Tag Archives: spiritual life

Meet PUC’s New Lead Pastor, Nate Furness

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Meet PUC’s new Lead Pastor, Nate Furness. Born in Seattle, WA. (“GO Seahawks”) and raised in Orange County, CA., Pastor Nate began his pastoral ministry at Westminster Good Samaritan SDA Church, then became the lead pastor at the Costa Mesa SDA Church. After that, he became the lead pastor at the Napa Community SDA Church, where he was the lead pastor. Having a passion for Adventist education made him decide to accept this position at PUC, and the college could not be more excited to see Pastor Nate lead the students and church. 

What did you want to be when you were younger? 

I wanted to be a pastor or a fireman. I am a pastor’s kid, and as I was growing up, I watched my father. I knew I wanted to be like him. In college, I didn’t choose a religion degree. I knew what it meant to be a pastor, and I wasn’t ready to fulfill that obligation. I graduated with an Education Degree in Health, Wellness, and Physical Education. 

When did you first feel the call to be a pastor?

Early on, but I didn’t think I was ready. I had some growing to do. After I married Jennie in 2005, I knew it was time to become a pastor. 

What made you decide to accept this position? 

I have a passion for Adventist Education. I want to be part of preparing young adults to serve Jesus in their context. We want to prepare nurses, psychologists, filmmakers, teachers, pastors, and others to share the love of Jesus with everyone they encounter.

What are your spiritual focus or goals for the campus? 

To prepare young people to be missionaries in their professional context, to disciple and mentor young people, and to demonstrate that life is joyful and that we are better in community. 

What methods do you use to stay connected with young people and be a mentor to them throughout their spiritual lives? 

I like to connect with them in the classroom, during intramurals, and invite students into our home. I plan to be present in the student center and available to chat. For those wishing to go deeper, I would schedule meetings where we can listen and encourage.  

What makes pastoring a campus church special to you?

Community. I love that there is a variety of people on campus. I look forward to working with Admin and the various departments to lean into our spiritual development. 

How can we, your PUC family, serve and support you and your family as you minister for us? 

I like homemade cookies and ice cream…lol. Encouragement. We all need to be encouraged, even the pastors.

What is your favorite thing about being part of the PUC family? 

The people. I love that we live in a community where we run into people we know all the time. I love the campus. I love that PUC has hundreds, if not thousands, of acres to explore on bike and foot.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

Cycling, Snowboarding, wakeboarding, and being with my family.

Connect With God Through Nature 

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We are blessed to live on a campus that is so beautiful. Surrounded by miles of valleys, hills, and bountiful trees reigning over, we are reminded of God’s love every day. Connecting with God through nature can pull us out of low places and calm the chaos in our lives. Here are a few ways you can connect with God through nature.

Worship Outside

We have outdoor sabbath and vespers for our students and faculty each year. Sometimes students can be found outside on a sunny Sabbath praising and worshiping together. With spring and summer coming up, try to worship outside every once in a while. 

Appreciate the Outdoors 

There are many ways at PUC for students to appreciate the outdoors. The Back 40 is a pleasant atmosphere to worship, have devotional time, and be alone with God. It’s a go-to spot to go for a walk, run, or bike ride. Linda Falls is a local favorite for hiking and relaxing by the waterfall or sitting under the trees for shade. There are also numerous camping sites in our area where students go to embark on the great outdoors. 

Walk and Talk 

Walking and talking with God in nature is a peaceful experience. Being in the midst of a quiet, serene space can put you at ease, give perspective to your situations, and feel God’s presence. 

Read Outside 

When weather permits, take your devotional and Bible reading time outside. PUC’s numerous Bible study groups enjoy having their meetings outside in the fresh air. It’s relaxing being in the stillness of nature, reading his word, and seeing the beauty he’s created all around you. 

PUC promotes a spiritual, active lifestyle- and the environment that we’re in helps do that. The nature around us is refreshing to be in and helps physical, mental, and spiritual health. Connect with God through nature and see all the wonder and goodness that he is. 

Connect Ministries: Serving Churches & Academies Around The World

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Connect Ministries is one of PUC’s worship outreach ministries. Ran by the enrollment and marketing department, Lewis Govea is in charge of Connect Ministries- and has been involved since 2017, serving at different academies, camp meetings around California, and reaching out to churches to worship with. Besides making it a habit of attending camp meetings and doing vespers for local academies, they have also traveled as far as Arlington, TX., and Boston, MA. to worship with churches.

