Northern Lights

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

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Featured in Northern Lights • July 28, 2022

Marlene Rodriguez, associate pastor of the Gracepoint church was ordained on Sabbath July 9.

Jose Marin, executive secretary explained, “The service was a simple, and a beautiful affirmation of God’s calling of Pastor Rodriguez, the first Latina woman to be ordained in our territory.”

As the associate pastor at Gracepoint church, she has found unique ways to connect the community to an abundant life with Jesus Christ.

Jim Lorenz, ministerial director said, “It was great to see Marlene ordained. She is a very gifted person in helping churches connect to their community, an important quality in our territory.”

It is also notable that Rodriguez utilized the NAD’s women in leadership scholarship on her journey to ordination. The scholarship was established for women who are committed to serving the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

When asked about her favorite reflection on the service, Rodriguez said, “We worshipped the One who calls us by name, and to see the diversity in God’s Kingdom was absolutely magnificent.”

Featured in Northern Lights • July 21, 2022