Friday, April 19, 2019

MEDIA CONTACT
Bob Blancato
Public Affairs Officer
Loma Linda Broadcasting Network
Office: 909-651-5542
Mobile: 909-488-6672
E-Mail: Bob@llbn.tv
Post: P.O. Box 550, Loma Linda, CA (USA) 92354
Web: www.llbn.tv                                                                                                                                                                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release 

New TV Series, InSpire, Focuses on Christian Art
LLBN launches venue for artists in a wide range of
creative disciplines to showcase Christian-themed work.
           
Loma Linda, Calif. – April 22, 2019 – Loma Linda Broadcasting Network (LLBN) premieres a new half hour TV series showcasing artists who use a breadth of media, technique and expression to create contemporary art based on Christianity, the Bible and God’s works and wonders.
            Called ‘InSpire’, it features people who are passionate about using the creative arts to tell God’s story and bring good to life.  It consists of interviews and presentations of original painting, photography, fashion, sculpture, crafts and music among other creative disciplines. The weekly program is hosted by Rich DuBose, Director of Creative Ministries for the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, and a professional songwriter.
            “‘InSpire’ is different in that it goes beyond the traditional outlet for Christian creativity, namely music,” DuBose said. “While music remains an integral component of Godly expression, we wanted to highlight other artistry that also glorifies and conveys the Lord’s gentleness, power and presence in the world.”
            The program’s premiere featured the owner of a Los Angeles boutique that sells fashionable clothing inspired by Biblical guidance on dress and appearance. Also interviewed was a Christian film maker and photographer, an art director for various types of printed media, and a composer who artistically blends traditional Gospel hymns with light classical music.
Upcoming shows include the maker of handcrafted Christian-themed quilts, and an artist playing spiritual songs on a Swiss alpenhorn. ‘InSpire’ airs every Saturday at 2:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time on LLBN’s ‘His Word’ network, one of eight separate channels from the Loma Linda-based Christian broadcaster.  In addition to over-the-air TV, satellite broadcasting and Internet Protocol TV (Roku; Amazon Fire), ‘InSpire’ is live-streamed on LLBN’s website (llbn.tv) or by downloading the LLBN Android or Apple mobile phone app.
LLBN is a non-profit, viewer-funded ministry with all donations tax deductible under 501(c)3 regulations. Many studio operations and daily working support are handled by volunteers of all ages and walks of life who provide their time and services for free.
The ministry is in its 22nd year of sharing Jesus Christ’s grace, mercy and love as depicted in the Bible through the influential medium of television. “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations…”  Matthew 24:14.

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About LLBN TV – From studios in Loma Linda, Calif., USA, LLBN reaches every inhabited continent via satellite, Internet, IPTV, cable, mobile devices and traditional terrestrial TV. Programs range from inspirational church services and musical concerts to thought-provoking Bible studies and documentaries. These are aired 24-hours daily in multiple languages on seven LLBN channels: His Word; His Light (English); Arabic; Chinese; Korean; Latino and South Asia. An eighth channel, Smart LifeStyle Television (SLS) broadcasts health and wellness programming daily around the clock. LLBN is a non-profit, 501(c)3 viewer supported TV ministry. Visit www.llbn.tv or download the LLBN app from the Google Play Store (Android devices) or iStore (Apple devices.)






F-20190422

Monday, December 10, 2018

MEDIA CONTACT
Bob Blancato
Public Affairs Officer
Loma Linda Broadcasting Network
Office: 909-651-5542
Mobile: 909-488-6672
E-Mail: Bob@llbn.tv
Post: P.O. Box 550, Loma Linda, CA (USA) 92354
Web: www.llbn.tv
                                                                                                            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release 

Notable Speakers/Technology Mark LLBN’s 21st Year
Christian telecaster Loma Linda Broadcasting Network ends 2018 with noteworthy speakers; special programs; new streaming technology

