Recorder - Renewed by Hope How Can Christians Respond to a Polarized Culture? - Pacific Union Conference
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Recorder
PACIFIC UNION MARCH 2018
Renewed by Hope
Page 6
How Can Christians Respond
to a Polarized Culture?
Page 4
2 PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO M
Recorder
PACIFIC UNION
Publisher
Ray Tetz • ray.tetz@adventistfaith.com
Interim Managing Editor
Delwin Finch • delwin.finch@adventistfaith.com
Interim Copy Editor
Julie Lorenz
Interim Design/Layout
Stephanie Leal
Printing
Pacific Press Publishing Association
www.pacificpress.com
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.
EDITORIAL
CORRESPONDENTS
Adventist Health 916-781-4756
Jenni Glass • glassjl@ah.org
Arizona 480-991-6777
Phil Draper • phildraper@azconference.org
Central California 559-347-3000
Cindy Chamberlin • cchamberlin@cccsda.org
Hawaii 808-595-7591
Miki Akeo-Nelson • mnelson@hawaiisda.com
La Sierra University 951-785-2000
Darla Tucker • dmartint@lasierra.edu
Loma Linda 909-651-5925
Ansel Oliver • anoliver@llu.edu
CONTENTS Recorder
MARCH 2018
PACIFIC UNION
Nevada-Utah 775-322-6929
Faith Hoyt • fhoyt@nevadautah.org 39 Adventist Health
Northern California 925-685-4300 43-50 Advertisements
Stephanie Leal • sleal@nccsda.com 10-11 Arizona
Pacific Union College 707-965-6202 16-19 Central California
Larissa Church • pr@puc.edu 32-33 Hawaii
Southeastern California 951-509-2200 12-15 Holbrook Indian
Enno Müller • communications@seccsda.org
School Renewed by Hope
26-27
Page 6
Southern California 818-546-8400 La Sierra University How Can Christians Respond
Lauren Armstrong • LArmstrong@sccsda.org to a Polarized Culture?
40-41 Loma Linda UH
Page 4
Postal Regs: The Pacific Union Recorder (ISSN 0744-6381),
Volume 118, Number 3, is the official journal of the Pacific
20-21 Nevada-Utah
Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and is 34-37 Northern California
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38 Pacific Union College fills the heart with love, and joy, and peace, and
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22-25 Southeastern California Church, vol. 9, p. 169.
Cover art and on pages 5, 6, 7, 8. and 9 by iStock
Westlake Village, CA 91359.
28-31 Southern California
M A R C H 2018 3
How can Christians
Respond to a
Polarized Culture?
By Bradford C. Newton
T
hroughout the history of the
United States there have been “And while we stand here, with the aid of no other
intense periods of national
division. And each period called forth a creed than the Word of God, and bound together
response from Christian people caught by the bonds of love—love for the truth, love for
up in the events of the world. each other, and love for a perishing world—all
We are living through another his-
toric era of strident division, polariza- party feelings are lost.”
tion, and partisanship in America. The —James White, Review and Herald, August 11, 1853
flames consuming the structures of a
civil society are fanned by unbridled
expression on social media platforms, were nothing less than a new spiritual this world of inequality, injustice, spiri-
political and economic agendas, and order. What could be more challenging tual and physical corruption, and evil?
long-held grievances between citizens. to a society built on social, economic, Certainly, history records monastic and
Civil discourse is increasingly a wistful and religious inequalities? What could cloistered movements of Christians
memory. The cry goes up over the lay waste more efficiently to the crass who hid themselves away and awaited
noise of this social conflagration, “Can divides of class, gender, and ethnicity? Jesus’ return. But read the Kingdom
anyone save us from ourselves?” The When injustice was the rule of the day, Manifesto carefully and it is filled with
eyes of history look again to us, the whether in the halls of Roman power both explicit and implicit human inter-
disciples of Jesus and inquire, “What or the sacred confines of the church, actions. You can’t be salt while remain-
say you?” here is Jesus pointing in a radically new ing in a shaker, or a light beacon hid-
Why not start where Jesus Himself direction. Has the passing of time de- den under the basket. No way can you
did with the Kingdom Manifesto fanged the radical power of His words? love enemies from the couch or forgive
recorded by a former tax collector Certainly not. people you never meet. The answer to
disciple named Matthew. In a mere 12 At Jesus’ trial for betraying the “what now?” is clear from Jesus.
½ minutes Jesus upends the present spiritual order of Israel and alleged Here is a call to action:
state of human order and declares a sedition against the political order of “Love to Jesus will be seen, will
new social contract for believers in a Rome, His interrogators demanded to be felt. It cannot be hidden. It exerts a
corrupted society. know about The Kingdom. The Rabbi wondrous power. It makes the timid
Remarkably, the thesis statement answers simply, “My Kingdom is not bold, the slothful diligent, the igno-
of the whole sermon resides in a series of this world.” The Kingdom Manifes- rant wise. It makes the stammering
of eight unprecedented traits for His to is for the reborn woman and man tongue eloquent, it rouses the dor-
revolutionary followers—poverty, in whom Jesus has placed His Spirit. mant intellect into new life and vigor.
sadness, meekness, While turning the other cheek remains It makes the desponding hopeful, and
hunger, mercy, pu- foolishness to the wisdom of the gloomy joyous. Where love exists, there
rity, peacemaking, boardroom and the legislature, it is the is power and truth in the life. Love does
and persecution. marker in a life preparing for a “new good and nothing but good. Those
In Jesus’ day these heaven and a new earth.” who have love bear fruit unto holiness,
Bradford C. Newton Could some conclude that Jesus and in the end everlasting life”—Ellen
Pacific Union Secretary calls His followers to withdraw from White, 1898.
4 PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO M
“
But it shall
not be so
among you.
