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Marc Pasion Installed at Sacramento Central Church
Marc Pasion Installed at Sacramento Central Church 3791 1883 Ken Miller

On September 13, Marc Pasion was installed as Associate Pastor of Sacramento Central Church.

Marc began his ministry in Hawaii as a Bible Worker and most recently served as Program Head for Ke Ola Youth Rush, mentoring students in evangelism and discipleship. He also served four years in the Hawaii Army National Guard, where he developed leadership, discipline, and resilience鈥攓ualities that now shape his pastoral calling. He completed his Master of Divinity at Andrews University in May before joining the Northern California Conference.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Marc carries the island values of family, humility, and service. Influenced by mentors such as Taj Pacleb, he embraces a ministry guided by 2 Timothy 4:11, which reminds him that God redeems the past and calls each person useful for His work.

Marc shares his life with Cindy, his wife of four years. They are grateful to serve together in this season of ministry.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 1, 2025

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Because of You: A Thanksgiving Letter to Our Faithful Supporters
Because of You: A Thanksgiving Letter to Our Faithful Supporters 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication and Development

This Thanksgiving, we pause with full hearts to say two simple words that carry eternal weight: thank you. Because of your generosity, prayers, and steady encouragement, the mission of the Northern California Conference continues to move鈥攓uietly in living rooms and boldly in sanctuaries, in classrooms and dorms, at food pantries and baptisteries, along hospital corridors and at summer camps where young people say 鈥測es鈥� to Jesus.

Your gifts do more than fund programs; they open doors. In our churches, seekers find welcome and members find hope. Bible studies flourish, new believers step into the waters of baptism, and congregations discover fresh ways to serve their neighborhoods. In our schools, students learn in Christ-centered classrooms where teachers pray, mentor, and inspire鈥攚here worship, service, and scholarship are woven together. Across our ministries, compassion becomes tangible: meals shared, burdens lifted, stories told, and faith renewed.

Scripture reminds us, 鈥淕ive thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever鈥� (Psalm 107:1). We see that enduring love reflected in you. Some of you give quietly each month. Others offer time, expertise, or special gifts that launch new efforts. Many of you intercede for pastors, educators, students, and volunteers by name. However you give, you are part of a living testimony that gratitude is not just a feeling鈥攊t鈥檚 a way of life.

We also know this year has asked for perseverance. Families have navigated uncertainty, churches have carried heavy needs, and leaders have made hard decisions. Yet in every challenge, your faith has shone like a steady light. You have reminded us that mission advances best when God鈥檚 people move together鈥攅ach one bringing a gift, a prayer, a word of encouragement. As Paul wrote, 鈥淵ou will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion鈥� and your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God鈥� (2 Corinthians 9:11).

So today we give thanks for you鈥攆or your trust, your partnership, and your sacrificial love. Because of you, children hear the name of Jesus spoken with joy. Because of you, students discover purpose. Because of you, neighbors are served and congregations are strengthened. Most of all, because of you, the gospel continues to go forth with hope.

May your table be filled with peace, your home with gratitude, and your heart with the nearness of Christ. From our Conference family to yours鈥擧appy Thanksgiving, and thank you for being part of this beautiful story God is writing among us.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025

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Many Nations, One Voice: Fiji International Choir
Many Nations, One Voice: Fiji International Choir 1900 1267 Ken Miller

Reprinted from nadadventist.org

Three years ago, Josiah Hughes, a member of Capitol City Seventh-day Adventist Church 鈥� Fiji Campus, in Sacramento, California, had a bold vision: to gather Fijian Adventists from around the world to sing at the GC Session.

鈥淢ost applied for the visa but were rejected,鈥� said Epeli Saukuru, general secretary of the Fiji Mission, who joined the choir; notably, he wrote more than 400 visa letters. Others cancelled for financial reasons, leaving the U.S.-based churches bracing to sing alone.

