1. Pastors surround Berumen during the ordination prayer. ↩︎
2. Morales smiles with his family after ordination. ↩︎

On a Sabbath back in May, an entire Sabbath School class from Loma Linda University church (LLUC) took a field trip to radio host and Torah scholar Dennis Prager’s personally established synagogue in the San Fernando Valley, The Torah Minyan.  Their visit was facilitated by Prager’s assistant and program producer, Allen Estrin, and built upon a decades-long dialogue and friendship between Dennis Prager and LLUC member Janine Colburn.

The Rational Bible Sabbath School class was founded in 2022 and is based on Dennis Prager’s recorded lectures at the University of Judaism, together with his commentary volumes on the Torah —the first five books of the Old Testament. The class aims to compare Jewish and Christian teachings, using Adventist commentaries and Ellen G. White’s Patriarchs and Prophets.

After a potluck lunch, Prager invited the LLUC Sabbath School leaders to participate in an interview for the benefit of his own members still present, around 150 in number.  

During the interview, class leaders were asked questions about the Seventh-day Adventist Church, its origins, beliefs, primary founder, and the denomination’s general approach to Sabbath-keeping.  Afterward, many Minyan members stayed by to ask further questions and field questions about Judaism from the group.  Prager himself asked for a copy of Patriarchs and Prophets when he was shown one, and blessedly, the group just happened to have one to give him.

As the class was leaving, Prager invited them back, saying, “Let’s have an annual Adventist Day at the Torah Minyan!”

The Rational Bible Sabbath School class meets every Sabbath at 10:30 a.m. in the Family Ministries Complex of Loma Linda University Church, Room 2410.  All are welcome.

1. Prager leads the impromptu Sabbath School discussion panel. ↩︎
2. Dennis Prager (center) smiles with two LLUC members. ↩︎

In March, the youth ministries pastors of Southeastern California Conference (SECC) gathered for the fourth annual Youth Ministries Summit. Hosted this year at Azure Hills church, the Summit is an opportunity for the pastors of SECC to build camaraderie, inspire mission, and equip each other for effective youth ministry.

The day began with a breakfast spread and time in worship, then they took time to celebrate weddings, births, and ordinations from the past year. The morning session included a keynote message from Chris Oberg, pastor and CEO of Path of Life Ministries, and a collective ministry Q&A session on topics relevant to the field. About 60 children’s, youth, and young adult pastors were in attendance.

“We are blessed to set aside one day to create space to support, bless, and express our appreciation for our pastors,” said Isaac Kim, associate youth director and conference lead for family and children’s ministries. “We do not say it enough but, ‘Thank you, pastors!’”

The afternoon session began with an acknowledgement of SECC’s female youth ministry leaders, followed by a keynote address from Sam Leonor, mission and spiritual care executive for Adventist Health. “Meekness does not mean weakness,” Leonor stated, reminding the pastors to set healthy boundaries. “Always guard your hearts.” The day finished with a prize giveaway that included a new espresso machine and tickets to Disneyland. 

“The content and camaraderie of the Youth Summit was, as always, extraordinary,” said Lindsey Haffner, youth pastor at Redlands church. “It was a combination of important updates and meaningful presentations and conversations that connect us as partners in ministry.” 

One special guest in attendance was Steve Case, president of Involve Youth and author of numerous books on youth ministry. “This one-day gathering for pastors who focus on ministry to and with young people combined inspiration, worship, food, and fun,” Case reflected. “I left feeling connected, energized, and eager to serve.”

“When I come to the Youth Summit, I feel like my time and work is respected and valued,” Haffner said. “These check-ins are such a refreshing reminder of why it’s a privilege to work in ther SECC."

1. Sam Leonor gives the afternoon keynote address. ↩︎
2. Pastors Grace Koh and Paul Jeon fellowship during the Summit.
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3. Attendees enjoy a time of worship. ↩︎

April 6, 2024, was a high day for the El Cajon SDA Christian School (ECSDA) as they celebrated 100 years as a school with a special program during the church service.  

With very humble beginnings, the El Cajon church was established in 1912, and a sanctuary was built. The members decided to open a one-room school on the same property as the church. The school has grown over the years, and a new building was erected with more classrooms and a gymnasium. 

For the special anniversary program, El Cajon was privileged to have Patty Marruffo, executive secretary of Southeastern California Conference (SECC), as the guest speaker. Other notable participants in the program included Datha Tickner, SECC superintendent of schools; Rachel Romero, SECC coordinator of small school support and former teaching principal of ECSDA; and David Roysdon, teacher at San Diego Academy.

The students sang and provided the children’s story. Many alumni attended. One alumna, Lisa Fultz Bradley, came all the way from Roseburg, Oregon, and shared her memories of El Cajon.  “I am still close with dear friends from even the earliest years there,” said Fultz Bradley. “In first grade, we had a very special teacher who had a special story time each day.  She taught us how to play the ukelele, and we performed at various churches in the area.  Many of us still have our ukes and have taught or are currently teaching others how to play because we still enjoy it so much and such a fondness is associated with it."