            Loma Linda, Calif. – December 10, 2018 – 2018 was a milestone year for Loma Linda Broadcasting Network (LLBN) demonstrated by widely respected speakers appearing on week-long TV specials, interviews with prominent Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) leaders and major new social media and app streaming technologies to dramatically grow its global viewership of 50 million.
Three special, five-night live broadcasts included guest speakers John Bradshaw, Director of ‘It Is Written’ ministries, astronomer Jim Burr, host of ‘The Hubble, The Bible and The Big Bang’ TV series seen on LLBN and elsewhere, and Dr. David Taylor, Professor Emeritus, Loma Linda University School of Religion. Bradshaw focused on “Christ’s Righteousness”, Burr on “God’s Universe”, and Dr. Taylor on “Jesus The King” during each presenter’s nightly one-hour broadcast.
Additionally, other SDA speakers recently appearing in separate LLBN interviews included Pastor Doug Batchelor of Amazing Facts; Sr. Pastor Randy Roberts, Loma Linda University Church; Shawn Boonstra, Voice of Prophecy ministries, and; Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, Education Director of the SDA General Conference. These complement recurring appearances by regularly-seen, locally-based SDA pastors and speakers throughout the year.
The three, special week-long programs and individual interviews appeared between September and December, making the network’s final two quarters of 2018 especially strong as it ended its 21st year of broadcasting, according to Ganim Hanna, LLBN Director and CEO.
            Also noteworthy is the introduction of new live video streaming technologies during the Fall, making LLBN accessible nearly everywhere in the world. The biggest advance was the release of apps for both Android- and Apple-based mobile phones. Streaming via app brings LLBN’s multi-lingual programming to a wider geographical audience than currently covered by legacy television, cable and broadcast satellite providers.
            Says Hanna, “Until now, people wanting to view LLBN where local TV providers didn’t offer it had to use desktop computers, laptops or phones to watch via a web browser. Depending on the internet service provider’s (ISP) bandwidth capacity, streaming programs sometimes froze, dropped-out or experienced other technical disruptions that negatively impacted the overall user experience.”
He adds the LLBN app makes it easier to access LLBN’s eight channels with fewer technical issues due to its running on the latest 4G LTE cellular platform.  “Nearly everybody has a mobile device. As long as there’s 4G LTE service, there is now literally no place on Earth where you can’t receive LLBN.” About 600 downloads per week are occurring since each app became available.
The app can be downloaded free from the Google Play Store, the official app source for all Android operating systems. Apple device users can obtain it free from the App Store.
            Also launched in 2018 were live video streaming sites on social media giants YouTube, Facebook and Apple TV allowing LLBN’s networks to be viewed in real-time using desktop computers, laptops or any mobile device such as smartphones or tablets.
LLBN is a non-profit, viewer-funded ministry with all donations tax deductible under 501(c)3 regulations. Many LLBN studio operations and daily working support are handled by volunteers of all ages and walks of life who provide their time and services for free. The Christian TV service is dedicated to sharing Jesus Christ’s grace, mercy and love as depicted in the Bible in fulfillment of Matthew 24:14; “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations…”
# # #

About LLBN TV – From studios in Loma Linda, Calif., USA, LLBN reaches every inhabited continent via satellite, Internet, IPTV, cable, mobile devices and traditional terrestrial TV. Programs range from inspirational church services and musical concerts to thought-provoking Bible studies and documentaries. These are aired 24-hours daily in multiple languages on eight LLBN channels: His Word; His Light (English); Arabic; Chinese; Korean; Latino and South Asia. An eighth channel, Smart LifeStyle Television (SLS) broadcasts health and wellness programming daily around the clock. LLBN is a non-profit, 501(c)3 viewer supported TV ministry. Visit www.llbn.tv or download the LLBN app from the Google Play Store (Android devices) or iStore (Apple devices.)


