help that we need in order to find healthy coping mechanisms.” Breaking a cycle Another member's testimony traced a harder road: childhood abuse, family instability, and a suicidal crisis of her own that went unspoken for years. Decades later, when her own daughter confided that she, too, was
struggling, she and her husband didn't wait. They got her into therapy immediately and stayed close through the recovery. “Please stay close to your children and pay attention to them,” she urged. “Get them into therapy and never stop praying for them.” Naming what isn't talked about A third speaker addressed postpartum depression, a condition she said affects one in five new mothers and is too often carried in silence. “This is not a mental defect or some sort of flaw,” she said. “It's an actual medical illness.” Her message was practical as much as spiritual: if something is broken, you call someone equipped to fix it. “It's the same thing when it comes to your mental health. You need the proper tools or resources to address the things you're dealing with.” Rebuilding after the fall Rounding out the seminar, a final speaker offered a framework for healing from trauma and loss, drawing on both Scripture and the psychology of how unresolved pain can resurface later in life—often, she noted, as addiction or a distorted sense of self. Her message: healing means learning what we can and cannot control, setting healthy boundaries, and seeking real support rather than running from pain. “With God's help,” she said, “we can rebuild with courage, protect
“Please stay close to your children and pay attention to them. Get them into therapy and never stop praying for them.” our peace, renew our minds, and create a legacy filled with light, laughter, love, and heavenly hope.” A consistent message What tied the testimonies together wasn't a single story but a shared conviction: faith and professional care aren't in competition. Every speaker who described a personal crisis also described a moment when someone—whether a spouse, parent, doctor, or therapist—stepped in. And getting that help was part of, not separate from, their walk with God. For a congregation that has weathered these struggles quietly for years, the seminar offered something rarer than answers: permission to talk about it and a clear message that reaching for help is not a failure of faith but often the answer to it. Thank you to the Pereza ‘ohana, Jenaiah Filio, Carmela Guerrero, and Hannah Abbott. ____________________ By Miguel MotaManzo
Hawaii Conference
September 2026 27
A Seventh-day Adventist Boarding Academy Serving Native American Youth Since 1946
Rushing Waters, Unshakable Spirit:
A Lesson in Resilience
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n July 15, Jacqui Reed, development director and horsemanship director at Holbrook Indian School (HIS), had just finished dinner with supporters of the school 1,600 miles away from campus when she received a phone call from her husband. “It’s pouring rain, and the electricity in the barn is out. The pasture is flooding. What do you want me to do with the horses?” At Holbrook Indian School, hot, dry, and dusty summers are normal year after year, which means they usually welcome the monsoon season that begins June 15 each year. But when a storm struck a month later, the sheer volume of rainfall created unprecedented challenges. Campus under water The torrential downpour began at dinnertime, with a year's worth of rain reaching the HIS property in less than an hour. Due to the natural slant of the property, the rainwater poured from higher scenic ground into the campus gully, causing it to overflow into the new alfalfa field. Recently installed irrigation pipes in the field rose out of their freshly dug trenches and shifted the water’s path directly toward the principal’s house and main road.
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Holbrook Indian School
Within 30 minutes, the basement of the principal’s house had several feet of water, irrigation pipes had migrated across the street, and the road was submerged. With a second storm forecast for the next afternoon, the maintenance team worked well into the night and early the next morning to minimize the chances of additional flooding. God was already there In the presence of the Israelites, Moses declared to Joshua, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV). The HIS campus experienced this promise firsthand when additional maintenance help was provided earlier in the summer. While the department is typically staffed by a director and two associates, they were blessed this particular summer with the addition of Head Boys’ Dean Michael Findorff, Assistant Boys' Dean Quintin Clah, and Nehemiah Campos, the capable son of the vice principal. Beyond that, God blessed their team with two talented college students: Agustin Baca-Gonzalez and David Hayes. The storm recovery response was exhausting, but because of each new team member, it was manageable. Each storm that followed July 15 decreased in intensity, and the impact was contained to the gully and the alfalfa field. Other than the principal's house, several buildings sustained rain damage but had no additional major flooding or losses. Meanwhile, Build and Restore International had already been scheduled to visit campus and help with the guest housing renovation project before the
storms and in the very same flooded basement. The timing of their trip provided capable, fresh energy to remove remaining fixtures, sheetrock, and wall frames successfully. Faith over fear Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (ESV). As of August 9, our campus is once again full of laughter and excitement. The school year is here, and we are blessed to welcome new and returning faces. We are grateful for the summer season and are looking forward to an exceptional year ahead. What a powerful reminder of God’s everlasting love and protection, even in our stormiest hours. _____________ By Kirsten Knuppel
A Seventh-day Adventist Boarding Academy Serving Native American Youth Since 1946 Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is a first- through 12th-grade boarding academy operated by the Pacific Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Eighty-seven percent of funding comes from individuals who have a desire to support Native American ministries and Christian education. Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of our students, their families, and the communities they serve. Thank you for your support.
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT P.O. Box 910 • Holbrook, Arizona 86025-0910 • (928) 524-6845 (Ext. 109) • Development@hissda.org • HolbrookIndianSchool.org
Holbrook Indian School
September 2026 29
I
Calling and Compassion: Kessinger Ordained to Gospel Ministry
n a ceremony filled with gratitude and joy, Kelly Kessinger was ordained to gospel ministry on July 18 at Grace on the Hill at Vallejo Drive church in Glendale. Kessinger’s ordination followed years of service in the Adventist Church and a deeply personal journey that has shaped her ministry. “When the pastors had their hands on my shoulders and were praying for me,” Kessinger said, “I felt a responsibility but also a sense of joy and peace, like I was where I was supposed to be.” Kessinger is the interim director of Mission and Spiritual Care for Adventist Health Simi Valley, where she leads the chaplain team and the Palliative Care Department. Known for her calm demeanor and thoughtful approach, Kessinger is the mother of four adult children, grandmother of two, and a trusted source of comfort for patients, families, and healthcare professionals. “I consider the hospital my church, my congregation,” she said. Kessinger’s journey into chaplaincy began in 2019 when she completed her first unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and discovered a calling to walk alongside people experiencing crisis, illness, loss, and uncertainty. Chaplaincy offered an opportunity to provide compassionate support at some of the most vulnerable moments in a person’s life, and Kessinger recognized this was where she could make a meaningful difference. What began as a professional calling soon became something even more personal following the death of her husband, Robert, in November 2020. As she and her family navigated the challenges of loss, Kessinger gained a firsthand perspective on the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and loved ones facing serious illness. Her experience deepened her commitment to ministry and her understanding of suffering, grief, and hope. That perspective has helped guide her work creating safe spaces for conversation, reflection, and healing. “I love most aspects of chaplaincy,” Kessinger said. “I love patient visits, sitting with them, encouraging them, supporting them. The hospital setting can be a tense environment at times, and a sad environment, but by listening to the stories and experiences of patients or grieving family members, we help them find a sense of purpose and hope.” Kessinger has a Master of Arts in pastoral ministry
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Adventist Health
From left: Danny Chan, executive secretary, Southern California Conference; Sam Leonor, chief mission officer, Adventist Health; Angela Li, associate director, NAD Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries; Kelly Kessinger, interim Mission and Spiritual Care director, Adventist Health Simi Valley; Kathleen V. Diaz, treasurer, CFO, Southern California Conference; Royal Harrison, executive vice president, Southern California Conference; John H. Cress, president, Southern California Conference.
from Andrews University, a Master of Divinity degree from Regent University, has completed four units of CPE, and has ecclesiastical endorsement from Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries. She was a church plant leader for the Central California Conference for seven years and has extensive experience in healthcare chaplaincy. “Throughout my journey, I have been supported by so many individuals,” Kessinger said. “I especially want to thank Pastor Chad Stuart who mentored and encouraged me, my CPE supervisor Tony Andrews, Adventist Health Chief Mission Officer Sam Leonor, and Angela Li from Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for her steadfast support and encouragement of Adventist chaplains.” Kessinger’s ordination was a collaborative effort involving the Southern California Conference, the Pacific Union Conference, and the North American Division. Representatives from Adventist Health, the Southern California Conference, and the North American Division participated in the service, recognizing Kessinger’s calling to ministry and her ongoing impact at Adventist Health and on the broader church community. Whether offering comfort at a bedside, supporting a grieving family, or encouraging a weary caregiver, Kessinger’s ministry is a proclamation of the gospel, a contemporary expression of the healing ministry of Jesus. ____________________ By Kim Strobel
To read more, go to lasierra.edu/news
Presidential Scholars Talk Impact, Faith, and Goals
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t’s among the highest La Sierra University institutional scholarships the university offers: the Presidential Service Award, a $15,000 allotment renewable annually. Three Presidential Scholarship awardees for the 2025-2026 school year talked recently about how their scholarship and their La Sierra experiences have moved in their lives. Delbert ‘Tre’ Minisee, Collin Namsang, and Elsa Balint began their collegiate journey last fall as Presidential Scholars and first-year students. Minisee is a business management and business analytics major with an interest in sports management, Namsang is a biomedical sciences and pre-med major aiming to become a pulmonary specialist, and Balint is an international business major who aims for a career in humanitarian development. Toward the end of the school year, the students provided insights into their experiences.
