91大神

  • Connecting people to an abundant life with Jesus Christ and preparing them for His return

Education

Faith, Grit, and Wagon Wheels: Paradise Adventist Students Take to the Trail

Faith, Grit, and Wagon Wheels: Paradise Adventist Students Take to the Trail 1920 1026 Ken Miller

By Julie Ching

September 21-26, 2025, the 7th and 8th grade students of Paradise Adventist Elementary set out on their annual experiential learning adventure鈥攁ffectionately known as the 鈥淲agon Trip.鈥 This unforgettable journey took them through picturesque landscapes near Wells and Elko, Nevada, retracing the historic paths once traveled by early pioneers, including the infamous Donner Party.

Led by their teacher and principal, Mr. David Vixie, 22 students spent six days walking alongside mules and horses that hauled their supplies in authentic covered wagons. Together, they covered approximately 62 miles, navigating historic routes such as the Hastings Cutoff, Overland Pass, Pony Express Trail, and Ruby Mountain Valley.

This past trip marks Mr. Vixie鈥檚 30th Wagon Trip adventure.聽 Under his leadership, the Wagon Trip is far more than a history lesson of pioneer life.聽 Along the trail, students engage in hands-on learning across multiple disciplines鈥攈istory, science, math, and religion鈥攎aking the journey a dynamic outdoor classroom. The Wagon Trip is more than just real-life academics; it’s a powerful lesson in perseverance, physical endurance, and teamwork.聽 Students are challenged physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as they confront ‘struggles’ that echo those of the early pioneers.

Mr. Vixie initiated the Wagon Trip tradition in 1996 to create a safe, natural environment where teenagers could confront real challenges and make meaningful decisions alongside their peers. Recognizing that the adolescent brain craves risk and novelty, he designed an experiential learning journey that would channel those impulses in a constructive, historically grounded way. Through the lens of the pioneer life, with its physical demands and daily hardships, students gain powerful insights into time management, resourcefulness, and the more profound life lessons that come from overcoming adversity.聽聽Students walk mile after mile, share responsibilities, and encourage one another through fatigue.聽 At the same time, quiet moments such as watching the sun rise over the Ruby Mountains or pausing in the silence of the desert, remind them of God鈥檚 presence and protection on the journey.

For many, the Wagon Trip becomes the most memorable part of their school years. Both past and present students often describe it as a life-changing experience. Parents who accompany the group frequently return home with a renewed sense of gratitude and a deeper appreciation for life鈥檚 journey.聽 The Wagon Trip is more than a school tradition; it鈥檚 a rite of passage that leaves a lasting impact on all who participate.

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Originally Posted in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025

A Day to Remember: Small Schools Come Together for Fun and Faith

A Day to Remember: Small Schools Come Together for Fun and Faith 3876 2063 Ken Miller

The sun was already warming the air in Yuba City when students began arriving for the Northern California Conference鈥檚 鈥淐ome Have Fun Day.鈥 Vans and buses pulled in from seven different schools鈥擱ed Bluff, Middletown, Feather River, Clearlake, Echo Ridge, Westlake, and Galt鈥攂ringing with them 167 kids and sponsors, all ready for a day unlike any other.

The celebration began with worship, led by students from Rio Lindo Academy. Their music and testimonies reminded everyone why they had gathered: to lift up the name of Jesus and to remember that, while each school may be small, together they are part of something much bigger鈥攖he Northern California Conference family.

Then came the fun. Laughter filled the air as kids raced on go-karts, splashed down the giant water slide, climbed walls, blew bubbles, and met some animals up close. The water slide and climbing wall were made possible thanks to Eddie Heinrich and the 91大神 Youth Department, while Leoni Meadows contributed the animals and helped with part of the lunch. Their efforts helped make the day memorable for everyone.

Lunch was simple but satisfying鈥攑izza and salad enjoyed under the shade as friends, old and new, shared stories and smiles. Even with the warm weather, the splash from the slide and the breeze from the go-karts kept spirits high. One sponsor summed it up: 鈥淭he kids were having the time of their lives鈥攁nd they left knowing they鈥檙e part of something really special.鈥

鈥淐ome Have Fun Day鈥 wasn鈥檛 just about activities鈥攊t was about connection. It reminded these students that their faith, friendships, and future are tied into something bigger than any one school. Together, they鈥檙e part of a vibrant, ongoing ministry across Northern California.

