In the heart of Beaumont, a new initiative is jogging its way into the hearts of local residents – a running club spearheaded by Ron Du Preez, pastor of Beaumont church. Known for combining his athletic passion with his community-driven spirit, Du Preez has sparked a movement towards healthier living and community camaraderie. 

Currently unnamed and in the process of discussion, the club’s inception is rooted in cultivating relationships and wellness across the community. Du Preez, who also serves as a chaplain at San Gorgonio Hospital, is an avid runner who shares his passion of health to inspire others. 

On October 27, the club hosted its inaugural event at the Albert A. Chatigny Community Center. Community members, including the president of the Loma Linda Lopers Club, Jim Hughes, and David Fenn, Beaumont city mayor, addressed the crowd with messages. Church members and local community members alike gathered for an evening that was as much about fitness as it was about fellowship. The event included a name competition with a $50 prize, free meals, snacks, and massages, all designed to foster a sense of engagement. 

The club, which meets monthly plans to undertake more extensive events such as hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail. The broader vision extends beyond physical health. With Ron's advocacy for wholistic living and "healthy friendship evangelism," the group also aims to spread a message of spiritual growth and service. Connection with others is a passion Du Preez holds closely. "God is opening doors for me to connect with people and discussions for deep questions," he notes. 

The running club, soon to align with the Beaumont church health ministries, reflects Du Preez's ethos of integrating personal passions with broader community goals. His endeavors reveal a blueprint for how local leaders can engage with and enrich their communities—to create spaces for people to gather and opportunities to share the love of Jesus. "I think this is what Adventists should be doing," Du Preez emphasizes.  

Ultimately, the running club is more than just a group of individuals pursuing fitness goals; it is a beacon of how local initiatives can transform lives, foster a healthy community, and evangelize by building healthier connections. 

1. Du Preez stands in first place from a recent half marathon run  ↩︎
2. Du Preez smiles during a 10K run    ↩︎

The small desert town of Blythe, on the California-Arizona border, is often associated with its heat, prison, and remoteness. But on October 26, the Colorado River became the setting for something remarkable—a baptismal celebration that united the local church community. 

Nearly 100 people gathered at Peter McIntyre County Park to witness ten individuals publicly commit their lives to Jesus through baptism. This event marked the first of its kind for the area and brought together two congregations—the Blythe Seventh-day Adventist Church and Blythe Central Church. Four candidates came from the Blythe church, while a family of six represented the Blythe Central church. The day was filled with unity, joy, and spiritual renewal. 

Led by Gabriel Riojas, district pastor and local church elders, the baptisms in the Colorado River inspired cheers as each candidate emerged from the water. Among them was Genesis Brodkin from Blythe Central, who shared, “I want to grow closer to Jesus and love God better.” Reflecting on the day, she called it “the best day of my life.” Genesis was joined by five family members, including her grandfather, cousins, and sibling, making the moment even more profound. Cheers echoed as each candidate were washed in the waters of the Colorado River. 

A particularly touching moment came when Kiana Ortiz, a Blythe Church member, was baptized alongside her husband, Diego—the first and only double baptism of the day. Having attended the church intermittently for thirteen years, Kiana shared that it wasn’t until recently that she considered baptism. “It was lovely and so different,” she said. “Being baptized with my husband was refreshing and unforgettable.” Her story is a reminder of the importance of reaching those already in our midst. 

The celebration concluded with a shared potluck, symbolizing the unity of the two congregations. Despite the town's challenges, such as poverty and slow growth, the beautiful scene of baptisms demonstrated that God is actively working in even the most remote places. In Blythe, where little seems to move, God is moving in powerful ways. 

1. Riojas baptizes Diego and Kiana Ortize along with church elders. ↩︎
2. Brodkin smiles joyfully after her baptism.  ↩︎
3. Friends and family gather on the bank of the Colorado River.  ↩︎

Cliff and his wife, Freddie, made a last-minute decision to book a budget flight, leading them to seats at the back of the plane. Initially annoyed by the inconveniences, their perspective shifted when they met Jonathan and Cristina Mendoza, seated across from them with their two sons, 12-year-old Bentley and baby Thiago. 