Amazingly, 85 voices came together from the U.S., Australia, England, New Zealand, American Samoa, and the Philippines. 鈥淲hen we all met here, Joe was overjoyed,鈥� said Saukuru. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 easy to put everything together. We can only praise God.鈥�

The group included six pastors, as well as Marc Woodson, the Northern California Conference president, who learned the lyrics phonetically. Although they learned the songs via Messenger and rehearsed just twice, their rich harmonies and smiles gave no hint of obstacles. 鈥淪inging is natural for us,鈥� said Saukuru. 鈥淲e love singing.鈥�

鈥淲e felt like we were singing with the angels. Even Joe said he felt the angels were singing with us while conducting,鈥� he reflected. Their message shone through, even in a different language: 鈥淒espite the many challenges we go through, God鈥檚 great love can still protect us. And we can still proclaim hope for the second coming.鈥�

Saukuru added that in the South Pacific, they can feel isolated, but at the session, they realized 鈥淲e鈥檙e not small. We鈥檙e part of a bigger global church family. And that has been a blessing.鈥�

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Dexter Thomas Ordained at Fairfield
Dexter Thomas Ordained at Fairfield 4014 2477 Ken Miller

Dexter Thomas was ordained on October 4, at Fairfield Community Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he serves as senior pastor.

Before coming to Fairfield, Thomas served as auxiliary evangelist for the 17吃瓜网 with Grand Advent Church (2006鈥�2010). Though legally blind, he has combined leadership with creativity, founding PhoneFaith, a spiritual care ministry for the blind that continues to serve hundreds nationwide. He also led seminars on personal evangelism, disability ministry, and leadership development, equipping congregations and communities for practical outreach.

At Fairfield, Thomas ministers to a congregation representing over 30 nationalities, nurturing community and fostering growth. He earned his Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary, where his dissertation focused on social justice in preaching and teaching, and has contributed to church leadership through evangelism, disability ministry, and community programs.

鈥淒r. Thomas鈥� story reminds me that God knew us before we knew ourselves, that God formed us through our trials, and that God now sends us on His mission,鈥� said Rudy Peters, African American Ministry coordinator.

Thomas shares his life with Elizabeth and their daughter Tahliza.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025
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Pentecost 2025: Lives Transformed in Our Territory
Pentecost 2025: Lives Transformed in Our Territory 3963 2089 Ken Miller

During Pentecost 2025, God鈥檚 Spirit moved powerfully across the Northern California Conference.

This North American Division initiative invited Adventists to hold thousands of proclamation events focused on prayer, community engagement, and discipleship. In our territory, members brought this vision to life through Bible studies, evangelistic meetings, and baptisms, marking a season of transformation and hope.

“Thirteen precious souls publicly declared their commitment to follow Jesus. Each baptism told a story of surrender, renewal, and faith, strengthening fellowship and inspiring unity,” reported Jaime Calvo, district pastor of the North Highlands, Sacramento Spanish and Woodland Spanish churches, “And other district leaders helped coordinate prayerful outreach, Bible studies, and mentorship that touched lives and transformed hearts.”

Douglas Barahona, associate pastor of the Chico Church, shared, 鈥淚n our bi-weekly Collegiate Bible Studies, the Holy Spirit and the book of Acts were central. This led to six baptisms among High School, Collegiate, and Young Adult students. Several students from Adventist and non-Adventist families plugged into the church and began serving as deacons or audio/video volunteers.”

Jaziel Huerta, assistant pastor of Sacramento Spanish, reflected, 鈥淲e prayed consistently for ten people, and we watched God respond. Many who had been absent or had never attended returned, reintegrated into church life, and grew spiritually.”

Octavian Poenaru, district pastor of the Clearlake and Middletown churches, told the story of Steve and Sandra, who came hesitantly but quickly became active. 鈥淭he week before their baptism, they took over landscaping to beautify our church and asked, ‘What else can we do for the Lord?鈥欌�� Their service reminded everyone of the beauty of a 鈥渇irst love鈥� for God.