(F – 20181205) 

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

MEDIA CONTACT
Bob Blancato
Public Affairs Officer
Loma Linda Broadcasting Network
Office: 909-651-5542
Mobile: 909-488-6672
E-Mail: Bob@llbn.tv
Post: P.O. Box 550, Loma Linda, CA 92354
Web: www.llbn.tv                                                                                                                                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release 

LLBN Launches App for Mobile Devices
Averaging 600 downloads per week, the new app allows streaming of Loma Linda Broadcasting Network on all mobile devices making its eight Christian  channels more accessible worldwide. 
            Loma Linda, Calif. – November 27, 2018 – Users of Android- or Apple-based devices including smartphones, iPhones, iPads, tablets or notebooks can now download a free app from Loma Linda Broadcasting Network (LLBN) that live streams its eight TV channels directly to their device. Streaming via the app will bring LLBN’s multi-lingual programming to a wider geographical audience than currently covered by legacy television, cable and broadcast satellite providers.
            “Until now, people wanting to view LLBN where local TV providers didn’t offer it had to resort to desktop computers, laptops or phones to watch via a web browser,” said Ganim Hanna, Director and CEO, LLBN. “Depending on the internet service provider’s (ISP) bandwidth capacity, streaming programs sometimes froze, dropped-out or experienced other technical disruptions that negatively impacted the overall user experience.”
He added, “Other viable distribution venues for LLBN include Roku Internet TV or satellite provider Glorystar, but these are used primarily by the more tech-savvy.”
In contrast, viewing LLBN via the new app makes it easier to access the network’s channels and programs with fewer technical issues due to its running on the latest 4G LTE cellular platform.  Adds Hanna, “Nearly everybody has a mobile device. As long as there’s 4G LTE service, you can now easily live stream our channels almost anywhere.”
           
In addition to its two English channels (His Word and His Light), LLBN broadcasts in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Latino and South Asian languages on separate channels as well as Smart LifeStyle Television. All are available around the clock seven days a week accessible through the app.
Concludes Hanna, “While LLBN is currently seen in 50 million homes worldwide, the new app will expose even more people to the message of Jesus Christ outside of traditional TV service with limited channel space. About 600 downloads per week are now occurring since each app became available in late September. We look forward to spreading His Word through the expanding medium of personal mobile devices.”
The LLBN app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, the official app source for all Android operating systems. Apple device users can obtain it from the App Store. The app is free on either mobile device platform.
LLBN is a non-profit, viewer-funded ministry with all donations tax deductible under 501(c)3 regulations. Many LLBN studio operations and daily working support are handled by volunteers of all ages and walks of life who provide their time and services for free.
LLBN is in its 21st year of sharing Jesus Christ’s grace, mercy and love as depicted in the Bible through the influential medium of television. “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations…”  Matthew 24:14.

# # #

About LLBN TV – From studios in Loma Linda, Calif., USA, LLBN reaches every inhabited continent via satellite, Internet, IPTV, cable, mobile devices and traditional terrestrial TV. Programs range from inspirational church services and musical concerts to thought-provoking Bible studies and documentaries. These are aired 24-hours daily in multiple languages on seven LLBN channels: His Word; His Light (English); Arabic; Chinese; Korean; Latino and South Asia. An eighth channel, Smart LifeStyle Television (SLS) broadcasts health and wellness programming daily around the clock. LLBN is a non-profit, 501(c)3 viewer supported TV ministry. Visit www.llbn.tv or download the LLBN app from the Google Play Store (Android devices) or iStore (Apple devices.)






(F–11/27/18)

Monday, April 16, 2018

Hot Health Interview

The set was brightly lit and colorfully decorated for another episode of Hot Health a show on the Loma Linda Broadcasting Network. In a world filled with misinformation, this is a place where health-minded people can find evidenced-based, practical information on health. Empowering them with the tools they need to make choices that will lead to fulfilling and happy lives.

Today, Alex introduces us to our host, Dr. Ruth Stanhiser. She graduated from Loma Linda University Medical School and has had a life long interest in Nutrition and Health. She is a stately lady who gives off an almost motherly air. Someone you could quickly trust.

Our guests are three enthusiastic young women: Loren, Kylee and Alessandra. All of them are received a degree in Nutrition from Andrew University. Each of one them are using their knowledge of nutrition to benefit others in a unique way.

Loren is currently studying a Master’s in Public Health at Loma Linda University. She also works with the San Bernardino County to provide nutrition care and support to HIV clients. She is also a missionary who wants to eventually go to foreign lands to serve. She has already been to different places in Africa and South America.