—Jesus,
”
Matthew 20:26
M A R C H 2018 5
Intimations
of
Hope
By Ricardo Graham
6 PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO M
T
he Bible tells us not to put our Job was undergoing a severe test.
trust or hope in another person, Why? Remember, God knew the intent
because those people cannot of Job’s heart. But Satan and the rest
save. Other human beings are of the of the angels— the holy ones as well
same nature as us. as the evil ones— did not.
Nor can we invest trust in orga- Job had been accounted blame-
nizations because, in a sense, hu- less and upright. Now he was being
man-led organizations are a com- put to the test, not for the benefit
bination of the traits of those who of God but for the witnesses—the
comprise them, and at their best they heavenly beings who were watching
are still fallible. No, it is best to follow the great controversy being played
the recommendations of the Bible: out before their very eyes. The “sons of
God” who had heard Satan’s accusa-
Do not put your trust in princes, tion were watching to see whether it
in human beings, who cannot save. was possible for humans to be faithful
When their spirit departs, they to God— for faith to sustain through
return to the ground; on that very day severe trials and tribulation, as God
their plans come to nothing. knew it to be possible.
Blessed are those whose help is “God is able and willing ‘more
the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the abundantly’ (Hebrews 6:17) to bestow
LORD their God (Psalm 146: 3–5, NIV). upon His servants the strength they
need for test and trial. The plans of
Job’s hope certainly was located the enemies of His work may seem
in God, His Savior. to be well laid and firmly established, way for our eventual perfection should
Job’s friends had pushed hard at but God can overthrow the strongest let us know that God is still at work in
him to get him to admit the specifics of these. And this He does in His own our lives.
of his horrible sin. They are caught in time and way” (E. G. White, Prophets As Paul explains: “We also glory in
the grip of the fallacious idea that all and Kings, p. 164). tribulations, knowing that tribulation
suffering is the direct result of God’s Job’s hope was in the Lord. Job produces perseverance; and perse-
divine retribution. had the conviction that even though verance, character; and character,
By their persistent accusations, he was going through a torturous ex- hope. Now hope does not disappoint,
Job’s friends had actually joined the perience, God would see him through. because the love of God has been
enemy. Their tactlessness and lack Whatever difficulties and trials poured out in our hearts by the Holy
of compassion had mischaracterized God has seen us through or given us Spirit who was given to us” (Romans
Job—and the God they sought to victory over in the past can remind us 5:3– 5, NKJV).
defend. And Job had had it. He wasn’t of His presence and His promise, “Nev- Did you catch it? Paul says that
going to take it anymore; he decided er will I leave you; never will I forsake tribulations produce perseverance;
that enough was enough. He ap- you” (Hebrews 13:5, NIV), and assure perseverance develops character; and
pealed to a higher authority. us of His presence in the present and character, hope.
Should we be prepared to defend future. Hope does not disappoint be-
ourselves against false accusations? When trials, troubles, and tribula- cause of the focus of the hope. We
Absolutely. Jesus is our example in all tions come, we must give thought to have hope in Jesus, our Savior. Job
things. He entered into dialogue to see how they fit into God’s program. had hope in his Redeemer. Hope was
defend himself with His critics prior That is what God is working out in his anchor, and it held fast through
to entering into His passion (see Luke us—the progressive development of the storm he went through.
5: 17–26 and Matthew 12: 1–8). But refined character. Character is what “And the peace of God, which
after Gethsemane, Jesus no longer we are. transcends all understanding, will
responded to His accusers from a po- We need to remember what Paul guard your hearts and your minds in
sition of defense. said: “And we know that all things Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, NIV).
He came to fulfill work together for good to them that Our hope brings us into a peace
a unique role that love God, to them who are the called beyond our ability to understand. We
we are not called according to his purpose” (Romans know that the Lord will provide what-
to fulfill. 8:28, KJV). ever we need to be faithful and to be
Ricardo Graham
Knowing that God permits trials, victorious in His name. That was Job’s
Pacific Union president troubles, and tribulations to come our hope, and it can also be ours.
M A R C H 2018 7
American Rights Today:
An Avoidable Clash of Absolutes? By Nicholas P. Miller
A
s our executive and legislative rights, freedom of speech or repu- surrounding the idea of free speech.
branches descend into new tational rights. But such absolutist Protecting “the” freedom of speech
depths of partisan conflict and advocacy — my right or group should also incorporated long-standing
gridlock, advocacy groups are turning always win — seriously overlooks the common law principles about the
ever more frequently to the courts history of rights reflected in the text of limitations of libel, slander, and
to resolve issues that regular politics the Bill of Rights itself. reputation.
cannot. We currently await high-court History shows that our Protestant This balancing of rights and val-
pronouncements on such hot-button founders believed that rights exist in ues was seen even more explicitly in
issues as gun rights, immigrant rights community—no right absolute, but the religion clauses. The First Amend-
and the travel ban, and a balance of a collection of values that must be ment did not just protect the “free
religious freedom and LGBT rights. weighed, balanced, and carefully cali- exercise of religion,” but also forbade
But the legal system itself is not brated. The commitment to the overall laws “respecting an establishment of
immune from the same extreme and system of rights is as important as the religion.” The two clauses meant that
absolutist language and views that belief in any single right. My constitu- neither could be interpreted in an
has come to characterize our politics. tional law professor made this point by absolute fashion; rather, they must be
Competing social groups wrap asking us what “the freedom of speech” weighed in some kind of tension and
their causes in the lofty language of meant in the First Amendment. I had balance. Thus, the Masterpiece Cake-
the Bill of Rights, and insist on the never thought about the significance shop, which pits a Christian baker’s
absolute priority of their rights over all of that article, but could see that it did rights of conscience and expression
others. We must choose, we are told, more than simply protecting “freedom against the non-discrimination rights
between gun rights or victims’ rights, of speech.” The article conveyed the of a gay couple, must involve a careful
religious rights or sexual and gender idea of a regulating set of principles balancing of rights and fundamental
8 PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO M
values. In this case, the couple has
other places to obtain cakes, and the
baker will lose his livelihood if the
state requires him to support same-
sex weddings. Thus, I believe that
the consciences and free speech of
small business owners such as bakers,
florists, and photographers should be
protected from being forced into sup-
porting ceremonies that they cannot
morally support.
