September 3, 2019
In 1903, Ellen G. White declared for the very first time what true education means: “True education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man. It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come” (Education, p. 13).
Since that time, she spoke, wrote and promoted Adventist Christian education extensively, and we, as the Seventh-day Adventist Church, have realized the importance of this ministry for the education of our children. Let’s pray for our 1,700+ students who, in this new school year, are led to Christ by our devoted 220 educators in our 25 educational institutions in the Southern California Conference.
On Saturday, August 24, Esther and I began our day early morning by picking up a friend who had called us two days before asking if he could go with us to church that Sabbath. After disclosing our itinerary for that day, he became excited to join us in our day's ministry.
Our morning appointment was at the Miramonte Boulevard church to participate in the consecration service for the Los Angeles Adventist Academy (LAAA) leadership and faculty as they begin the new school year. This is the third time Principal Carol Todd has set aside this time to seek a special blessing from God. All the teachers and leaders, Principal Todd, board chair David Harrington and I were anointed by Pastor Ira Barksdale and his church elders. Thank you, Pastor Ira, for planning such a meaningful service for our LAAA educators.
Also, Pastor Ira and his loving wife Sonia were surprised by the LAAA Principal who publicly thanked them for their strong commitment to LAAA’s ministry toward Adventist Christian education.
Right after this service, we rushed to our afternoon appointment at The Place Adventist Fellowship church in Thousand Oaks to participate in the recognition, consecration and organization of this congregation as an organized church, the highest status for a congregation. The members of this vibrant church were so grateful to God for His faithfulness in caring for the church in the midst of a couple of serious challenges they had over the past 18 years.
My message that afternoon summarized the influential ministry that this church has had in the life of many people, especially the youth and young adults of the Conejo Valley and its surrounding communities.
Next Monday, the Newbury Park Adventist Academy had its 25th golf tournament lead by Roy Brasher, a strong believer in Adventist Christian education, who during lunchtime was recognized for his undivided commitment toward this ministry.
Let me tell you a secret which is not a secret. This event is Roy’s thing. He was a successful colporteur for several years in SCC back in the 1970s. After a serious accident he had, literature evangelism was not an option, but his heart remained for the ministry of the church, especially Adventist Christian education. Using his salesman’s gift, he became a real estate agent with great success. For 25 years, Roy has rallied his friends and clients to support his cause benefiting NPAA by raising more than $700,000 for scholarships thought his golf tournaments. Thank you, Roy, for allowing God to use your gifts and skills to advance HIs cause. May the Lord continue blessing you abundantly.
Needless to say, I spent that morning playing golf and meeting Roy’s friends, who have been supporters of NPAA educational ministry even though they are not Seventh-day Adventists. Thank you, Sheldon Parris (NPAA principal), for the invitation to spend the morning with you guys. I enjoyed it.
Right after this event, I headed toward Lancaster church where we would have that evening our first of five town hall meetings across the SCC territory. These meetings are preliminary to our constituency session to address the following:
- Orientation for delegates:
- Delegate’s role
- How to find all the needed information
- Introduction of upcoming reports:
- Bylaws change proposal
- Projects report
- Financial reports
Once again, we invite you to attend the Session Town Halls (see below) in preparation for the Constituency Meeting, and become acquainted with the ministry and administrative operation of the Southern Californian Conference. Also, click here to see our website.
IMPORTANT DATES:
• Session Town Halls: Beginning Monday, August 26, five special meetings are scheduled across our SCC territory (click here for details) for our constituency session delegates (and open to church members). The purpose of these meetings is to prepare delegates with clear orientation and to provide relevant information they need to be an informed participant at the constituency session.
• Nominating Committee: On September 8, from 3-8 p.m., this committee will be available at the conference office to receive from DELEGATES any input, comment or concern regarding the nominating committee report. Please ask your pastor for guidance on this matter.
• 65th SCC Constituency Session: This important meeting will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2019, at the White Memorial SDA Church from 7:55 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Your fellow traveler,
Velino A. Salazar
President
Southern California Conference