What impact has the Presidential Service Award scholarship had on your life? “When I received the call, I was in complete disbelief and shock,” Namsang said. “The chunk of tuition that the scholarship would shave off was massive, and it ultimately means way less interest in student loans to pay off later.” Noted Minisee, “It really sealed the deal for me to come here. The scholarship relieved a lot of stress about finances and loans.” “I knew this scholarship would relieve a heavy financial burden on my family’s shoulders,” Balint said. “I was able to pour myself into extracurriculars and my courses without worrying about paying off debt.” How has your first year at La Sierra University impacted you? “It has been a huge shift in my life,” Namsang said. “Coming from a loud, bustling, and competitive public school, I was always stretching my time over
multiple [activities]. Coming here, I really have had the time to focus on those things that I found matter to me, but at my own pace.” “My first year has been amazing,” said Minisee. “Because classes were smaller and more intimate, with professors who truly cared and are passionate about what they are teaching, I was definitely supported every step of the way.” “My first year as a student at La Sierra University was wonderful,” Balint said. “I had the support of faculty, colleagues, peers, and family friends. [The university] offered me an array of opportunities to push myself further than ever before.” What has been La Sierra’s impact on your faith? “I grew up as an Adventist, and I think La Sierra is a space that I can practice Adventism.… This school has made it really easy to maintain your spirituality,” Namsang said. “It was heartwarming to be among others who love Jesus and who enjoy worshipping and bringing glory to His name…since my relationship with God is central to my life,” said Balint. “I had a really good experience in my Christian Beliefs class,” said Minisee. “Through that class and discussions with my professor after, it really helped me.” ____________________ By Darla Martin Tucker
Left to right, Dilbert ‘Tre’ Minisee, La Sierra University President Christon Arthur, Elsa Balint, and Collin Namsang pose following their video interview with Arthur.
La Sierra University
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Members of LLUCH's trauma team celebrate their recent designation by ICEMA.
LLUCH Designated as the First Comprehensive Pediatric Receiving Center in the Region
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oma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) has been designated as the first Comprehensive Pediatric Receiving Center in the Inland Empire by Inland Counties Emergency Medical Agency (ICEMA). This marks a significant advancement in pediatric emergency care for the children of San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono counties. As a Comprehensive Pediatric Receiving Center, LLUCH will serve as a regional resource for pediatric emergency care, supporting EMS agencies, hospitals, and healthcare providers. The designation aligns with ICEMA's Emergency Medical Services for Children initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for pediatric patients through enhanced preparedness, coordinated care, and standardized pediatric capabilities. Peter Baker, JD, MBA, senior vice president and administrator of LLUCH, said the designation recognizes the hospital’s ability to provide the highest level of pediatric emergency, medical, and surgical care. “This designation reflects the commitment of our
See the latest news and Health & Wellness stories from Loma Linda University Health at news.llu.edu.
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Loma Linda University Health
multidisciplinary teams and their focus on efficient and timely pediatric trauma care. We are grateful for the collaboration of our EMS partners and support staff whose dedication made this achievement possible,” Baker said. As part of the designation process, LLUCH demonstrated compliance with state pediatric readiness standards and possesses the specialized resources necessary to care for critically ill and injured children, including a dedicated pediatric emergency department, pediatric intensive care unit, neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric specialty services, and pediatric trauma capabilities. The designation supports ICEMA's ongoing efforts to enhance pediatric readiness across the region and establish a coordinated network of pediatric receiving centers capable of delivering appropriate levels of care based on patient needs. LLUCH will also serve as the Regional Comprehensive Pediatric Receiving Center for Riverside County, even though that county is not part of ICEMA territory. ICEMA extends its appreciation to the leadership and staff of Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, regional EMS providers, hospital partners, and pediatric care stakeholders whose collaboration and commitment made this achievement possible. ____________________ By LLUH Staff
To read more, go to puc.edu/news
Pacific Union College Receives Six-Year Accreditation Reaffirmation, Marking a New Chapter
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acific Union College is celebrating a significant milestone after receiving a six-year accreditation reaffirmation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a decision that recognizes the college's academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and years of intentional progress. As part of its decision, WSCUC also removed the Notice of Concern previously issued to the college, affirming PUC is operating with greater stability, stronger systems, and a sustainable foundation for the future. Upon receiving the news, Lindsay Hayasaka, PUC’s Accreditation Liaison Officer, felt a flood of gratitude. “Milestones like this don't happen because of one office or one committee—they happen because hundreds of people faithfully do their work every day with excellence and a shared commitment to our mission,” she said. “This outcome is something we can all be proud of.” Throughout the process, Hayasaka clearly saw God’s leading in the people He continuously brought together. “At every critical point, the right individuals stepped forward with the expertise and willingness to serve at the moment required,” she said. The accreditation reaffirmation follows a comprehensive review of PUC, examining everything
from academics and student success to governance, planning, finances, and institutional effectiveness. It marks the culmination of years of collaborative efforts involving faculty, staff, administrators, and the Board. Those efforts were reflected in several commendations from WSCUC, which recognized PUC’s: • Commitment to educating the whole student in a faith-centered environment. • Dedicated faculty and staff in providing exceptional care and support for students. • Visionary leadership and strategic planning fueling the college’s progress. • Resilient campus community. • Innovation and leadership in expanding high-quality online education. With this milestone complete, PUC is looking ahead to an exciting new chapter—transitioning to the semester system and pursuing university status. “This outcome is an invitation to keep moving forward,” Hayasaka said. “We have been through a rebuilding period over the past six years, but the best chapters of PUC’s story are still being written. Now, it's time for us to fly.” ____________________ By Sheann Brandon
Pacific Union College
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The Ten Commandment Basketball Camp
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rom July 13-17, Vegas Valley Adventist Academy hosted the Ten Commandment Basketball Camp, welcoming nearly 35 boys and girls in grades 3-8 for a week of faith, teamwork, and basketball. The camp was sponsored by the Living Water Fil-Am church through the union’s Creative Evangelism Grant, creating an opportunity to reach young people through sports and spiritual growth. The camp offered two daily sessions: 1:00-3:00 p.m. for grades 3-5 and 3:00-5:00 p.m. for grades 6-8. Each session began with prayer and lessons on God’s Ten Commandments, with campers learning two commandments each day. They also discovered the three keys to successful teamwork—communication, trust, and sacrifice—and the five characteristics of a good sport: being supportive, having a positive attitude, showing respect, being willing to learn, and practicing self-control. Following the lessons, campers developed their basketball skills through dynamic stretching, ball handling, layups and scoring, defense, and competitive
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scrimmages. The combination of biblical principles and basketball instruction encouraged students to grow both on and off the court. The week ended with a special giveaway in which every camper received a gym bag, basketball, jersey, Bible, Bible study set, Ten Commandments plaque, water bottle, towel, and Scripture bracelet. In the coming weeks, campers will gather again for a pizza party where each child will receive the new basketball shoes they selected. A highlight of the camp was the involvement of seven teenagers who attended last year’s camp and returned as volunteers to help coach, mentor, and assist with registration. Their service reflected the lasting impact of this ministry. With many campers asking to return next year, we look forward to making this an annual event and prayerfully expanding the program to other conferences around the world. ____________________ By Mario Navarro Jr.
Camporee: A Weekend of Leading in Love While Growing Loving Followers of Jesus
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he 2026 Nevada-Utah Conference Camporee brought together Pathfinders, Adventurers, staff, and volunteers from across Nevada and Utah for four memorable days of worship, learning, fellowship, and outdoor adventure. Held June 18-21 at Camp Weber near Henefer, Utah, the camporee centered on the conference youth theme, “Lead in Love.” Throughout the weekend, clubs participated in honors, outdoor skills, recreation, team competitions, and worship experiences designed to strengthen both practical leadership skills and spiritual growth. While the activities created lasting memories, the true purpose of the camporee extended far beyond camping. Every event was intentionally designed to help young people deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ while building friendships and developing Christian character. The camporee also highlighted the incredible commitment of the volunteers who faithfully serve in Pathfinder and Adventurer ministries. Week after week, club directors, counselors, instructors, pastors, and parents invest countless hours mentoring young people, teaching life skills, modeling servant leadership, and creating environments where children and teens can thrive spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially. Their ministry often leaves a lifelong impact that reaches well beyond the camping field.
The Nevada-Utah Conference continues to see strong participation in its club ministries through Pathfinders, Adventurers, Teen Leadership Training, Pathfinder Bible Experience, area events, and conference-wide camporees. Together, these ministries provide intentional opportunities for young people to grow in faith, leadership, and service while preparing them to become future leaders in the church and their communities. The impact of that investment was further celebrated just weeks after the camporee when the conference recognized Sofia of Club Chaya, from the Las Vegas Living Water/Fil-Am church, as the 2025-2026 NevadaUtah Conference Pathfinder of the Year. During a surprise presentation before her home congregation, Sofia was honored for her outstanding commitment to Pathfinder ministry, Christian leadership, service, and spiritual growth. Her example reflects the mission of Pathfinder ministry: to develop young people who love God, serve others, and lead with integrity. As another camporee came to a close, participants returned home with more than memories of campfires, honors, and competitions. They left encouraged in their faith, strengthened through new friendships, and inspired to continue leading in love—living out the Pathfinder pledge and law in their homes, churches, schools, and communities. ____________________ By Michael Jenkins Jr.
