Arizona Conference
“The typical path to ordination” would not describe the process for Pastor Ranison Kennedy and Pastor Alvin Schnell. While their backgrounds and life experience are dramatically different, both have a passion for ministry that has eclipsed their retirement years. When asked about these two individuals, Arizona Conference Ministerial Director Van Bledsoe comments, “It is inspiring to see these two men, who both spent an entire life in their respective careers, now dedicate themselves to full-time ministry.”
Central California Conference
Promise 89.7 KARM celebrated 34 years of broadcasting in April. Over the years, this station—which reaches over one million people in the Central Valley—has impacted not only those who tune in but also people behind the scenes making it happen every day. The goal is to lead listeners to Jesus and inspire them to have a deeper relationship with Him.
Richard Dunn, who has been with the station for over 30 years, is one person who has witnessed the power of Christian radio. “We've had people who have prayed for miracles,” said Dunn. And many of these miracles have happened, leaving a lasting impact on the listener.
Nevada-Utah Conference
The Reno Center of Influence has been providing support and assistance to the community of Reno for eight years, and as the needs of Reno are changing, so are the services they offer.
Starting in early 2023, the Reno chapter of Volunteers of America began renting space in the Center of Influence building. Volunteers of America helps provide housing assistance, employment services, and addiction recovery programs. All the services they offer are a great addition to those already being provided at the Center.
Northern California Conference
The Prison Ministries Department sponsored a training seminar for those who serve men and women behind bars. Thirty-four people attended and learned how to be more effective in their ministry from speaker Daniel McManus, an ex-convict and president of the Alliance of Prison Ministry Organizations and Affiliates.
Southeastern California Conference
The Loma Linda University church (LLUC) kicked off the month of February by commemorating African American history during all four of its Sabbath morning worship services on February 4, 2023. This was the church’s fourth such celebration in recent years, including virtual celebrations during the covid pandemic when worship services were entirely streamed online.
This year’s theme was “God’s Amazing Grace,” and each element of the services was indeed amazing and thematically linked.
The sanctuary services featured exceptional music of the African American tradition, performed by the nationally renowned Inner-City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, under the baton of Charles Dickerson. Adrian Pressley, LLUC associate pastor, and the Kansas Avenue Church Praise Team also shared in song.
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Southern California Conference
“The church is so happy with this status; it’s a dream come true,” said Gustavo Mendez, senior pastor of the newly organized El Camino a Cristo Spanish church.
More than 20 years ago, a group known as El Evangelio Eterno was formed by members who sacrificed their time, money, and talents to push God’s mission forward. In 2010, this group was organized as El Camino a Cristo Spanish company, and 13 years later, the congregation celebrated its new church status.
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