Northern Lights

Craig Heinrich, camp director of Leoni Meadows looks back on a camp season once in jeopardy with an air of incredulity, “We had a phenomenal summer!”

He gushed, “Regardless of the intermittent problems like finding water pipes that the fire damaged, and a few sewer backups, we may have seen the best staff, volunteers, and campers ever!”

As you look out from the lodge, the fog bank-like wall of Douglas firs is gone. Yet, beauty has sprung up as ferns and undergrowth are quickly winning the war on grey ash and red soil. Heinrich continued, “God brought the Spring and Summer reminding us He can make all things new.”

Cowboy Camp was the most affected by the fire as it ripped through the barn, wagons, stables, and trails. It was the one camp that almost didn’t happen.

The weeklong “cowboys” bunked in temporary canvas bivouacs, an experience harkening back to visions of the wild west. “Cowgirl” Darci Miller, a first-time camper exclaimed, “I know we couldn’t make the famous long trail rides due to the burnt trees and blocked trails but being part of the camper rodeo was the best part of my week!

Heinrich spoke on behalf of the staff saying, “Thank you to all who donated time, funds, muscle, and skills to save the Leoni Meadows experience.”

Featured in Northern Lights • August 25, 2022

Miguel Verazas was ordained at the Pleasant Hill church on Sabbath, August 13.

Verazas said, “I am humbled by the grace and mercy that God has shown me in my spiritual journey. I am also extremely grateful for those who have mentored me along the way.”

Verazas has served the northern territory as a youth pastor since 2014, beginning at the Napa Community church, and since 2016 at Pleasant Hill. During his service at Pleasant Hill, he also earned a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Andrews University.

Miguel and wife Ashley have welcomed two beautiful children to their family: Annalise and Noah.

When asked, Verazas reflected, “My favorite part of ministry is giving Bible studies and preparing children of God to be baptized.”

“A Very Close Call”

In response to the McKinney Fire, NCC Disaster Relief Funds were distributed through district pastor Bob Mason to 31 members and those connected to the Yreka Church and School.

One member felt very blessed and grateful for this support. She was at her grandson’s home when the fire spread. She evacuated successfully not knowing if she had lost her home or business.

Upon returning, she learned two of her good friends died in the fire, her grandson lost everything, and the restaurant she had developed to help the local community was ashes.

She stated, “I cannot question what God’s purpose is for my life; but who am I to doubt the wisdom of my creator? I am so blessed that my home was spared, and I can take care of my family. This extra help from the church is such a blessing. It was an answer to prayer because I was not sure where the money was going to come from to pay for the generator gas. I am just so blessed!”

Laurie Trujillo, director of communication and development said, “Gifts to this fund and other funds like the New Beginner’s Fund provide significant help to people, and minister to their needs. Our compassionate givers make a difference and bring joy to others.”

Featured in Northern Lights • August 18, 2022

As part of the Northern California Conference’s journey to organizational health, and thanks to a generous gift, the conference directors and officers were able to fund seven community-relevant and mission-driven proposals.

James Lim, director of Health Ministries said, “With the approved funding we are able to offer ten medical and dental clinics in which services are free to the community.”

The Woodland church was the first to host one of these clinics in July. Based on identified community needs, they focused on three main areas of service: dental, vision, and stress management.

With almost 80 volunteers, the church united to serve 170 clients from their community. Daniel Garza, the pastor, explained, “People lined up as early as 4:30 in the morning coming from all faiths and walks of life.

Vitaly Polovin, traffic flow director for the day, explained, “The clinic was a success in that it got down to the core of Christian ministry: Uplifting humanity by helping those in need and pointing to Jesus. It appears that selfless acts, like this clinic, get people’s attention and cause them to stop and think: Why are these people giving of themselves to others so freely?”

Brian Radut, church media director, added, “The health clinic was a great blessing to the city of Woodland and the Woodland Adventist church. You could see the joy on each volunteer and visitor’s face as they witnessed God’s love in tangible form.”

As reported, many community members asked, “Why are you doing this? We cannot imagine a world where services like this are provided free with no strings attached.”

Featured in Northern Lights • August 11, 2022

The largest active wildfire in California this season, the McKinney Fire, has impacted our church members and those connected to our churches and school.

Within 24 hours after the fire started, the NCC Disaster Response Team connected with Bob Mason, district pastor, who was at Redwood Camp Meeting. He reported, “Our Yreka church is in the mandatory evacuation zone. Currently, we have 23 church families who had to evacuate, eighteen from Yreka and five from Scott Valley.”

NCC Disaster Relief Funds in the amount of $2,300, donated by our compassionate givers, were distributed within one day after Mason sent the request and will be given to the evacuated members.

According to Mason, “The Yreka and Scott Valley members may have to meet this sabbath at the Scott Valley Church since it is not in an evacuation zone.”

Mason continues, “Thank you so much for the prayers and for reaching out about our fire here in Siskiyou County. The kindness extended will be very appreciated by our people.”

Featured in Northern Lights • August 4, 2022

The McKinney Fire, adjacent to Yreka broke out Friday afternoon in the Klamath National Forest near the California-Oregon border. As of Monday, August 1st, it has burned more than 55,000 acres and caused nearly 2,000 residents to evacuate. Click here for the latest CAL FIRE report.

The NCC Disaster Reponse Team is aware of the developing situation and is in contact with Yreka church pastor, Bob Mason. Unfortunately, there are church members who are evacuated and many more that are in an evacuation warning zone. Let’s keep them in our prayers.

NCC Disaster Relief funds have been authorized for affected church members and those connected to the church and school. The NCC Disaster Response Team is keeping in close touch with pastor Mason.

According to CAL FIRE Captain Chris Bruno, “The blaze has become California’s largest wildfire so far this year.”

Stay tuned for further reports or contact media@nccsda.com

NCC Developing News • August 1, 2022

Click Here to View Redwood Sessions

Redwood Camp Meeting Schedule

Featured in Northern Lights • July 28, 2022