Nevada-Utah Conference
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Leslie Bartsch New Associate Superintendent of Schools
eslie Bartsch has accepted the position of associate superintendent of schools for the Northern California Conference, bringing nearly three decades of experience in Adventist education. Originally planning a career in law, Bartsch studied history and political science at La Sierra University. During her final year of college, a placement in a second-grade classroom shifted her trajectory. That experience clarified her calling to education, and after earning her teaching credential, she began teaching in Fontana in 1998. Guided by a belief that every child can learn—and that students develop at different paces and in different ways—Bartsch has built her career around supporting student growth and helping schools create environments where learning can take root. She joined Chico Oaks Adventist School in 2008 and became principal in 2018. The school also holds deep personal significance, with three generations of her family attending,
“Leslie is the perfect fit for our conference. She has earned trust everywhere she has served— with her school families, her colleagues, and the principals who work alongside her.” - Patty Osborne
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including her sons, Wyatt and Conner. In her new role, Bartsch plans to draw on her classroom and administrative experience to support principals and teachers across the Northern California Conference. Her focus remains on strengthening schools and continuing to serve students through strong, missioncentered leadership. Patty Osborne, NCC vice president of education, shared, “Leslie is the perfect fit for our conference. She has earned trust everywhere she has served—with her school families, her colleagues, and the principals who work alongside her. I couldn’t be more excited for our schools to have her support.” Leslie and her husband, Rob, whom she met while attending Rio Lindo Adventist Academy, have been married for 29 years. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. ____________________ By Ken Miller
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The Mission Field on Aisle 7
hen Jesus told His followers to “go," He never intended for the church to wait behind its walls for people to come. Sometimes, the mission field is as ordinary as Walmart. My wife and I met Marie while shopping in Anderson, California. Our conversation naturally turned to faith, and she shared that becoming a missionary had always been her dream. Before we left, she invited me to a monthly Bible study where people from different Christian backgrounds gathered to know God through His Word. As relationships grew, I began leading the studies, and Marie faithfully invited family, friends, coworkers,
and neighbors. Through Scripture, she discovered the biblical Sabbath and requested Saturdays off so she could worship with God's people. More importantly, she became a disciple-maker, bringing others to Jesus with simple invitations and genuine friendships. In June 2026, after attending the Revelation of Love evangelistic meetings, Marie was baptized. Three friends she had personally invited were baptized alongside her, and her husband quietly said, “I'm proud of her." Marie reminded me that God often prepares people long before we recognize it. When we intentionally build relationships, earn trust, and share Christ in everyday conversations, ordinary places become mission fields. The next disciple-maker may already be stocking shelves, serving customers, or living next door—we simply need to notice where God is already at work. ____________________ By Rio Mabugay
Northern California Conference
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Beyond the Labels:
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Possibilities Awareness Day
oes the way we see others reflect the way God sees them? That question came to life as the Stockton Mayfair church hosted Possibilities Awareness Day, an event designed to replace labels with understanding, build meaningful relationships, and celebrate the gifts God has given every person. Inspired by Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (NKJV), the day demonstrated that when churches intentionally create space for every individual to belong, lives are changed. Dr. Dexter Thomas, president of Christian Record Services, opened the day with “The Anatomy of Healing." Reflecting on his childhood experiences with poverty and feelings of worthlessness, he shared how God transformed his life when he stopped accepting the labels he had carried for years. He exchanged the belief that he was “unworthy, unlovable, and garbage" for God's declaration that he was “fearfully and wonderfully made." Thomas reminded attendees that “Facts are the stuff that happens, but the story is the meaning we make from those facts." Healing begins, he explained, when we acknowledge what has happened while embracing God's conclusion—that we are redeemed, precious, honored, and deeply loved. As he concluded, “Healing happens when truth is received and not just recited." During the Possibilities Showcase & Community Connection Fair, 18 community connectors—including blind advocates, a deaf business owner, a deaf/blind advocate, parents of a child on the autism spectrum, a diabetes educator, and others—shared their stories. Rather than standing behind display tables, they invited honest conversations. Guests asked questions, listened, and discovered both the challenges and strengths each person brought to the community.
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American Sign Language and tactile interpreters ensured everyone could fully participate, while a prayer area offered space for reflection. As trust grew, conversations became deeply personal. Connectors spoke candidly about navigating a world where judging, labeling, and “othering" remain common. One guest became emotional while speaking with an amputee, illustrating that the event had become far more than an educational experience—it had become a moment of genuine human connection. Throughout the day, relationships replaced assumptions, conversations replaced stereotypes, and understanding replaced fear. Participants became active listeners, neighbors, and fellow disciples discovering one another's stories. The experience demonstrated that inclusion is more than accessibility—it is creating a church where every person is known, valued, and invited to contribute. Possibilities Awareness Day was about more than disability awareness. It was about cultivating generosity— not simply generosity of resources, but generosity of spirit, attention, compassion, and welcome. By choosing to see people through God's eyes rather than society's labels, Stockton Mayfair demonstrated that the church is strongest when every person is recognized as a valued member of God's family. When churches grow clarity about identity in Christ, earn trust through authentic relationships, transform engagement by creating spaces of belonging, and cultivate generosity through love in action, they reflect the heart of the gospel. For Stockton Mayfair, Possibilities Awareness Day was not the end of an event. It was the beginning of a ministry reminding every person that, with Christ, all things are possible. ____________________ By Kimber Dailey
Growing Through Hands-On Learning
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ne of my favorite traditions at Crescent City Adventist School begins with something very ordinary: a small incubator sitting in our classroom. I bought it a few years ago, thinking it would be a fun science project for our students. I had no idea it would become one of the experiences they anticipate most each year—one that teaches lessons far beyond science. For me, this project reflects what Adventist education is all about. We are not simply teaching facts. We are helping students discover God's creation, develop character, and experience the joy of learning by doing. After placing the eggs inside the incubator, we spend the next several weeks watching and wondering. Around days five and eleven, we “candle" the eggs by shining a bright light through each shell. The students gather around as tiny veins appear, and a few days later they can see small movements inside. Those moments spark conversations about how God designed life and remind students that even when nothing seems to be happening on the outside, incredible things are taking place beneath the surface. Twenty-eight days later, anticipation turns into celebration. The first tiny cracks appear, and before long our classroom is filled with excited students welcoming new ducklings into the world. For the next two weeks, the ducklings become
part of our classroom family. Students take turns cleaning their habitat, changing the water, feeding them, and gently holding them. As they care for the ducklings each day, they learn responsibility, patience, compassion, and stewardship. They discover that caring for another living thing requires consistency and commitment. Whenever the weather cooperates, we take the ducklings outside. Students gather bugs, grass, and weeds while observing how the ducklings peck, splash, explore, and stay close together. Every outing becomes another opportunity to ask questions, make discoveries, and marvel at God's creation. By the end of the project, my students have learned much more than how a duckling hatches. They have experienced the joy of discovery, the responsibility of caring for another living thing, and the importance of slowing down long enough to notice the incredible world God has made. For me, that is the heart of Adventist education. We help students grow in knowledge while also growing in character. We build trust by giving them meaningful responsibility, transform learning through hands-on experiences, and cultivate generous hearts that care for God's creation and for one another. Sometimes the most meaningful lessons do not come from a textbook. Sometimes they hatch one small crack at a time. ____________________ By Lisa Thompson
Northern California Conference
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The attendees gather for a group photo.
