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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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Jeffrey Maxwell Promoted to 17吃瓜网 Undertreasurer
Jeffrey Maxwell Promoted to 17吃瓜网 Undertreasurer 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Jeffrey Maxwell has been promoted to Undertreasurer of the Northern California Conference (17吃瓜网).

Maxwell has served the 17吃瓜网 for over a decade, bringing extensive experience in finance and risk management. From March 2017, he served as Associate Treasurer and Risk Management Director, overseeing financial operations and implementing risk mitigation strategies for the conference. Prior to that, from June 2014 to March 2017, he worked as an Accountant for Trust and Property Management/Treasury, managing financial records and conference assets.

Jaymes Cheney, Treasurer, stated, 鈥淚 have appreciated Jeffrey, who has been a tremendous help to me, enabling me to get my feet under me more quickly than I would have otherwise in my new role. I look forward to continuing to work closely together and watching him grow in this new role.”

Maxwell’s dedication, expertise, and kind, supportive spirit have made a lasting impact on the Treasury team, the broader conference, and the community. We celebrate his promotion and look forward to the continued contributions he will bring in his new role.

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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Joyce Mulligan Chosen as 17吃瓜网 Prayer Ministry Coordinator
Joyce Mulligan Chosen as 17吃瓜网 Prayer Ministry Coordinator 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Joyce Mulligan has taken on the role of Prayer Ministry Coordinator for the 17吃瓜网. She succeeds Esme Ross, who led the ministry for many years and was deeply appreciated for her dedicated service.

Joyce moved to Northern California after serving as the Director of Prayer and Women鈥檚 Ministries in the Central California Conference for 13 years. Although she is retired, she felt called to continue this work. After prayerful thought, Joyce accepted the conference leadership鈥檚 invitation to assume this position.

Although she initially had few connections in the Northern California Conference, Joyce is glad to have met many people at camp meeting. She wants every member鈥攜oung or old鈥攖o know they are valued as prayer partners. She shared, 鈥淚n this ministry, there is no age limit; everyone is invited to join in prayer.鈥�

Joyce also extends a special invitation to join the online prayer session every Thursday at 7:00 AM. 鈥淚 never want to miss an opportunity to invite you to prayer,鈥� she says with a smile.

Join us in faith as we lift up our conference together. To participate, call 1 (916) 637-8111 and enter code 669648#.

Featured in Northern Lights, September 25, 2025
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Sophie鈥檚 First Day: Walking in Her Father鈥檚 Legacy
Sophie鈥檚 First Day: Walking in Her Father鈥檚 Legacy 3881 2056 Ken Miller

When Deputy Adam Gibson gave his life in January 2021, his daughter Sophie was still too young to understand the meaning of sacrifice. She only knew the love of her daddy鈥攁 Marine, a K9 handler, and a man of courage and faith.

In August, Sophie stepped into a milestone her father never had the chance to see: her first day of kindergarten at Lodi Adventist Elementary. But she didn鈥檛 walk in alone. Deputies from the Sheriff鈥檚 K9 unit, her father鈥檚 brothers in service, came alongside her. They cheered, smiled, and showed her that she will always belong to a larger family. Even K9 Niko wagged his way into the moment, a living reminder of the bond Adam shared with his dogs.

Her kindergarten teacher, Lyly Nguyen, reflected on the day: “It was so touching and emotional to see how many police officers showed up in support of Sophie on her first day of kindergarten. Especially the K-9 dog who came to greet her, it truly honored her late father, Adam.鈥�

Above the schoolyard, a helicopter flyover briefly filled the sky鈥攁 fleeting sight, difficult to capture in photos, but profoundly moving. For Sophie, it was more than the start of school; it was the visible embrace of her community, a promise that her father鈥檚 bravery would never be forgotten and that she would always be surrounded by love.

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From the Fireline to the Frontlines of Faith: Lloyd Ogan Leads Sierra Chaplaincy With Heart and Mission
From the Fireline to the Frontlines of Faith: Lloyd Ogan Leads Sierra Chaplaincy With Heart and Mission 3990 2117 Ken Miller

On August 14, at a change of command ceremony, the Sierra Chaplaincy program welcomed Lloyd Ogan as interim executive director and senior chaplain. A longtime member of the Camino church and board chair at El Dorado Adventist School, Ogan now steps into a role that blends his extensive operational leadership with a pastoral heart shaped by decades of service.

Ogan stands among a rare few Adventists to hold such high-level positions in public service鈥攁 distinction shared with leaders like Rear Admiral (ret.) Barry C. Black, former U.S. Navy chief of chaplains and current U.S. Senate chaplain (since 2003), and Desmond T. Doss, the WWII medic and Medal of Honor recipient who saved lives without carrying a weapon.

Sierra Chaplaincy, a faith-based nonprofit with a secular mission, supports El Dorado County鈥檚 first responders and community members during their most difficult moments鈥攑roviding presence, prayer, crisis intervention, and emotional support. Whether responding alongside law enforcement, comforting grieving families, or uplifting firefighters after a tough call, chaplains serve as a crucial link between those who protect the community and the community itself.