Kylee is a stay-at-home mom who loves her little baby boy. She also has a business, called Kylee’s Kitchen, on the side as a health coach and nutrition educator. She has over 2,000 subscribers on YouTube watching her share how to cook simple yet healthy recipes. She also recently came out with her very own cookbook, Simply Fresh.

Alessandra is using her knowledge of nutrition to work one-on-one with clients to help them improve their lives through fitness and nutrition. She works with clients to create fitness programs, meal plans and positive lifestyle changes. She works from her Florida-based business as a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer.

All four women have a robust conversation on the importance of proper nutrition. They note that many people nowadays don’t actually know how to cook much less prepare nutritious meals. Often, they are obligated to grab something quick like nutrient deficient snacks or fast food. They rarely seem to eat at home. When they do opt to make food for themselves, they can very quickly get caught up in fad diets and other health misinformation.

They emphasized the need of seeking out professional guidance when making lifestyle changes. They also chatted about different tips and tricks that can be used to implement health changes. An important tip is taking things step by step. Dr. Ruth shared how she usually assesses one single health issue that her clients have –most often not eating enough fresh fruit. She would start by encouraging the client to eat three cups of fruit everyday until they make a habit out of it. Only then does she move on to the next health issue. Both Alessandra and Kylee also use this approach.

All too soon, the show comes to a close. Alex steps up to wrap things up. She reminds the views that lifestyle changes are easy, but with a little perseverance they are possible. She shares that she has transitioned to a plant-based diet and it has improved her well-being tremendously. She invites viewers to visit SmartLifestyle TV’s website for more information.
 
Written by Joneen Wilson

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Shining The Spotlight On Christian Connections


The Christian experience can feel like a difficult and solitary journey. It is often a refreshing experience to converse with other Christians and hear their testimonies and stories. That is what Christian Connections is all about. Christian Connections, or as we fondly refer to it here, CC, is a show that allows ordinary people to share their extraordinary talents and experiences.

            Christian Connections possesses a simple, yet elegant formula. The goal of every program is to show how God is at work and reveals Himself through various people and their ministries, experiences, and exploration of the Bible. Comprised of the regular hosts and volunteers of the Lomda Linda Broadcasting Network, the show brings a flavor of the Christian experience to you. There are three segments: music, a ministry or testimonial, and a sermon.

            The first segment of Christian Connections is music. Playing at three different points in the show, vocalists, pianists, guitarists, and even a Gospel Jam, just to name a few, have contributed their talents to the atmosphere. The second segment of Christian Connections is an interview with a guest who either dedicates their time to a ministry or has a unique testimony to share. This is always a wonderful segment as there have been missionaries both from right here in the Loma Linda community to far away. There have been people who come to tell how Jesus has changed their lives and what they are doing to share that love with others. The third segment of the show is a sermon. Talented pastors come to share a short sermon with the panel and viewers around the world.

The hosts and guests weave intellectual and passionate discussion on what it means to be a follower of Jesus in their everyday lives throughout the show. The array of guests and even hosts who have brought their views to the show always makes for a unique and refreshing experience. The mixing of talents and backgrounds on Christian Connections allows for the shows’ panel to converse with and understand their brothers and sisters in Christ a little bit more and find solace in one another on this Christian journey. You can be sure to expect a blessing every time you watch.

Christian Connections is televised live from Studio 1 of LLBN in Loma Linda, CA. Be sure to tune in every Tuesday from 6-7 pm PT to see it live. You can catch replays on Thursday at 10:00 am PT, Saturdays at 8:00 am & 6:30 pm PT, and Sundays at 2:00 am PT.

Volunteer Highlight: Eva Isha


The Loma Linda Broadcasting Network is led and supported by its faithful volunteers. While there are three English channels supported by a large network of volunteers, there are five foreign language channels that also have dedicated volunteers working tirelessly to keep the channels running day and night. One of those faithful volunteers is Eva Isha. Eva is a volunteer for the LLBN Arabic channel and has been volunteering with the channel for six years.

