Saniku Day Worship at Mountain View Japanese Church Highlights
“Seeds of Faith”
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — The Mountain View Japanese Seventh-day Adventist Church welcomed students, families and staff from Saniku Gakuin Santa Clara Japanese School on Oct. 18, 2025, for a special “Saniku Day” Sabbath worship celebrating faith, testimony and spiritual growth.
Saniku Gakuin, which serves more than 360 students—most from non-Adventist homes—was represented by nearly 60 fourth-grade students, along with their siblings and parents, who joined the congregation for a morning of worship led by the students themselves.
The fourth graders opened the service with music centered on prayer, trust in God and hope amid life’s challenges. A children’s story emphasized the Bible as God’s personal “love letter,” reminding listeners of Scripture’s relevance and care for every individual.
The Sabbath message was presented by fourth-grade teacher Narumi Meyers, who shared her personal testimony, likening faith to a mustard seed that grows over time through God’s leading. Meyers recounted how her journey of faith began in childhood through her grandmother’s connection with missionaries in Japan and her early experiences at a Christian kindergarten. She shared how familiar Bible verses, including 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, sustained her through periods of loneliness and frequent relocation. A visit to a church during middle school rekindled her spiritual peace, and later, a Christmas concert by the Hiroshima Saniku Gakuin Academy choir became a turning point when she sensed God speaking to her heart.
Through the ministry of Pastor Hirota, whose life testified to God’s redeeming grace, Meyers, along with her sister and mother, committed their lives to Christ and were baptized. She later attended Hiroshima Saniku Gakuin Academy, joining the same choir that had once inspired her, and discovered a passion for sharing God’s love through music.
Today, as a teacher at Saniku Gakuin, Meyers views her role as planting and nurturing seeds of faith in her students. She highlighted the school’s unique mission among Japanese language schools to integrate Bible learning and spiritual development, reminding the children of God’s promise in Isaiah that they are precious, honored and loved.
The service concluded with musical presentations by the fourth graders, including “Kamisama no Ki ni Naritai” (“I Want to Be a Tree of God”), symbolizing spiritual growth rooted in Christ, and “Mahiru no You ni” (“Like the Bright Noon”), expressing gratitude to Jesus and a desire to reflect His light to others.
Following a fellowship potluck, the church offered a special afternoon Sabbath School program to give visiting families an opportunity to experience the weekly spiritual nurture provided to children and adults. Participants engaged in songs, Bible stories, activities and fellowship.
Founded in 1982 to share the gospel within the Japanese community, Saniku Gakuin began with a small number of students meeting in church classrooms. Today, the school continues its mission through prayer, Scripture and Christ-centered relationships.
The church invites continued prayer for Saniku Gakuin Santa Clara Japanese School, its students, families and staff, trusting God for the growth and harvest of seeds planted in faith.
By Joel Miller
Dinuba Junior Academy Students Grow in Service Through Dinuba Spanish Church Food Bank
DINUBA, Calif. — Students from Dinuba Junior Academy have been making a meaningful impact in their community through an ongoing partnership with the Dinuba Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church, volunteering twice a month at the church’s Food Bank outreach.
Since the partnership began last year, students have helped prepare, sort and distribute food baskets to local families in need. While some students initially expressed hesitation about participating, the outreach has grown into an experience they now eagerly anticipate, approaching each opportunity with enthusiasm and teamwork.
Several students have assumed leadership roles, assisting directly in the drive-through distribution by handing food baskets to community members. These personal interactions have strengthened connections between the students and those they serve, deepening the impact of the outreach.
Teachers and volunteers say the most meaningful moments occur during these exchanges, as students offer food baskets with smiles and heartfelt words of encouragement, often saying, “God bless you.” Organizers note that the experience has helped students develop compassion, gratitude and a deeper understanding of service.
Through this continued partnership, students are learning that service extends beyond a scheduled activity. School leaders say the outreach has fostered spiritual growth and leadership skills, preparing students to reflect God’s love through practical acts of kindness within the community.
By Edgar Gomez
CCC Men's Retreat Draws Nearly 80 Participants for a Weekend of Spiritual Renewal
Nearly 80 men from across the Central California Conference gathered this past weekend for the annual CCC Men’s Retreat, themed “The Mandate.” The event focused on calling men not only to personal growth, but to a deeper life of discipleship—grounded in Scripture, strengthened through community, and committed to following Jesus with conviction.
The retreat featured keynote messages from David Dean, Brian Simmons, and Anil Kanda, each offering spiritually challenging and encouraging presentations that resonated deeply with attendees.
A series of breakout seminars provided additional opportunities for engagement and personal reflection:
- Ed Walker – Prayer: A focused study on cultivating a consistent, meaningful prayer life.
- Rob McCown – Aging With Grace: Insights on navigating life’s later seasons while remaining rooted in Christ.
- Eddy Perez – Staying Strong in Challenges: Encouragement for men facing everyday pressures and spiritual battles.
- David Dean – Real Life, Real Struggles: A candid look at addiction, temptation, and the hope found in Jesus.
More than 20 men participated in early morning prayer sessions led by Prayer Ministries Coordinator Ed Walker. These gatherings quickly became one of the most valued moments of the weekend, offering space for collective worship and reflection before each day’s activities began.
Music was provided by a young adult praise team, whose energetic leadership enriched each worship session. Sabbath afternoon activities included pickleball, archery tag, ping pong, and a showing of the film “Courageous.” Sabbath School also offered small-group Bible studies, allowing participants to connect and engage in Scripture together.
Reflecting on the experience, Anil Kanda, Vice President for Ministries, shared his appreciation for the retreat’s impact. “I’ve never led out in a men’s ministry before, but organizing this retreat has convinced me more than ever of its importance,” he said. “Men need community. Men need brotherhood. Men need Jesus. We are committed to seeing men’s ministry grow across our conference.”
The weekend concluded with renewed commitment, heartfelt testimonies, and a strong sense of spiritual purpose. For many, The Mandate served not merely as an event, but as the beginning of a wider movement to strengthen men’s ministry throughout the Central California Conference.
By Anil Kanda
