All God's People

Our churches in the Pacific Union, across all of our conferences, have been so involved in Pentecost 2025. And some of the projects that they’ve taken on are just extraordinary. Perhaps none more so than a project by Pastor Ron Taylor in the Molokai church. On the tiny island of Molokai in Hawaii there are 7,000 residents and 70,000 deer!

In this little town, Pastor Taylor, who also serves two other churches on Oahu, discovered a special need that he could respond to that would serve the children of their community. And our crew traveled there to capture this story!

The idea for Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated throughout the latter half of September and the first half of October, began as a way to promote the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic-Americans—specifically, those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Communities mark the achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans with festivals, educational activities, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.

In the Pacific Union, nearly one-fourth of our total membership is Hispanic. We have 200 Hispanic churches and companies, with nearly 50,000 members. Information on our Hispanic Ministries department, as well as resources for Hispanic Heritage Month, can be found below.

nationaltoday.com/hispanic-heritage-month/

nationalcouncilhepm.com/national-hispanic-heritage-month

adventistfaith.com/ministries/hispanic-ministries

The Pacific Union Conference hosted its first Hispanic Women’s Ministries Retreat Aug. 29–31 at The Westin Lake Las Vegas under the theme “With Christ I Can.” The historic gathering brought together 836 women from across the Pacific Union for a weekend of renewal, prayer, and spiritual growth. 

Read an article from Central California Conference: 

cccadventist.org/post/prayer-and-praise-uplift-first-hispanic-women-s-retreat

There is, on average, one suicide every 40 seconds, or more than 2,000 suicides per day. Suicide is a leading cause of death for teenagers and young adults around the world. Estimates are that for every suicide, there are about 20 to 40 suicide attempts. This means that someone, somewhere in the world, attempts suicide about every other second.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention recognizes the entire month of September as National Suicide Prevention Month—a time in which we rally the public to create awareness for this leading cause of death, and inspire more and more people to learn how they can play a role in their communities to help save lives. 

adventistreview.org/magazine-article/suicide-and-suffering/

afsp.org/national-suicide-prevention-week/

adventisthealth.org/blog/you-can-help-prevent-suicide/

On Sabbath, August 9, 2025, 600 people filled the new sanctuary of Paradise Seventh-day Adventist church. The Dedication Weekend was more than a ribbon-cutting—it was a homecoming, a testament of faith, and a visible sign that Paradise continues to rise from the ashes of the 2018 Camp Fire. 

nccsda.com/paradise-dedicates-new-church-after-five-years-of-faith-and-service/ ;

The Church State Council is offering a basic training webinar to attorneys interested in providing pro bono representation to immigrants in asylum cases on Sunday, September 28, at 1:00 p.m.

Link to register: 

streamyard.com/watch/iX7skQGapQh2

Church State Council website: 

churchstate.org/

In January 2021, Deputy Adam Gibson gave his life in the line of duty while serving with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. As a K9 handler and a highly respected member of the team, his loss was deeply felt throughout the department. He left behind a wife and a young daughter, Sophie. 
This August, when Sophie reached the big milestone of the first day of Kindergarten, members of the Sheriff’s K9 unit were there to walk her in, cheer her on, and remind her she’ll always be part of their family. Even K9 Niko stopped by to say hello and wish her luck on her first day of school at Lodi SDA Elementary School. 

m.facebook.com/reel/763608126535659/?referral_source=external_deeplink&mibextid=wwXIfr

The September Recorder is already in your homes and is available online in English and Spanish. 

issuu.com/pacificunionrecorder/docs/pacific_union_recorder_september_2025 ;

issuu.com/pacificunionrecorder/docs/pacific_union_recorder_en_espa_ol_septiembre_2025 ;

Southern California Conference has a new faith-based podcast dedicated to educating Christians on financial stewardship. From saving and investing to giving and generosity, each episode helps listeners make their money matter in a meaningful way. It’s hosted by Kathleen Diaz, the treasurer/CFO of Southern California Conference.

