Loma Linda Indonesian Celebrates Mortgage Milestone
On Sept. 27, 2025, the Loma Linda Indonesian church gathered for a historic day of gratitude and celebration. The congregation held a mortgage burning ceremony, which marked the payoff of their church loan and celebrated the blessing of financial freedom.
The service highlighted God’s faithfulness in sustaining the church and the dedication of members who poured their time, resources, and prayers into building not just a sanctuary but a spiritual home. Elizer Sacay, vice president for Asian Pacific Ministries, shared a meaningful message during the church service entitled “Embracing Tomorrow’s Call.”
Loma Linda Indonesian church leadership stand on the platform.
Elizer Sacay, vice president for Asian Pacific Ministries, preaches during the morning service.
The afternoon was marked with moving musical presentations and a special message delivered by Jonathan Park, SECC president, who encouraged the congregation to remember God’s faithfulness and His empowerment of people beyond the means of human power. As the service transitioned into the mortgage burning, led by the church elders, the congregation took time to reflect on their heritage and influence in the community. The mayor of Loma Linda, Phill Dupper, was also in attendance. Expressing his gratitude for the church, he shared, “We as a city are very proud of what [you all] do as a congregation… and will continue to do in the community and the world.”
It was a day filled with gratitude and joy as the Loma Linda Indonesian church looked back on God’s provision and forward to the ongoing ministry and mission ahead.
By Taji Saleem and Jordyn Wright
Sawyer’s Hatching Experiment
Last school year, sixth-grader Sawyer Freeman from Oceanside Adventist Elementary set out to prove that store-bought eggs could hatch. After seeing online videos, he decided to test the theory for his science project. The first batch, purchased from Frazier Farms, didn’t hatch after 21 days of incubation. But Sawyer didn’t give up. He tried again with eggs from Trader Joe’s. By day 20, two tiny chicks had emerged. One was strong and one hatched with a spraddle leg, a condition that made walking difficult. The Freeman family named the chicks Nugget and Spraddle, and later they added a third chick to keep them company.
For several weeks, the Freeman family cared for the three chicks, learning about patience, gentleness, and the value of perseverance. When the chicks grew too large to stay at their home, Sawyer’s dad reached out to the C4 Foundation, a nonprofit that supports Navy SEAL families. The foundation’s C4 Ranch serves as a retreat where families can decompress, reconnect, and heal together through time and bonding in nature.
The foundation’s C4 Ranch serves as a retreat where families can decompress, reconnect, and heal together through time and bonding in nature.
Today, Sawyer’s three chickens have become part of that mission, joining goats, horses, and other animals that bring joy and comfort to visiting families. “The chickens are always a fan favorite,” the ranch expressed on social media. “These moments with the animals aren’t just fun, they’re part of the healing and connection we aim to foster for SEAL families.”
What began as a science project has turned into something much greater, a story of faith, resilience, and unexpected purpose.
By Jordyn Wright
kids konnect
Garden Helpers
Maya loved her grandmother’s garden—even in winter. Frost sparkled on the bare branches, and tiny green shoots peeked through the cold soil. Though most flowers were sleeping, the garden still felt alive.
One chilly morning, Maya's grandmother handed her a small watering can filled with warm water. “This garden isn’t just mine, it’s ours,” said Grandma with a smile. “Even in winter, when things look quiet, it still needs our care.”
Maya poured gently, careful not to freeze the tender herbs. Her brother, Leo, spread mulch to keep the roots warm, and together they picked the last of the winter berries.
Later that evening, the family made hot cocoa and shared a bowl of berries with their neighbors. “We’re helping more than just plants,” Leo said, grinning as he handed over a mug. Grandma nodded. “That’s stewardship, kids—taking care of what God gives us, so it can bless others too.”
Maya looked at the garden through the window and whispered, “Then we’ll be its helpers forever.”
By Jordyn Wright
