Oakhurst Church Members’ Prayer Booth Ministry Spreads Hope in Coarsegold
Bear Campbell, an Oakhurst church member, never imagined that a simple prayer for guidance would transform him into a beacon of hope for strangers from around the world.
Two years ago, Campbell faced a spiritual crossroads. After a 20-year hiatus from church, COVID-19 brought him back to faith through online sermons. When he discovered Oakhurst's Seventh-day Adventist Church, he knew he had to return.
"I was spiritually weak," Campbell admitted. "COVID brought me back. I started watching sermons online, then decided to check out the local church. It's been a total blessing."
But Campbell wanted to do more than just attend services. He felt called to spread the gospel beyond church walls.
Divine Signs Point the Way
Campbell's journey began with a simple prayer: "Lord, help me spread the gospel. What can I do?"
The answer came through Diane Bolton, a Christian woman who owns much of Coarse Gold's historic village. When Campbell asked about setting up a prayer booth on Saturdays, Bolton's response was immediate: "Go for it. Set up anywhere you want."
Still uncertain, Campbell prayed for another sign. His answer came at FIRESIGN, a local vinyl shop in Oakhurst. While ordering a nameplate, Campbell watched as an employee emerged from the back room carrying rolled vinyl.
"This guy bought and paid for this a year ago and never picked it up," the employee said, unrolling the material. "What do I do with it?"
The vinyl bore a message that stopped Campbell in his tracks. "I said, 'I will take it.' She said, 'It's yours.' Walking to my car, I knew I was committed. 'Yes, Lord, whatever you say, Jesus.'"
A Ministry Takes Root
Every Sabbath after church and potluck, Campbell sets up his prayer station at Coarse Gold's historic village. Armed with a simple sign, folding chair, and stack of Christian literature, he positions himself near the restaurant's outdoor stage.
"People come by because they're going to or leaving Yosemite," Campbell explained. "I've met and prayed for people from all over the world."
His approach is gentle but direct. "How you doing?" he calls to passersby. When they respond, he adds, "I am blessed. Need prayer for anything?"
The responses vary. Some politely decline, others stop immediately. Campbell has prayed for families dealing with cancer, drug problems, homelessness, and countless personal struggles.
"When we pray, we stand up and hold hands," Campbell said. "It takes me a few moments to start because I get so emotional. When they walk away, I sit down and say, 'Thank you, Jesus.'"
Beyond the Prayer Booth
Campbell's ministry extends beyond his Saturday post. Wearing his prayer ministry T-shirt to grocery stores and restaurants, he's been approached by strangers seeking prayer in checkout lines and parking lots.
One Halloween, Campbell faced an unexpected challenge. The historic village's Halloween celebration placed a psychic booth near his usual spot. Instead of leaving, Campbell set up 10 feet away and prayed for protection.
"I hear this lady talking to the psychic about a $20 reading," Campbell recalled. "She walks by me, sees my sign, and says, 'I need prayer.' After we prayed, she said, 'I'm sure glad I didn't waste $20.'"
That same day, a man approached from the nearby coffee shop. "I can't help but thank you," the stranger said. "I've been trying to build courage to step out with my faith. Seeing you here praying with people has given me new confidence."
Planting Seeds of Faith
Campbell's ministry combines prayer with evangelism. He carries Bibles and Adventist literature, including "The Great Controversy," "Desire of Ages," and "Steps to Christ."
During one community event, Campbell met a young boy whose family was discussing Bibles at a nearby booth. When Campbell asked if the child had a Bible, the boy's face lit up.
"I told him I might have one at home just for him," Campbell said. "The next day, I brought the Bible. His brother came over asking if I brought it, and when the boy heard, he came running. His father later told me that all the way home and even to bed, the boy kept saying, 'I hope Bear doesn't forget my Bible.'"
A Message of Courage
Campbell's transformation from a spiritually struggling man to an active prayer warrior carries a simple message for others: "You can do it."
His ministry proves that stepping out of comfort zones can create ripple effects of faith. From a prayer booth in a small historic village, Campbell touches lives across the globe while drawing closer to God himself.
"It's not just about praying for people," Campbell reflected. "I'm bringing them closer to God, and it brings me closer to God too. The power of the Holy Spirit is working through this ministry."
Weather permitting, Campbell continues his Saturday ministry, ready to offer prayer, hope, and sometimes a Bible to anyone willing to pause and connect with the divine.