A similar balance is also seen in
the Second Amendment’s right to
“keep and bear arms,” which is put
in the context of the importance
of a “well-regulated militia” to the
“security” of the state. The individual
aspects of this right to arms must
be understood in the context of the
right of society to “well regulate” the
use of those arms for the “security” of
all. This delicate balance must inform
the high Court’s decision in Peruta v.
California, a case about whether there
is a right to carry concealed weapons
outside one’s home.
This idea of the community of
rights is brought to its height in the
Ninth Amendment. Here it is acknowl-
edged that the community of rights
extends beyond those listed in the
Constitution. That the rights listed
in the Constitution should not “be
construed to deny or disparage others
retained by the people.” It reminds
originalists and living constitutionalists
alike that we are meant to interpret the
Constitution in light of the community
of rights, both internal and external, in
which it itself was formed.
This all means that the wrong
position on a host of constitutional Those who admit the difficulty of the interests.
rights questions may not be primarily balancing of the values involved have To say a decision that involves
how one comes down on the issue; it right, however they may come out such competing values is easy means
but rather in the manner in which the on the merits of these cases. ignoring years of history and expe-
position is held. The wrong position Freedom of religion, expression, rience during which our community
in all these cases involving a clash of and movement are among our most has learned to appreciate all these
fundamental rights is the one that venerable and deeply-rooted liber- important values. To say it is easy is to
says these are ties; yet non-discrimination, personal remember the individual rights that
easy cases for the safety, and national security are also we personally value most; and to mis-
Supreme Court. profound values that are also core remember the community of rights of
and central to our society. Whenever which they are a part — a community
Nicholas P. Miller, JD, these rights clash, a fair resolution of give-and-take which makes our
PhD, Church History
professor Andrews
will involve careful, nuanced, difficult society a civil and fair place to live for
University evaluations of values and balancing of people of all faiths, beliefs, and values.
M A R C H 2018 9
Arizona Conference
Thunderbird Students
Demonstrate Grace and Compassion By Linda Kline
Avery Benson* was tired. He’d spent at the end of the alley behind the Circle the idea of a short mission trip for
the prior day picking oranges. His K that needs help more than I do,” she dorm students was first envisioned
morning had begun with a cold shower said. by the girls’ deans, who wanted to
and several hours of packaging bags A few weeks later, speaking to the foster opportunities for the students
of food. Now he was in Seccombe Lake Thunderbird Adventist Academy board, to gain a greater sense of service
Park in San Bernardino, Calif., where Avery described the perspective he’d and appreciation for the duties of
homeless individuals sitting on blankets gained and the glimpse of grace he saw: community and the plight of the less
stake their claims near bushes and “As bad off as she was, she was thinking fortunate and underprivileged.
under trees—a few with shopping carts of others.” After a year of planning and
M
nearby. praying, the deans and students
As he gave a bag of food to a woman oments like these are why of both dorms left on a Thursday
whose earthly possessions fit into the the Thunderbird dorm afternoon for Loma Linda. Paul
few bags around her, she was thinking students have made an Dickau, director of the Loma Linda
of someone else. “Thank you for the annual mission trip to Helping Hands Pantry, had arranged
food and help, but there’s a family living Southern California for the past five for them to spend a long, hot, dirty
years. Taking a long day on their hands and knees in a
weekend out of a busy lettuce patch. The students then
scholastic schedule bagged the produce they’d picked,
allows students to along with canned goods, for
experience the needs distribution in the food pantry. That
in their communities first year the students packed 50 bags
and learn how they can of food, to which they added copies of
be of service. Steps to Christ.
Six years ago, From the beginning, many people
(Left) Thunderbird students picked 8,000 pounds of citrus.
(Above) The low-hanging fruit is not always the easiest to get, but
students pick it with a smile.
10 PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO MArizona Conference
(Above) Students take a photo break with the orange grove owner
Marion Wagner. (Right) Students station the 170 bags of food for
distribution.
wanted to help the students as different from their own.
they learned to help others. Empty They saw the effects of
classrooms for sleeping and a food drug addiction and abuse,
prep area were donated by a school. untreated mental illness, and
The Loma Linda Campus Hill Church people—much like themselves
provided a meal and a worship service and their own families—who
on Friday night. Many individuals have been caught in a bad situation a group of dorm students were in
donated food, time, and the use of and are living lives a world apart from a van driving to a local mall to go
their homes. what they once knew. shopping. As the vehicle stopped at
As the years have passed, the Although the time spent picking an intersection, they saw a man with a
opportunities and activities for the produce provides an appreciation sign asking for food. Quickly checking
students have changed, as have the of the work that goes into the food among themselves, they realized they
donors and volunteers. For three years they eat each day, the hour spent didn’t have any food but decided to
the students have picked oranges distributing food in the park can be take an impromptu collection and put
donated by a local physician and his life changing. For some, it is the first together several dollars. Before they
wife, and this year they tied a record realization of the level of need in their could finish collecting their funds,
by picking 8,000 pounds. own communities. For many, it is the the light changed, but the students
Some believe that the most recent first realization that they can make a insisted on turning around and going
trip was one of the most rewarding difference. The students’ efforts, limited back. They handed the money to the
and exciting to date. Under Dickau’s though they may be from their own man, who was incredulous. Not only
direction, the Helping Hands Pantry perspective, can be life changing to had the kids stopped to give him
donated two van loads of food, another person. The sense of gratitude money for a meal, but they had gone
enough for 170 bags, which the people express for a few meals’ worth out of their way to come back and find
students distributed. of food drives home the nature of their him when it wasn’t convenient.