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Empowered: A Historic First for Asian Pacific Women's Ministries
rom April 23-25, women from across the Asian Pacific community gathered at the Sheraton Hotel in Rancho Cucamonga for the first Asian Pacific Women's Ministries Retreat organized by Southeastern California Conference (SECC). Centered on the theme “Empowered," the weekend offered spiritual renewal, fellowship, leadership development, and personal growth. A significant factor in making this historic event possible was the vision and support of Elder Elizer Sacay, vice president for Asian Pacific Ministries for SECC. Through his encouragement and commitment to strengthening ministry among Asian Pacific members, the first-ever retreat became a reality. His leadership also played a pivotal role in establishing Asian Pacific Women's Ministries, a dedicated platform to nurture, equip, and empower women for service and leadership throughout the conference. The retreat featured speakers whose professional expertise and faith enriched the weekend. Maria Kim, program director of elementary and secondary teaching at La Sierra University, shared messages that encouraged women to embrace their God-given purpose and leadership potential. Bler Sacay, a nurse practitioner at the VA Hospital in Loma Linda, offered practical and spiritual insights on living a life of faith and service. Esterlita Fiel-Quinones, who practices family medicine in Palm Springs, challenged participants to pursue wholeness in mind, body, and spirit while remaining rooted in Christ. Together, their
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presentations reinforced the theme “Empowered,” inspiring attendees to grow in faith. Throughout the weekend, participants were encouraged to embrace their God-given identity, walk confidently in faith, and use their gifts to serve their families, churches, and communities. “Empowered” resonated deeply as women reflected on God's faithfulness and His call to lead, mentor, and minister with courage and compassion. One highlight of the retreat was the opportunity to build lasting friendships among women from the many Asian Pacific churches represented. Shared meals, prayer sessions, and fellowship activities fostered unity and sisterhood across cultural differences. The newly formed Asian Pacific Women's Ministries Committee is already planning next year's retreat at Pine Springs Ranch. Registration is expected to open as early as February, and excitement is growing as women look forward to another opportunity to deepen their faith, strengthen friendships, and experience God's empowering presence. The inaugural retreat was more than an event—it was the birth of a ministry and the beginning of a movement. As Asian Pacific Women's Ministries moves forward, its mission remains to empower women to grow in faith, serve with purpose, lead with compassion, and advance God's kingdom together. ____________________ By Faye Vitug
Joy, Community, and Blessing:
Pastor Chung’s Journey Into Ordination
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n June 26, 2026, Paul Chung was officially ordained as associate pastor of the Orange Central Korean church. For him, this ordination service was a way to celebrate every important person and moment that has contributed to his journey and the way God used them. When Chung was in elementary school, he looked up to a son of his church's senior pastor, who was an older brother figure to him and a phenomenal soccer player. However, a career-ending head injury caused him to give up the chance to play professionally. Chung had watched as his anger with God changed and led to a decision to sacrifice everything to become a minister for God. “When he shared that experience with me as a young child, that really inspired me and made me want to give up everything in my life to serve God and ministry,” said Chung. His loving and service-oriented church community, as well as his parents, were also major influences. “Most Korean Americans go through the pressure of having to find a job that gives you a lot of money and stability, usually pre-med, pre-vet, or law,” said Chung. His father never pressured him to go these routes, telling Chung that the most important thing in life was to serve God. He graduated from Pacific Union College with a bachelor’s in theology and completed seminary training at Andrews University. At Orange Central Korean church, Chung values living the journey of spiritual growth with its members. “God has put me in a church where it’s not just once a week but a total weekly experience” he said. The members of the church have unique interests and hobbies that allow them to fellowship and grow with each other in their spiritual journey multiple times weekly. “One of the big focuses of our church is building that community and safe space,” he said. Additionally, he found that when he first arrived at the church about two years ago, they felt as if they had to do more. Chung helped the members to slow down, rebuild, and rest. He encouraged them to be comfortable with what they can do and focus on strengthening it. Recently, the church has celebrated families, welcoming children and rejoicing in the growth of their young adult community. Although Chung had initially believed an ordination was only similar to a baptism for a pastor, he realized throughout the service that the beauty comes from
Chung and his family.
the people who had led him to this moment. As he continues this chapter of his pastoral ministry journey with Orange Central Korean church, he remains committed to building a strong community with like-minded individuals where faith is nurtured and strengthened. ____________________ By Ysa Dennis
2026 SECC MID-TERM SESSIONS
Connecting THROUGH
We invite you to come join the conversations as we prayerfully listen, vision, and reflect.
CHRIST
Imperial County
Oct. 6 I 6:30 pm Calexico Mission School Gym
San Diego County
Oct. 7 I 6:30 pm San Diego Tierrasanta Church Fellowship Room
Orange/Riverside Counties
Oct. 13 I 6:30 pm Corona Church Fellowship Room
San Bernardino County Oct. 14 I 6:30 pm Crosswalk Church + Virtual
Southeastern California Conference
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Spiritual Care in Barstow
orcas, also called Tabitha in Scripture, is a beautiful example of women’s ministries in action. The story of Tabitha is found in Acts 9:3642. Tabitha’s ministry was not centered on public preaching but on acts of compassion and service for her community. Barstow church’s Women’s Ministries held a dinner on May 16 to celebrate important acts of service like those of Tabitha. Margie Hood, Women’s Ministries leader for the Barstow church since 2023, planned the event with these principles in mind: serve the vulnerable, meet practical needs, show Christ’s love through action, and build up faith in the community. Guest speaker Shawna Campbell, chaplain at Loma Linda University Medical Center, shared her passion for care with the LEFT: Special music is performed by Chalsea-Lee Sweet from C&J Ministries. RIGHT: Gift bags line the tables of guests Pat Baroni and women. Campbell, who has the opportunity her daughter Amanda Rowland. to create spaces of spiritual care in life’s sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in most vulnerable and sacred moments, shared part of weakness’” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV). her journey walking alongside individuals and families The event was held at a historical Route 66 as they navigate grief, uncertainty, and hope. restaurant in Barstow, with the dinner music performed Campbell opened by stating, “When life leaves by Christine Hamm, local pastor of New Life Fellowship you feeling alone… God is still with you. ‘My grace is in Barstow, and Onyx Entertainment, with special guest singers Crystine Yabanez and C&J Ministries. The community turned out for the occasion with 60 Barstow residents. The program was filled with prayers by Pastor Dawna Scott, and closing prayers were offered by Esther Wills. “Why do the women of Barstow gather as Dorcas? It is one of the clearest New Testament examples of women whose faithful service had a major impact on the churches,” Hood shared. “It was Peter who prayed and raised Dorcas from the dead. This miracle showed that her life and ministry mattered greatly—not only to the people she served but also in God’s eyes.” Hood believes that the story of Tabitha has much to teach modern-day women’s ministries about the value of spirit-led, compassion-centered, practical, and powerful ministry. Her example teaches that ministry is not only about speaking but also about serving, giving, encouraging, and caring for others in Jesus’ name. LEFT: Esther Wills and Jackie Puigvert attend the event. ____________________ RIGHT: Margie Hood and Shawna Campbell pose for a photo. By Margie Hood
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Azure Hills staff surround Leno for a photo.
LEFT: Dr. Cesar Galvez teaches the first module for the Andrews University certification. ABOVE: From left to right, Anaí Rodriguez, Ericka Cornejo, Veronica Mendez, and Sylvia Cortez greet attendees.
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SECC Hispanic Ministries Advances the Adventist Health Message
he Southeastern California Conference (SECC) recently hosted the commemoration of the 163rd anniversary of the Adventist health message. A large gathering convened on June 6 at the conference office to reflect on this legacy. Over the past year, SECC Hispanic Ministries established the Hispanic Health Ministry to disseminate the Adventist health message across the SECC territory. Their comprehensive approach includes organizing health fairs, conducting health evangelism within local churches, and providing essential training to empower community members and congregations at both local and county levels. The core objective of this ministry is to reintroduce and integrate the health message into their churches and communities, allowing individuals to experience the profound benefits of a healthy lifestyle. This pursuit is anchored in the eight laws of health: nutrition, exercise, water, sunshine, temperance, fresh air, sleep, and trust in God. Pastor Joel Soto, who leads this initiative, emphasizes its divine inspiration from the earliest days of the church, viewing it as an intrinsic component of the third angel's message—often referred to as "health reform." He firmly believes this message is destined for global proclamation, intended to complement other truths and serve as an "entering wedge" and the "right arm"
of evangelism, as described in inspired writings. While acknowledging the ongoing effort required to fully realize its intended impact, his conviction stems from the fundamental belief that God desires our optimal health, enabling us to experience well-being, share it with others, and foster truly healthy churches and communities that embody a vibrant lifestyle. In a commitment to professional development and expertise, the Hispanic Health Ministry has partnered with Andrews University to offer a Certification in Health and Lifestyle. This certification features health experts who teach specialized modules. Led by Dr. Cesar Galvez, the inaugural certification class successfully commenced following the 163rd anniversary celebration, showing a growing interest in the health message and its broader impact. SECC Hispanic Ministries anticipates continued blessings on this ministry as it expands its reach and influence, guided by divine wisdom in proclaiming this essential message. As a testament to its forward momentum, the ministry is planning its second retreat at Pine Springs Ranch from Sept. 18-20, 2026. This weekend will be dedicated to enriching activities and spiritual growth, inviting more individuals to commit to a life aligned with Christ's teachings. ____________________ By Veronica Mendez
Southeastern California Conference
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PHOTOS: ASHLEY GARZA
Sabbath hike during family camp.
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The Miracle of Camp Cedar Falls
hen Kayden stepped into the baptismal waters on Sabbath afternoon at Camp Cedar Falls (CCF), few people knew what led him there. A month before camp, his mom wrote to the SCC youth department and shared that after a tragedy took Kayden’s dad away, she and Kayden both felt lost. Not knowing where to turn, she remembered encountering Jesus at CCF when she was a little girl.
By the end of the summer, 23 campers were baptized.
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She felt impressed to check the camp schedule and, to her surprise, discovered the family camp week. Eagerly, she registered herself and her son. How amazing is God? On Friday night, they both shared their testimony of what God had done during family camp through nature, the activities, the staff, and the speaker. They described CCF as a place of healing. That evening, Kayden surrendered his life to Jesus. The very next day, he was baptized. Now, what many don’t know is that camp itself almost didn’t happen. One month before camp, only eight campers had registered. After months of visiting schools, speaking in chapels, meeting with pastors and principals, and doing everything to promote camp, registration remained low. Canceling seemed like the logical decision. A miracle was needed for summer camp to happen at CCF this year. After a season of being closed and after several efforts to revive it, only God could bring it fully back to life—and He did. This summer, 140 campers experienced CCF and 23 chose to follow Jesus through baptism. During the final week, registration had to close because there weren't enough staff to accommodate any more campers. “To many people, the numbers may seem like the most important part, but to us, they were simply evidence of what God was doing behind the scenes,” said Paulo Tenorio, SCC youth ministries director. “The real story was the lives He changed. So many of our young people recommitted their lives to Jesus.” One of the teen week speakers, Pastor Mark
ABOVE: A petting zoo and go-karts were new additions to summer camp this year.
