熟女探花

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

Church Growth/Evangelism

  • Ken Miller
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Douglas Barahona Ordained at Chico Church
Douglas Barahona Ordained at Chico Church 4000 2250 Ken Miller

September 14, Douglas Barahona was ordained at the Chico church.

Born in El Salvador to a military family, Barahona鈥檚 family immigrated to the USA in the 1990s. Douglas admitted that while the family settled in Tacoma, Washington, 鈥淚 started making many poor choices.鈥�

Over the next several years and into high school, these choices led him closer and closer to a gang-influenced life. But with every dangerous turn, the love of his parents and family continually challenged him to study the Bible. He shared, 鈥淩eading the Bible, I was drawn to the practical application and wisdom that flowed from it. By the grace of God, I gratefully accepted Jesus into my life in 2011.鈥�

The Holy Spirit continued to work in his life. Through the guidance of many positive groups and people, Douglas eventually decided to pursue a degree in religion at Union College, graduating Cum Laude in 2016.

Joining the NCC in 2017 at the Ukiah church, he joyfully worked planning youth ministry events and mission trips, keeping area youth engaged with Jesus. In 2020, he attended Andrews University, earning his Master of Divinity degree with honors. Subsequently, he returned to the NCC as the Associate Pastor of the Chico church, where he is passionate about bringing the joy found in serving others.

Douglas shares his life with Natalie, his wife of eight years, and they enjoy raising their son Luka, age 2.

Featured in 熟女探花 Lights, September 26, 2024
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  • Ken Miller
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Spanish Company Reaches Church Status
Spanish Company Reaches Church Status 4000 2250 Ken Miller

On September 7, the Richmond Spanish Company celebrated becoming a Church of the 熟女探花.

This dedicated congregation marks a new chapter in their faith journey. In 2002, a small group of believers set out to form a new congregation led by Thelma Gamboa and Carlos Deras. Inspired by Pastors Juan Acosta and Ra煤l Gonz谩lez, they began their meetings in a member鈥檚 garage.

As a result of steady growth, they made several location changes over the years. One of those stops was meeting at the Richmond Beacon Light Church. David Woolcock, pastor, helped the group apply in 2019 to become a Company as they grew. Woolcock reflected, 鈥淭his congregation is hardworking and passionate about their church and continuing outreach to the Spanish-speaking community. I鈥檓 proud of this milestone they鈥檝e reached.鈥�

Paul Guevara, Hispanic Ministry Coordinator, shared, 鈥淚 am inspired by the passion, hard work, and dedication that members of Richmond Spanish have shown. They genuinely connect people to an abundant life in Jesus and prepare them for His soon return.鈥�

Featured in 熟女探花 Lights, September 19, 2024
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  • Ken Miller
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Planting Seeds In A New Field
Planting Seeds In A New Field 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Grace and Nick Lossev have spent their lives answering God’s call to share the love of Jesus with the world. Their journey has taken them from the islands of Micronesia to the bustling streets of Japan, planting churches and spreading hope wherever they went. But in 2019, they found themselves asking God a new question: 鈥淲hat鈥檚 next? How do we make a difference now?鈥�

With open hearts, they prayed for guidance鈥攁nd God responded in an unexpected way. He opened their eyes to a unique mission field: the Jewish community. Inspired by the words found in Education, page 578, which declares that “many among the Jews will be converted” and that God’s truth will go forth like a “lamp that burneth,” Nick and Grace felt their hearts ignite with a fresh vision. They began leading Bible studies through the North American Division鈥檚 Jewish Adventist Ministries, starting on Zoom with groups on the East Coast.

The success of these studies spurred them to action closer to home. Based at the Novato Church, they started reaching out to the Jewish community in the Bay Area, where over 350,000 ethnic Jews live in Sonoma County, Marin, and beyond. With joyful determination, they began attending local restaurants and community events, striking up conversations and building friendships. To their delight, they found many Jewish individuals open to discussing biblical topics.

鈥淭he doors are opening!鈥� Nick exclaimed, amazed by how God was working. 鈥淲e鈥檝e even had people of the Jewish faith come to our church.鈥� Each encounter felt like a step forward in the mission God had set before them, and their hearts overflowed with gratitude for the opportunities.