Lewis kindly answered some questions for us to learn more about Connect and how you, your church, and academies can get involved.

Tell us about Connect Ministries. 

I think George Tuyu, the PUC church’s current youth pastor, was a large proponent of its inception when he was a PUC student. It was a way for students to bring the banner of PUC to the local churches and academies and help them out with various parts of the service. It currently still operates as primarily a worship ministry. The people that are involved change year to year, but it has always been musicians across campus bringing PUC’s worship to local churches and schools, and sometimes not so local places.

What is your role with Connect Ministries? 

I started getting involved with Connect Ministries back in 2017. I was a freshman, and we went to do vespers at Rio Lindo Academy. I have done a number of things with Connect since then, including spending a week and a half at Redwood Campmeeting in 2019. Now I’m an enrollment counselor and am in charge of the entire ministry, which includes me reaching out to churches and organizing trips.

What plans do you have for Connect next school year? 

The plan for next year is to reinvigorate the program. The goal is to make sure our local churches and schools know they can call on Connect Ministries for a worship experience.

How has this ministry impacted you? 

This ministry is the first PUC ministry I got involved in. It inspired me to reimagine my view of worship and ministry altogether, and challenged me to think bigger and better all the time. These aren’t just productions, they’re worship experiences, and now I am called to lead it.

PUC admissions counselors Pauline Cidro (left) and Lewis Govea (right) with the Connect Ministries team.

What is your favorite thing about being a part of Connect Ministries? 

Being able to guide my student leaders when we are called somewhere. I love making music myself, and I enjoy the challenge of producing something high quality and heartfelt.

How can students get involved with Connect Ministries? 

Anyone interested in being a part of Connect Ministries or who is interested in having us visit their school or church just needs to email connectministries@puc.edu. 

Surviving A Deep Hole 

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By: Tammy McGuire, Ph.D., Professor of Communication

This is probably an old-person’s reference, but I’m wondering if you have ever read or heard of Corrie ten Boom’s book (also a movie), “The Hiding Place”? It’s the story of a Dutch family who hid Jews in their home during the Holocaust; the family was later arrested and sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp. Just Google Corrie ten Boom’s name and prepare to be inspired.

I read “The Hiding Place” when I was in college, and there is a very sad part of the story (no spoilers here) where Corrie ten Boom shares a quote from her sister Betsie that has always stuck with me – in part because for many years I really didn’t understand just what it meant. The line is this: “There is no hole so deep that God is not deeper.”

Today, however, I believe I understand the beauty, hope, and depth of that line much better. For example, I see its meaning reflected in the beautiful poetry of Psalm 139: 9, 10 (read the whole Psalm for more inspiration):

“If I take the wings of the morning,

Or dwell in the uttermost part of the sea,

Even there your hand will guide me, 

Your right hand will hold me.”

There is no joy too great where God is not with us. There is no sorrow too deep where God is not with us. We cannot descend to any depth where He will abandon us. This beautiful truth is woven throughout the Bible. As Paul puts it in Romans 8:38-39:

“For I am persuaded, that neither death nor life … nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God …”

We have gone and are going through difficult, painful, and even wrenching times. Many are facing sorrows and bereavements and anxieties whose depths may seem bottomless.  Amidst all this, the truth remains unchanged: There is no hole so deep that God is not deeper. There is no darkness that can extinguish His love. There is no place we can go where He is not willing and able to walk with us.

May this thought bring us comfort on our journeys.

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Make Time For Yourself

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I don’t know about you but this past school year felt very long and it certainly didn’t end the way we imagined. But now that summer has hit, hopefully, you’re getting a chance to take a breather. Here are some of our favorite ways to relax, unwind, and make time for ourselves. 

Cook A Favorite Meal 

What’s more comforting than eating your favorite meal? Whether breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack, whipping up your favorite meal can be therapeutic and obviously rewarding because, duh, you get to eat!

Listen To Music or A Podcast

Most people already know that music can be a powerful tool. Listening to music can calm us or lift us up, but have you considered Podcasts? They can also be great tools for self-care. Not only can they be informative, engaging, and relatable, but they can be a lot of fun. They can also be a great way to connect with others. 

Spend Time With Loved Ones (Digitally)

Even though most of us are trying to keep our distance from others, we can still have social lives. Thankfully, we live in a digital era where we have many options to talk and see our favorite people without having to be in the same room. 

Watch Your Favorite Movie or Show 

Who doesn’t want to lounge on a couch or bed and watch your favorite movie or show? 