Leoni Meadows retreat (May 30 鈥� June 1, 2025) provided a sacred setting for two baptisms, while Mayfair Church, North Bay Korean Company, and Sacramento Central SDA Church celebrated transformed lives.

Pentecost 2025 reminded everyone that every baptism marks both an ending and a beginning: the old life ends, and a new life in Christ begins. Heaven rejoiced over each soul that chose Christ鈥攁nd so did we.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025
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A Journey of Faith, Walking Together in God鈥檚 Word
A Journey of Faith, Walking Together in God鈥檚 Word 3764 1963 Ken Miller

Bible study has a quiet, remarkable power. It opens hearts, brings clarity in confusing moments, and creates a place where people can connect, share struggles, and grow in faith. It鈥檚 not just about learning Scripture鈥攊t鈥檚 about walking alongside someone, offering encouragement, and seeing lives change in real, tangible ways.

Deena鈥檚 journey shows just how life-changing that process can be. Born to a prayerful mother and inspired by her grandmother, a lifelong member of the Anderson Church, she grew up surrounded by faith. Yet life鈥檚 challenges tested her deeply. The loss of a beloved daughter left her grieving and searching for hope. Feeling the pull back to God, she reached out to the church community, unsure where her journey would take her.

鈥淪he was one of six individuals who reached out to our church for Bible study,鈥� says Rio Mabugay, a Bible Worker serving Anderson and Shasta Lake Churches. 鈥淔rom there, we started a study that took four months.鈥� Over that time, Deena immersed herself in Scripture, asked questions, and shared her heart. The Bible study became more than lessons鈥攊t became a place of healing, support, and growing friendship. Slowly, hope returned, faith deepened, and her heart found peace and led to her baptism.

Deena鈥檚 story is a reminder that leading a Bible study isn鈥檛 just teaching鈥攊t鈥檚 walking with someone through life, helping them find God鈥檚 hope, and guiding them toward the abundant life Jesus promises. Every study is an opportunity to plant seeds of faith, nurture hearts, and participate in God鈥檚 work in a meaningful, lasting way.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025
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Aron Crews Ordained
Aron Crews Ordained 4000 2250 Ken Miller

On September 20, Aron Crews was ordained at Granite Bay Church, where he has served as a youth pastor since 2022.

From his high school years, when a Bible teacher first inspired and mentored him, to his college experience that deepened his love for Scripture, Crews has been steadily drawn to a life of ministry. The influence of dedicated mentors and his personal study of the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White shaped a passion for God鈥檚 Word that he eagerly shares with others. His formal training was completed with a Master of Divinity degree, equipping him for a lifetime of service to the church.

Reflecting on his journey, Crews says with confidence that God has indeed been 鈥渁ble to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us鈥� (Ephesians 3:20).

Crews shares his life with wife, Dr. K鈥檇ee Crews, a licensed clinical psychologist whose work and speaking ministry also touch lives for Christ.

<em>Featured in Northern Lights, September 25, 2025</em>

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Andrew Huh Installed at Vacaville and Woodland Churches
Andrew Huh Installed at Vacaville and Woodland Churches 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Pastor Andrew Huh was installed as the new district pastor for the Vacaville and Woodland churches.

Huh previously served the Contra Costa Korean Church for the past eight years. His official installation services were held at the Vacaville church on September 6 聽and at the Woodland church on September 13.

Pastor Huh grew up in the Adventist school system in Korea and later earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. He shares that his mother prayed fervently for him to become a pastor, and he is grateful to see those prayers answered. One of his favorite Bible texts is Philippians 4:13: 鈥淚 can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.鈥�

He shared, 鈥淢y heart is filled with thankfulness and gratitude. By His grace and power, we can become genuine praying churches, so that He may pour out His abundant blessings upon us. The longer I serve as a pastor, the more deeply I am convinced that prayer is the key to evangelism.鈥�

Pastor Huh and his wife are honored to serve as a pastoral family in their new district. They have two sons, ages 23 and 21, both currently studying at Loma Linda University. Huh concluded, 鈥淲e pray that one day they will collaborate closely with gospel workers like myself as medical professionals.”