Eva moved to the United States in September of 2011. She had previously worked with the Adventist World Radio in Cyprus. When Eva came to America, she knew that she wanted to continue her work in media, and specifically her work in ministering for the Lord. Eva moved in with her sister Irene who was already involved with LLBN Arabic and this was the perfect opportunity for her to jump into working with the ministry as well.

Eager to serve, Eva got involved with LLBN right away. She does spots for the channel, where she shares a verse and her contemplation of what that verse means to the Christian walk. Eva has helped with the Friday evening live Arabic church services, the only known televised Arabic church service in America. Eva also produces and hosts a program entitled Jesus Is My Example In My Life. This program is a bible study for the youth and Eva, along with other LLBN Arabic volunteers, have recorded eight episodes thus far.

Eva is not only a face you will find in front of the camera from time to time, but she also makes large contributions behind the scenes. She works on the schedule for the LLBN Arabic channel and manages the Facebook page and blog as well. She also worked on the bulletin for the live church services.  

There is no denying that LLBN would not be where it is without dedicated volunteers like Eva. Volunteers help run camera, host programs, maintain social media, work on the website and do a variety of other jobs. LLBN is so grateful to these men and women who give their time freely to share the love of God not only in their communities but to the world. Surely, Eva is doing her part in lighting lives and blessing nations.


Friday, March 30, 2018

Honoring Pastor George Farid Khoury


Pastor George Farid Khoury passed away on March 5, 2018. Pastor Khoury was a very familiar face within the LLBN Arabic community. While viewers of other LLBN channels may be less acquainted with him, Pastor Khoury was a devoted volunteer for the Loma Linda Broadcasting Network.
George Khoury was destined to be a pastor. He was a man of God who was dedicated to spreading God’s love to everyone he encountered. His last name, Khoury, even translates to mean “priest” in English. Right until the last days of his life, Pastor Khoury was still preaching and teaching his community about Christ. He was very dedicated to the Great Commission Jesus gave and lived his life to “teach, mingle, live, and love.”
Born into humble beginnings, Pastor Khoury was a self-made man. Dr. Haddad, the chairman for LLBN Arabic, fondly recalls when he met Pastor Khoury during their studies at Middle East College in Lebanon in the fifties. Says Dr. Haddad, “He showed up with one Lebanese lira in his pocket, which was equivalent to about forty cents in those days.” Pastor Khoury did not let his lack of resources deter him from his mission. Financially, he worked his way through school by putting 20 to 30 hours of labor per week on campus during the school year and being a literature evangelist during the summer. As a faithful servant of God, Dr. Haddad remembers Pastor Khoury telling him “My life is in His Hands. Whatever Jesus wants me to do, I will do.”
Pastor Khoury went on to earn a BA in theology from Middle East College in 1957. Never one to be satisfied with doing just good enough, Pastor Khoury studied to earn a Masters in New Testament studies in 1963 and a Bachelors of Divinity in 1971, both from Andrews University.
Dedicated to sharing Christ’s love and teachings, Pastor Khoury took care of several churches throughout the Middle East. While he served as Middle Eastern Union evangelist, he conducted an effort in Baghdad, Iraq. An effective administrator, he served as president of the work being done in Lebanon for the East Mediterranean Field which was composed of the countries Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. In 1976, Pastor Khoury immigrated to the US, working as a pastor in Ohio as well as for the Southern California Conference.
It was around the time that Pastor Khoury retired that the LLBN Arabic channel began to take off. Pastor Khoury, never one to miss an opportunity to serve the Lord, eagerly added his expertise to the organization. He preached during the live televised church programs and was an active member of his community. This weekly LLBN Arabic church service is actually the only known Adventist Arabic church service in America.
There is no denying that the LLBN family has lost a precious, valuable member. He was a stellar example in this community and Dr. Haddad put it best, “we have lost a very, very good man—a pillar of the Arabic church.” We honor Pastor Khoury’s legacy and his mission to spreading the love of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Pastor Khoury was truly an embodiment of lighting lives, blessing nations and he will be missed dearly.
               