Put Your Phone Down 

Yes, you read that correctly. Take care of yourself by escaping your phone for a bit. Social media can take up a lot of our time and almost become an obsession. Limit the endlessly scrolling and practice self-care by doing a little digital detox. 

Exercise 

Find exercising or stretching routines that are fun for you to do at home. If you can go outside, go for a walk or run while still keeping socially distant. By staying active, you can calm your mind and anxiety, plus you’re staying healthy which is always great. 

Chill Out

Don’t feel obligated to stay busy. Take care of yourself by resting and simply doing nothing. Just because a lot of us are finding ourselves with extra time at home, it doesn’t mean you have to somehow learn a new skill or create something groundbreaking (though if you do, you’re amazing!). It’s perfectly ok to take some time for yourself, to feel overwhelmed, to need a break. No one knows your body better than you do, so if you feel the need to relax, do it!

Spend Time With God

No matter how you like to do it, spend some time with God. Join a virtual Bible study or prayer group. Or if you prefer to worship in solitude, take a walk in nature or spend some time in quiet reflection.

You Are Not Alone 

Don’t bottle up your thoughts and feelings. If you’re feeling alone or uneasy, reach out to someone whether it’s a friend, family member, or counselor. 

Remember, good health doesn’t just mean good physical health. Your mental health is just as important. Make sure you treat yourself!

 

4 Tips To Strengthen Your Relationship With God

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One of Pastor Kent Rufo’s goals for PUC is to find ways to strengthen spiritual life on campus and encourage students to become closer to God. 

We asked Pastor Rufo to share some suggestions on ways students can build a stronger relationship with God. Here they are! 

Start A Bible Reading Group

This doesn’t need to be a big group. It can just be two people that find time to read the Bible together. The reading doesn’t need to take long either. You can read ten minutes before a class, after a class, or just a couple of minutes during the day. 

Have A Prayer Group

Start by praying with your friends, then invite more friends to see if they want to join. There is power in prayer. The more people, the better. Some people may not be comfortable, but reaching out shows that you care. Check out Prayer In Numbers for a great example! 

Have Bible Studies 

Some of the best Bible studies are student-led. If you want to start one, reach out to your friends, and see if they would be interested. If you don’t know how to start a Bible study, talk to the student chaplains or Pastor Rufo. 

Serve 

“Serve in some kind of mission, whether local or international,” says Pastor Rufo. PUC offers mission trips, outreach programs, and volunteer services for students. There are opportunities on campus to bring you out into the world and serve. You don’t need to go far to help others. There are people in our neighborhood who need a lot of help and support. 

Pastor Rufo loves hearing from students. If you have ideas you want to share with Pastor Rufo about spiritual life, don’t hesitate to talk to him. He is always open to new ideas and speaking with students. You can reach out to him via email at krufo@puc.edu. For more information about the Missions & and Chaplains team, visit their webpage! 

“If faculty, staff, and students are spiritually whole, then we’re working together.” -Pastor Rufo

 

Keep The Faith 

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By Ally Romanes 

It’s no secret that we have been going through a strange time. Everyone has been dealing with this situation differently and for myself, it has been quite difficult. From school and work transitioning online, being home and unable to see many loved ones, and being able to travel, it’s been a rough transition. What I try to remember is there are better days ahead and I just need to keep the faith. 

Sometimes it’s hard to have faith and believe there are better days ahead. We are going through a tough time, but it is during these times we must stay close to God and have faith in Him. As we are living through the craziness of the world right now, we must not doubt God has better days prepared for us. 

It may seem like a long time before life feels “normal” again, but without God our days won’t be brighter. With Him, all things are possible. Hebrews 12:2 tells us He is the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Keep looking to Him for strength and remember to place your faith in Him. 

 

Stay Still and Trust 

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By: David Arriaza

When I was still in high school, I had a history teacher who taught me a very important lesson. We were getting ready to take a midterm exam the whole class had been dreading for weeks, and we were all quite stressed and unhappy. Before administering the exam, the teacher stood in front of the class and said, “don’t worry, in the great ocean that is your life this test is just a small drop of water”. This statement changed my perspective and I’ve been able to rely on it ever since. 

Even though current times might be confusing or hard to get used to, it’s important to remember God is on our side and when you put things in perspective, problems start to look a lot smaller. Sometimes, stressing and worrying is only detrimental to your health and well-being, and only leads to more anxiety. This might be a good time to remember and take to heart the words God said to the Israelites when He said, “you need only to be still”.  

“Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:13-14 

 

Making Mental Health A Priority  

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By Ally Romanes

We are living in strange times. As we are sheltering at home, some find it difficult not to be able to be outside moving around and others really miss interacting with people. It’s not only important to check on your friends and family, but it’s also important to check on yourself as well. Here are some ways to prioritize your mental health during this time. 

Set A Routine 

You’ve heard this over and over already but its good advice so I’ll say it again! Making a daily routine for yourself will keep you on top of things and help you stay motivated. It can be as simple as making your bed every morning or setting a time to eat lunch. Making a routine will keep you productive and remind you of what you need to accomplish.

Stay Connected With Friends 

It’s important to stay in touch with your friends. through FaceTime, phone calls, and texting. While we may not know what will happen next, we need to be there for one another to help ease the stress we may be going through. 

Get Fresh Air 

Just because we are being asked to stay home doesn’t mean you can’t go outside. Go out and get some fresh air and clear your mind. 

Do Activities You Enjoy

It’s important to keep doing the things you enjoy. Whether that be watching your favorite show or exercising, keep doing the activities you enjoy every day.  

At-Home Exercises 

Even without access to a gym, you can still workout at home. Go for a run, take or walk, or go on a bike ride. If you need some at-home exercise inspiration, ask your friends or look-up workouts on Pinterest or Youtube. It’s important to stay active for your physical and mental health. 

Sleep

Make sure you get enough sleep each night to restore your energy. Getting enough hours of sleep will help you think clearly and feel better during the day. 

Look-Up Pictures Of Animals 

Who doesn’t like seeing cute photos of animals? Follow a few on Instagram or YouTube some cat videos. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has a sea otter cam that allows you to watch the sea otters during the day. You don’t want to miss out on the cuteness! 

Focus On Things You Can Control 

With the uncertainty we are living in, it’s important to focus on things we can control. Don’t overthink or obsess about the things you don’t have power over, but instead focus on the things you can control.

Read A Devotional

One of the best things we can do for our own mental health is turn to God. Open your Bible or sign up to get a Bible verse of the day. You can also join us here on the blog every Friday for a devotional thought from one of our own Pioneers.

With the challenges and changes we are dealing with, don’t forget to take care of yourself, and know, your PUC family is here for you!

 

Take God’s Direction 

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By: Dylan Gray

What’s up, everyone! I’d like to share a couple of verses with you that I came across this week while doing some of my devotions. In Philippians 4:11, Paul says, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Growing up I was always looking forward to the future and college where life would be perceivably better. When I got to college, I looked at my life in the future again. I couldn’t wait to be independent and work after I graduated. It seemed so nice in my imaginary future and I couldn’t wait to get there. 

There was a common theme that surrounded my outlook in both of those periods of my life; that was the discontentment that I was feeling about my present state. I was missing a purpose. I looked to the future where I thought I would find it, but all it did was make me even more unsatisfied with my current state. I wasn’t taking my situation and working it for God’s glory. I was stuck on myself and my insecurities. I was thinking, “I don’t like where I am so I’ll just make a plan to leave.” I would think about how much I disliked where I was and I refused to change my perspective on life. 

That’s not how the Bible conveys the life of somebody who has Christ in their hearts. In Philippians 4:12, Paul says, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to have an abundance. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need.” That sounds like a man who lives as if there is no tomorrow. He takes every moment and every situation, whether he likes it or not, and is not phased by what is happening around him. It doesn’t matter what’s happening around you. What matters is what is happening inside you. Paul latched on to that secret and he kept it inside him.

That secret is in Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Paul had a relationship with Jesus so strong that no matter what happened he would not move from the rock that he planted himself on. He tells us about this faith and assurance  he has in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, (39) neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I don’t know about you, but I would sure like to have that type of relationship. God is with us no matter where we are and right now things are hard. We are stuck at home. We can’t go and experience things the way we used to, but we can still be content. As I was comparing our situations to Paul’s, I realized he did most of his ministry while he was in prison or on house arrest. Under quarantine, if you will. This made me realize even though we are all spread apart we still have three things: a community that we are a part of (PUC Students, Faculty and Staff), Jesus by our side every step that we take in the new challenge we are facing, and the plan that God has for us even if we can’t see it. We just have to have the mindset that lets God lead us and provides that contentment that is available to everyone. 

As we continue, I want to challenge all of us to let God take us where we need to be, not just where we want to be. Along that journey, hold on to the promise that you can do all things with Christ who gives you strength. As you go don’t worry because “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)