Hi there!

I run a Mom and Me playgroup at Paradise Adventist church that has been slowly growing the last few months, and it’s been amazing to connect with local moms. We have become more than half of the community moms who gather weekly for our kids to play in the Sabbath school room, eat snacks, do crafts, and moms chat and hang out. It’s been a nice way to naturally then invite them to come to church with us too.

Yvette Reiber

Guiding the retreat was a dedicated team of 58 juniors and seniors who had completed a two-day training with the youth ministry team. Eddie Heinrich, youth and young adult director, explained, “We guide these leaders on how to engage with the younger students from the very first day, creating a steady progression of intimacy and reflection. By Sunday, the goal is to have fostered real, meaningful connections.”

By the end of the weekend, students left equipped with not only a more in-depth understanding of the Bible but also strengthened skills and a renewed sense of purpose. Heinrich concluded, “Our hope is that they return to their schools ready to demonstrate what they’ve learned and model Christlike behavior with their classmates.”

Featured in Northern Lights, March 26, 2026

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Vacation Bible School season is almost here! To get ready for these transformative weeks of children’s evangelism, 17łÔšĎÍř Children and Family Ministries Director Barry van Iderstein hosted nearly 80 guests at the annual VBS Workshop, introducing the newly reimagined SDA VBS program, Cactusville.

Seasoned VBS leaders may recall Cactusville from over six years ago. The North American Division, which produces SDA VBS programs, retooled this classic as part of early preparations for the 2027 VBS program—with music videos already recorded! Sharing the program in advance gives VBS leaders a head start in planning, helping them formulate implementation strategies, create scripts, and determine how many actors will be needed for this classic summer ministry.

Cactusville transports kids to a Wild West desert town where they discover gold nuggets of faith in every Bible story. Each day features interactive games, crafts, skits, and theme songs that bring the Bible to life, helping children understand how God is calling them to follow Him. From opening “round-up” sessions to fun station rotations, this program gives kids a week of faith-filled adventure they won’t forget.

VBS continues to be one of the most popular and impactful summer programs for churches, offering a highly engaging way to teach children the Bible, develop leadership skills in volunteers, and make a lasting impression on families. Investing in VBS is investing in the next generation of faithful disciples—an opportunity your church won’t want to miss.

For more information on VBS programming or training to host a VBS week, contact Barry at barry@nccsda.com today. Yee-haw!

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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In January, Tracy Elementary School students, parents, and teachers traveled to McHenry House Tracy Family Shelter as part of a community engagement experience.

The visit gave students a closer look at housing insecurity in their own area and the role local organizations play in responding to it. As they toured the facility, students asked questions, listened carefully, and began to understand how quickly circumstances can change for families.

With support from the VersaCare Fund and a donor gift, the school was able to provide $1,500 in supplies just as the shelter was updating bedding in each room. Students helped organize and deliver the items, witnessing how ordinary goods can have an extraordinary impact. For many students, the visit made the needs in Tracy feel closer and more real.

On the drive back to school, conversations continued—about fairness, about gratitude, and about what it looks like to help in practical ways. Some students talked about donating items from home; others simply reflected on what they had seen. It was a shared experience that gave our school community something to think about long after the visit ended.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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One ministry has seen significant growth since a few pastors and church leaders started engaging young adults in meaningful ways within their churches and social circles. What began with Sabbath School, vespers, and a ten-person camping trip started by Joseph Cartwright from the Auburn church—has grown into a community led by young adults with a heart for creating spaces of worship, conversation, and friendship.

Camping retreats have become a highlight of the ministry. A trip to Big Sur and Tahoe last year saw baptisms as part of the weekends. This year, the Lake Tahoe retreat drew more than 100 campers, marking the largest gathering yet. RJ Gamboa, GC Director of Sidewalk Evangelism, and his wife, Charinette, joined the group to speak on living fully surrendered to Jesus under the theme “Above the Noise.”

