When Jesus told His followers to “go,” He never intended for the church to wait inside its walls for people to come. The mission field is wherever people are—and sometimes, that mission field is Walmart.

My wife and I first met Marie while shopping at a Walmart in Anderson. We were looking for a dress that would make breastfeeding our baby a little easier, and Marie kindly helped us find what we needed. What seemed like an ordinary shopping trip became a divine appointment.

As we talked, the conversation naturally turned to the Lord. Marie shared that becoming a missionary had always been her dream. Neither of us realized God was already answering that prayer.

Before we left, she invited me to a monthly Bible study she attended. More than 20 people from a variety of Christian backgrounds gathered with one shared desire—to know God through His Word.

As relationships grew, several members asked if I would lead Bible studies. Marie eagerly invited her friends, and before long several Filipino Seventh-day Adventists from the area joined us. Together we studied Scripture, asked questions, and grew in faith.

When Marie discovered the beauty of the biblical Sabbath, she requested Saturdays off from her job at Walmart so she could worship with God’s people. It was a simple but powerful testimony that following Jesus sometimes requires courageous decisions.

Marie quickly became my ministry partner. Together we started several Bible study groups, including one in her neighborhood. She continually invited family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.

She reminded me of Andrew in the Gospel of John. Andrew wasn’t known for preaching to crowds—he was known for bringing people to Jesus. Marie had that same gift. She believed that if people encountered God’s Word, the Holy Spirit would do the rest.

On June 20, 2026, after attending the Revelation of Love evangelistic meetings, Marie publicly gave her life to Christ through baptism. Even more meaningful, three friends she had personally invited through the Bible studies were baptized alongside her.

One of the most touching moments came when her husband, watching from the audience, simply said, “I’m proud of her.”

That day, Marie was one of 15 people baptized.

What amazes me most is that God was using Marie long before she entered the baptismal waters. Before she became a church member, she was already inviting people to study the Bible. She was already opening doors for the gospel. She was already making disciples.

That’s intentional discipleship.

Too often, we think evangelism begins with a public meeting or a church program. But intentional discipleship begins with noticing people, building relationships, listening to their stories, studying the Bible together, and inviting them to take one step closer to Jesus.

How many “Maries” are working at Walmart, serving coffee, stocking shelves, cutting hair, delivering packages, teaching school, caring for patients, or living next door? How many people are quietly praying that God would use them, waiting for someone to invest in them?

Jesus told us to go into all the world. For many of us, “all the world” is the grocery store, the workplace, the neighborhood, or the checkout line. Divine appointments are often disguised as ordinary moments.

The church doesn’t exist only on Sabbath morning. We are the church every day of the week, wherever God places us. Instead of asking, “How can we get people to come to church?” perhaps we should first ask, “How can we bring the love of Christ to where people already are?”

The mission field isn’t waiting for us to unlock the church doors. It’s already stocking shelves, ringing up groceries, serving coffee, teaching classrooms, working construction sites, and living next door.

The question isn’t whether God has prepared people. He already has.

The question is whether we’re intentionally looking for them.

Perhaps the next disciple-maker is already at Walmart.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 23, 2026
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Yuba City is home to one of the largest Punjabi populations in the U.S., with many families settling over the past century to farming and support careers. Their long-standing presence gives the church a unique opportunity to connect with a community that is deeply woven into the region’s culture and daily life.

The weekly service at Yuba City Church is led by Aamir Masih, chaplain at Rideout Hospital and lay pastor. It is held in the church’s youth chapel, where services in Punjabi and space for families to worship together help create a welcoming environment. Masih, inspired by the warmth he received from the church upon his return to Yuba City, wanted to be part of their mission and subsequently, lead this ministry. “By God’s grace, it has been wonderful,” he said.

Daniel Garza, pastor, shared, “The effort reflects something important about ministry today. Our community is diverse, and part of our calling is learning how to serve people in ways that make sense in their world. What began as a single Sabbath gathering is a daily reminder that being community relevant ministry is less about programs and more about relationships.”

Featured in Northern Lights, April 23, 2026
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Paul Guevara, 91´óÉń Hispanic Ministry Coordinator, shared, “This event is part of the Oakland church’s ongoing plan to stay connected and relevant to the community. It was key in opening doors and strengthening collaboration between the church, the neighborhood, and the public and private services that support them.”

Visitors engaged with local leaders, gathered valuable information, and participated in hands-on activities. The Oakland Emmanuel Temple Church brought its community health van, providing free screenings and guidance for anyone who stopped by. Food, supplies, and other essentials were offered throughout the day, creating an atmosphere of care and connection.

As neighbors moved from booth to booth, conversations and relationships developed naturally. By stepping forward as an active partner in the neighborhood’s network of services, the church demonstrated that it isn’t just present—it is proactive. That visible engagement helps the community see the church as a trusted, reliable force, building confidence that it will continue to serve and respond alongside other local leaders.

Featured in Northern Lights, April 23, 2026

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Keynote speaker Travis Sandefur, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer for Volunteers of America, opened the summit with a compelling message titled “The Reason Why.” He illustrated how love becomes the catalyst for action, inspiring us to serve those in need.

A panel of regional Ending Homelessness Initiative task forces highlighted ongoing projects within the 91´óÉń community, emphasizing ways local churches can connect with their area’s continuum of care and partner with agencies to maximize impact.