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 (91大神) 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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Joyce Mulligan Chosen as 91大神 Prayer Ministry Coordinator

Joyce Mulligan Chosen as 91大神 Prayer Ministry Coordinator 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Joyce Mulligan has taken on the role of Prayer Ministry Coordinator for the 91大神. 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.

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 (91大神) 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: 91大神 Communications Office 鈥 laurie.trujillo@nccsda.com | (916) 886-5642.

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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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Created in God鈥檚 Image: 91大神 Issues Statement on Human Dignity and Justice

Created in God鈥檚 Image: 91大神 Issues Statement on Human Dignity and Justice 4000 2250 Ken Miller

In solidarity with our sister conference, the Southern California Conference, we affirm the “Gospel” and “Human Worth.”

The Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is home to an ethnically and linguistically diverse community in the Adventist world. Our churches worship in more than 14 languages, and our schools reflect the multicultural DNA of the neighborhoods they serve. This diversity is not a challenge to be solved but a gift to be celebrated 鈥 a visible testimony to the vision of Revelation 7:9, where a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language stands before the throne of God.

The officers of the Northern California Conference, in consideration of the current shifting immigration enforcement policies affecting our region that no longer treat churches and schools as 鈥渟ensitive locations,鈥 affirm the dignity of every human being and express deep concern for the fear, instability, and hardship these changes are causing among the families, churches, and schools we serve. We stand with the North American Division鈥檚 Appeal for Human Dignity and Decency, affirming that dehumanization through exclusion or fear contradicts biblical teaching (see Fundamental Belief No. 14). We align ourselves with the official statement of the North American Division, which affirms that as Christians we must stand in defense of those who are mistreated, marginalized, and cast aside. We echo that conviction and believe no one should be afraid to worship, learn, or seek solace in our institutions because of their immigration status.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are compelled by both Scripture and conscience to speak with clarity and compassion on behalf of the vulnerable, including immigrants and refugees, regardless of their legal status. The Bible is unambiguous in its call to care for the foreigner among us. The Lord says in Leviticus 19:34: 鈥淭he foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.鈥 Jesus Himself identifies with the marginalized in Matthew 25:35: 鈥淚 was a stranger, and you invited me in.鈥 We believe that to love and welcome the immigrant is not merely a political matter but a deeply spiritual one 鈥 an extension of the gospel itself.

We recognize that the current sweeping immigration practices have sown fear within our communities and caused disruption to the mission of our churches and schools. These policies have directly impacted our students, our members, our teachers, our pastors, and our neighbors 鈥 many of whom are here seeking safety, opportunity, and a better life for their children.

We cannot be silent when policies threaten the wholeness of our communities or when families are torn apart in our neighborhoods. We remain committed to creating spaces 鈥 whether in the classroom, the sanctuary, or the fellowship hall 鈥 where all feel safe, valued, and free to worship and grow without fear.

We encourage our members to advocate for just and compassionate policies that honor both the rule of law and the sacredness of human life.

In everything we do, we seek to exalt Christ by cultivating healthy churches and schools. This mission calls us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). As a conference, we will continue to support our immigrant brothers and sisters, to speak against injustice, and to stand as a witness to the transforming love of Jesus in an often-divided world.

We call on all our pastors, educators, and members to embody the welcoming spirit of the gospel and to be agents of peace, hope, and healing in their communities.

We are one body in Christ 鈥 diverse, united, and rooted in love.

A Week Beneath the Redwoods 锘緼 Lifetime of Impact

A Week Beneath the Redwoods 锘緼 Lifetime of Impact 3894 2072 Ken Miller

July 27 鈥 August 2, 2025, Redwood Camp Meeting promises something special under Northern California鈥檚 towering redwoods: Inspiring speakers, exceptional children鈥檚 programs, and a God-filled community experience that draws people back year after year.

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 脕ngel Rodr铆guez 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鈥攁 Christ-centered adventure they鈥檒l 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鈥攚here faith grows deep and hearts grow close.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 26, 2025
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91大神 Leadership Announcement

91大神 Leadership Announcement 577 406 Ken Miller

Following the vote by the Constituency and approval by the Conference Executive Committee, the following leadership positions have been updated.

 

Featured in Northern Lights, June 26, 2025
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