A 36-year veteran of the fire service, Ogan dedicated 33 years to the Sacramento Fire Department, rising through every rank to become deputy fire chief of operations and later acting fire chief. He has also led as interim fire chief for the El Dorado County Fire Protection District and interim division chief of operations for the Turlock Fire Department. Alongside his leadership in emergency services, he has served for more than 20 years as a hospital and fire chaplain and holds a ministerial license with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

鈥淭hrough every act of service, Sierra Chaplaincy is living the gospel in real time,鈥� said Jim Lorenz, vice president for ministry at the Northern California Conference. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about more than responding to emergencies鈥攊t鈥檚 about building trust, meeting unique needs, and connecting people to the abundant life Jesus offers.鈥�

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Update on Rio Lindo Adventist Academy鈥檚 Care and Recovery
Update on Rio Lindo Adventist Academy鈥檚 Care and Recovery 1639 2048 Ken Miller

On Thursday, August 28, a student tragically passed away during an all-school activity. As a close-knit boarding community, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy canceled classes and activities through the weekend. After consulting with counselors, school administrators decided to resume classes and activities today, Tuesday, September 2, to restore routine and provide structured support.

Beginning Thursday evening and continuing through the weekend, mental health professionals provided support to students and staff. Adventist Health Ukiah and the Sonoma County Sheriff鈥檚 Office sent chaplains. Area pastors came to campus and joined students and staff in prayer and worship. A chaplain noted this was especially effective because a strong support network already existed on campus.

On Sabbath, four Paws As Loving Support (PALS) 鈥淐omfort Teams鈥� (therapy dogs and handlers) offered what they called 鈥渟oft paws and gentle support.鈥�
On Monday, September 1, the Sonoma County School Crisis Response System of Support team collaborated with Rio educators and staff to deliver Trauma-Informed Teaching sessions, providing talking points for classroom conversations, and connecting staff with county resources鈥攕upport that will benefit the school for years to come.

Lauren Heinrich, Northern California Conference (17吃瓜网) School Mental Health Clinician, and Albert Miller, Vice President for Education, are coordinating ongoing counseling for those who request it. 鈥淥ur purpose right now is to support our students and staff the best way we can,鈥� Miller said. 鈥淥n behalf of the Rio community, thank you for your prayers and the many offers of help.鈥�

As one parent observed, Rio is the best place for their child right now because of the campus鈥檚 community of care. Experts agree that healing from trauma occurs in the community, not in isolation. Rio is focused on restoring relationships, strengthening community, and walking together toward recovery. We appreciate your continued prayers.

Media inquiries: 17吃瓜网 Communications Office 鈥� laurie.trujillo@nccsda.com | (916) 886-5642.

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Summer Camp Meetings Celebrate God鈥檚 Work Across Cultures
Summer Camp Meetings Celebrate God鈥檚 Work Across Cultures 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Each summer, the Northern California Conference鈥檚 camp meetings become vibrant gatherings where believers from many backgrounds unite to worship, learn, and grow in Christ. Whether beneath the towering redwoods at the Redwood Camp Meeting, gathered in fellowship at Rio Lindo Academy鈥檚 Hispanic Camp Meeting, or lifting voices in praise at Pacific Union College鈥檚 Korean Camp Meeting, each event reflects the rich cultural diversity of our faith family.

These gatherings, made possible through the dedication of directors, pastors, staff, and volunteers, offer more than worship and fellowship. They serve as spiritual touchstones, renewing faith, forging new friendships, and strengthening the bonds between cultures in ways that echo the unity of heaven.

Korean Camp Meeting 鈥� Pacific Union College

From July 20-27, more than 1,000 attendees participated in the Korean Camp Meeting, a highlight for the Asian Pacific Ministries community. 鈥淚t was so fantastic, the turnout,鈥� said James Lim, Asian Pacific Ministries director. 鈥淲hat is significant each year is the growing number of second-generation participants.鈥�

Evenings featured music, testimonies, and mission reports from around the world. For many families, the event offered both spiritual renewal and a reconnection to cultural heritage. Participants left inspired to share Christ within their own communities and beyond.

Redwood Camp Meeting 鈥� A Gathering Beneath the Trees

From July 27 to August 2, 1300 worshipers came together in the majestic setting of the Northern California redwoods.

The diversity of the gathering was evident, with the Hispanic Ministries amphitheater drawing more than 300 attendees. A growing Ukrainian and Slavic group, now numbering over 80, joined as well, with Pastor Andriy Mykhaylovskyy translating sermons in real-time for those who speak little or no English. For the younger members, Pastors noted a joyful increase in children and young adults filling the camp with laughter, games, and spirited worship.

