September 18, 2018
While the U.S. Department of Labor celebrates Labor Day as a tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of this country, as Christian employees, we reaffirm our commitment to serve with responsibility and integrity.
The work ethic of the Christian employee is based on the concept that we serve all God’s children. Yes, our employers are children of God, as well. As we read Paul writings, we realize that he had a high work ethic. From the English Standard Version, we read:
“If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (2 Thes. 3:10); “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31); “whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Col. 3:23); “rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord” (Eph. 6:7, 8).
I invite you, including myself, to review our work ethic in light of these verses. May the Lord find us faithful employees who work with conscientiousness and integrity before His eyes.
Events & Conference News
Two weeks ago, Elder Iki Taimi was welcomed to the SCC office as he took the leadership of the Senior Youth and Young Adult Department. We met with him, and he briefly shared his vision for this new department. We have confidence that our young adults will be blessed as he and his advisory council lead this segment of our church membership. Should you want to share an idea or invite him to your church, contact him at his new email: itaimi@sccsda.org.
Earlier this month, I participated in meetings related to our hospitals. I am pleased to highlight the recent appointment of Alice Issai as the new president for Adventist Health Glendale.
Beyond her professional competence and excellent leadership skills, Alice is from Armenian descent which will have a higher impact on the growing Armenian community surrounding the hospital. For many years, Alice has been a member of the Glendale City church where several Armenian families worship in their own language. Thank you, Alice, for accepting the invitation to serve as president of Adventist Health Glendale.
The Pacific Union Conference President’s Council and Executive Committee met on September 12 in Riverside. Our Union officers presented quarterly reports showing the growth in evangelism, membership, and finances across our Union territory. Praise God for the expansion of His Kingdom! An unprecedented item was discussed and voted in response to recent actions taken this summer by the General Conference Administrative Committee in anticipation of the Annual Council next month. Please keep our beloved Seventh-day Adventist church in your prayers. (Click here for the open letter and here for further details and links).
I’ve just received news from Dr. Harold Crook, SCC Superintendent of Schools, reporting the SCC student enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year. I see changes as I read the list of our schools regarding increasing or decreasing number of students; unfortunately, looking at the total numbers, we have 82 fewer students from a year ago. This number represents about 5 percent less of the total enrollment we had last year. This news brings me great concern about our families in our churches, and I believe we need to talk intentionally about this situation.
On Tuesday, February 19, 2019, we will have our SCC Education Summit where all pastors and teachers will gather to address the important topic of Adventist Education. I’m convinced that we need to be more intentional in this area of ministry, and the SCC administration has set aside time for our education team to pray, plan, and be proactive in teaching our children in Adventist education.
As we conclude this summer, I pray for the Lord bless us all as we take up our regular responsibilities at home, at work and at church.
Your fellow traveler,
Velino A. Salazar
President
Southern California Conference