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Ken Miller

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Serving Families, Strengthening Lives: The Impact of Centro de Esperanza
Serving Families, Strengthening Lives: The Impact of Centro de Esperanza 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Daniel Javes and Miriam Lens

Centro de Esperanza at the Hayward Spanish Church was already serving families when additional support from an individual donor through the Northern California Conference enabled the ministry to expand into a dedicated space. This expansion strengthened the ministry’s capacity, providing a welcoming, organized environment where practical assistance and Christ-centered care could be offered more consistently and effectively.

The ministry’s progress has been intentional rather than dramatic. Growth has followed a thoughtful plan. Some areas are showing strong momentum; others are still developing. Building trust within vulnerable communities takes time. Training volunteers, organizing systems, and refining case management processes requires steady leadership. Centro de Esperanza is celebrating progress while remaining realistic about the work still ahead.

In 2025, a bilingual Community Forum on Immigration welcomed 91 participants. Attorneys and trained representatives provided guidance on immigration processes and individual rights. At the conclusion of the forum, 300 “Know Your Rights” Red Cards were distributed. These cards summarize constitutional protections and outline practical steps individuals can take if questioned by immigration authorities.

Health education has become one of the ministry’s most encouraging areas of development. On September 13, bilingual nutrition workshops reached 280 participants. Representatives from Alameda County and Kaiser Permanente partnered in delivering instruction on disease prevention, healthy living, and family wellness. In December, an additional healthy eating and recipe workshop served 60 adults, reinforcing practical habits that support long-term well-being.

Food distribution remains the ministry’s most consistent and visible expression of care. Each Wednesday, about 310 families receive groceries through the Centro de Esperanza food bank. An additional $1,000 in emergency financial support was given out to cover urgent needs. In November and December, 388 families received Thanksgiving food baskets. In December alone, 350 families received $50 grocery gift cards.

The ministry has strengthened its internal structure by introducing structured case management and referral services to assist families with utilities, public benefits, and healthcare access. In the initial phase, five families received intensive support, laying the groundwork for broader services. But challenges remain: anxiety and fear in the served community, limited funding, volunteer capacity, and the creation of a culture of generosity. Through persistent dedication, ministry members continue to serve families and recently celebrated seven baptisms, reflecting growth that is both spiritual and practical.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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Saddle Up for VBS Season!
Saddle Up for VBS Season! 3875 2012 Ken Miller

By Barry van Iderstein

Vacation Bible School season is almost here! To get ready for these transformative weeks of children’s evangelism, NCC 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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Pastors Meetings Seek to Engage and Teach
Pastors Meetings Seek to Engage and Teach 4000 2250 Ken Miller

In January, pastors came together at Gracepoint Church for their annual business meeting—a time set aside for learning, alignment, and connection.

The gathering provided policy updates, moments of inspiration, and dedicated Q&A sessions with leaders from various administrative departments. Some of the topics covered were practical and necessary, including employment matters, hiring, administrative processes, and even routine—but important—details like expense reimbursement.

The event also offered pastors a forum to share with administrators the everyday challenges they face, giving leaders better perspective on the realities of leading and pastoring in their communities.

Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, highlighted the value of these gatherings: “One developmental aspect we intentionally address, is adding to a pastor’s professional toolbox with new or improved skills. There is also the communicational part, where different initiatives can be discussed and clarity can be gained, and lastly, there is the camaraderie of colleagues who might not get to see each other very often.”

Interacting in a setting like this strives to build a stronger, more unified team, better equipped to spread the love of Jesus Christ and navigate the challenges and joys of ministry together.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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Building Organizational Health to Advance the 2027 Vision
Building Organizational Health to Advance the 2027 Vision 4000 2250 Ken Miller

In January, 32 pastors, educators, and administrators gathered at the Northern California Conference (NCC) office in Roseville for a full day of organizational health training.

The purpose was to equip trainees as organizational health consultants, prepared to guide leadership teams across the conference toward greater clarity, alignment, and effectiveness. Focus areas included clarifying priorities, building trust, aligning efforts, and establishing consistent meeting rhythms. Trainees were also introduced to concepts from The Working Genius framework, learning how to help leaders contribute to areas that energize them and complement team strengths—enabling teams to operate with greater energy, creativity, and results.

This training directly supports the NCC’s 2027 mission goal of embedding organizational health in at least 51% of churches, schools, and ministries, ensuring that healthy leadership practices become standard across the conference. Healthy leadership teams strengthen community initiatives, enhance employee and member engagement, and support church and school growth, ensuring ministries operate with clarity and purpose. By developing consultants from within, these practices are embedded into everyday leadership life, creating a shared language and consistent approach across the conference.

For the last five years, the conference has been on an intentional path to clarity in our ministries. Through prayer and disciplined effort, the NCC has laid the groundwork for a future marked by alignment, trust, and shared commitment to mission. This intentional approach is referred to as the NCC Advantage.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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A Visit That Taught Us to Care
A Visit That Taught Us to Care 3997 2006 Ken Miller

By Beatrice Ahn

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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NCC Announces New Media Resource Center
NCC Announces New Media Resource Center 3691 1887 Ken Miller

Recently, NCC Executive Secretary José Marin unveiled the new NCC Media Resource Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and walk-through.

The center was constructed on the lower floor of the Roseville administration building, where the former mail and copy room was located. This space was ideal, insulated from the building’s outer walls. Marin explained, “This resource center will be a production tool to serve our churches, schools, and ministries, where the next level of equipment and production is available for use and instruction.” He noted that the facility has already been used, providing a set for the annual Ten Days of Prayer and videos for conference directors and constituency meeting productions.

