October 2, 2018
Recently, we have witnessed excessive polarization in our society and in different areas of life: politics, finances, security, education and, unfortunately, in religion. I intentionally use the word excessive, because since human beings have been in existence, we have always faced differences of opinions, perspectives and preferences. But in these times in which we live, it seems to have spun out of control.
This tension is primarily caused by differences in ideological perspectives. Instead of engaging in decent and civil dialogue, we are attacking and offending each other when the other party doesn’t agree with our position on the subject.
It seems that we are bombarded with information that stimulates our spirits in a negative way, to the point of being intolerant toward others. As I examine myself, the description of the fruits of the Spirit listed by the apostle Paul comes to my mind: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
I pray that the Holy Spirit keeps working in my life, producing changes in me to reflect His fruits. I invite you to join me in prayer that we, as a Southern California Conference family, will bear these fruits of the Spirit in our lives.
Speaking of prayer, I'd like to share a report & a prayer request:
On Tuesday, September 18, our SCC Prayer Ministry Team organized a Pastor’s Prayer Day for all our pastoral team at the Van Nuys Church. We had an attendance of about 50 pastors, who were spiritually challenged by Pastor Iki Taimi to trust in the Lord in the midst of our personal and ministerial difficulties. Thank you, Janet Lui and your team, for the wonderful spiritual gift you prepared for us. It was a day of reflection, prayer, fellowship and partaking of a meal.
My prayer request is in regards to the Newbury Park Project. As I reported earlier this year, the North Campus of our property in Newbury Park is back on the market. For the last six months, we have been in conversation with four different potential buyers, and with officials of the City of Thousand Oaks, exploring what is the best use of our property there. We are asking the Lord for divine wisdom so we can know clearly His will and follow His direction and not our own. Please, please join us in prayer.
On Sabbath, September 22, Esther and I had the opportunity to visit the International SDA Church of La Verne (formerly Covina International SDA Group). After an inspiring worship service and wonderful fellowship meal, this congregation was organized as a Company by the SCC officers and Asian Pacific Region director, Sam Lee.
Last Sabbath, September 29, was a busy, but awesome, day for the SCC officers. In the morning, we participated in the Centennial Celebration of the Hollywood SDA Church. This church has a unique call from God to do ministry, and they are making a huge difference in the lives of people from all walks of life. Our SCC treasurer/CFO, Orville Ortiz, presented a gift of $10,000 to be used in evangelism in their community.
After lunch at the Hollywood church, the SCC officers rushed to Chino Valley Chinese SDA Church to participate at the dedication and grand opening of their sanctuary/multipurpose building. This church has made history in SCC. In 13 years, it was planted, organized as a church, a brand new building built and dedicated — without taking out a loan. To God be the glory, and congratulations to the church members, who, under the leadership of Dr. Paul Cho and Dr. Mei Mei Cho, made this possible.
The amazing stories of these churches will appear soon in the Pacific Union Recorder!
Your fellow traveler,
Velino A. Salazar
President
Southern California Conference