The Northern California Conference administrators were glad to ordain two pastors in October 2006. The first ordainee, Tim Eberhardt, serves as a chaplain at the Ukiah Valley Medical Center. The second, Jeffrey (J.L.) Thompson, is an associate pastor at the Oakland Market Street church. “The ministries of both Tim and J.L. have been a blessing to the Northern California Conference for several years,” said NCC President Jim Pedersen. “I'm glad we've been able to formally recognize their calling by God.”

Eberhardt, who was ordained on Oct. 7, spent his early childhood in various locations across North America. He began a long-term commitment to Bible study when his parents gave him a Bible at his eighth-grade graduation. From there, he went on to school at Georgia-Cumberland Academy. During his time studying at Southern Missionary College (now Southern Adventist University), he was seriously injured in a head-on car collision. He eventually made a full recovery and spent a year studying abroad in Spain.

After graduating from SMC, he obtained a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy. After some initial struggles, he eventually realized his call to hospital chaplaincy. He married Cheryl Read and had two children, Chrissy and Peter. Eberhardt has been enjoying his ministry at the Ukiah Valley Medical Center since obtaining his chaplain certification. “Like Jonah, I tried doing other things, but God kept steering me back to ministry,” said Eberhardt. “Thankfully, God remains faithful through all the trials and tribulations, and only by His grace am I here today.”

Thompson, who was ordained Oct. 14, was born in Southern California to parents who immigrated from Panama, and was baptized in Los Angeles when he was 17. He attended La Sierra University for a year before he felt the Lord calling him to study theology. He transferred to Oakwood College and graduated with a degree in theology and a minor in psychology. He then completed an internship at the Altadena church before going to Andrews University, where he received a Master of Divinity and a master’s in counseling psychology. Thompson moved to the Northern California Conference in 2001 and has been serving as an assistant pastor at the Market Street church since. “I’m honored and humbled that the NCC, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, saw fit to ordain me,” said Thompson. “I pray that God will continue to navigate my life according to His will.”

The future looks bright for these new ordainees as they continue to serve God with their ministries. “I'm looking forward to the exciting things God has is store for J.L. and Tim's future,” said Pedersen.