Featured in Northern Lights, September 25, 2025
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Elias Esquivel is the new Leoni Meadows Camp Director.
Elias Esquivel is the new Leoni Meadows Camp Director. 3583 1833 Ken Miller

The Northern California Conference (17吃瓜网) is delighted to welcome Elias Esquivel as Leoni Meadows Camp Director. He will start in October.

For Esquivel, camp ministry has been more than a career鈥攊t has been a lifelong passion and calling. His journey began in 1999, when, as a 14-year-old, he worked in the dish room at Pine Lake Retreat in the Florida Conference. 鈥淐amp ministry is my passion,鈥� Elias reflects, 鈥渂ecause it changes lives, and it changed mine.鈥� He would go on to spend ten years at Camp Kulaqua in Florida, serving as the Operations Manager before moving back to Pine Lake as the Camp Manager. Eventually, his path led him north to the Ohio Conference, where he spent five summers at Camp Mohaven, four of those years as Camp Manager.

Elias combines a passion for ministry with practical skills. Growing up on a farm, he learned responsibility early, driving tractors at age five and fixing what needed repair. He later studied structural engineering and earned a business degree, giving him what he calls 鈥渁 well-rounded grasp of plant operations and systems.鈥�

Camp has shaped Elias鈥� life in many ways鈥攊ncluding personally. During a Bible workers鈥� program at camp, he met his wife, Lizandra. For twenty years, they have built their life around faith, ministry, and service, and today they鈥檙e raising two children, Elijah (14) and Lilah Ruth (11).

At the heart of Elias鈥� vision for Leoni Meadows is a promise from Scripture that has guided him throughout his life:鈥� 鈥楩or I know the plans I have for you,鈥� declares the Lord, 鈥榩lans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future鈥欌�� (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

鈥淭hroughout my life I鈥檝e tried to seek God鈥檚 will, and it doesn鈥檛 always line up with my own,鈥� Elias reflects. 鈥淏ut I know God鈥檚 plan is better than mine, and He declares that He will prosper us and not harm us. I always defer to Him, knowing His plan is the best.鈥�

Stepping into leadership at Leoni Meadows, Elias鈥� priority is people and mission. 鈥淢y goal is to listen and learn the operation well, then chart a plan forward,鈥� he says. 鈥淲e鈥檒l keep strengthening programs, investing in safety and excellence, and serving kids and families. None of this happens without our dedicated staff鈥擨 want them to know how essential they are to the camp鈥檚 success.鈥�

With broad experience, practical skill, and deep spiritual conviction, Elias is ready to lead Leoni Meadows into its next chapter鈥攊n this place, children, families, and staff encounter Jesus in transformative ways. Please join us in welcoming Elias Esquivel and his family. We鈥檙e excited for what God will do next at Leoni Meadows鈥攚here unforgettable experiences, Christ-centered community, and life-changing moments continue to flourish.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 25, 2025
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Your Life Story Matters
Your Life Story Matters 824 506 Ken Miller

The Willits Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted a special evangelistic series, 鈥淵our Life Story Matters.鈥� Each night was filled with prayer, inspiring messages, and opportunities to share God鈥檚 love with the community.

Chaplain Erwin Pajares delivered powerful sermons that touched hearts, while Jeb J. Bersabal led Bible studies, helping attendees grow in God鈥檚 Word and take steps toward a personal relationship with Christ.

The series was a true team effort. Members welcomed guests, assisted with seating, and lifted their voices in worship, creating an atmosphere of care and unity. By God鈥檚 grace, five precious souls chose to follow Christ through baptism. The week was a joyful reminder that every life story matters to God鈥攁nd when His people come together in love, lives are transformed.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 25, 2025
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Every Thursday morning, Northern Lights, the official news source of the Northern California Conference, shares how churches, schools, and members are connecting people to an abundant life with Jesus Christ and preparing them for His soon return.

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