In the hour spent distributing the situation. But even in the most extreme For Thunderbird students it was
food, students experienced a different situations of need, they are thinking of just another day, trying to make the
world. Under the close supervision others and asking that students pray little changes in the big world that
of deans and volunteers, they saw for family and friends. really matter.
people whose lives are drastically A few weeks after last year’s trip, *Name changed
M A R C H 2018 11Holbrook Indian School
A Seventh-day Adventist Boarding Academy Serving Native American Youth Since 1946
We’re Not Horsing Around
HIS Horses Serve as Teachers and Friends
By Fred Bruce and Diana Fish
HIS students race to the finish line. (Josef Kissinger)
“Over the years I have seen miraculous cases of troubled youth, who are literally saved from
traveling down the wrong path in life through horse involvement,” –Extension Horse
Specialist Dr. Ann Swinker.
Troy came to Holbrook Indian School (HIS) as a freshman. me, helping me clean out the stalls on Friday afternoons
Although he was entering high school, he was very and assisting me with the new, inexperienced riders who
behind in his coursework, reading at a fourth-grade joined the class. It was a struggle and a process for him to
level and barely able to write. He was timid and socially become confident in his work. He would ask me to check
awkward when I first met him. However, he had a natural a stall after he had cleaned it to make sure he had done it
affinity towards animals; he had spent a good portion of his the way I wanted. And then he would ask, “Well, this stall
childhood herding sheep on the reservation. I
believe it was this affinity for animals that led
him to my horsemanship class.
Starting out, he struggled to find his balance
when riding. So much of what makes a
good rider is the ability to match the rhythm
and timing of the horse’s gait when learning
to post (rise in the saddle) when trotting.
But he persevered and made remarkable
progress in just a few months.
Troy took horsemanship all four years while
at Holbrook. He began working alongside Mr. Bruce, Nano and Troy. (Alexandra Ortiz)
12 PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO MEven the youngest students can’t wait
to ride, and they are naturals.
On rare occasions we have students
who are afraid to ride. It took one
student, Adrian, years before he finally
got atop of one of Holbrook’s prized
horses. Adrian came to Holbrook
in the third grade and had always
wanted to ride, but he’d let his fears
get the best of him. It wasn’t until
the summer before his senior year
that he was finally able to conquer
that fear.
A scientific study has revealed that an
involvement with horses boosts the
life skills of young people. Horses,
the study found, act as both teachers
and friends for young people. The
Impact of Equine Activities on
Youth Development Study was
conducted by the Pennsylvania State
University Department of Dairy and
is done. What do you want me to do at HIS, do what we do. It is an honor Animal Science in cooperation with
next?” to see students like Troy grow into the American Youth Horse Council,
healthy and whole individuals with a 4-H, the American Quarter Horse
I witnessed the way his experiences passion for life. Youth Association, United States
with the horses played an important Pony Clubs, and the National High
part in his personal growth. It was Troy graduated in May this past School Rodeo Association.
rewarding to see Troy grow physically, year. Last we heard, he was thinking
mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. about joining the military. We hope Additional findings from the report
that eventually he will come back include the following: “Youth who
Troy was not a Christian when he to Holbrook and work with us. For learned horsemanship skills showed
came to Holbrook Indian School, now he is trying to find his way in better decision-making, thinking,
but during his time here he learned this world. We pray for God to lead communicating, goal-setting, and
about the love of God and made the his steps. problem solving skills.”
decision to get baptized and commit
his life to Christ. He thinks deeply HIS students take horsemanship as “Working with horses helped them
about things and commits to doing an elective class and for specialized develop positive values and life skills
the best he can in all he does. education programs. They learn all that are transferred to a young person’s
aspects of good horse care: how to daily life.”
There were times when he asked me feed, house, groom, and command
rather insightful questions while we the horse. In addition to being taught The findings do not come as a
were working together, and I marveled riding skills, they learn how to care for surprise to HIS Head Dean Alyssa
at this student who had been so the horse before and after a ride. Williams. “The student who won’t
timid and uncertain when I first met lift a finger in the dorm is the same
him. It was gratifying to watch him Many of our students come to us student who can’t wait to spend all
develop into a man of courage and having never ridden a horse. However, afternoon mucking out stalls,” she
commitment. their love and respect for the majestic said. “Cleaning stalls is handed out as
animals is evident the minute they discipline to students, but the truth is
This is why we, the faculty and staff come into contact with them. some of the students actually enjoy it.”
M A R C H 2018 13Aside from life skills, young people also Additionally, the report stated, “The “Horseback riding teaches teamwork in
benefit from the physical demands of daily care of horses further develops a very immediate way. Communication
riding and caring for a horse. “Horseback physical fitness and instills a source of between the horse and rider is key to
riding is a complex and demanding regular physical activity in a child’s life.” translating cues from the rider to the
physical sport,” the report said. “Riders action of the horse. Development of
develop coordination, balance, fine “The partnership that youth form with this communication process requires
motor skills, muscular strength and their horses demonstrates the mental the rider to be attentive to their mount
endurance, flexibility, and can improve development that benefits youth for and to process many visual, tactile, and
posture and cardiovascular health.” years to come.” auditory inputs.”
Top left: Former HIS student, Sherlinda, prepares to ride. (Larry Romrell)
Above: HIS 1st grader, Tessa, demonstrates her riding skills. (Diana Fish)
14 PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO MAbove; Vocational Arts and Horsemanship teacher, Mr. Bruce,
leads HIS students on a trail ride. (Brian Schwartz)
Right; Sharona eagerly awaits her first time riding a horse.
(Diana Fish)
“The emotional benefits of horsemanship are evident
in the relationships that youth form with horses.
