Shining Together: Area 6 Churches and Adventist Health Celebrate First Mission Convocation

A high Sabbath of worship, music, and fellowship calls church members and healthcare employees to be the light in their communities.

On Sabbath, September 19, 2026, the Visalia Convention Center became a gathering place for faith, friendship, and shared purpose as Area 6 churches and Adventist Health celebrated their first annual Mission Convocation. Centered on the theme “Light: A Day to Shine Together in Faith,” the event highlighted Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world.”

The gathering began with the vision of Jason Wells, president of Adventist Health’s Central California Network. Drawing on his experience growing up in the Adventist Church and attending convocations, Wells championed the idea of bringing that experience to the communities he now serves. His enthusiasm and initiative helped bring church families and healthcare employees together for a day of spiritual renewal, fellowship, and shared mission.

Turning that vision into reality took months of preparation and meetings involving Area 6 pastors, local church leaders, and Adventist Health representatives. Planning meetings were led by Chaplain Zeke Nichols, representing Adventist Health, and Pastor Dnieper Vega, Area 6 president. Their work, alongside the participating churches and Adventist Health team, helped coordinate a gathering that welcomed people across generations and languages.

The convocation offered two worship services, one in English and one in Spanish. More than 500 Spanish-speaking members and nearly 1,000 English-speaking attendees participated. Included among the English-speaking attendees were more than 100 Adventist Health employees, including hospital directors and other staff. Together, they represented a meaningful connection between the congregations and healthcare ministries serving Kings and Tulare counties.

Keynote speakers were Sam Leonor, chief mission officer for Adventist Health, and Pastor Robert Costa of It Is Written. David Dean, executive secretary of the Central California Conference, also participated, joining Wells and local leaders in supporting this collaborative effort. The gathering emphasized the shared calling of churches and healthcare ministries to reflect Christ’s love in the communities they serve.

The day’s program unfolded in three main parts: mission highlights, worship services, and an afternoon concert. Beginning with a focus on mission, the program invited participants to consider how they could carry the light of Jesus into their neighborhoods, workplaces, and everyday relationships.

Children enjoyed classes prepared for them, while the youth and young adult gatherings were well attended. These opportunities made the convocation a day for the whole church family, giving every generation a place to learn, connect, and participate.

Fellowship continued around the tables as attendees enjoyed a familiar Adventist favorite: haystacks, served potluck style. Sharing a meal gave church members and hospital employees time to visit and enjoy being together.

The afternoon concert brought another joyful highlight, featuring local choirs representing schools and churches. Their participation showcased musical gifts from across the community and gave the gathering another opportunity to celebrate faith together. It was a fitting conclusion to a day filled with worship and fellowship.

Organizers hope to make the Area 6 convocation an annual tradition. A similar convocation is also being planned in Bakersfield in partnership with Adventist Health, extending this spirit of collaboration to another community.

For Area 6, the inaugural convocation was a high Sabbath filled with worship, friendship, good food, and joyful music. The invitation at its heart reaches beyond that single day: to keep working together, serving together, and shining the light of Jesus in our communities.

Article Written by Pastor Dnieper Vega