Tamaleaa, spoke openly about mental health and shared powerful personal testimonies. His honesty created a safe space for many teens to open up, some for the very first time. Throughout the week, campers learned that we truly are family and that they could be transparent, support one another, and find hope in Jesus. Danae Songe, the mother of one of the campers who has attended seven different camps across the Zac De Leon, associate pastor at Eagle Rock church, shares his testimony at evening worship.
North American Division, shared the impact camp had on her son, Ethan. “Ethan said this was the best camp he’s ever attended,” Songe wrote. “Before leaving the cabin, the boys gathered with their arms around each other for a long prayer. His spiritual walk was strengthened at Camp Cedar Falls, and we’ve already seen the difference at home. He’s more obedient, calmer, treats his sister better, and can’t wait to come back next year.” “Moments like this are where you realize that in order to have a successful camp, you need to have faith in Jesus, make camp the most spiritual experience possible, and remember that laser tag, a new archery wall, or the latest go-karts are only extra things,” Tenorio said. “At the end of the day, what truly brings long-lasting joy will be Jesus— nothing but Jesus.” The real miracle of Camp Cedar Falls wasn’t that registrations grew from eight campers to 140. The miracle was watching lives be transformed by Jesus. ____________________ By Paulo Tenorio and Araya Moss
Southern California Conference
September 2026 45
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Central Spanish Church Celebrates 65 Years of Ministry
he history of Central Spanish church began at the end of 1960 when Pastor Samuel Weiss of SpanishAmerican church invited members to create a new congregation in the central Los Angeles area. By 1965, the growing congregation was meeting at a Presbyterian church. After meeting at various facilities, the congregation of 500 members purchased its own sanctuary at the corner of 12th Street and New Hampshire Avenue. However, a tragedy struck in 1977 when a fire destroyed the church building. The congregation eagerly searched for a new place of worship, and after finding a new location, the offer was accepted for the exact amount that the church had received from the insurance settlement after the fire. At the 65th anniversary celebration this summer, members and pastors from throughout the church’s history gathered together in one place to reminisce about the past and look toward the future. This anniversary celebration was extra special because the 60th anniversary took place during covid. “We were not able to celebrate as a church,” Carlos Varona, senior pastor, shared. “Having gone through the pandemic, like so many other churches, was a big struggle, and having the opportunity to see faces that we haven’t seen since before the shutdown was a tremendous blessing.” Though Varona has only served at Central Spanish for a short portion of the church’s history, he is filled with gratitude from seeing God at work during this time. “Spiritual growth is evident in our various gatherings,” Varona said. “Central Spanish meets every day: Small groups meet on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Wednesdays are for prayer and testimonies, and Fridays are for the consecration
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service. On Saturdays, the various departments carry out their regular activities, starting at 8:45 a.m. and concluding at sunset.” Randy Ramos, who experienced childhood to young adulthood at Central Spanish church, now ministers to the young adults as associate pastor. “I have seen young adults find a community within Central Spanish,” Ramos said. “I’ve been blessed to lead young and emerging adult disciples of Jesus who are passionate for ministry within our chapel. It is a joy and pleasure of mine for their parents to be in the church, for the young person to grow in the church, and to be able to minister to the whole family.” Varona is excited for what God has in store for the church’s future, “thanks to strong leadership composed largely of consecrated and dedicated young people,” he said. “That is what excites me: knowing the church’s future is in good hands, while recognizing that the work belongs to God and He will bring it to a successful conclusion.” ____________________ By Araya Moss
Pastor Carlos Varona thanks the anniversary planning committee.
PHOTOS: GUSTAVO RODRIGUEZ
LEFT: Head elder Luis Quiej leads the church in a prayer of blessing for all current and former Central Spanish pastors. RIGHT: Singing group Rondalla Renacer provides special worship music.
Anchored in Hope:
Delaware Avenue Celebrates 75 Years of Ministry
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From left to right: Danny Chan, SCC executive secretary; John H. Cress, SCC president; Roger Frazier, Delaware Avenue pastor; and Royal Harrison, SCC executive vice president. Pastor Frazier receives a letter of congratulation from SCC officers to the church.
PHOTOS: LAUREN LACSON
eventy-five years is far more than a milestone on a calendar,” said John H. Cress, Southern California Conference (SCC) president, in his greeting to Delaware Avenue church. “It is a testimony to the faithfulness of God and to generations of believers who have answered His call to worship, serve, and share the everlasting gospel.” In 1941, a group of believers were moved by the Holy Spirit to establish a gospel ministry focused on serving the African American community in Santa Monica. The small group gathered in homes and rented neighborhood churches in those early years and spent that first decade in earnest prayer to purchase land to build a church of their own. Originally named Ephesus church, the congregation changed the name to Delaware Avenue church after construction was completed on the building located on the corner of Delaware Avenue and 20th Street. At the anniversary celebration this summer, Lawrence S. Dorsey Sr. (pastor from 2012-2016) spoke on the theme of legacy and being anchored in hope. He highlighted several events in history from the last 75 years and rhetorically asked, “What has Delaware been doing for 75 years?”
Lawrence S. Dorsey Sr. shares a sermon entitled “Will Your Anchor Hold?”
“You must have been doing good work because you are still here,” Dorsey said. “You are still blessed, growing, thriving, witnessing, and still relevant to God’s plan for His church and His people in this area. You’ve had a good past. You have to have an active present to keep going in the future.” The church’s legacy has been marked by community outreach, service, and sharing the gospel near and far. Since the early 2000s, Delaware Avenue church’s Sunday food distribution has provided essential food to neighbors in need. Since 2017, the church has recommitted itself to the Great Commission by hosting evangelistic campaigns every year. The church has even supported mission work overseas through Fedley Bonneau, a church member who has spent years serving primarily in Thailand. At the celebration, SCC administration presented the church with a check to support its ministry. The day continued with a praise and recognition service that included a historical retrospective and recognition of three members’ dedicated service through the years, concluding with everyone singing together “We’ve Come This Far by Faith.” The day’s conclusion mirrored the conclusion of Dorsey’s sermon, in which he noted that in our faith journeys the anchor we have in Jesus is sure, but sometimes we’re not sure. “Is your faith strong enough, will your anchor hold to get you through another 75 years?” he asked. He reasoned that “it’s doable because Jesus will be with you always.” ____________________ By Araya Moss
Southern California Conference
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Calendar
Advertising Advertising is accepted as a service to Seventh-day Adventist church members in the Pacific Union. The Recorder management reserves the right to refuse any advertisement, especially ads not related to the needs and practices of the church membership. Acceptance of any advertising shall be considered a matter of accommodation and not a matter of right, nor shall it be construed to constitute approval of the product or service advertised. Payment in advance must accompany all classified advertisements or they will not be published. Display ads for known advertisers will be billed. How to Submit Advertising Classified ads must be sent with payment to the Recorder office. Display ads should be arranged with the editor (recorder@adventistfaith.com). Classified Rates $70 for 50 words; 75 cents each additional word. Display rates (full color only): back cover, $4,200; full page, $3,800; 1/2-pg., $2,200; 1/4-pg., $1,200; 1/8-pg., $700; $160 per column inch. Information The Pacific Union Recorder is published 12 times per year with a circulation of approximately 75,000. For more information about advertising, please email to recorder@adventistfaith.com. Upcoming Deadlines These are the advertising deadlines for the Recorder. Your local conference news deadlines will be earlier. October: September 3 • November: October 1 Contributions The Recorder pages are assigned to the local conferences, colleges, and healthcare institutions, and all content comes through the communication departments in those organizations. If you have a news story/idea, calendar announcement, etc., please contact your local communication department. See the masthead for contact information. Want tips for writing for us? See www.dailywritingtips.com/the-artof-writing-news.
Recorder Membership The Pacific Union Recorder is provided as a free service to members of the conferences that are part of the Pacific Union Conference (Arizona, Hawaii, Northern California, Central California, Southern California, Southeastern California, and Nevada-Utah). Each conference maintains the list of members, based on the reports from their churches. If you would like to make a change to your subscription (name, address, cancellation), please contact your local conference. The staff of the Recorder does not have access to the circulation lists, other than the paid subscriptions.
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La Sierra University
IGNITE Orientation. Freshman orientation takes place Sept. 16-18. This program is designed to help incoming freshmen connect with their peers, introduce them to student leaders who can help them navigate their first year, and plug them in to campus resources. Information is at ignite@lasierra.edu, by calling 951-7852674, and at https://lasierra.edu/ignite/. Classes Begin. Fall quarter classes for the 2026-2027 school year start Sept. 21. To learn about admissions requirements, class offerings, tuition, and financial aid, visit https://lasierra.edu and click “Admissions.” University Events. From art exhibits, music concerts, and intriguing lectures to varsity sports events, La Sierra University offers a wide variety of activities each school year, with athletics events beginning in advance of the start of classes. For university events and academic calendars, visit https://lasierra.edu/calendars-events/.