Caring for horses allows youth to form lasting
bonds with animals and practice nurturing skills.”
“Daily horse chores play a role in developing a sense
of responsibility, empathy, and compassion; important
skills for starting and maintaining relationships with Extension Horse Specialist Dr. Ann Swinker stated, “Over
others. The horse also provides unconditional acceptance, the years I have seen miraculous cases of troubled youth,
as well as emotional support for their young caretaker. who are literally saved from traveling down the wrong path
Horses serve as both teachers and friends, and in both in life through horse involvement. The sense of pride that
roles, positively impact the physical, mental, and emotional kids feel when they reach a goal with their four-legged
well-being of youth.” friends, gives them every reason to remain on course.”
Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is a 1st through
12th-grade boarding academy operated by the
Pacific Union Conference of the Seventh-day
Adventist church. HIS also manages a 1st Seventh-day Adventist
through 8th-grade day school on the Navajo
reservation in Chinle, Arizona. Eighty percent Development Department
of funding comes from individuals who have a P.O. Box 910
desire to support Native American ministries Holbrook, Arizona 86025-0910
and Christian education. Your generosity (928) 524-6845 (Ext. 109)
makes a difference in the lives of our students, Development@hissda.org
their families, and the communities they serve. HolbrookIndianSchool.org
Thank you for your support!
M A R C H 2018 15Central California Conference
Registrants Flood Largest
CCC Young Adult Retreat
By Anil Kanda and Cindy R. Chamberlin
I
n December, conference attendance records were broken as more than 150
young adults (ages 18–35) from all over the state gathered at Sugar Pine
Christian Camps in Oakhurst for a winter retreat, themed “Start to Finish.”
Based on Hebrews 12:1-3, the Park, the venue had just opened passionate about learning to know
retreat focused on the end of the year due to cancellation of two other and share Christ,” said Savonna Greer,
and finishing strong with God each groups, which organizers believe a young adult and teacher.
step of the way. From its inception, the was providential. The weekend Even with a dynamic speaker,
retreat had a waiting list burgeoning featured powerful preaching by beautiful location, and high-energy
to capacity—so much so that Ivor Myers, Campbell church pastor activities, many believed that the
registration had to close early. Young and sought-after speaker. Young highlights of the weekend revolved
adults were still trying to register up adults participated in 15 peer-led around small-group discussions
to the day of the retreat! small groups, multiple praise teams with young adult leaders who led in
This event was planned largely in (including some from Loma Linda), pairs. These teams met throughout
response to a North American Division prayer meetings, a game time, hiking, the weekend, studying passages of
initiative for members to reach and a screening of the movie, The Scripture. During these discussions,
young adults. The Central California Case for Christ. Additionally, the communities were formed. At
Conference (CCC) decided to meet weekend shone a spotlight on several the retreat’s end, attendees were
the challenge by investing more time young adult ministries with outreach encouraged to go home and build
and resources into this age group, to individuals within California. communities of young adults by
beginning an official discipleship “It was a blessing to spend time in forming small groups in their own
process for CCC’s younger members. a peaceful atmosphere, with a large areas. (Ellen G. White asserted that
Held just outside Yosemite National group of young adults who are all small-group formats can allow special
(Left) Pairs of young adult leaders
lead small group discussions. (Above)
Attendees connect with each other
at the Central California Conference’s
Young Adult Retreat.
16 PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO MCentral California Conference
Attendees hike
in the venue,
which neighbors
Yosemite
wisdom from God because small boyfriend. Myers made other calls, National Park.
groups allow for spiritual thought including asking participants
development and cohesiveness to hand their burdens to God
with others.) and to study their Bibles more
Another widely-praised feature passionately. Sermons covered
of the retreat were the 7:00 a.m. multiple topics—both challenging
prayer times, which were packed and inspiring participants to
each day. “I was amazed at how commit more fully to God.
these young people were hungry The retreat went beyond
for God’s presence and came planners’ expectations. “The
seeking His face early,” said prayer young adults are excited to
leader Josie Chavez. have more of these retreats,”
Young adults came seeking said Jon Ferguson, one of the
God’s blessing for job transitions, small group leaders. Since the
new relationships, and other major retreat, a Facebook community
decisions in their lives. Peer leaders has developed for participants to
also facilitated prayer groups, stay in touch and encourage one
lifting each other up in seasons of another. Slated to be an annual
prayer throughout the session. event, next year’s retreat will
On Saturday night, an appeal be even larger and begin a day
inspired 14 young adults to earlier to accommodate the many
commit to baptism, including attendees. It is scheduled for early
Myers’ own daughter and her December.
Want more information? Join the discussion with CCC young adults
at: www.facebook.com/Young-Adult-Retreat-Community.
Campbell church Pastor Ivor Myers speaks
at the CCC Young Adult Retreat.
M A R C H 2018 17Central California Conference
Celebrating a Rich History:
Monterey Korean Congregation
Dedicates Church
By Cindy R. Chamberlin
T
he Monterey Korean church church building, and on June 1, 2013, symbolizing our freedom from the
in Salinas was dedicated they held their opening service. By bondages of debt and the cares of this
on Sabbath, Nov. 18. The May 5, 2015, they had paid off their world, to serve God more in love,” said
congregation began as a mortgage. Keith Scott, CCC treasurer.
home-worship service with a small The dedication service included a According to Monterey Korean
group of members meeting together congratulatory address by Manuao church Pastor Byung Chul Shin, this
in 1977. By 1981, the members had Maui’a, CCC Asian/Pacific ministries dedication was made possible “by
moved to a rented classroom at the director, with a sermon by Ramiro the grace and miraculous help of our
Monterey Peninsula School and hired Cano, CCC president. A prayer Lord. We thank Him for His abundant
their first pastor, Nam-Seok Chung. On of dedication was given by Ron blessing and guidance through the
March 20, 1982, the Central California Rasmussen, CCC executive secretary. whole process.”
