91大神

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

Youth

Building Character, One Adventure at a Time

Building Character, One Adventure at a Time 3888 2078 Ken Miller

By Eddie Heinrich and Barry van Iderstein

Northern California Conference (91大神) Pathfinder and Adventurer leaders continue to provide programs that encourage and teach enthusiastic youth. Over three weekends, youth gathered at Leoni Meadows to take part in spiritual programs, participate in hands-on learning, and earn honors.

In October, over 600 Pathfinders attended the 91大神 Pathfinder Camporee for a weekend of outdoor adventure and spiritual growth. Despite rainy weather on Thursday, spirits remained high, and by Sabbath morning the skies cleared for a day of activities. Weekend highlights included the blacksmithing honor (supported by Pacific Union College and Adventist Health), the Parade of Nations, a Leaders in Training social activity, and four baptisms. The theme聽鈥All In鈥聽encouraged Pathfinders to live out their faith through worship, service, and community involvement, while honor classes and service projects fostered friendships and character.

Following the Camporee, the 91大神 Adventurer program hosted two weekend events鈥攐ne in Spanish and one in English鈥攂ringing young children and families together. The 2025 theme,聽鈥Down on the Farm,鈥 offered hands-on experiences exploring food, farm life, and Jesus鈥 birth. The Spanish event welcomed more than 70 families; the English weekend hosted 30. Children earned awards while parents participated in family ministry activities and guest-led worship. Sunday included go-kart rides and a historic train ride.

Together, the Pathfinder and Adventurer programs showcase the 91大神鈥檚 commitment to fun, faith-filled events that build character, foster spiritual growth, and inspire service.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 1, 2025
#nccsda

Rain Can鈥檛 Dampen the Spirit at Rio Lindo鈥檚 Record-Breaking Sports Camp

Rain Can鈥檛 Dampen the Spirit at Rio Lindo鈥檚 Record-Breaking Sports Camp 4004 2250 Ken Miller

Even gray skies couldn鈥檛 dim the energy on Monday, September 29, as more than 190 students from 11 Northern California Conference schools聽converged on the campus of聽Rio Lindo Adventist Academy聽for its annual Sports Camp.

The event, which has averaged 142 participants over the past decade, celebrated its largest turnout in years鈥攁 sign of growing enthusiasm for this much-anticipated day of athletics and fellowship. The schools that sent their enthusiastic students included: Clearlake, Echo Ridge, Feather River, Hilltop, Middletown, Napa, Redding, Redwood, Tracy, Ukiah, and Westlake.

The morning began in Rio鈥檚 gymnasium, where students joined together for a spirited worship and orientation. Afterward, they were divided by grade and gender into groups led by聽Rio Ambassadors, student leaders who guided their squads throughout the day and offered encouragement at every station.

Participants rotated through a series of athletic challenges including basketball, volleyball, flag football, and soccer. Each session鈥攆acilitated by volunteer coaches and Rio staff鈥攆ocused on skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship before wrapping up with scrimmages.

For many students, especially those from smaller schools, Sports Camp offered a unique opportunity to connect and grow alongside a wider community of peers. 鈥淚t was so much fun to play with new people,鈥 said聽Simon Sigler聽from Redwood Adventist Academy. 鈥淚 got to learn a lot!鈥

By mid-afternoon, the clouds that had hovered all day finally opened up, drenching the fields in a sudden downpour. But rather than dampen spirits, the rain only added to the memories. Laughter echoed through the campus as students dashed for shelter, soaked but smiling.

The day concluded with an awards assembly recognizing outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork in each athletic session. As everyone departed and the rain continued to fall, students left Rio tired but happy鈥攁lready talking about next year鈥檚 Sports Camp.

Faith, Fun, and Fellowship Shine at 2025 Pathfinder Camporee

Faith, Fun, and Fellowship Shine at 2025 Pathfinder Camporee 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Eddie Heinrich

From October 2鈥5, the Pathfinder Camporee brought over 600 Pathfinders together at Leoni Meadows Camp for a weekend of fellowship, spiritual connections, and outdoor adventure.

Each year, Pathfinders eagerly anticipate the Camporee鈥攁nd this year was no exception. Rain showers greeted campers on Thursday as they set up, yet spirits remained high. By Friday, clouds lingered but gradually gave way to sunshine, and by Sabbath morning, the weather was beautiful.

The Camporee featured a wide range of highlights: the blacksmithing honor, supported by Pacific Union College and Adventist Health; the Sabbath morning Parade of Nations; a Saturday night social for the Leaders in Training (LITs); four baptisms; and an inspiring talk by Tobin Dodge on ministry in the Arctic Circle鈥攁long with many other memorable moments.

This year鈥檚 theme, 鈥淎ll In鈥 encouraged Pathfinders to put faith into action through service, worship, and community engagement. Attendees participated in worship services, honor classes, and community projects, all while building friendships and growing in character alongside their peers.

For Pathfinder clubs, families, and church leaders alike, the 2025 edition was an unforgettable experience鈥攁 time where faith, fun, and fellowship came together in the stunning setting of Leoni Meadows.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025
#nccsda

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.

#nccsda

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
#nccsda

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>

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
#nccsda

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.

#nccsda

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
#nccsda