“The El Cajon SDA Christian School is a hidden jewel in our area,” shared Diana Harper, a teacher at ECSDA.  “I was the teaching principal (1994-1999) and felt the entire time I served there that it was indeed a wonderful blessing in my life.  God was present each and every day and worked in the lives of the students, parents, and staff.”

Currently, the school has two dedicated teachers and many volunteers.  ECSDA is a multicultural school and is proud of its young people.  The school’s goal is to prepare their young people for heaven, where they will have the most wonderful reunion that will never end.

1. Alumni reminisce through old photos. ↩︎
2. Students sing together for special music. ↩︎

Steward received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Pacific Union College, a Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego, a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Andrews University, and evangelism training from Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism. He has been pastoring for five years. When asked what he appreciates most about being in ministry, Steward shared, “I appreciate the opportunity to work alongside our wonderful members in the art of soul winning.”

As he continues his pastoral ministry, Steward hopes he will experience personal revival and that his church will “be on its knees seeking for God's Spirit to be poured out mightily and working miracles.”

When he's not leading his congregation, he loves an array of outdoor activities and spending time with his wife and kids.

Ejurango received her Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in theology and health, at Mountain View College in the Philippines; a Master of Education with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction from Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies in the Philippines; and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Andrews University. She pastored for seven years in Cebu, Philippines, served as district pastor to 16 churches, and spent 15 years in Bangkok, Thailand, as a Bible teacher at Ekamai International School. She has served at Waterman Visayan Fil-Am church as an associate pastor for six years. “The joy of being an instrument of God to change lives for eternity” is one of the aspects of ministry she enjoys most.

Her long-term pastoral and personal goals focus on creating environments and facilities for children to be nurtured and rooted in their Adventist faith and to develop a closer relationship with Christ. 

Outside of her pastoral duties, she loves crafting and making greeting cards for birthdays and special occasions. She also celebrates the endeavors of her husband and her two adult children. 

SECC is honored to support pastors Steward and Ejurango as they serve with passion and conviction, bringing their unique gifts and dedication to their congregations.

1. Pastors lay hands on David Steward and family. ↩︎
2. Maria Ejurango and her family share a special song at her ordination. ↩︎

The Beaumont church celebrated the 50th anniversary of its sanctuary on April 13, the exact date when church services were first held in the current facility. 

In February, they welcomed their new pastor, Ron du Preez. One of the first things on his agenda was to celebrate this important anniversary. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for the congregation and guests to hear the Word, fellowship, enjoy music, and celebrate God’s faithfulness over the years.

The festivities began with a Friday evening vespers service, themed “Lo! He Comes—Longing for the Lord’s Day.” Attendees sang songs about the second coming of Christ, including the opening song, “Lift up the Trumpet,” accompanied by trumpets. Longtime members shared personal testimonies about the church's impact on their lives and the community, highlighting the blessings received through the Beaumont church.

Sabbath was filled with special events. The Honorable David Fenn, mayor of Beaumont, and his wife, Misty, offered greetings and good wishes for many more years of gratitude to God. Former pastors attended, including Bob Atteberry, Bill Penick, and Meshach Soli, along with Mark Etchell, the pastor from their sister church in Banning.

The celebration continued with performances by children and other groups. Mary Ellen Bazemore reviewed the church's history through a PowerPoint presentation, showcasing various activities over the years and how people have changed over time.

The evening ended with a final song, “When We All Get to Heaven.” Guests stood and sang with power and emotion, expressing a collective longing for that wonderful day. 

This golden anniversary provided a unique opportunity to honor the church’s past, celebrate the present, and dream for the future. The occasion strengthened the bonds within the church community and set a vision of mission and outreach for years to come, all for the glory of the Creator and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. Pastors gather to celebrate. From left to right: Paul Schmidt, Bill Penick, Mark Etchell, Meshach Soli, Bob Atteberry, and Ron du Preez.
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2. Joel Avalos, Ryan Morada, and Basilio Avalos play instruments at vespers.
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Last fall, Alexy Mondak, pastor and Southeastern California Conference (SECC) assistant director of summer camp, had an idea. She recalled attending a women’s retreat as a teenager with her mom and wondered what something similar could look like in SECC. As summer camp director, she had seen firsthand the impact of youth ministry in her territory—so what if she helped create a retreat specifically for teen girls?

Those dreams came to reality on March 8-9 with the first-ever Bloom Conference, hosted at Camp Cedar Falls. Over 100 teen girls arrived to receive goodie bags, sing together in worship, and hear messages from Dilys Brooks, campus chaplain at Loma Linda University, on how to thrive as young women. They also enjoyed a range of breakout activities, from making vision boards and flower crowns to learning self-defense and relationship resilience. 

“We wanted it to be a weekend where the girls didn’t just sit and listen but were actively learning together,” said Elizabeth McDonald, family and children’s pastor at La Sierra University church and a member of the planning team. “It was so exciting to see something that we had all worked so hard on actually come to fruition.”