Conference (CCC) officially recognized As part of the service, there was a Local church and conference leaders
them as a company. In Oct. 2012, the ceremonial burning of the church’s gather to celebrate the dedication of
congregation purchased their current mortgage. “Now we burn this paper, the Monterey Korean church, located at
526 California Street, in Salinas, Calif.
18 PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO MCentral California Conference
Financial Peace University is Coming to the Central California Conference
By Bob Clayton and Cindy R. Chamberlin
S
tatistics show that the average originally $99, will be reduced to $65
U.S. family has debt of $50,868 for the first 200 households registered
in student loans, $29,058 in and $75 for additional registrants.
auto loans, and $16,425 in A free lunch will be provided at the
consumer credit cards. If what the orientation. For questions, contact
Bible says in Proverbs 22:7 is true, Bob Clayton by emailing rclayton@
“The rich rule over the poor, and the cccsda.org or calling 559-347-3122.
borrower is slave to the lender” (NIV),
The Central California Conference
then many of God’s children are not is launching an initiative to help
free, but are slaves. It is difficult for members become fiscally responsible
slaves to embrace mission. and financially free.
In order to help individuals,
families, and churches become more
financially stable and less enslaved,
the Central California Conference
(CCC) is launching an initiative to help
members become fiscally responsible
and financially free. In 2018, the
conference’s stewardship department
will present Dave Ramsey’s Financial
Peace University (FPU) and will make
this learning resource available to all
CCC members.
This course, based on biblical
principles, features small-group
formats, books, and exercises for
churches to learn the fundamentals
of Christian finance. Participants learn
to take baby steps to get out of debt,
save, and create a budget. This non-
denominational program has proven
to create great stewardship within
the Christian community at large.
Statistics show that, upon completing
the FPU course, families have, on
average, paid off $5,300 in personal
debt and have a savings of over
$2,700 within 90 days.
The conference will kick off this
initiative with an orientation for
prospective leaders, students, or
anyone who just wants to learn about
financial preparedness, on Sunday,
March 4, at 11:00 a.m., at the Central
California Conference office, 2820
Willow Ave., Clovis, CA, 93612.
The conference will subsidize the
cost of FPU materials. The workbook,
M A R C H 2018 19Nevada-Utah Conference
Carson City Church Training Puts Safety First
By Faith Hoyt
W
hen Rick Martin stepped up to tackle the job of safety and security officer for the Carson
City church, he brought not only his professional expertise, but also a unique solution to
addressing church safety—a safety training course, which he developed to help prepare
his congregation for a variety of possible scenarios they could face. He began teaching the course
at the church in January.
Martin, a professional safety “Someone must be trained and experienced
and security consultant and former in a broad spectrum of safety and security
law enforcement officer with over functions and operations to effectively
40 years of experience in the field, carry out this kind of preparation.”
has funneled his training into a
curriculum that covers what to do hurricanes, tornados, and other Martin believes that without
in case of fire, earthquake, active major events. There is a great need a good written plan, churches
shooter, and more. Not only does for this type of training.” Martin’s cannot effectively respond to an
he have training modules for each comprehensive safety and security emergency. “A written safety and
aspect of church safety, he also program includes steps for facility security plan is the foundation
customized a database management evacuations and medical training. for any church safety and security
software through Microsoft Access, a Martin wants to involve as many efforts,” Martin said. “The written
Windows application, which allows a church members as possible in the plan helps the church to understand
congregation to track their progress process, something Tony Brandon, the steps they have to take to have
as they develop their safety and pastor of the Carson City Church, a functioning safety and security
security plans. supports fully. “Without a safety ministry.”
“Faith-based organizations officer, there will be no plan,” Brandon Prior to working as a safety
are not immune to risks,” Martin said. “Someone must be trained and and security consultant, Martin
said. “Adventist churches and experienced in a broad spectrum worked as a law enforcement officer
congregations have been increasingly of safety and security functions and and a firefighter and paramedic
impacted by domestic natural operations to effectively carry out this for 26 years. As a fire chief, he
disasters, including floods, fires, kind of preparation.” witnessed how crisis can paralyze
a community. “They did not
In January, Rick Martin
shared crime statistics for believe it could happen ‘here’, and
Carson City with church made no preparations or took any
members and urged training,” he said. “Needless tragedy
them to participate in the and immense emotional trauma
safety and security plans
developed for the church occurred because they did not know
in order to make their what to do. God says we must not
place of worship the safest fear, but His instructions are very
possible. “Before training clear about being prepared!”
can effectively begin,
the church congregation Though Martin emphasizes that
and leadership has to addressing safety and security is a
perceive the critical process that takes time, he believes
need and commit to the
it’s both crucial and doable. Martin
FAITH HOYT
process of building and
implementing a plan,” recommends that every church and
Martin said. school take the time to put safety first.
20 PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO MNevada-Utah Conference
Aligning Our Hearts with His – By Faith Hoyt, with Melody Darrow
Women’s Ministries Seminars Bring Las Vegas Women Together
N
evada-Utah Conference us and pray through Licensed Social Worker
Women’s Ministries them and surrender Denetra Gary speaks
at a Las Vegas women’s
Director Melody Darrow is them to God.” ministries seminar about
all about uniting women The series of overcoming emotional
to strengthen each other in their seminars, titled roots that lead to sin.
walk with Jesus. While looking for “Aligning Our Hearts
opportunities to bring women in with His,” included studying God’s Word
the Las Vegas area together, Darrow four main aspects: and using it as the
connected with Denetra Gary, a helping women means to effect change.