Connection is what fuels this ministry. Friends invite friends. Coworkers bring coworkers. People come from different churches—and even beyond the Adventist community—to hike, paddleboard, share meals, and talk late into the night. Faith becomes something lived, not just discussed.

Looking ahead, the Young Adult Retreat at Leoni Meadows, December 5–7, is the official event sponsored by the 17łÔšĎÍř Young Adult Ministries Department. “We are very excited about this event because last year was such an amazing experience,” said Eddie Heinrich, director. “This year’s focus is on building relationships and getting closer to Jesus. With speakers Taj Pacleb, K’Dee Crews, Marlene Rodriguez, and Marc Woodson, it promises to be a meaningful weekend for everyone attending.”

Sometimes, finding faith begins with simply finding each other—and this growing community keeps taking that step.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025
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For Esquivel, camp ministry has been more than a career—it 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. “Camp ministry is my passion,” Elias reflects, “because it changes lives, and it changed mine.” 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 “a well-rounded grasp of plant operations and systems.”

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

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

“Throughout my life I’ve tried to seek God’s will, and it doesn’t always line up with my own,” Elias reflects. “But I know God’s 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.”

Stepping into leadership at Leoni Meadows, Elias’ priority is people and mission. “My goal is to listen and learn the operation well, then chart a plan forward,” he says. “We’ll keep strengthening programs, investing in safety and excellence, and serving kids and families. None of this happens without our dedicated staff—I want them to know how essential they are to the camp’s success.”

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

Featured in Northern Lights, September 25, 2025
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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’s work through acts of service.

At project sites with names like Campo 9, Kilometer 8, and Kilometer 40 in Paraguay, SAA’s 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’s 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—about the day’s 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—not only through worship, but also by helping others.”

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

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Among them were three young adult delegates from our territory—leaders, volunteers, and members of local congregations who stepped into this significant responsibility with courage and conviction.

In the following reflections, each delegate shares their personal experience—what led them to say yes to this calling, their impressions of the decision-making process, and how it felt to have a voice and a vote at the highest level of church governance. They also offer candid insights on what surprised or inspired them, what it was like to be nominated to serve on key committees, and how they navigated the challenges of being young—and in some cases, women—in a global leadership space.

Most importantly, they speak directly to other young adults—especially young women—who may be wondering if there is a place for them in church leadership.

Michelle De Peralta Carillo
17łÔšĎÍř Member, Woman, Young Adult Delegate

I am a 35-year-old Dental Assistant and Endoscopy Technician. I currently serve as the music and community care ministry coordinator and youth leader at the Anderson Seventh-day Adventist Church.

As a youth leader, it is an honor to empower young people to deepen their relationship with God. One of the things I cherish most is bringing ministry programs from the Philippines to our local church, creating opportunities for spiritual growth and meaningful connection. I firmly believe that the energy and enthusiasm of young people are essential to the Church’s present and future.

When I was unexpectedly selected as the 17łÔšĎÍř Member, Women, and Young Adult Delegate to the General Conference Session, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. It was an incredible privilege and blessing to be part of the decision-making process for the global church.

Being appointed to the GC Nominating Committee was humbling. It reminded me that when God calls, He qualifies—regardless of our perceived limitations. Serving in this role gave me a front-row seat to global leadership and affirmed how vital it is for young people—especially young women—to have a voice at the table.

My passion is to serve the Lord wherever He leads. Even before the “I Will Go” theme was launched, I would remind fellow youth: We need to go! We must spread the good news and reach others. This experience confirmed that true happiness is found in serving God with my whole heart.

To my fellow young adults: The word ‘church’ is not complete without ‘U’! Although many of us are familiar with the Spirit of Prophecy and our SDA Fundamental Beliefs, we still need revival and reformation in our hearts.

Stay in the church. Do not walk away. The love, comfort, and healing we are searching for can be found here—in God. Let us be a living sermon to the world. The church is a family—and we are one. If God is calling you, do not hesitate. Step forward. Your voice matters, and your willingness to serve can inspire change.