As Thiago cried during takeoff, Cristina declined a fellow passenger's help. But Cliff, affectionately known as the "Child Whisperer," stepped in and calmed the baby. This gesture opened the door for a meaningful conversation between Cliff and Jonathan. Upon learning the couple was headed to San Diego for their son London’s installation as senior pastor, Cliff felt led to invite the family to the service. Jonathan’s response, “I need Jesus in my life,” left a lasting impression. 

To Cliff’s surprise, the Mendozas arrived early the next morning for Sabbath school and the service. They connected with the church community and began attending regularly, forming a close bond with London Lee, senior pastor of the San Diego Clairemont Church. Through Bible studies and support from the congregation, Cristina started to heal from the devastating loss of her 16-year-old son, Isaiah, to gun violence two years earlier. 

Guided by newfound faith, Jonathan and Cristina made significant life changes. After learning about biblical marriage, they decided to live apart until they could wed. In September 2024, Lee officiated their wedding, a joyful milestone in their journey. Weeks later, the couple was baptized together, their tearful embrace in the baptismal pool a testament to God’s transformative power. 

The family has since become integral to the San Diego Clairemont church. Jonathan joined the “Service and Love Together” (SALT) ministry, serving the homeless, while Bentley joined the Pathfinder club. While attending the International Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, Bentley decided to be baptized.  

The Mendozas’ journey from grief and uncertainty to joy and purpose reflects God’s perfect timing and grace, proving how a simple plane encounter can spark a lifetime of transformation. 

1. Jonathan and Cristina smile while in the baptismal pool.  ↩︎
2. The Mendozas celebrate with Cliff and Freddie.  ↩︎

This past October, the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) ordained Eugene “Gene” Oswald at OCGrace Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he serves as a pastor focused on family and children’s ministries. 

Oswald’s journey began as a young boy, age six, when he started volunteering at church by speaking during services and helping with children’s stories. His involvement in church services and outreach laid the foundation for a life dedicated to ministry and ignited his passion for serving others. Oswald remarks, “Jesus is the greatest teacher, and using His parables and lessons has always been the inspiration behind my ministry.” 

At age 12, Oswald led his first Bible study with Mrs. Doty, who later became a family friend. Seeing her baptized left a lasting impression on him and marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to spiritual mentorship. “From there, I would teach Sabbath School, speak in church…and become a youth leader in Pathfinders,” Oswald shares. 

Over the years, Oswald’s ministry evolved. He taught for over four decades, served as a youth leader, and led numerous initiatives from children’s church to the “Pass It On” conference. “God can use you in mighty ways no matter your profession or situation,” he says. His path, often unconventional, has been driven by a commitment to following God’s call, whether in a classroom or from the pulpit. 

Oswald’s wife, Valerie, and their four children have been integral to his ministry, often joining him in church activities. “How can you minister to anyone if you cannot minister to your family, friends, and neighbors?” he reflects. He is proud that his children and grandchildren are active in the church, continuing a legacy of faith. 

On retirement, Oswald notes, “Only He knows what that will be. I look forward to whatever the future holds, but it will be a continued walk with Jesus.” 

As Oswald embarks on this new chapter, SECC celebrates his ordination and the dedication he brings to his ministry. His passion for guiding others in faith exemplifies his calling to spread Christ’s love in his community and beyond. His journey is a reminder that faith can lead us to extraordinary places, no matter where we start. Whether you're leading a congregation, mentoring a young person, or simply serving those around you, his story is an example of inspiring those around us to walk in faith. 

Congratulations to Pastor Gene on his ordination! 

1. Gene receives prayer during his ordination service. ↩︎
2. Conference president, Jonathan Park presents Oswald his ordination license. ↩︎

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.
   ↩︎
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. ↩︎