Studio usage is managed by the Communication and Development department. Laurie Trujillo, director, shared, “We have established a usage policy that requires training with the NCC’s contracted video professional to ensure users are familiar with the studio and that its equipment is properly maintained.” The studio is equipped with three cameras, a teleprompter, adjustable professional lighting, and an Apple computer with a large cinema display running professional software.

The space also contains three different backdrops to accommodate a variety of recording needs: a podcast/interview setting, a more formal look for program-style productions, and a youthful corner for informal presentations.

Trujillo concluded, “We encourage pastors, teachers, and presenters to utilize this modern and helpful tool for sharing the abundant life found in Jesus Christ and preparing people for His soon return.”

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 2026
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Bobby Sepang Retires from Sacramento Indonesian Church
Bobby Sepang Retires from Sacramento Indonesian Church 3450 1887 Ken Miller

By Kathy Batchelor

In November, the Sacramento Indonesian Church gathered to bid a warm farewell to Pastor Bobby Sepang after more than 13 years of dedicated ministry.

James Lim, Asian/Pacific Ministries Coordinator, shared, “Although he had already completed a successful ministry and retired in Indonesia, Pastor Sepang answered the NCC’s call to serve the Sacramento Indonesian congregation. He stepped in during one of the church’s most challenging seasons, faithfully uniting the members and helping to establish strong lay leadership.”

The service included beautiful vocal and instrumental music, heartfelt expressions of gratitude, and a slide presentation highlighting memorable moments—from church retreats to baptisms and evangelistic efforts that led many to an abundant life in Jesus.

Following the service, a fellowship luncheon provided an opportunity for members to express their appreciation. While many tears were shed, the prevailing sentiment was gratitude for Pastor and Mrs. Sepang’s grace, humility, and steadfast commitment to God, along with confidence that they will continue serving faithfully upon returning to Indonesia.

Michael Pongoh, NCC Accountant and church member, said, “His leadership was steady, caring, and deeply personal. My family—like many others—was blessed by his prayerful guidance and wisdom.”
Lim concluded, “His ministry was truly outstanding guiding the church toward official organization while serving with a gentle spirit, steady leadership, and unwavering passion that will be remembered for a long time.”

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 2026
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Eric Holness Installed at Richmond Beacon Light
Eric Holness Installed at Richmond Beacon Light 3583 1883 Ken Miller

On January 3, Eric Holness was installed as pastor of the Richmond Beacon Light Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Holness comes to Richmond after being the associate pastor of Oakland Market Street church since 2024. The service marked the beginning of a new covenant relationship between pastor and congregation, grounded in prayer, Scripture, and a shared commitment to ministry.

Reflecting on the occasion, Rudy Peters, African American Ministries Director for the Northern California Conference, noted that “the air was filled with expectancy and promises of an amazing covenant relationship.”

Pastor Holness expressed gratitude for the call, stating, “I am humbled and amazed by the opportunity to serve.”

The Richmond Beacon Light family looks forward to a new season of Spirit-led ministry and community impact under Pastor Holness’s leadership.

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 2026

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Brandon Dorn Joins NCC Accounting Department
Brandon Dorn Joins NCC Accounting Department 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Brandon Dorn has joined the NCC accounting team as assistant treasurer. He brings experience in conference treasury work, higher-education administration, and a strong commitment to church service.

Brandon most recently worked in the accounting office at Southern Adventist University, where he also served for nearly six years as a men’s dean. Earlier in his career, he worked for just over two years in the treasury department at the Georgia-Cumberland Conference. After prayer and discernment, he applied for the NCC position and is grateful for how clearly the opportunity unfolded.

Raised in Adventist education, Brandon attended Collegedale Academy and later earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Southern Adventist University in May 2017. Both of his parents were Adventist grade schoolteachers, shaping his appreciation for faith-based education and service.

Brandon chose church work out of a desire to use the skills God has given him in service to Jesus Christ and His mission. At NCC, he hopes to build strong relationships with coworkers, serve as a dependable resource to the conference and its constituents, and continue growing professionally. He is currently working toward CPA licensure.

Brandon shares his life with Kaylee, his wife of six years, who works as a nurse, and together they enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, and staying active through hiking, biking, running, and other outdoor activities.

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 2026

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Chili is Community Relevant
Chili is Community Relevant 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Keith Henry

On Sabbath, December 27, Oakland Market Street Church stepped beyond its walls to serve the Oakland community through a “Pop-Up Pot of Chili” outreach.

Following the church’s year-end Communion Service, members gathered that afternoon to prepare and distribute 100 bags filled with winter essentials and hygiene items. In addition, volunteers joyfully served more than 100 bowls of hot, homemade chili—offering comfort, nourishment, and connection on a cold winter day.

Edwin Brown, pastor, reflected on the experience, saying, “Though it was a cold day, the gratitude and smiles of those receiving a cup of hot chili filled me with exhilaration and joy. The volunteers were cheerful and seemingly unaware of the cold. Serving the people invigorated them as well. I felt like our church’s mission theme song—‘Let’s go outside these walls and be a witness’—was being fulfilled right before my eyes.”

Stephanie Jolliff, Community Service Director, added, “A bowl of chili may warm the body, but kindness warms the heart. We serve our community to remind every person that they are seen, valued, and loved. The chili was delicious, people were happy, and many wanted to know who we were. That’s mission at its finest hour.”

Through simple acts of service and engaged members, Market Street SDA Church continues to demonstrate community relevance—meeting real needs, building trust, and reflecting Christ’s love in tangible ways where it matters most.

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 2026
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