During Pentecost 2025, God’s Spirit moved powerfully across the Northern California Conference.
This North American Division initiative invited Adventists to hold thousands of proclamation events focused on prayer, community engagement, and discipleship. In our territory, members brought this vision to life through Bible studies, evangelistic meetings, and baptisms, marking a season of transformation and hope.
“Thirteen precious souls publicly declared their commitment to follow Jesus. Each baptism told a story of surrender, renewal, and faith, strengthening fellowship and inspiring unity,” reported Jaime Calvo, district pastor of the North Highlands, Sacramento Spanish and Woodland Spanish churches, “And other district leaders helped coordinate prayerful outreach, Bible studies, and mentorship that touched lives and transformed hearts.”
Douglas Barahona, associate pastor of the Chico Church, shared, “In our bi-weekly Collegiate Bible Studies, the Holy Spirit and the book of Acts were central. This led to six baptisms among High School, Collegiate, and Young Adult students. Several students from Adventist and non-Adventist families plugged into the church and began serving as deacons or audio/video volunteers.”
Jaziel Huerta, assistant pastor of Sacramento Spanish, reflected, “We prayed consistently for ten people, and we watched God respond. Many who had been absent or had never attended returned, reintegrated into church life, and grew spiritually.”
Octavian Poenaru, district pastor of the Clearlake and Middletown churches, told the story of Steve and Sandra, who came hesitantly but quickly became active. “The week before their baptism, they took over landscaping to beautify our church and asked, ‘What else can we do for the Lord?’” Their service reminded everyone of the beauty of a “first love” for God.
Leoni Meadows retreat (May 30 – June 1, 2025) provided a sacred setting for two baptisms, while Mayfair Church, North Bay Korean Company, and Sacramento Central SDA Church celebrated transformed lives.
Pentecost 2025 reminded everyone that every baptism marks both an ending and a beginning: the old life ends, and a new life in Christ begins. Heaven rejoiced over each soul that chose Christ—and so did we.
Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025
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