Ruben Vargas
17łÔšĎÍř Pastor, Hispanic Ministries, Young Adult

This was my first time attending a General Conference Session, and I felt a deep sense of privilege and responsibility. Being chosen as a delegate is not something many people experience, and I did not take it lightly.

My journey here has been far from typical. I grew up in a non-Adventist home and had a difficult adolescence. But everything changed when I met Jesus and was baptized at the age of 19 at the Oakland Spanish Church. I felt an unshakable conviction to pursue ministry. After studying at Pacific Union College, I joined the Northern California Conference in 2014 as a Bible worker. I served as an associate pastor, attended seminary, and now serve my second church district, including Sonoma, St. Helena, and Napa Spanish churches.

What struck me most was the sheer scale of the event—the crowds, the logistics, the planning—everything was on a level I had never seen in a church setting. Yet underneath the structure and coordination, I was reminded that the church is made up of people. Authentic, imperfect, Spirit-led people. That incarnational reality deepened my appreciation for how God works through His people.

Being young often comes with world-changing ideas—but to shape the church’s future, young people must first show genuine interest in the things of God. Passion is not enough. We need young adults to engage deeply, care about what happens, and be present where decisions are made.

My advice: step in. From what I have seen, the church is not turning volunteers away. Speak up. Share your interests. Be dependable. A willing heart and a responsible spirit can have more impact than expertise. Willingness is the first step—experience and growth will follow.

Sonja Cartwright
17łÔšĎÍř Pastor, Woman, Young Adult

Currently, I serve as the associate pastor at the Santa Rosa Seventh-day Adventist Church, a position I have held for the past year. Before this, I worked as a youth pastor in Hawaii and a high school teacher in California. During my time at the seminary, I was actively involved in a variety of discipleship ministries that helped shape my spiritual leadership and deepen my commitment to ministry.

I am deeply grateful to God to serve as a delegate at the General Conference Session and participate in voting on decisions that shape our global church. It was a joy and an honor to represent both young adults and women pastors on this international platform.

The idea of speaking to the global church from a microphone was intimidating. But my extroverted side enjoyed connecting with both old and new friends, and a few fellow delegates encouraged me to practice my speech with them. Their support gave me the confidence I needed to step up and speak.

It was exciting to see other young adult delegates eloquently voicing their perspectives from the floor and contributing to updates in the Church Manual. I felt a renewed sense of hopeĚýwhen Crystal Ward was elected as the first female pastor to serve as Associate Ministerial Secretary for the General Conference. It was a beautiful reminder that the Holy Spirit has been preparing and calling more and more women to step into ministry leadership roles!

Young adults, your voice does matter. Not someday, but today!ĚýStart sharing your perspectives at home, at church, and or on social media platforms. Your testimony and ideas can encourage and inspire others. Jesus will use every experience in your life to prepare you for even greater opportunities to serve Him. You are needed. You are capable. And your voice matters.

To the young women wondering if they belong in church leadership—especially in pastoral ministry—please hear this:Ěýthere is a seat for you at the table! There are men and women who will advocate onĚýyour behalf. The enemy may try to fill your mind with excuses and fear, but Jesus will sustain you and provide everything you need for the path He has called you to walk.

Let God’s voice be the loudest in your life. Stay close to your mentors. Laugh often with your friends. And embrace the journey and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.

A President’s Reflection – Marc K. Woodson

“It was both a privilege and a profound joy to lead this dynamic group of young adult delegates to the 62nd General Conference Session.

Seeing them actively participate—voting, speaking, and serving on committees—filled me with immense pride. Their energy, insight, and faithfulness were evident in every moment.

This experience reaffirmed that the church thrives when we empower young adults and women to serve boldly. Their voices matter, their presence shapes the future, and their leadership reflects the movement of the Holy Spirit. I remain committed to equipping and supporting the next generation as they continue to answer God’s call.”

Featured in Northern Lights, July 24, 2025
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