licensed social worker. Gary runs overcome emotional Her desire is to help
Complement and Complete, a roots that lead to sin, women elevate their
ministry designed to provide spiritual realigning focus so that women desire standard in Christ from focusing on
counseling for women. to prepare for Jesus’ second coming, the things of this world to focusing
Darrow invited Gary to present improving communication with men, on preparing to meet Him when He
a four-week seminar in Las Vegas, and staying connected to Jesus. comes.
starting the second weekend of Gary spoke on how to get rid Darrow observed that many were
January. These speaking events, of emotional roots that cause blessed by the seminar series. “This
hosted by the Mountain View church, issues—and why it is so important to was a great opportunity for us to
drew women together from more address them. “These roots cause us learn new information and spend
than a half dozen other churches for to exhibit negative behaviors such time together,” said one participant.
fellowship, food, and spiritual renewal. as anger, depression, and anxiety, The seminar encouraged many to
“God is continually wanting to work just to name a few,” Gary said. “I examine their spiritual lives. “One of
in each one of our lives, but we have guide them through the process of my goals as the women’s ministries
to allow Him to,” Darrow said. “In cooperating with Christ to discover director is to encourage our women
these seminars, we are encouraged to the root, and prayer to restore our to have a closer relationship with God
examine the roots that have stagnated brain and develop new patterns of and through that relationship find
thinking. Essentially, it’s healing and wholeness,” said Darrow.
taking 2 Corinthians 10:5 and “This seminar, with Denetra Gary’s
applying it directly to our insightful approach, is just one of the
life to overcome negative steps to help us achieve that goal.”
thinking.” Gary’s website, www.
PHOTOS BY MELODY DARROW
Gary uses the Bible complementandcomplete.com,
to help women through provides additional insights for
the process of complete women struggling with various
healing. She’s dedicated to issues.
(Above) Denetra Gary believes in claiming
Bible promises to help women transform
their lives. “No matter your hurt, pain,
baggage, or problems, if you cooperate
with Jesus, He can completely heal you,” she
said. (Right) The seminars, hosted by the
Mountain View church, gave women from
more than a half dozen other churches the
opportunity to gather for fellowship, food,
and spiritual renewal.
M A R C H 2018 21Southeastern California Conference
Early Childhood Education Centers
are Key
to Witnessing By Julie Majestic, with Jessica Anzai Permaul
T
he Southeastern California Conference has four early childhood education centers
in its territory. Two are connected to churches: Azure Hills Children’s Center, on the
campus of Azure Hills church, and Children’s Discovery Center, on the campus of
Riverside Community church. The other two are connected to academies: Loma Linda
Academy Children’s Center and Sunrise Christian Preschool, at Orangewood Academy.
These centers are a key she wanted him to have the same Center last year. Their children
component in mission work Adventist education she had growing learned many Bible verses and
to local neighborhoods. “Even up. At school, Nicolas learned how to would recite the Lord’s Prayer.
though we are on school or pray and was consistent in praying Although the family was not
church campuses, we’re a huge at home before his meals and before Adventist, they appreciated
outreach in the community,” said going to sleep. Witnessing Nicolas Adventist education and
Julie Majestic, principal of Loma praying at home moved the mother’s chose to enroll their son in
Linda Academy Children’s Center. heart. She slowly began to realize that Loma Linda Academy for
According to Majestic, a lot of she missed the presence of God in her kindergarten.
parents who send their children to life. She sought a pastor at Azure Hills
the centers are Hindu, Muslim, or church to talk to, rededicated her life Sunrise Christian Preschool
atheist. “Our centers are a bridge to Christ, and was rebaptized. A mother phoned Audry Railey,
for people who know a little bit After coming to the United States, director of Sunrise Christian
but don’t really have a clear idea the Lee family enrolled their two Preschool, asking if there was
who Seventh-day Adventists are,” children in Azure Hill’s Children’s room for her four-year-old son.
she said.
Below are a few stories from
the frontlines of Adventist mission
work.
Azure Hills Children’s Center
One mother decided to enroll
her son, Nicolas, at Azure Hills
Children’s Center. Although not
a practicing Adventist anymore,
Azure Hills Children’s Center is on
the same campus as Azure Hills
church in Grand Terrace.
22 PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO MSoutheastern California Conference
Children’s Discovery at school after worship each day.
Center is right The teachers explained that they
next to Riverside
Community church.
prayed before meals and talked
about God throughout the day.
boys are getting The family ended up being fine
She had attended the preschool consistent discipline and structure with that because of the quality
13 years earlier and remembered and are learning about Jesus,” she of the program. Soon, their son
Railey and the songs everyone wrote. She went on to say that the starting singing “Jesus Loves Me”
sang. She wanted her son to be in preschool was an answer to her and and other familiar Christian songs
a school where he would learn to her husband’s prayers. on the way home every day.
love the Lord. “I just want to encourage the After a year and a half, the
“It warmed my heart that this teachers and all those involved. What family moved back to Germany.
young woman had been touched they are doing can and does have a But before they left, the father told
by our little school so many huge impact on not just the kids, but Majestic that he was thankful and
years ago,” said Railey. “Truly, you their families,” she wrote. “Jesus told would always look for a Seventh-
just never know when you are us to go into the world and make day Adventist preschool if they
witnessing to others.” disciples of all people, and that is moved back to the States.
exactly what your teachers are doing!” “We look at mission outreach
Children’s Discovery Center as the typical mission story; but I
A grandmother wrote a letter Loma Linda Academy Children’s feel like we are the mission story,”
to the Children’s Discovery Center Center Majestic said. “We never know—
expressing her gratitude for a Two years ago, a family from we may be planting that seed.”
Christian atmosphere for her Germany went to
two grandsons. “I love that the Loma Linda Academy
Children’s Center. They
had a two-year-old and
were looking for child
care. They asked about
LLACC’s religious beliefs
and said that, because
they were atheists, they
would drop their son off Loma Linda Academy Children’s Center
is located next to Loma Linda Academy.
