Three families have recently joined the Sutter Hill church as a direct result of Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN), introduced in Amador County just five years ago by Carla Hoyt, an advocate for 3ABN. Hoyt had a unique proposition to get 3ABN on the air.

“I approached the owner of Volcano Cablevision with a 3ABN Cable Starter Kit and told her I’d trade her a Swedish therapeutic massage in exchange for the time it would take her to view the contents and watch the 3ABN video promotional,” said Hoyt. “She did! And by summer of 1999, 3ABN was carried on a channel available to all subscribers.”

Barbara Hoen

Barbara Hoen was one of those subscribers. Hoen learned of the seventh-day Sabbath by watching 3ABN on Sunday mornings. She was recently baptized at Soquel camp meeting by Pastor Steve Wholberg.

“I never want to forget or lose the feeling I had at my baptism,” said Hoen. “I felt like a newborn person, totally cleansed of my sins. I have never loved Jesus so much in all of my life. I have found the truth, and I never want to lose it!” She now faithfully attends the Sutter Hill church and Pastor Larre Kostenko’s Bible marking class. Her faith has convinced her family that Saturday is the biblical day of worship. Her daughter, Pam Temple, also plans to become a member of the church.

Reid and Karen Mackey

Reid and Karen Mackey began watching 3ABN while Reid recuperated from a broken collarbone from a bicycling accident. 3ABN convinced Reid that the seventh day was the true day of worship, and through Bible study and prayer, his wife, Karen joined him in his faith. They both began to attend the Sutter Hill church. Karen was baptized in Leoni Meadows Lake during the annual church retreat, and Reid was baptized two weeks later in the Mokulemne River near Electra.

Tim and Caroline Earl

Tim and Caroline Earl became acquainted with 3ABN about three years ago. Unsure whether the Adventist message taught the truth, she read The Great Controversy and was convinced by Ellen White’s writing. Caroline called Kostenko for an appointment, and the Earls consequently began to attend the Sutter Hill church. However, they weren’t quite ready to make a commitment.

Then Caroline was diagnosed with breast cancer and called Connie Kostenko to ask for the church’s support and prayers. The church held an anointing service for Caroline in her home, and with the Kostenkos’ gentle leading, the Earls were able to give their hearts to Christ and accept His peace and assurance.