Perhaps the highlight of the weekend was “The Bloom Experience,” a makeshift fashion show where the girls made outfits out of wrapping and tissue paper before walking down the runway to applause from their peers. “All the girls immediately became one at that moment,” McDonald said. “It went from a space of uncertainty to one where we were together.”

“The Bloom Conference was truly a beautiful experience,” said Autumn White, a teen from the Azure Hills church. “I made so many new friends and had so much fun. I cannot wait for next year's retreat!” Another attendee told Mondak, “You all literally thought of everything we like!” 

“We wanted to give them something we didn’t have at their age,” Mondak reflected. “To know they felt their needs were met makes all of the stress and planning worth it.”

1. An attendee shows off her paper dress in The Bloom Experience. ↩︎
2. Dilys Brooks shares a message with the teen girls. ↩︎
3. Attendees participate in a self-defense class. ↩︎
4. Friendship bracelets were a fun breakout session at Bloom. ↩︎
5. Two girls craft flower crowns together. ↩︎
6. A group of attendees gather in prayer. ↩︎

On a Saturday evening in late February, Southeastern California Conference (SECC) hosted the second annual Young Adult Night at the Crosswalk church in Redlands, California. The “Wonder”-themed evening drew more than 400 attendees, ages 18 to 39, from over 100 churches throughout SECC. 

The event started outdoors with free food, a coffee bar, a photo booth, live music, and a DJ.

“We weren’t selling them on anything,” said Aren Rennacker, director of SECC youth ministries. “We wanted to create a space to connect with our young adults without pretense. It’s simple: We love them and want them to know it.”

Halfway through the evening, attendees were invited inside for worship, led by Laia and Jo Amaya. The pair organized a young adult orchestra and choir with over 30 participants. Attendees shared testimonies, followed by a short message delivered by Rennacker.

Recognizing a gap in engagement and a need for a shared space where young adults could connect, worship, and be inspired, the night aimed to serve as a catalyst for reigniting, launching, or relaunching young adult ministries in local churches.

“Part of my message focused on how we all come from somewhere—our local churches,” Rennacker explained. “The message was that when you return, pour into your church and grow young adult ministries there too.”

“I feel honored to be part of a movement within SECC to reimagine effective ways to make our young people feel valued by the Seventh-day Adventist Church,” said Rennacker. 

“Our goal, both this year and last year, was to provide a space specifically catered to the wants and needs of young adults. We want our young adults to know that they’re a priority and that they’re seen and heard. We’re already excited about next year.”

For more information, visit seccyouth.com and follow their Instagram page @SECCYouth.

1. The praise team worships in song. ↩︎
2. Attendees laugh and mingle outside. ↩︎

In March, Matthew Perez, grades 3-4 teacher at Oceanside Adventist Elementary (OAE), was selected as one of 12 out of 24,000 teachers in San Diego County to receive recognition for his work in the classroom through Tribute to Teachers, an annual program presented by local radio station KYXY 96.5 and American Assets Trusts. 

“I was completely shocked,” Perez admitted. Representatives presented Perez with a plaque and gift card, noting his fun style of teaching, the family-like atmosphere in his classroom, and contributions he’s made to his students, both academically and spiritually.

“This honor is well-deserved,” commented Brooke Lemmon, OAE principal, who has received much positive feedback from parents about Perez. “I see his incredible contributions every day.”

One parent shared their child’s reflection on how blessed they were to be in a class that is “like a big family.” Another posted on Facebook an encouraging note Perez had sent them in the mail.

“It is most important to me that my students feel safe, welcome, and loved,” Perez said. “These needs must be met before academics can be applied.”

“The more seasoned I get, the more I see relationship-building with my students as a puzzle,” he said. “Each year it’s a different group of students with different personalities and needs, and I have to figure it out. It takes time, but I really enjoy it.”

Perez approaches the school year, and education, as a marathon, and he helps his students view it that way, too—long, sometimes grueling, with lots of peaks and valleys throughout, and a chance for them to learn how to pace themselves.

“It’s important to savor the moments at the peaks and learn from the times of struggle in the valleys,” he said. 

Lemmon says Perez’s approach clearly works. “Mr. Perez is all in for OAE and for God,” she said. “He has a positive and professional attitude and enjoys openly sharing his faith with his students.”

Perez said he is incredibly grateful to the person who nominated him for the award and added, “It is a wonderful feeling to be honored for the work I do—even when I already absolutely love it.” 

1. Perez humbly accepts gifts and the plaque with his family. ↩︎
2. Perez tackles math with his students. ↩︎

1. Pastor Joel Armenta (right) of the Nogales Spanish church stands with several of the candidates for baptism. ↩︎
2. Pastor Jose Jimenez of the Tucson Central Spanish church prepares to baptize one of several attendees to the evangelistic meetings that took place at his church. ↩︎
3. Pastor Joshua Lopez of the Blythe Central Spanish church in SECC presents a message in Phoenix Deer Valley Spanish church as part of the evangelism exchange program.
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4. Arizona Conference President Ed Keyes (left) preaches at the Tucson Esperanza Spanish church as part of the ongoing Hispanic Ministries evangelism program.
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