This month, the Central California Conference spotlights Daniel Lin, an elder at the Campbell Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Campbell Church is known for its remarkable diversity and thriving young adult ministry. A finance professional by trade, Daniel devotes much of his energy to supporting the church—preaching, visiting members, organizing events and offering spiritual guidance.
A Global Journey to Faith
Daniel was born into a Seventh-day Adventist family in Hong Kong and, at age 16, left home to study in Australia on scholarship. During college, he grew distant from the church, but credits a group of Adventist students for inviting him back.
“They gave me responsibilities I probably didn’t deserve,” Daniel said with a smile. “But that trust motivated me to draw closer to God.”
He later returned to Hong Kong, became active in church leadership, and eventually moved to the United States after marrying Margaret, an Adventist from the U.S. Today, Daniel’s flexible schedule in the finance industry allows him to balance work, family life and extensive ministry.
Assisting and Supporting Pastors Behind the Scenes
As head elder, Daniel finds himself fulfilling multiple roles—assisting and supporting pastors behind the scenes in various capacities.
“I handle everything from preaching and counseling to administrative tasks,” he said. “It can be hectic, but it keeps me humble and reminds me how much I need God every day.”
He also sees his church responsibilities shaping his character off the platform. “When I’m at work and I start feeling annoyed, I stop and pray,” Daniel said. “I never want to give Adventists a bad name.”
The Campbell Church Family
Diversity defines the Campbell Church, where more than 50 ethnicities come together. These include Russian-, Hispanic- and Ukrainian-speaking groups. Daniel cites a rapidly expanding young adult ministry, growing children’s programs such as Sabbath School children classes and Pathfinders and Adventurers, Bible studies, community activities and dynamic music offerings as key strengths. Yet he remains grateful to dedicated members, both longtime and new, who laid the church’s foundation.
“Our vision is to prepare a people ready for Christ’s return,” Daniel said. “We aim to be a light in the community, attracting others to Jesus.”
Finding Joy, Embracing Challenges
Daniel’s greatest reward is witnessing people discover biblical truth, commit to baptism and bring friends into fellowship. This organic growth, he said, is how Campbell’s community continues to flourish.
However, challenges arise—particularly in reconciling various cultures, traditions and worship styles. “It’s not always a conflict—sometimes it’s just a misunderstanding,” Daniel explained. “Letting go of our preconceived ideas helps us focus on reaching people and working in unity.”
A Call for Prayer
As Campbell Church moves forward, Daniel asks the Central California Conference family to pray for one thing above all: “We need the outpouring of the Holy Spirit,” he said. “When the Spirit empowers each member, everything else falls into place.”
Written by Justin Kim