鈥淔rom camp-pitch to the last sermon, Redwood was a meaningful experience,鈥� said Pastor Vince Saunders of The Haven Church. 鈥淥ur young adult team, each inviting their circle of friends, filled our meeting tent to overflowing. It was a great turnout and reminds us that Redwood continues to be a special gathering for faith and fellowship.鈥�

Camp Director Steve Babb reflected, 鈥淩edwood was a living reminder that faith changes everything. From early preparations to the final Sabbath, I saw teams working with dedication and joy鈥攎edia leaders extending the experience online, sanitation crews maintaining high standards, and volunteers quietly solving problems behind the scenes. We look forward to building on this spirit as we prepare for our 50th anniversary next year.鈥�

Hispanic Camp Meeting 鈥� Rio Lindo Academy

From August 15鈥�17, over 800 friends, families, and volunteers gathered for Pentecost Harvest at Rio Lindo Academy. The campus buzzed with shared meals, heartfelt worship, colorful tents, and banners waving in the summer breeze. The church service was so overflowing that approximately 200 worshipers sat outside and listened. At the river, hundreds sang as forty souls answered the call for baptism.

鈥淲e are so blessed with our Rio Lindo event,鈥� said Paul Guevara, Hispanic Ministries Coordinator. 鈥淢embers of our churches make this gathering possible by bringing their communities, hearts of service, and the love of God.鈥�

One Spirit, Many Cultures

As campers return to their home churches, they carry renewed faith, stronger relationships, and a shared sense of mission. Each of these gatherings demonstrates that God鈥檚 Spirit is at work鈥攂reaking down barriers, uniting people across languages and cultures, and offering a glimpse of the eternal fellowship we will one day share in His kingdom.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 21, 2025
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Sacramento Adventist Academy Students Serve in Paraguay
Sacramento Adventist Academy Students Serve in Paraguay 4000 2250 Ken Miller

From July 24 to August 4, students from Sacramento Adventist Academy (SAA) joined 122 volunteers from around the world in Paraguay.

The trip was with Ultimate Workout 35, an immersive, teens-only mission trip organized by Maranatha Volunteers International. This opportunity allowed young people to serve with purpose, deepen their faith, and witness God鈥檚 work through acts of service.

At project sites with names like Campo 9, Kilometer 8, and Kilometer 40 in Paraguay, SAA鈥檚 group worked alongside other volunteers, carrying tools, water bottles, and sunscreen before dividing into teams. By mid-morning, one group was hauling bricks under the rising sun, another was assisting with blood pressure checks at a small clinic, and a third was teaching local children鈥檚 songs in Spanish, sharing laughter across languages and cultures.

After long, hot, humid days, evenings often brought moments of reflection and fellowship. Students shared stories over dinner鈥攁bout the day鈥檚 accomplishments, unexpected challenges, and the generosity and kindness they encountered. Hannah Emmanuel, 17, reflected, “It gave me the opportunity to build new relationships, forming friendships while deepening my understanding and faith in Jesus鈥攏ot only through worship, but also by helping others.鈥�

<em>Featured in Northern Lights, August 21, 2025</em>

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From Ashes to Amen: Paradise Dedicates New Church, Marks a New Chapter in Community Rebuilding
From Ashes to Amen: Paradise Dedicates New Church, Marks a New Chapter in Community Rebuilding 1526 762 Ken Miller

PARADISE, Calif. 鈥� On August 9, nearly 600 people filled the new sanctuary of the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist Church, celebrating a milestone five years in the making. The Dedication Weekend was more than a ribbon-cutting 鈥� it was a homecoming, a testament of faith, and a visible sign that Paradise continues to rise from the ashes of the 2018 Camp Fire.

When the wildfire consumed the church campus, part of the school, and thousands of homes, members didn鈥檛 retreat 鈥� they mobilized. They expanded their freshwater well to serve anyone in need, distributed home starter kits, built storage sheds for displaced families, and launched Love Gives, a ministry providing furniture and household goods to returning residents. During the pandemic, they delivered groceries and essentials to homebound neighbors, living out a ministry of presence even without a permanent building.

Worship never stopped. First under the open sky and later in the academy gymnasium, volunteers transformed the space week after week. In May 2023, hope took physical form as ground was broken for a new sanctuary. Two years later, the congregation stepped inside a building crafted not only from timber and stone but from shared perseverance.

During the dedication service, Northern California Conference President Marc Woodson prayed over the new facility, Associate Pastor Isaac Kim lifted a prayer for the people, and Senior Pastor Zach Reiber reflected on God鈥檚 sustaining love through seasons of trial and triumph.
The recovery extends far beyond church walls. Paradise Adventist Academy, reopened in 2021 and now educates a generation shaped by resilience. The town itself, once reduced to rubble, is slowly returning 鈥� its population now over 9,000, its streets lined with both new construction and the lingering scars of loss.

鈥淎s Hebrews 10:23鈥�24 reminds us, 鈥楲et us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess鈥� and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,鈥欌�� Woodson said. 鈥淭hrough the ashes of tragedy, the members of Paradise have shown what it means to live on mission鈥攃reating ministries that meet unique community needs, lifting spirits with kindness, and opening hearts to the transforming power of Jesus. Their steadfast love has helped neighbors rebuild and prepared hearts for the joy of His soon return.鈥�

As Paradise continues to rebuild, its Adventist congregation remains at the heart of the healing 鈥� a place where faith fuels service, neighbors become family, and the story of restoration is still being written.

Featured in Northern Lights, August 21, 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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