Pacific Union College
PUC Fall Quarter Begins, Sept. 21. PUC looks forward to beginning the 2025-2026 school year with new and returning students! PUC’s Girls’ Volleyball Tournament, Oct. 1-3. PUC will host several academies for their girls’ volleyball teams to compete, starting on Thursday and continuing through the championship on Saturday night. Academy students will also get a glimpse of the PUC experience during their time on campus. 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 visit puc.edu/connect. 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
Impact26, Sept. 19, 4:00 p.m. With “Ted Talk”-style
sessions on evangelism, children’s ministry, community engagement, money matters, and more, Impact26 is a new upcoming event to inspire members to impact their communities. Registration: scc.adventist.org/ impact. White Memorial church, 401 N. State St., Los Angeles, 90033. Pathfinder Camporee, Sept. 24-27. Join us as we celebrate 80 years of Pathfinders in the Southern California Conference with an unforgettable weekend of worship, adventure, friendship, and fun. The featured speaker is Meshach Soli, executive secretary/ ministerial director of the Hawaii conference. Late registration will be Sept. 1-24. Registration is limited to the first 1,000 participants. Lake Skinner, 37701 Warren Rd, Winchester, CA 92596. Info, email Nuris Barriga, nbarriga@sccsda.org. Laguna Niguel Church Guest Speaker Series invites you for two exciting presentations. First, on Sabbath Oct. 17th at 11:00 a.m., hear from Pastor Shawn Boonstra, former speaker/director for "It Is Written” and the "Voice of Prophecy." After the fellowship lunch, Jean Boonstra will speak on children’s ministry. Second, on Oct. 30 at 7:00 p.m. and all day Sabbath, Oct. 31, starting at 10:00 a.m., hear a powerful sermon series from Dwight Nelson, former lead pastor at Pioneer Memorial Church, entitled “The Gift” on the life and ministry of Ellen White. For more information, please call the church office 949-495-0311. The church is located at 29702 Kensington Dr., Laguna Niguel, CA..
Classified Employment
Southeastern California Conference is seeking a full-time Communication & PR Specialist. This position emphasizes support and execution of communication initiatives, focusing on project management, creative content development, writing, editing, and social media presence for the conference. Functions as writer and project coordinator for conference publications, including the Pacific Union Recorder, Conference Connections, and email newsletter. Responsible for general communication to inquiries from social media, email, and phone calls, which includes interacting frequently with church leaders, institution administrators, and the public. Assists the department with clerical, as well as other communication projects. The ideal candidate is highly organized, exhibits technical literacy, and thrives in a fast-paced environment with a keen ability to problem solve. Knowledge in photography, graphic design, web design, and content management is required. Some weekend work may be required. To apply, submit résumé and cover letter to SECC Human Resources at humanresources@seccsda.org.
Southeastern California Conference is seeking a fulltime Administrative Secretary for the Black Ministries department who provides comprehensive clerical support to the Vice President (VP) for Black Ministries and the various ministries under their oversight. The position works closely with the VP to facilitate effective and creative communication with pastors and churches—including website updates, social media, and digital newsletters—and arranges and manages logistics for special events hosted by the department. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, tech-savvy professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and brings a creative approach to communication and problem-solving. A demonstrated ability to work with culturally and ethnically diverse groups is essential, as is a warm, collaborative spirit and strong people skills. To apply, submit résumé and cover letter to SECC Human Resources at humanresources@seccsda.org. Elmshaven Historian/Caretaker: The Pacific Union Conference is looking for 2 part-time Historians in Residence/Caretakers for Elmshaven, the Ellen G. White home in Napa Valley, California. Positions require a strong understanding of Ellen G. White's life and writings and the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Individuals must have good communication skills (Spanish speakers preferred) for guided tours and ability to climb stairs and assist with grounds/ maintenance. Ideal for a semi-retired couple. Work schedule: 1 week on/off alternating with 2nd team. Modest hourly pay with residence and utilities provided on the grounds of Elmshaven. Start date September 2026. E-mail résumé and cover letter to: stephen. mayer@adventistfaith.com; call: 805-413-7218. Camp Cedar Falls is hiring! Live and work in God’s beautiful nature. Positions available include: Camp Ranger/Custodial and Camp Ranger/Maintenance. Opportunities available to singles, couples, and families.
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To learn more or apply, visit https://scc.adventist. org/departments-ministries/human-resources/jobopenings. For questions, call Camp Cedar Falls at 909805-4104. Pacific Union College seeks a skilled Certified Electrician with expertise in Medium Voltage Systems to join our team. C10 Contractors License or California Fire Alarm Installation Certification required as well. This role requires a strong understanding of electrical codes, safety protocols, and hands-on experience in industrial or commercial settings. https://www.puc.edu/campus-services/ human-resources/careers/electrician. Email hr@puc. edu, 707-965-6231. 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. Live-in companion in Madera, CA. Seeking an SDA woman to share home with a mostly independent elderly woman. Evenings/overnight preferred; minimal assistance, presence in the home. Must be reliable, kind, and comfortable with one gentle, mostly outdoor cat. Room and board plus stipend provided. Email ayomoon@gmail.com with references and brief bio. Discover Life Church and Mother Lode Junior Academy are seeking a regular part-time Maintenance Director to provide oversight of grounds and facilities. This role includes supervising volunteers and contractors, performing basic maintenance as needed, and supporting long-term facility care. Experience in maintenance, grounds, or facilities management preferred. For more information or to apply, please contact the church office at 209-532-3337 or office@ discoverlifesonora.org.
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. Summit Ridge Retirement Villages, an Adventist community in a rural setting, offers affordable homes or apartments and caring neighbors, with fellowship 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, 405-208-1289. Southern Oregon, Days Creek, country living: 10-acre property, 4+bdrm, 3.5-bath, 4,000 sq. ft, well with 3,000-gallon tank, septic system, big garden area, grapes and fruit trees, large workshop, greenhouse, woodshed/carport, lots of storage, Adventist schools and church nearby, ideal place for country living or wellness center. Call 541-825-3823, email janmay92@ aol.com. Off-grid solar, 4+ sloped acres. Shared well, older mobile, 2 bd/1bath with 3 sheds. Near Mexico and
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Arizona border. God willing, moving overseas. Church with school nearby. Estimated $130K invested. No conventional financing. Cash offers. Much to include. Materials for strong greenhouse. Text, 520-858-6674 message, or email poolman52@hotmail.com. 45-acre retreat estate in Valley, Washington. This 45-acre estate offers a remarkable opportunity for Christian ministry, retreat, or community living. The main residence spans over 15,000 sq. ft. with 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms—ideal for hosting church retreats, leadership gatherings, discipleship training, or extended fellowship stays. Amenities include an indoor pool and spa, elevator, multiple family rooms, and spacious common areas designed for rest and renewal. Beyond the home, the property’s 45 acres feature barns, shops, guest quarters, and horse facilities—perfect for outdoor ministry, youth camps, agricultural projects, or creation care programs. Surrounded by serene mountain views, this estate provides a peaceful environment for prayer, worship, and community connection. Offered at $2,300,000. For more information, please contact: Riley Knutson, knutsonrealtor@gmail.com, 509-279-9797; Clive Osbourne, clive@cliveosbourne.com, 971-901-5350. Thinking of moving to Florida? For sale, two contiguous vacant lots are available for sale in beautiful Avon Park Lakes, Avon Park, Florida. Quiet community near shopping area and Adventist church. One price for both lots. Contact Silvio Robles for Lourdes Gudmundsson at Florida Land Realty, Inc., 689-204-3315, floridalandsilvio@outlook.com.
lifestyle. Easy drive to Adventist Health headquarters in Roseville, Pine Hills Adventist Academy, Northern California Conference Office, and Lake Tahoe. About 45 minutes to Sacramento. Call or text 559-770-7155.
For sale: beautifully remodeled 2-bedroom, 2-bath mobile home in Yucaipa, CA. Located 15 minutes from Loma Linda, 45 minutes from Palm Springs. RV owners enjoy special club rate, which includes RV storage, space rent, water, and trash for under $200 per month. $179,500. Call Marigene Sample 951-347-9644.
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, “mountaintop” home site, southern exposure, plenty of water, horse corral, miles of forest trails with cedar, pine, fir, oak. 5th wheel and camping trailer onsite and campfire circle. $137,500. Call 209-745-2302. Owner/seller. Please no Saturday calls.
For Sale
Vacation Opportunities
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. Northern California foothill 2,100 sq. ft. home for sale in Colfax (near Auburn, CA) with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms on peaceful, forested acreage. Private, newer home ideal for family living and nature-focused
Angwin home. Five-bedroom, three-bathroom vacation home 2 miles from PUC. Fully furnished, large kitchen, dining room, living room, family room, piano, vineyard views, WiFi, washer and dryer, BBQ, sleeps 10. Call for rates, photos, and reservations: 415-539-7980 or email nroger1965@gmail.com.
Bulletin Board
Smarter Kids! Research shows excessive TV causes kids to have trouble paying attention and thinking clearly. But when they listen, their imagination is actively engaged. So fuel their imagination! Kids grow better with radio. Encourage them to listen at: LifeTalkKids.net.