Central to the discussions was the need for affordable, sustainable housing solutions. Four 91´óÉń churches are currently exploring how they can use their land to provide housing within this framework. Joelle Chinnock, 91´óÉń Ending Homelessness Initiative Coordinator, shared, “I am continually inspired by our congregations as they explore transforming real estate and other significant assets into living spaces for those in need. This is the tangible result of investigating, planning, and dedicating land to combat homelessness, and it is the most exciting part of this initiative.”

The summit underscored that addressing homelessness requires more than just programs—it demands leveraging community assets, fostering partnerships, and mobilizing congregations to take bold, practical steps toward solutions rooted in faith, compassion, and long-term sustainability.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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Whether through Adventist Community Services (ACS) centers or church-run pantries and giveaways, these ministries go beyond simply filling stomachs—they restore dignity, build community, and offer hope to those facing hunger or hardship. At Carmichael Seventh-day Adventist Church, the conference’s largest church-based food ministry serves over 1,500 people every Wednesday. Students from Sacramento Adventist Academy join adults and retirees in packing boxes, directing traffic, and encouraging guests—demonstrating discipleship in action.

Many other churches make a significant impact as well. Auburn SDA Church, Pleasant Hill Church, and Hayward Spanish Church run robust food programs that consistently help families. Up north, Arcata-McKinleyville Church provides food boxes, clothing, and household essentials, while Placerville Church offers wellness resources alongside bi-monthly food distributions.

Smaller congregations are making a difference, too. In Lincoln, Lincoln Amazing Grace Church hosts a weekly drive-thru giveaway with Placer Food Bank, distributing groceries in a welcoming, no-ID-needed setting supported by students, church members, and community volunteers.

A Network of Food Ministries Across Northern California

From large distributions to smaller pantries, food ministries are touching communities throughout the region. Churches actively nourishing their neighbors include:

Carmichael Church
Concord Church
Auburn Church
Pleasant Hill Church
Palo Cedro
Hayward Spanish Church
Sacramento Capital City Church
Camino Church
San Andrea Church
St. Helena Church
El Sobrante Appian Way Church
Richmond Beacon Light Church
Emmanuel Temple Church
Stockton Mayfair Church
Stockton Valley Community Church
South Gate Church
Sacramento Slavic Church
Fortuna Church
Arcata-McKinleyville Church
Crescent City Church
Scott Valley Church
Placerville Church
Santa Rosa Church
West Sacramento Church
Sacramento Yugoslavian Church

Gratitude and Ongoing Support

We are immensely grateful to all who volunteer, donate, or share these ministries. Your support sustains programs that bring hope to thousands during a time of increased need. As the season continues, your ongoing involvement—through time, resources, or inviting others to participate—strengthens these ministries and spreads Christ’s love throughout our communities.

Jennifer Shaw, camp secretary, reported this year’s lineup of speakers, exclaiming, “We are excited to welcome Jesse Seibel from the Hawaiian Islands to open Camp Meeting Sunday evening through Wednesday morning. His fresh insights will set a powerful tone for the week. From July 29 to August 2, Dr. Jon Paulien will lead a thoughtful evening worship series, guiding us deeper into Scripture and hope. Gary Venden, returns with his warm, relational preaching, and Ángel RodrĂ­guez Medina will bring a dynamic ministry to our Spanish-speaking community.”

Redwood Camp Meeting is a place for all generations. Daily worship and inspiring seminars offer something for everyone. Children especially thrive with themed programs featuring music, crafts, stories, prayer, and a redwood-laden playground.

Other features during the week also include:

Eddie Heinrich will return with Summer on the Run activities, including a waterslide, climbing wall, and fun games that keep kids active and joyful—a Christ-centered adventure they’ll remember all year.

PUC Professor Jeff Joiner will teach free nursing CEU-credit classes on medical mission work, emergency care, and overdose response.

Mark your calendar and register at nccsda.com/RAC, to reserve a shaded campsite. Find your place beneath the redwoods—where faith grows deep and hearts grow close.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 26, 2025
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The event was organized by Vallejo Central’s Joyful Life Health Ministries team, with nearly 30 volunteers showing up early to prepare. They set up tables and chairs, cleaned the showers between guests, organized clothing, served food, and spent time talking and praying with those who came.

Most guests were transported to and from the church using the church’s shuttle. It was a simple act of service, but one that made a real impact. By coming together with open hands and willing hearts, volunteers welcomed guests who felt seen, cared for, and valued—no matter how briefly.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 26, 2025
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The weekend offered a much-needed pause from daily responsibilities—an opportunity to step back, share ideas, and find encouragement. Breakout sessions explored key topics like homelessness, fundraising, volunteer training, and forming community partnerships. Panel discussions created an opportunity to discuss challenges and explore practical ways to respond.

“It was so good to see the community service leaders and volunteers come together to learn, participate, and share information from their efforts,” said Kathy Batchelor, organizer of the event. “It was evident that these dedicated individuals are working in their communities and forwarding our core purpose, leading others to an abundant life in Jesus and preparing them for His soon return.”

James Lim, 91´óÉń Community Services Director, stated, “I am so glad that we could resume our ACS retreat this year. We had wonderful presentations from the Pacific Union and North American Division ACS leaders. It was a great time to relax and reconnect for our local ACS leaders, who have tirelessly worked in their communities.”

Featured in Northern Lights, June 12, 2025
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