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Loving Others in an Election Year
Loving Others in an Election Year 150 150 Ken Miller

By Steve Allred

Religious liberty is a term that we hear frequently in the political battles of today’s culture. Christians of all political persuasions are concerned with different issues in our world that impact religious liberty.

For example, some of my Christian friends are concerned with the freedom to be able to express their religious beliefs in the workplace without fear of losing their jobs or being denied a promotion. They are concerned with the freedom of religious institutions. to adhere to their beliefs regarding who they hire or Christian schools being able to uphold lifestyle standards for their students. They fear the intolerance of secularism and worry that political correctness and cancel culture are leading to the loss of religious liberty.

On the other hand, I have Christian friends who are alarmed by the rapid growth of a militant brand of Christianity, calling itself Christian Nationalism, that seeks to insert itself into politics to control the government. They are concerned that posting the Ten Commandments in public buildings and having government-sponsored prayer in public schools is not necessarily the way of Jesus, who offers us the freedom to choose in matters of faith. My friends are also concerned with Project 2025, a new political project that mandates Congress “encourage” a communal rest day on Sunday. They are alarmed as they see the wall of separation between Church and State disappearing.

My good friend observed that Adventists often occupy the uncomfortable middle on many issues. Historically, we’ve been a minority faith in a world that caters to religious groups who are in the majority. As a result, we sometimes find ourselves siding with other minority non-Christian faiths on religious liberty issues since they are often advocating for the same protections we are (e.g., Sabbath protections in the workplace). We also seek to be faithful to certain biblical principles (e.g., regarding sexuality) that run afoul of the progressive agenda. As a result, we sometimes find ourselves siding with other Christian groups on these issues where we share common ground. But, all things considered, we often occupy the uncomfortable middle.

Additionally, we do not exclusively identify with any political party or ideology as a church. We are not a Republican church or a Democratic church. We are non-partisan. We also do not believe that politics should shape our faith. We believe biblical principles should shape our worldview; from that foundation, we should make our political choices.

Of course, we can and should make our voices heard on issues that matter to us. And we should do so respectfully and with love. But I suggest to you that our world needs more from us than shouting and Facebook posts on the hottest religious liberty (or other political) topics of the day.

God has given us a higher calling than the political pundits and talking heads on TV or radio. In this tense election year, I suggest four scriptural principles and ideas to consider as you fulfill your calling as a follower of Jesus in the real world.

Your Primary Citizenship Is in Heaven

First, remember that your ultimate allegiance is to the kingdom of God, not to any nation on earth or to any politician: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Phil. 3:20, NKJV. The apostle Peter puts it this way:

“Live as foreigners and exiles…” 1 Peter 2:11, NIV. This should remind us not to become too preoccupied with politics or let any political ideology become an idol in our hearts. We are citizens of God’s kingdom before any other kingdom or nation.

No Earthly Nation Is God’s Kingdom

Second, don’t forget that the kingdom of God is “not of this world,” as Jesus put it in John 18:36. God’s kingdom is an entirely different kind of kingdom from the political machines of this world. You might remember the story of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel chapter 2. In the vision, the king saw a statue made of various types of metal. These metals represented the kingdoms of the world: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and the strong and weak nations of our world today, represented by the feet of iron and clay. But the kingdom of God was symbolized by a stone cut from a mountain “without hands.” (not of human origin) that destroyed the nations of the world and became its unique kingdom. The kingdom of God is not an extension of any nation on this planet, nor will it be set up on earth before the second coming of Jesus. We cannot venerate any country or nation as God’s nation. His coming kingdom is not of this world.

Praying for Your Political Enemies!

Thirdly, the apostle Paul reminds us, in 2 Timothy 2:1-4 to “pray for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty”. Why? Because God “wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.” That “all” includes your worst political enemy! Pray for the salvation of our nation’s leaders on both sides of the aisle.

Praying for Yourself and God’s Church

Finally, I recently had a conversation with a friend who used to serve as a missionary in Rwanda. We all know about the terrible genocide that occurred there a few decades ago. Christians who worshipped side by side in church one morning were killing each other the next. Why? My friend told me he believed that tribal identity was more important to the killers than their identity as citizens of the kingdom of heaven. Could this happen to us here as well? Could our political ideologies and political parties become more important to us than our identity as citizens of the kingdom of heaven? Ask God to show you if your political views have become an idol in your heart. And then pray that he will give you — and all of His church — love for those who are different from us and even love for those who may hate us.