Tuesday, March 6, 2018

LLBN Volunteer Evie Roach


You may walk past her on the street without knowing she is one of the faces that represents the Loma Linda Broadcasting Network. Her name is Evie Roach and she is a member of the volunteer force, which drives LLBN. You may not find her in front of the camera very often, but she is an integral part of what makes LLBN the ministry it is today.


Evie is not only a vital member of the LLBN team today, but she has been with the ministry for over twenty years. When Evie began volunteering she had no experience. She began working with LLBN in the January of 1998 under the supervision of Ganim Hanna and Marlon Paley. She trained with camera and joined the rotation of camera operators for church services. Over the years Evie has held a variety of roles and currently she is the volunteer coordinator. Her work with the ministry started when she watched a Loma Linda University Church announcement asking for volunteers.

When I speak with Evie, she tells me of the days that LLBN was still located in a Sabbath School room in the University church. During that time, Evie worked with the tape library. She was in charge of organizing the tapes as well as pre-timing the tapes, categorizing them, and color coding them. The tape library was housed in a mobile home behind the church. Evie organized the tapes to play out the weekly program. She ran this master control system with fellow dedicated LLBN volunteer Gary Schiller.

Evie’s commitment to the ministry stems from her passion for the purpose. “Getting the word out and spreading the love of Jesus Christ to the world is a mission. Knowing that somebody out there is hearing the word is why I do it, even if it’s just one person. God would have died for one person.”  

Evie’s spirit is the reason LLBN is able to spread the good news to the world. It is only through the generosity of volunteers, who commit their time to work for the ministry that LLBN can share the news with the world. Our volunteers are non-paid, but they have a fiery passion for the work LLBN is doing. Volunteers like Evie are the fuel behind the ministry. No doubt there will be many jewels in her crown. Evie is truly a superstar for this ministry of God.  

LLBN Arabic's Bible Figures


The Loma Linda Broadcasting Network has eight channels including five that are foreign language channels. These networks are managed and run by LLBN volunteers who recognize a need in their communities. One such volunteer is Irene Fargo. She hosts a program for children called Bible Figures on LLBN Arabic.

Bible Figures is a program which looks at different biblical characters. Irene’s goal is to teach children to follow Jesus, with the ultimate goal of being reunited with Him one day. Bible Figures looks at different stories from the Bible, focusing on the good, the bad, the results, and God’s love throughout all of it. The thirty-minute program includes a verse reading and Irene’s explanation of what that verse means for children.

Irene’s passion to start a children’s program came from her love for teaching Sabbath School classes in her home country of Iraq. Irene began her work with LLBN when the CEO and President, Ganim Hanna, invited her and her husband, Wisam, to join the LLBN family. Irene not only hosts Bible Figures, but she is also active throughout the Arabic channel. She has been involved with the Arabic live church services as well as Studies From The Gospel, a program with five different people that delve into and dissect the gospels.

When Irene first moved to the US, the language barrier prevented her from being involved as a volunteer with the church, something that had become vital in her life. When Ganim invited her and Wisam to work with LLBN Arabic, she saw a blessing and opportunity to share her love for God. Says Irene, “I am very thankful to the Lord for providing us with a new opportunity for service where we can present His precious word to many souls that are in great need of it.”

Irene has been hosting her program since June 2008. She is approaching her tenth year of teaching kids about the Bible. Irene’s commitment to her show and this ministry do not go unrewarded. One of her many viewers includes a young girl in San Diego and stays up until 10 pm each evening to watch the show. What a blessing it is to have such committed volunteers like Irene who are passionate about sharing the love of Jesus with the world!

Monday, February 26, 2018

Leonard: An LLBN Superstar


The sun still sleeps behind the veil of darkness laid by nighttime, yet as early as four in the morning you can find him preparing for the day. This man is Leonard Cummings. He has been an LLBN volunteer for roughly seventeen years, which is why I like to call him a “superstar volunteer.”