■ By Justin Kim
Wellspring Community Church: Building Faith Through Shared Leadership
In a small church nestled in Silicon Valley's affluent tech corridor, something unique is happening. Wellspring Community Seventh-day Adventist Church has thrived for 22 years without a pastor, instead embracing a lay-led model that empowers every member to participate in ministry.
“We wanted everyone involved,” said Head Elder Glenn Quiñones, who has served in the role for 10 years. “When there’s a dedicated pastor, members and leaders can grow too comfortable and step aside. We decided the whole church family should stay engaged.”
A Church Planted from Necessity
Wellspring began in 2003 as a church plant from San Jose Filipino Church, now known as Evergreen church. The founding members, many of whom had worshipped together for nearly 40 years, sought a different approach to ministry — one that would engage every believer in active service.
"It has been rewarding and challenging," Quinones acknowledged. "Sometimes we have very strong leadership, and there can be conflict because some want to do one thing while others prefer another approach. But we always pray, and God leads us to make the right decisions."
Despite members traveling significant distances — some from as far as Lathrop, 65 miles away — attendance remains consistent. The congregation draws from Elk Grove, Hayward, Santa Clara, and surrounding communities, creating a diverse fellowship that transcends geographic boundaries.
Ministry Through Many Hands
Wellspring is a lay-led congregation where members often serve in multiple ministries. Each leader shoulders a specific area of church life—and the entire church rallies behind them.
Marilyn Goldenberg leads the deaconess ministry, sending daily prayers and scripture verses to members while organizing food assistance for those in need. Sue Alefosio heads the homeless outreach program, continuing work that began under previous leadership. Renee Koerner directs literature distribution efforts, including door-to-door evangelism with "The Great Controversy" in their assigned territory.
"Whatever hat someone is wearing, we support them," said Rachel Rivera, a longtime member. "If I'm wearing a different hat, everybody supports me. We work together."
The church’s music ministries remain vibrant: a ladies chorus and Tone Chimes ensemble now share the stage with the newly formed Angklung ensemble, which performs at senior facilities. Prayer ministry leader Florence Quinones coordinates weekly intercessions for families and individuals and manages a rapid-response network for urgent requests.
Behind the scenes, Wellspring runs a surprisingly robust A/V production and live-streaming operation for a church its size. Led by Matt Koerner, the team produces weekly services and special programs that reach homebound members and former Bay Area residents who retain membership from afar. Koerner is training three young people to assist him, and his latest report shows Wellspring’s broadcasts have been viewed in 101 countries.
Reaching an Affluent Community
Milpitas presents unique evangelistic challenges. The area's economic prosperity can create spiritual complacency, leaders noted.
"People tend to be comfortable materially but not spiritually," Quinones explained. "We have to be creative in reaching them."
The predominantly Buddhist and Hindu community requires patient, persistent outreach. While some literature ends up discarded, the church continues systematic door-to-door work in their assigned territory, trusting God to work in hearts.
Facing Modern Challenges
Like many churches, Wellspring struggles with youth retention. Young people graduate, attend college and often relocate, sometimes losing connection with their home church.
"We just lost one more," Rachel noted sadly. "Some transfer to churches offering tuition assistance. We keep praying for them. Prayer is the only thing that will bring them back."
The congregation, now showing its age after more than two decades, faces physical limitations as well. Some previously active members are now homebound, requiring increased support from remaining healthy members.
Community-Centered Approach
The name "Wellspring Community Church" reflects intentional inclusivity. While maintaining Seventh-day Adventist beliefs and Saturday worship, the church welcomes seekers from various backgrounds.
"Not everybody is an Adventist," Rachel explained. "We have people who are Catholic, Methodist — they're looking for something. In the past, we had homeless people come in. We maintain our potluck because sometimes homeless people come, and that's another way of serving them."
Looking Forward
Currently, Wellspring is preparing for Pentecost 2025, mobilizing the entire congregation for evangelistic outreach. Plans include a letter-writing campaign to reconnect with distant members and families who have moved but maintained membership ties.
After 22 years of lay leadership, Wellspring Community Church demonstrates that ministry effectiveness doesn't require professional clergy — committed believers willing to serve wherever needed.
"I think it's a blessing in disguise," Rachel reflected. "Nobody can sit down. Even our children are doing something. They do crafts for homebound members. Everyone is involved."
■ By Justin Kim