The first episode of “Save It, Spend It, Share It!” introduces the heart behind the podcast—helping Christians manage money wisely with biblical principles, and diving into practical ways to be intentional with finances, from saving and spending to giving with purpose. 

youtube.com/watch?v=idGsMkWYjV4&list=PLi2z6y8W424Ig_t9dvH8t5YQT0xMbbGsJ&index=7 ;

In episode 5, Kathleen sits down with certified public accountant Steven Clement to demystify the world of taxes and help you make the most of every dollar. 

youtube.com/watch?v=S7Cl1TI1wWA&list=PLi2z6y8W424Ig_t9dvH8t5YQT0xMbbGsJ&index=3  

Subscribe to the SCC Newsletter and podcasts at these links:

scc.adventist.org/subscribe ;                              

youtube.com/sccadventists ;

The August Recorder is in your homes and, as always, it’s available online in English and Spanish.

issuu.com/pacificunionrecorder/docs/pacific_union_recorder_august_2025 ;

issuu.com/pacificunionrecorder/docs/pacific_union_recorder_en_espa_ol_agosto_2025

Robert Shupe and Marino Callahan had a love that bloomed quickly. Not even a year after the two met last fall, they were scheduled to marry in July. But instead of walking down the aisle hand in hand, Robert held Marino’s hand as he lay in a hospital bed. Robert learned he had suffered a stroke just days before the couple was set to get married in Ogden, Utah—740 miles from Adventist Health Bakersfield where he was forced to stay and recover. The story ends in a delightful way, however; they were able to get married in the hospital instead. A happy ending indeed! You can watch the video report on msn.com. 

msn.com/en-us/health/other/california-couple-cancels-wedding-after-groom-suffers-stroke-gets-married-in-hospital-instead/ar-AA1JKhLh ;

Our episode today is a video entitled “Sharing Jesus” with an original song as its soundtrack.

Greg Evans wrote the song “Ruler of All” after watching the moving images on the video. Together, Greg, Lauren Smith, and Connie Jeffery blended their voices and recorded the background track of Greg’s song in Lauren’s home studio. 

We hope you enjoy this video and music.

Original Song: “Ruler of All” by Greg Evans
Vocals: Greg Evans, Lauren Smith, and Connie Jeffery
Guitar: Greg Evans
Videographer: Sean McCulley

“Sharing Jesus” is a video produced as a report for Leon Brown Sr., executive vice president, Pacific Union Conference.

Erton C. Köhler was elected to the office of the president of the General Conference on July 4, 2025, during the 62nd GC Session in St. Louis, Missouri. Elder Köhler’s election marks the beginning of his first term as the spiritual and administrative leader of a worldwide movement that spans more than 200 countries and includes more than 23 million members.

You can read the full story and watch a video interview at these links:

nadadventist.org/news/erton-c-kohler-elected-general-conference-president ;

adventist.news/news/newly-elected-general-conference-president-erton-k%C3%B6hler-speaks-to-press ;

youtube.com/watch?v=ySjK3_tcwpc ;

The July Recorder is in your homes and available online. In this month’s Recorder we highlight #16 in our Fundamental Beliefs series. Be sure to read “Rediscovering the Meaning of the Lord’s Supper” by our editor, Alberto Valenzuela. Elder Bradford Newton’s editorial, “Finding Your Path,” encourages every believer to experience God’s leading along the path of life. Links to the online July Recorder in English and Spanish:

issuu.com/pacificunionrecorder/docs/pacific_union_recorder_july_2025

issuu.com/pacificunionrecorder/docs/pacific_union_recorder_en_spa_ol_julio_de_2025

A highlight of GC session is always the Parade of Nations on the closing night, as the divisions and missions of the church parade through the auditorium with flags from their nations. It’s always a thrill to see the worldwide reach of the church and the diversity of languages and costumes and cultures. 
In closing we share a video report we prepared with our executive secretary, Elder Sandra Roberts, about the diversity and languages in our own Pacific Union Conference territory. “Happy Sabbath!”