Matt Matzela, the former pastor of Novato Church, watched with joy as the Lossevs’ ministry blossomed. 鈥淚t鈥檚 incredible to see the Jewish work moving forward in the Bay Area,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here is such a great need, and we are so thankful for Nick and Grace鈥檚 passion and dedication to this ministry.鈥�

For the Lossevs, this work is more than a mission; it鈥檚 a calling that fills their hearts with hope. They believe that God has been preparing them all along for this moment鈥攖o bring His light to those ready to receive it. Every Bible study, every conversation, every connection brings them closer to the abundant life Jesus promises. With faith, joy, and a sense of adventure, they continue to share His love, one heart at a time.

Featured in 熟女探花 Lights, September 19, 2024
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  • Ken Miller
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Zach Reiber Installed at Paradise
Zach Reiber Installed at Paradise 549 444 Ken Miller

September 7- Zach Reiber was installed as pastor of the Paradise Church.

Rudy Peters, NCC African American Ministries Coordinator, stated, 鈥淭here is a fantastic sense of excitement and anticipation from Pastor Reiber and the church congregation about what they will accomplish together through their ministry.”

锘縍eiber started his ministry in our territory in 2011 as the Assistant Pastor of the Pleasant Hill church until he attended seminary training. He earned his Master of Divinity in 2017 from Andrews University and returned to the NCC in 2018 as the pastor of the Yuba City church.

Reiber commented about his new position, 鈥淢y family and I are so blessed to be welcomed in by such a warm and loving community. The ministry leaders here desire to earnestly seek God鈥檚 will and head passionately in that direction. I can鈥檛 wait to see what God has planned for our time together as we serve the community of Paradise.鈥�

Reiber shares his life with Yvette, his wife of 14 years. They find great joy in raising their daughter Caroline, age 3.

Featured in 熟女探花 Lights, September 12, 2024
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A Joy and Willingness to Worship and Serve
A Joy and Willingness to Worship and Serve 4004 2250 Ken Miller

Over Labor Day weekend, the Gracepoint Church hosted an area-wide youth rally with over 100 high school students attending.

The weekend’s theme was “Real Life, Real God,” presented by Andrew Uyeyama, pastor of the Placerville church. Youth musicians and vocalists led all worship services during the three church programs. On Sabbath afternoon, attendees participated in six service activities near downtown Sacramento.

The projects included a homeless outreach, where 150 individuals received lunch, prayer, and GLOW tracts. Another activity involved singing at three area nursing homes and creating 32 blankets for homeless shelters. A community prayer walk contacted over 50 homes near the church, and a drive-through prayer line drew a dozen drivers requesting special prayer. As a fun and creative addition, some made over 80 dog toys delivered to local animal shelters.

Caleb Serna, a participant, stated, 鈥淚 enjoyed the outreach the most. I fed people experiencing homelessness, and it was nice to see how happy they were even when they had so little. It made me smile, knowing I could help others.鈥�

Featured in 熟女探花 Lights, September 12, 2024
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  • Ken Miller
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Faithful Service Creates Trust and Abundance
Faithful Service Creates Trust and Abundance 4000 2250 Ken Miller

At Concord International Church, abundance is joyfully measured by the number of families they are privileged to serve each week.

Every Thursday, about 70 enthusiastic volunteers from the church and local community come together to create a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere, providing groceries to over 700 individuals. This weekly gathering has become a beacon of hope and connection, where the spirit of giving thrives.

Since its humble beginnings in 2020, the food pantry has blossomed into a beloved weekly event that brings the community together. What started as a small act of faith has grown into a dependable ministry that the community trusts and cherishes. Scott Groschel, co-director, shared, 鈥淲e鈥檙e helping people make a difference in their lives. Many face tough choices between paying for food, electricity, or gas to get to work. Here, they don鈥檛 have to choose鈥攖hey can find nutritious food and a sense of relief. It鈥檚 amazing to be part of something that positively impacts our community.鈥�

The pantry鈥檚 success is built on a foundation of generosity and partnerships with local food banks, Costco, and Safeway. As Scott Groschel observed, 鈥淭his is more than just a place to get food鈥攊t鈥檚 a community. People come here and make friendships while they wait in line or shop. It鈥檚 wonderful to see how faith and kindness bring people together.鈥� The pantry鈥檚 dedication to service has even garnered recognition, earning them an award from the Foodbank of Contra Costa and Solano and support from local city council members.