As followers of Jesus, we have the solution to our divided world. While the kingdom of God is not of this world, God wants to reveal His kingdom through you in this world. It’s the kingdom of grace, not the kingdom of glory just yet. That kingdom is revealed “within you,” Jesus said (Luke 17:21) that the world is transformed when God’s kingdom shines through His people.

Reaching out to Someone on “The Other Side”

Do you want to do something concrete to promote religious liberty and grow the kingdom of God? In Luke 6:27-28, Jesus gave us a recipe for loving our enemies — something bound to make a difference in their lives: “…do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Right now, think of a person or family on the “other side” of the political or ideological divide. Send up a prayer for them and write it on your calendar to pray for them every day. Then, within the next few days, invite them to do something with you where you can grow a friendship. When you get together, listen to them and hear their perspective without arguing or condemning them. And, at the right time, you can also share your perspective. Or maybe God wants you to be friends and not talk about politics!

This kind of love is what our divided and hurting world desperately needs. When we, God’s church, live this out in our homes, workplaces, and churches, people’s lives will be changed. This love is the secret weapon of the kingdom of God that will ultimately win the battle between good and evil.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 24, 2024
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Mason Philpot Retires After 45 Years
Mason Philpot Retires After 45 Years 624 603 Ken Miller

In September, Mason Philpot, pastor of the Crescent City Church, retired after 45 years in ministry.

Many know Mason as an avid surfer. Lesser known is that he was also a team hopeful for the 1972 U.S. Water polo team. He recalled, “During the Olympic trials, I came down with a mysterious virus that kept me hospitalized for a week, and my Olympic dream was dashed.” Ultimately, that disappointment led him on a circuitous path to serve God. A route, He stated, “I’ve never regretted.”

His search for meaning in life, a commitment to Jesus, and a passion for healthy living from his formative years ultimately led to his joining the NCC in 1979 at the St. Helena Church. Having found his path, he soon attended Andrews University, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1982.

Over the next 41 years, he was never far from the Northern California coast, pastoring at the Willows, Willits, Fort Bragg, and Crescent City churches.

Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, stated, “Pastor Mason is a consummate friend of Jesus and it shows in his pastoring. Whether it is helping at camp meetings, moving porta-potties around without complaint—which he did up to his retirement, or going out of his way to make people feel welcome at church, you know he loves Jesus.”

Mason concluded, “This journey has been a fantastic story of God leading me in this direction, and that direction, to where I am today. I intend to retire in Crescent City, God permitting, volunteering and surfing when the weather and waves permit.”

Featured in Northern Lights, October 10, 2024
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Lake Tahoe Connection
Lake Tahoe Connection 3991 1988 Ken Miller

Over 100 young adults gathered in Tahoe during the weekend of September 14, drawn together by a shared desire to connect with God, build lasting friendships, and immerse themselves in the beauty of creation.

Daniel Garza, district pastor of Woodland and Vacaville churches and Chair of NCC young adult ministries, expressed his joy over the event’s impact, noting the powerful potential of these gatherings. “This age group can often feel disconnected after leaving college and stepping into the workforce,” Garza shared. “But through events like this, we’re able to engage with them socially, mentor them spiritually, and help them remain rooted in their faith and connected to a church family.”

Remarkably, many attendees were non-Adventists from the Sacramento and Bay areas, drawn by friendships forged in previous gatherings and nurtured through social media. One single mother attending the event had been seeking a way to heal her strained relationship with her son. Through connections made in this young adult network, she began attending a Bible study, noticing a gradual transformation in their bond. Participating in the Tahoe retreat together, both mother and son were deeply touched by the weekend’s messages. Inspired by their experience, they chose to take the beautiful step of requesting baptism in the lake.

Garza emphasized how events like AdvenTed, Food Truck Mania, and trips like this one build a social momentum that opens doors for authentic connections with young adults. “Friendship evangelism is at the heart of what we do,” he explained. “Through these relationships, we are able to reach, nurture, and empower young people to live for Jesus.”