Sunrise Christian
Preschool is located
next to Orangewood
Academy in Garden
Grove.
AVTK/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
M A R C H 2018 23Southeastern California Conference
“Equipped 2 Serve” By Jessica Anzai Permaul
Event Prepares Ministry Leaders for 2018
T
he Southeastern California to be prepared and Seth Yelorda, senior
Conference hosted “Equipped trained so they pastor of Relove
church, speaks during
2 Serve,” a workshop event would know how the keynote address
held Jan. 20 at Mt. Rubidoux to serve better,” said at Equipped 2 Serve,
church and Jan. 27 at San Diego Ashley Peterson, Jan. 27, at San Diego
Academy. The training sessions helped administrative Academy.
more than 900 ministry leaders, assistant to the
pastors, and church members gain president and so that we can learn and
resources and information for their event coordinator. grow together.”
ENNO MÜLLER
ministry. “Equipped 2 Serve One of the goals of
Fifteen different workshops covered is the action the the event was to allow
women’s ministries, stewardship/ administrators chose attendees to network
commitment, health, education, youth, to provide members a space to learn with other local leaders and conference
family, resources for disability ministry, and connect.” directors so that they could be included
communication, community service, Attendees went to a workshop in emails and informed of future events.
prison ministry, evangelism, National of their choosing that was relevant “I made a friend from New Hope church.
Services Organization ministry, to the ministry of their church. Each I will be attending her church, and she’ll
religious liberty information, and more. workshop explained how the ministry be coming to visit me,” said Sylvia Kwok,
The event was a part of “Equip,” one worked; described new techniques women’s ministry director at Fallbrook
of four SECC strategic initiatives. This to manage the ministry in the local church.
initiative focuses on helping a person church; and provided resources, Kwok looks forward to taking what
prayerfully figure out his or her calling tips, and tricks to reach church and she learned from her workshop back
to serve the church and community. community members more effectively. to her own church. “I want to create a
During the strategic initiative “Our entire team came and got all better connection with women in the
process, SECC administration surveyed the information we needed to work church,” she said. “My goal is that every
members, teachers, staff, and pastors with young people and children,” said woman in Fallbrook is blessed and
on what they wanted to see within Dora Martinez, children’s ministry has a relationship with Jesus. I want to
their church. “We heard time and time director at San Diego Broadway find ways to minister to women in our
again that the lay members wanted Spanish church. “They church and reach out to more through
learned a lot and were evangelism.”
able to ask questions. I SECC will host another event
am 100 percent happy to focusing on evangelism and outreach in
spend the afternoon here the near future.
(Left) Ernest Furness, SECC ministerial director, speaks for the
church elders’ workshop on Jan. 27. (Below) Members discuss
getting involved in community issues during the religious liberty
PAUL CHUNG
workshop on Jan. 20 at Mt. Rubidoux church.
CHIN KIM
24 PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO MSoutheastern California Conference
Students at LLAJH
PHOTOS BY SCOTT GUPTILL
count macaroni and
cheese boxes to make
sure each family has
enough for Christmas
break.
Loma Linda Academy Junior High Food Drive
Feeds Families from Neighboring School By Jim Weller,
with Katie Miller
S
ince 2014, Loma Linda Academy Junior High (LLAJH) students, faculty, and families have
stepped up to help feed students and their families from Curtis Middle School (CMS),
located in nearby San Bernardino, during their winter break.
Many students rely on CMS for Bernardino. In 2014, the first year church, a local business, members
free breakfast and lunch five times of the program, food and supplies of the CMS school community, and
a week. “A lot of the students will worth more than $5,000 were some CMS students.
go from that day’s free lunch to the delivered to families. Students and faculty at Loma
following day’s breakfast without Since then, LLAJH has supported Linda Academy Junior High plan on
eating,” said Sarah Gapp, CMS CMS every holiday season. The continuing the food program for
teacher. “On the weekends they go students collect food and money, and Curtis Middle School this year. “We all
to soup kitchens and depend on the Home and School Association work together to bring food, hope,
churches to get food.” inventories the donations and and the love of Christ to people at a
But what happens to the students turns cash gifts into needed food very dicey time of the year,” said Jim
when winter break stretches out supplies. Then the students go to Weller, LLAJH principal.
for three weeks and the cafeteria is work packing boxes, which the CMS To see a video about the project,
closed? teachers deliver. Each family in need visit http://bit.ly/LLAJHfood.
When Loma Linda Academy receives two boxes
alumna Elizabeth Morlock began filled with food and
teaching at CMS in 2014, she soon other essential supplies
learned of the poverty that plagued to help them through
many of her students. She wanted to the holiday season.
join efforts to help provide for these Of the 43 families
families during the holiday season. helped last year, LLAJH
Morlock mentioned the need to her supported 26. Other
aunt, Kimberly Thomas, an LLAJH community members
parent at the time. This led to the rallied together to
beginning of an annual effort by provide additional
LLAJH families and faculty to assist support. These Families from Curtis Middle School in San Bernardino
their public school neighbors in San included a nearby receive two boxes of food and supplies.
M A R C H 2018 25FROM THEORY
TO PRACTICE
Meet some of this year’s
Social Work student interns
changing the world.
Find out more at lasierra.edu/socialwork
Andrew Liu & Alicia Esparza
Jennifer Murillo Mt. Rubidoux Seventh-day
Adventist Church is a
La Sierra Academy is a religious organization
TK-12 Christian school in providing spiritual care
Riverside, California. Andrew to its members and the
and Jennifer work alongside community. Alicia meets
the school counselor, serving with church and community
the needs of all students. members to provide
In addition, they assist the assistance in finding
school with annual events resources for their needs.
that strive to help students She also assists in group
gain more knowledge about facilitation for the youth.
college careers.
26 PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO MYou can also read