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TEACH Services: Authors, transform your manuscript into a globally distributed book. Get free evaluation from trusted SDA publisher (42 years). If accepted, we edit, design, layout, market, and distribute worldwide. Submit today: www.teachservices.com. Look for red “Submit Manuscript” button top of homepage. We buy/sell used SDA books, www.LNFbooks.com. 706504-9192. Adventist Singles Wanted! Looking for meaningful, faith-centered connections? Join AdventistDating. com—where single Seventh-Day Adventists meet for friendship, companionship, and love grounded in shared beliefs. Safe, sincere, and free to join. Start your journey today at AdventistDating.com—where faith meets love! Country Living for Students? Check out Milo Adventist Academy in southern Oregon. Contact miloadventistacademy.com or admissions@ miloacademy.org, 541-825-3200.
Arlington church missing members, Arlington SDA Church, 8778 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92503, 951-688-6630. Alesana, Paul; Atuatasi, Afuafu; Atuatasi, Esera; Atuatasi, Tatiana; Atuatasi, Tesmina; Baker, Danny; Bates, David; Bates, Jan; Bauer, Wes; Bechthold, Cynthia; Beers, Jody; Bell, Sally; Bennett, Christine B.; Benson-Johnson, Sandra; Bergman, Dwayne; Boyle, Kenneth; Bunnell, Jennifer; Carr, Timothy; Cassell, Jane; Champlin, Frank; Champlin, Warren; Chapman, Deanna; Chavez, Marcelina; Chavez, Martin; Childress, Dollie; Chinnock, Joan; Choi, Catherine; Copenhofer, Shane; Cotter, James; Cunningham, Wayne; Dawson, Lola; Diaz, Robert; Edge, Sherry; Elliott, Pam; Fallert, Richard; Farrell, Seerina; Flores, Irma; Florez, Patricia; Flogleman, J O; Green, Debbie; Green, Lucille; Gregresson, Sonia; Hart, Evelyn; Hart, George; Henkel, Michael; Holm, Sandra; Johnson, Ann C.; Johnson, April; Johnson, Jonathan; Johnson, Latasha; Johnson, Lisa; Jordin, Dawn; Jordin, Larry III; Jordin, Shawndel; Jordin, Sheila; Kelly, Maureen; Kemp, Paula; Kim, Taus; Knight, Edward; Laban, Leiloni; Laban, Washington; Lara, Lisa
September 2026 Sunset Calendar
October 2026 Sunset Calendar
City/Location
City/Location
Alturas (Shasta) Angwin Bakersfield Calexico Chico Death Valley (Furnace Ck) Eureka Four Corners [E] Fresno Grand Canyon (South Rim) Half Dome Hilo Holbrook (Sun City) Honolulu Joshua Tree Lake Tahoe Las Vegas Lodi-Stockton Loma Linda Los Angeles McDermitt [N] Moab Monterey Bay Mt. Whitney Napa Nogales (Rio Rico) Oakland Paradise, CA Phoenix Pu‘uwaiau, Ni’ihau [W] Reno Riverside Sacramento Salt Lake City San Diego San Francisco San Jose Santa Rosa Sunset Beach Thousand Oaks Tucson
SEPT 4 7:29 7:34 7:18 7:02 8:16 7:10 7:43 7:40 7:22 6:51 7:22 6:32 6:42 6:44 7:06 7:25 7:03 7:29 7:10 7:14 7:19 7:43 7:31 7:09 7:34 6:46 7:33 7:32 6:49 6:33 7:25 7:11 7:31 7:54 7:09 7:34 7:31 7:35 7:31 7:16 6:43
SEPT 11 7:18 7:23 7:08 6:53 8:08 7:00 7:32 7:29 7:12 6:41 7:11 6:26 6:32 6:37 6:57 7:14 6:53 7:19 7:00 7:04 7:07 7:32 7:20 7:00 7:23 6:37 7:22 7:21 6:39 6:27 7:13 7:01 7:20 7:48 6:59 7:23 7:21 7:24 7:20 7:07 6:34
SEPT 18 7:05 7:12 7:41 6:43 7:59 6:50 7:20 7:18 7:01 6:31 7:00 6:19 6:22 6:31 6:47 7:02 6:43 7:08 6:51 6:55 6:54 7:21 7:10 6:50 7:12 6:27 7:11 7:09 6:30 6:21 7:02 6:51 7:09 7:31 6:50 7:12 7:10 7:13 7:09 6:57 6:25
SEPT 25 6:53 7:01 6:48 6:34 7:48 6:39 7:08 7:08 6:51 6:20 6:50 6:13 6:12 6:24 6:37 6:51 6:32 6:57 6:41 6:45 6:42 7:10 6:59 6:40 7:01 6:18 7:01 6:58 6:20 6:15 6:51 6:41 6:57 7:19 6:41 7:01 6:59 7:02 6:59 6:47 6:16
[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
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!
!
Small grades 1-8 church school in Central Kansas is looking for students. This quiet, peaceful town of 15,000 with a small church is in an agricultural setting
with a community college and hospital. Call 620-7917314 for more information.
Alturas (Shasta) Angwin Bakersfield Calexico Chico Death Valley (Furnace Ck) Eureka Four Corners [E] Fresno Grand Canyon (South Rim) Half Dome Hilo Holbrook (Sun City) Honolulu Joshua Tree Lake Tahoe Las Vegas Lodi-Stockton Loma Linda Los Angeles McDermitt [N] Moab Monterey Bay Mt. Whitney Napa Nogales (Rio Rico) Oakland Paradise, CA Phoenix Pu‘uwaiau, Ni’ihau [W] Reno Riverside Sacramento Salt Lake City San Diego San Francisco San Jose Santa Rosa Sunset Beach Thousand Oaks Tucson
OCT 2 6:40 6:50 6:38 6:25 6:47 6:29 6:56 6:57 6:40 6:10 6:39 6:07 6:02 6:17 6:27 6:40 6:22 6:46 6:31 6:35 6:30 6:59 6:49 6:31 6:50 6:07 6:50 6:46 6:11 6:08 6:39 6:32 6:46 7:07 6:31 6:50 6:48 6:51 6:48 6:37 6:06
OCT 9 6:30 6:40 6:28 6:16 6:36 6:19 6:45 6:47 6:30 6:00 6:28 6:01 5:53 6:11 6:18 6:29 6:12 6:35 6:22 6:26 6:18 6:48 6:39 6:22 6:39 5:58 6:39 6:35 6:01 6:02 6:28 6:22 6:36 6:56 6:22 6:40 6:38 6:41 6:38 6:28 5:58
OCT 16 OCT 23 OCT 30 6:19 6:29 6:19 6:07 6:26 6:09 6:34 6:37 6:21 5:51 6:19 5:55 5:44 6:05 6:09 6:19 6:03 6:25 6:13 6:17 6:07 6:38 6:29 6:13 6:29 5:50 6:29 6:25 5:53 5:57 6:18 6:14 6:26 6:45 6:14 6:30 6:28 6:31 6:29 6:19 5:49
6:08 6:20 6:10 5:59 6:16 6:00 6:24 6:28 6:12 5:42 6:09 5:51 5:35 6:00 6:01 6:10 5:54 6:16 6:05 6:09 5:56 6:28 6:20 6:05 6:20 5:43 6:20 6:15 5:45 5:52 6:08 6:05 6:16 6:35 6:06 6:21 6:19 6:21 6:20 6:11 5:42
5:59 6:11 6:03 5:52 6:07 5:52 6:14 6:20 6:04 5:34 6:01 5:46 5:28 5:56 5:54 6:01 5:46 6:07 5:57 6:01 5:47 6:20 6:12 5:58 6:11 5:36 6:12 6:06 5:38 5:48 5:59 5:58 6:08 6:26 5:59 6:12 6:11 6:13 6:12 6:04 5:35
[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
Padilla; Le, Dinh-Doan Tuan-Anh; Luciano, Jill; Marlo, Daniel; Marlo, Kevin; Marsh, Nabila A; Martinez, Robert; McCoy, Molly; McCuin, Richard; McDaniels, Wanda; Moeloa, Siva; Moeloa, Sosaia; Monge, Alena; Morrison, Esther; Myers, Nancy D.; O’Brien, Samalaulu T; Patton, Theresa; Patton, Virginia; Payton, Cheryl; Preheim, Judy Gore; Priest, Claudia; Remmers, Peggy; Reynolds, Gregory; Riggs, Charles; Ritz, Kathleen R.; Rivera, Eddie; Roberts, Tim; Robison, Holly; Robison, Noemi; Rockwell, James; Rockwell, Lois; Rogers, Ai Tzu; Romano, Joseph; Romano, Norma; Romano, Robert; Sanchez, Angla; Sanchez, Jerry; Sapa, Samaria A.; Sapa, Sene A.; Sapa, Togisala A.; Sawyer, David; Schulte, Alexandra F.; Seale, Janet; Semic, Randy; Sermeno, Allen; Sly, Jefferson; Sly, Jennifer Johnson; Soto, Ava; Soto, Jason; Stites, Don; Stover, Tamara; Sucher, Vincent; Suchowski, Phillip; Sulu, Aasa; Sulu, Tulima; Thomas, Bill; Thomas, Terry; Trovig, Fred; Vaafuti, Mulufua; Vance, Richard; Vega, Cesar; Williams, Bruce Kent; Wilson, Carolyn D.; Yost, Arthur; Zamora, Barbara; Zamora, David; Zamora, Stella; Zamora, Victoria; Zaragoza, Adrian; Zenor, Dovie B. Santa Clarita church missing members, Santa Clarita SDA Church, 24435 Valley St., Santa Clarita, CA 91321, 661-259-5420. Aguero, David; Aprato, Gabriel; Bataycan, Gloria; Cootz, Candace; Gulotta, Salvatore; Gulotta, Sarah; Langenbacher, David; Langenbacher, Anita; Langenbacher, Sarah; Langenbacher, Adam; Lienhard, Greg; Lienhard, Lillian; Martin, Isaac; Martin, Keith; Matthews, Sunshine; Miranda, Breanna; Miranda, Charisma; Miranda, Ciara; Miranda, Rene; Moen, Amber; Pacheco, Jason; Pak, Erin; Parcells, Lianne; Pierce, Karen; Pizarro, Celine; Pizarro, Faviola; Pizaro, Laryssah; Pizaro, Luis; Sanchez, April; Schick, Richard; Scott, Joni; Scott, Janet; See, Calvin; See, Julia; Shepherd, Kathy; Smith, Amber; Smith, Sierra; Smith, Teri; Snyder, Sarah; Soto, Anna; Sufficool, Daniel; Tulgar, Sevan; Tulgar, Julia; Wagner, Jessica; Wieck, James; Wieck, Tonya; Wright, Betty Ann.