Featured in Northern Lights, October 10, 2024
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To the Least of These
To the Least of These 3894 2052 Ken Miller

On August 31, the Oakland Grand Advent Church, alongside members from various Bay Area churches, stepped out in love and faith to serve the homeless of their city, driven by the power of the Holy Spirit to bring light to lives in desperate need.

Under the compassionate leadership of Tony Borrero, a devoted church member, and with the support of Oakland Spanish, Elmhurst, Immanuel Temple, and Hayward Spanish churches, a diverse and joyful team gathered in East Oakland’s largest homeless encampment. Their mission was simple but profound: to show Christ’s love in action by offering tangible services and hope to those often overlooked by society. The team provided free medical and dental screenings, showers, laundry services, haircuts, pet care, and hot meals. One volunteer shared how a curious onlooker approached them, asking, “Who does this kind of thing?”—a question that opened the door to sharing the love of Christ in word and deed.

Borrero emphasized the heart behind the outreach: “Our main objective is to step out of the four walls of our church and introduce people to Jesus through our love, compassion, and actions. We want to meet people where they are and provide much-needed services to those in dire situations.” This ministry, however, goes beyond a one-day event. The long-term vision includes partnering with local agencies to help clean, maintain, and restore housing facilities and equipment and working with the community to create lasting change.

The beauty of this outreach is not just in the services offered but in how the Holy Spirit is moving to connect people in need to a more abundant life in Christ. Through the warmth of a meal, the dignity of a haircut, and the kindness of a listening ear, hearts are being softened, and lives are being transformed.

As Borrero reflected, “I thank God that the responses have been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve been blessed to partner with the City of Oakland officials and the Police Department, who are fully engaged in supporting our goals.”

Borrero’s passion for this ministry is unwavering: “This is just the beginning of befriending those in need, spreading the Gospel, and bringing beauty back to Oakland.”

Featured in Northern Lights, October 10, 2024
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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’s family immigrated to the USA in the 1990s. Douglas admitted that while the family settled in Tacoma, Washington, “I started making many poor choices.”

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, “Reading 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.”

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 Northern Lights, September 26, 2024
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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 Northern California Conference.

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 Raúl González, they began their meetings in a member’s 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, “This congregation is hardworking and passionate about their church and continuing outreach to the Spanish-speaking community. I’m proud of this milestone they’ve reached.”

Paul Guevara, Hispanic Ministry Coordinator, shared, “I 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.”

Featured in Northern Lights, September 19, 2024
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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: “What’s next? How do we make a difference now?”

With open hearts, they prayed for guidance—and 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’s 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.

“The doors are opening!” Nick exclaimed, amazed by how God was working. “We’ve even had people of the Jewish faith come to our church.” 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. “It’s incredible to see the Jewish work moving forward in the Bay Area,” he said. “There is such a great need, and we are so thankful for Nick and Grace’s passion and dedication to this ministry.”

For the Lossevs, this work is more than a mission; it’s a calling that fills their hearts with hope. They believe that God has been preparing them all along for this moment—to 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 Northern Lights, September 19, 2024
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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, “There is a fantastic sense of excitement and anticipation from Pastor Reiber and the church congregation about what they will accomplish together through their ministry.”

Reiber 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, “My 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’s will and head passionately in that direction. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for our time together as we serve the community of Paradise.”

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

Featured in Northern 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, “I 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.”

Featured in Northern Lights, September 12, 2024
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Generational Bonds Strengthened at Korean Camp Meeting
Generational Bonds Strengthened at Korean Camp Meeting 4320 2880 Ken Miller

Korean Camp Meeting this year at Pacific Union College was a profound and transformative experience, with over 1,200 attendees filling the campus. James Lim, Asian Pacific Ministries Coordinator, remarked, “After a slowdown due to the pandemic, the yearly event has a renewed energy and purpose.”

A significant sign of this revival was the notably higher participation by young adults. Lim continued, “Our younger generation is getting more involved with their home churches. In a time dominated by digital interactions, seeing them seek face-to-face fellowship at camp meeting was encouraging. By Sabbath, it was evident the Holy Spirit was sowing unity and spiritual renewal with the audience.”

Getting together each year brings together families and members from Northern and abroad. Lim continued, “Seeing so many generations of members and children was heartwarming. This event continues to be a valuable resource in winning souls for heaven, nurturing spiritual growth, and strengthening family and community bonds.”

Featured in Northern Lights, September 5, 2024
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