Gigi Groschel, the director, is grateful for the blessings that have poured into this ministry. 鈥淕od has blessed this ministry far beyond what we ever imagined, allowing us to reach so many more people in need,鈥� she said, her voice full of joy. 鈥淲e have countless opportunities to share with each person about the God we serve, and we can see the Holy Spirit working in their lives. It鈥檚 truly incredible to witness God鈥檚 amazing work!鈥�

Concord International Church鈥檚 food pantry is a shining example of how faith, service, and community spirit can create an abundance of blessings for everyone involved.

Featured in 熟女探花 Lights, August 22, 2024
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  • Ken Miller
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National Night Out Shares Christ鈥檚 Love
National Night Out Shares Christ鈥檚 Love 3337 1891 Ken Miller

Businesses, services, and community organizations, including the Union City Church, actively participated in the local National Night Out in August, aimed at fostering a stronger sense of community and promoting safety partnerships between neighborhoods and law enforcement.

Mickel Jenkins, pastor at the Union City Church, shared their approach, highlighting the impact of a simple setup: an easy-up canopy and a table filled with tracts. “Throughout the evening,” he explained, “we distributed over one hundred GLOW tracts in Spanish and English. Additionally, several community members filled out contact interest cards, expressing a desire to learn more about our church and its services.”

National Night Out emphasizes building a better, more connected community. It鈥檚 a day when neighbors come together to support one another, and organizations like Union City Church play a crucial role in making this possible. Their presence raises awareness and provides an opportunity for meaningful interactions, strengthening the bonds within the community.

Featured in 熟女探花 Lights, August 15, 2024
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  • Ken Miller
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Mission-in-Action Part 3 of 3
Mission-in-Action Part 3 of 3 3844 2031 Ken Miller

Prologue – by Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication and Development
It is a privilege to share the stories of our churches, ministries, and schools. In June, a trend emerged in the reported stories, reminding me of the promises in Acts 1:8 and Joel 2:28-29, highlighting the Holy Spirit’s transformative work among all believers.

This is the third edition (read part 1 here) (read part 2 here) of three 熟女探花 Lights stories highlighting three beautiful stories where the Holy Spirit’s presence was felt: a Women鈥檚 Ministry event at the Arcata-McKinleyville and Eureka Churches, a wave of spontaneous baptisms at Capital City Church in Sacramento, and the Youth Ministries鈥� Summer on the Run event in Stockton.

The Power of Faith: Summer on the Run Brings Hope and Transformation

June 24-28: Summer on the Run stories are filled with the Holy Spirit鈥檚 touch, creating a space for service and building trust in a community. This year was no exception. The unique outreach program, in partnership with Stockton Central Church, welcomed 105 community youth, offering them an unforgettable experience.

The impact of the program was evident when a neighborhood youth chose to attend church instead of going on a planned boat trip, sharing, 鈥淚 had such a great time with the kids and staff that I wanted to be around them more.鈥�

David Peckham, the church pastor, joyfully shared, 鈥淥ur church team, comprised of passionate adults and spirited youth, eagerly prepared for this traveling summer program. Our volunteers went door to door, inviting children to join us for an extraordinary week of activities. The team also spread the word through flyers in our neighborhood, bulletin inserts in other churches, and even reached out to a non-denominational school next door.鈥�

With the dedication of over 30 volunteers, nearly 500 lunches were served during the week as children participated in games, challenges, and worship activities. Peckham added, 鈥淭he Holy Spirit was undeniably present and moving hearts. Two volunteers, who had only planned to help for one day, were so moved that they committed to baptism.鈥�

Eddie Heinrich, NCC Youth Director, explained the challenges faced, 鈥淭he park city officials where we host the event told us that we could not host the event at all. After much prayer and a second request, we received great news鈥攖he city officials reconsidered and allowed us to host the event. The Holy Spirit moved their hearts, and it was a true miracle that inspired further action.鈥�

Peckham continued, 鈥淢any of our guests eagerly asked about other church events, and we will continue to maintain our connection with this young community.鈥�

Featured in 熟女探花 Lights, August 1, 2024
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  • Ken Miller
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Ending Homelessness by 2032
Ending Homelessness by 2032 986 738 Ken Miller

Over the past year, our Council on Homelessness has worked tirelessly towards a high-level goal: achieving functional zero for a homeless population group in each county where we are present by 2032. This is an urgent mission, as functional zero means making homelessness rare and brief when it occurs, a milestone we are determined to reach.

Key initiatives include:

  • Developing the 1st Annual Summit on Ending Homelessness, to be held in November 2024.
  • Creating an Ending Homelessness Initiative Taskforce (EHIT) for each county where we are present, starting with Placer County.
  • Collaborating with Placer County to end homelessness for veterans.

Your civic engagement, advocacy, and healthcare expertise are crucial to our mission. We need three new members with these skills. Your knowledge and skills will be instrumental in expanding our efforts and guiding our work to end homelessness in our territory by 2032.

If you are passionate about making a difference and have the relevant expertise, we encourage you to join our Council on Homelessness.

With your help, we can make a significant impact and improve lives. We are committed to this cause and look forward to your contribution.

  • Ken Miller
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Mission in Action, Part 1
Mission in Action, Part 1 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Prologue – by Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication and Development

It is a privilege to share the stories of our churches, ministries, and schools. In June, a trend emerged in the reported stories, reminding me of the promises in Acts 1:8 and Joel 2:28-29, highlighting the Holy Spirit’s transformative work among all believers.

Over the following issues of 熟女探花 Lights, we will highlight three beautiful stories where the Holy Spirit’s presence was felt: a Women鈥檚 Ministry event at the Arcata-McKinleyville and Eureka Churches, a wave of spontaneous baptisms at Capital City Church in Sacramento, and the Youth Ministries鈥� Summer on the Run event in Stockton.

Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication and Development

A Glimpse of the Kingdom of God by Matthew Baker, District Pastor

June 13 was a Sabbath to remember, echoing the sentiment of everyone involved in its organization. It was designated as Women鈥檚 Ministry Emphasis Sabbath.

The day began with Juanita Baker, the Women鈥檚 Ministry Regional Facilitator, unveiling a spectacular program featuring three speakers. Juanita herself preached about the 鈥淲oman at the Well,鈥� followed by a captivating first-person narrative performance by Janice Nelson, which was both historical and Biblical.

Simultaneously, at the Eureka Church, Kate Edwards presented a message entitled 鈥淗igher Ground,鈥� garnering positive feedback from members and visitors alike.

After the Arcata-McKinleyville service and a fellowship meal, Niki Eby shared a powerful testimony of healing in Jesus after her sister鈥檚 tragic death. This testimony inspired attendee Holly Klopfenstein to share, 鈥淚t was amazing to hear Nicole Eby’s testimony because only God can give the spirit of forgiveness that she exhibits. She showed what the Spirit can do in our lives if we let Him.鈥澛燘rad Nelson, a volunteer stated, 鈥淭he Women鈥檚 Ministry weekend was very inspiring. Listening to the testimony on the loss of a sister by murder had a large impact on me. It showed me what God鈥檚 tremendous love can do for us by turning ashes into beauty.鈥� A grief recovery session followed, offering practical advice on how to recover from tragic events.

As the day seemed to wind down, conversations and expressions of appreciation continued, fostering unity and a sense of shared experience. The final concert by the Adoration Choir, led by Dr. Jim Tayag from Sacramento聽in the sanctuary, felt like a glimpse of the Kingdom of God, leaving everyone uplifted and united. Indeed, it was a busy day, but undeniably, it was a Sabbath to remember!

Featured in 熟女探花 Lights, July 18, 2024

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