At Rest Barruga, Tranquilino Guillermo – b. Sept. 15, 1933, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines; d. June 29, 2026, Loma Linda, CA. Survivors: wife, Leonila L. Barruga; children, Marvin James Barruga, Kimberly Mae Champlin, Kimberly Joy Carney; brother, Richard Barruga; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Crouch, Dennis – b. Nov. 7, 1950; d. June 28, 2026, Hemet, CA. Survivors: wife, Nancy; children, Kristen, Jacob, Christina, Matthew, and Andrew. Dennis actively participated as a Pathfinder leader, head deacon, and head elder. Echelberry, Jon Stuart – b. Oct. 8, 1955, Tempe, AZ;
d. May 18, 2026, Cheney, WA. Survivors: brother, James Echelberry; ex-wife, Michelle Adams Echelberry. He attended Sacramento Union Academy and Pacific Union College. He worked as the accountant and business manager at Golden Gate Academy and Calexico Mission School. Hildebrand, Steven – b. Sept. 19, 1953, Portland, OR; d. July 18, 2026, Redlands, CA. Survivors: wife, Merle Hildebrand; daughter, Merrie. Hulse, Raymond – b. Jan. 15, 1934, Loma Linda, CA; d. May 22, 2026, Loma Linda, CA. Survivors: son, William Hulse; daughters, Linda Burton, Diana Cash. Leppo Meyer, Ethel – b. June 20, 1931, Pleasant Valley, MD; d. May 21, 2026, Loma Linda, CA. Survivors: husband, David Meyer; children, Bruce Meyer, Cynthia Read, Will Meyer, Nancy Schafner; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. She taught in Adventist schools in Maryland, New Jersey, Wyoming, and Florida. She served as a missionary teacher in Lebanon, Kenya, Taiwan, and Hawaii. She taught all grades from Kindergarten through college. Masih, Ghulam – b. April 10, 1938, Doctor Wala, Punjab, Pakistan; d. July 13, 2026, Redlands, CA. Survivors: children, Rohail Masih, Sohail Masih, Nayyar Masih, Nabila Masih; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. Messer, George C. – b. May 19, 1933, Wisconsin Rapids, WI; d. June 19, 2025, Fair Oaks, CA. Survivors: wife, Dottie; daughter, Cindy; son, Gary; stepsons, Leonard, Gregory, Bradley; stepdaughter, Heidi Benson; eight grandchildren. George worked for 30 years for the U.S. Postal Service before accepting God's call to pastor in the Michigan Conference for 10 years. Reiss-Coffee, Eva K. – b. March 3, 1942, Deer Park, CA; d. June 6, 2026, Redlands, CA. Survivors: husband, Robert Coffee; children, Debbie Boskind, David Reiss, Karl Reiss, Kris Reiss; six grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren. Rios, Jorge Edgar – b. Nov. 4, 1956, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines; d. June 25, 2026, San Francisco, CA. Survivors: wife, Noemi Rios, three children; two grandchildren. Jorge was a dedicated member of Stockton Fil-Am church and head elder since 2015. Weister, Patricia Ann Riley – b. Jan. 24, 1937, St. Paul, MN; d. June 23, 2026, Woodburn, OR. Survivors: husband, Lowell; sons, Paul, David; daughter, Nancy Wright; three grandchildren. Patricia attended Adventist churches in California until she moved to Oregon for the last 20 years of her life. She subscribed to the Recorder.
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DANIEL CHRISTEL/CREATAS VIDEO+ / GETTY IMAGES PLUS VIA GETTY IMAGES
The Last Word By Ray Tetz
Learning From Enoch “10,000 steps a day.” This injunction for good health has become so ubiquitous that it has nearly displaced “an apple a day” as modern culture’s most familiar prescription for staying well. In part, it was the cultural and technological changes that accompanied postwar prosperity that displaced the agrarian metaphor. Suburban growth, a car culture, kitchens filled with labor-saving devices, offices that ran on machines, the pervasive dominance of television and mass media, and eventually computers, smartphones, and the always-on internet: all these things made it possible for Americans to accomplish more while moving less. Much to our peril. Suddenly, walking—fundamental to our daily lives—required thoughtful intentionality. And so the jogging and walking craze was born. It took a while for “10,000 steps” to emerge, but once pedometers—and later phones and watches— could count every step, the number became an easily understood daily measure of physical activity. Walking is so much a part of our everyday existence that it should not surprise anyone that the Bible took it up as a theme right from the start, using walking as one of its most durable images for describing human life.
54 Pacific Union Recorder
In one of the earliest—and most poignant— references to God’s interaction with people, Genesis pictures God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, calling to Adam and Eve after they had hidden themselves from Him: “And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day” (Genesis 3:8).1 The disruption in the relationship between God and humankind that followed is the Bible’s first account of alienation: Adam and Eve hide, and the idyllic environment of the garden is lost. But then, in the spare language of Genesis 5:24, we learn of Enoch. “And Enoch walked with God.” It is one of the most evocative—and hopeful—phrases in Scripture. The record of Enoch’s life is surprisingly brief. Genesis tells us that he became the father of Methuselah, lived 365 years, had other sons and daughters, and “walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years” (Genesis 5:22). Then the account ends: “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” (Genesis 5:24). Enoch’s name appears in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles and Luke, but only two other biblical passages add substantially to the biblical record.
Hebrews says that “by faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death,” adding that before his translation “he pleased God” (Hebrews 11:5). Jude calls him “the seventh from Adam” and says that he “prophesied” of the Lord’s coming judgment (Jude 14-15). While these texts add nuance to the story, “Enoch walked with God” is still its central and defining statement. “Walk,” “walked,” and “walking” have an unusually rich metaphorical life in the English language. We speak of “walking a fine line,” “walking on eggshells,” “walking a mile in someone else’s shoes,” and “walking the walk.” We may “find our feet,” “lose our footing,” “follow in someone’s footsteps,” or “make great strides.” Each phrase uses movement as a reference for something more: character, uncertainty, empathy, progress, decision, or direction. The Scriptures are equally rich in their use of walking as a metaphor. The Bible speaks of walking in God’s ways, walking in the light, walking by faith, walking in the Spirit, walking in love, and walking “worthy of the vocation” to which we are called (Deuteronomy 10:12; 1 John 1:7; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:2; Ephesians 4:1). Enoch’s life frames the biblical theme in its clearest form. As Ellen White writes, the phrase “walked with God” does not describe a single experience or an isolated act of devotion: “Enoch’s walk with God was not in a trance or vision, but in all the duties of his daily life. He did not become a hermit, shutting himself entirely from the world; for he had a work to do for God in the world. In the family and in his intercourse with men, as a husband and father, a friend, a citizen, he was the steadfast, unwavering servant of the Lord” (Ellen G. White,
Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 85). Enoch’s walk continued for 300 years after the birth of his son Methuselah. Genesis gives no account of spectacular accomplishments, only the sustained direction of his life: he walked with God. In our age, the ubiquity of cameras and mobile devices have only heightened our appreciation of capturing a child’s first steps. We can now capture the very moment when a child begins to move independently into a larger world. Look closely and you’ll almost always find an adoring adult beaming with pride and ready to extend a steadying hand. As our children grow, they learn to walk alongside us— matching our movements and sharing the pace and gait. “Hold my hand,” we say at first, which quickly becomes “Stay close.” The rhythm of life. From such ordinary moments emerges a powerful metaphor for how we grow in providence and purpose. We understand walking as a way to describe sustained movement in a particular direction, through changing terrain and circumstances, as the days become years. “And Enoch walked with God.” An ancient story that resonates fully with us today in a culture increasingly aware of how every step helps shape the health and direction of our lives. Enoch’s story teaches us that walking with God is living our lives in step and alignment with God’s purpose, character, and grace. _____________________________ Ray Tetz is the director of communication and community engagement of the Pacific Union and the publisher of the Recorder. 1 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the King James Version.
Walking is so much a part of our everyday existence that it should not surprise anyone that the Bible took it up as a theme right from the start, using walking as one of its most durable images for describing human life.
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