It isn’t just Leonard’s long stretch with the ministry that has earned him this nickname. Leonard is the person here in the LLBN offices you look to when you need someone who seems to be able to do everything. You can find Leonard running audio, operating cameras, managing the floor, editing and in several other capacities around the offices and studios of the Loma Linda Broadcasting Network.

Leonard grew up working with media. He began experimenting with audio booths at the age of fourteen, which transitioned into him running audio at various churches. Eventually Leonard would go on to run a company of his own putting up television cable lines. Leonard laughs when we discuss his time putting up cables. “I could tell you so many stories from those days, but that’s for another time.” Leonard’s business would lead him to move from moody, mild Northern California to the sunny sided Loma Linda of Southern California around 2001.

Leonard began his work with the ministry in the same way many of us do: divine appointment. He was attending the Loma Linda University Church when he saw a blurb in the bulletin indicating training classes for camera and media equipment operation. During these classes he was approached by a longtime volunteer of LLBN, Marlon Paley. Marlon suggested to Leonard that he begin working in the audio booth at the University Church. This eventually transitioned into Leonard working with LLBN when it was still the small studio in room 104 of the University Church.

I call Leonard the superstar volunteer because it seems there is nothing he does not do at LLBN. Though he is a seasoned technical professional, you can still spot the sparks of creativity in Leonard. I see it in the way he edits different programs and in his passion for the ministry of lighting lives, blessing nations. Leonard’s faithful and passionate volunteer work earned him an LLBN HERO award in 2014.

On top of the long hours Leonard puts into volunteering for LLBN, he is a full-time grandpa. Leonard babysits his young grandchildren whenever he is needed. In my own personal experience, I know this to be quite often. It is such a joy to see Leonard’s love for his grandchildren as it is just as important as his work with the ministry of LLBN. I know personally that grandparents are their grandchildren’s first best friends.

From the early mornings waking up to volunteer for LLBN, to the evenings spent with his family, Leonard is truly a superstar. He dedicates his time passionately to all that he does. Leonard even volunteers an extra day out of the week to ensure that the Sabbath programs loved by so many LLBN viewers are broadcast without fail each week. Looking at Leonard, there is no doubt that he is a diligent worker for this ministry dedicated to doing the work of God.

Health Breakthrough


Health Breakthrough is coming to SLS in 2018! This exciting new series is hosted by Dr. John Scharffenberg. The doctor will offer simple tips on eating a healthy diet and how to incorporate different healthy food groups into your daily life. “People think eating healthy has to be complicated, but I want to show them that it doesn’t have to be!” Dr. Scharffenberg looks at me as he points his finger at a stack of papers in his hands. He shows me a diagram of how to incorporate healthy fats into your diet. You need to know what is right to put into your body and the right ratio. He says healthy eating is about when and how you eat.

Two meals a day. This is how many times Dr. Scharffenberg eats. The doctor is quick to point out that eating is different for each person. Based on the amount of activity he does and his physical makeup, he feels that two meals a day is best for him. Dr. Scharffenberg said he would describe the way he eats as health conscious. He is a total vegetarian and he eats a mainly plant-based diet. Food can be your medicine and Dr. Scharffenberg has the goal of sharing just this message with people everywhere. The way you eat determines the way you feel. The way you feel determines the way you live.

Dr. Scharffenberg is a walking testament. A health enthusiast, he himself has lived well into his nineties. At 93 years old he still loves travelling the world teaching and instructing others on how to live healthy and long lives. Last year alone he travelled to Romania, Ukraine and Israel to give lectures. The doctor is quite an expert in his field, yet he remains a humble man. He has never stopped learning, earning several degrees throughout his life. He served as head of the health department for the General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists for many years. Dr. Scharffenberg was born and raised in China and he is a fluent speaker of Mandarin. These many qualities would eventually lead him to become the health liaison to China under former US President Jimmy Carter.

You can look to Health Breakthrough for a term Dr. Scharffenberg has coined as “nutrition theory simplified”! This is a unique opportunity to learn more about healthy living from a man who has experienced the results firsthand. Make sure you check out this exciting new program focused on helping you live a life full of health, happiness, and longevity.