By: Michel Aguinaga
On March 14, 2026, the Pathfinder Bible Experience Union-Level Testing was held at La Sierra Academy gymnasium, bringing together 27 teams from across every conference in the Union and welcoming nearly 500 attendees for a day of worship, fellowship, and biblical study. This year, Pathfinders were tested on their knowledge of Isaiah chapters 1–33, demonstrating remarkable dedication to Scripture memorization and understanding.
The Southeastern California Conference was well represented with eight teams participating:
We are thrilled to celebrate that all eight SECC teams earned first place, advancing to the Division-level Pathfinder Bible Experience testing at Camp Hawthorne, Florida.
We are also grateful for the support of our local clubs: the Arlington SDA Church Pathfinder Club prepared lunch for over 300 attendees, and the Kansas Avenue SDA Church Pathfinder Club provided a meaningful color guard ceremony during the opening and closing worship services.
Thank you to all Pathfinders, leaders, volunteers, and families who made this event such a success. We continue to pray for our teams as they prepare for the next level!
Michel Aguinaga is the Associate Youth Director for Club Ministries of the Southeastern California Conference.
March 13, 2026
RIVERSIDE, Calif.—On March 12, 2026, the Matheson Chapel on the campus of La Sierra University was filled with friends, family, and colleagues in celebration of Southeastern California Conference’s (SECC) very own Conference treasurer, Verlon Strauss.
Strauss, who has served as treasurer for nearly fifteen years was affirmed in his leadership that has been tangibly seen in numerous ways. This ordination is one of special recognition to highlight the evident ministry of an individual in a non-pastoral role. As treasurer, he upholds the Adventist church mission that assists the conference in accomplishing its mission and vision by modeling its values. In his service, Strauss has contributed his skills of accounting to ensure a financially healthy conference.
Jonathan Park, conference president, and Patty Marruffo, executive secretary, expressed their appreciation and gratitude during the ordination service both affirming Strauss’ heart for ministry and pastor-like mentality.
The Southeastern California Conference is thrilled to acknowledge the ministry of Verlon Strauss through ordination.
Congratulations Verlon!
Alexy Mondak to Join the Redlands Seventh-day Adventist Church
March 2, 2026
RIVERSIDE, CALIF.—Southeastern California Conference (SECC) announces that Alexy Mondak, Summer Camp Director and Assistant Youth Director will join the Redlands Seventh-day Adventist Church as Associate Pastor beginning April 2026.
Mondak has been instrumental in leading the conference summer camp program alongside Executive Director of Pine Springs Ranch, Carmen Ibáñez. In her role as Assistant Youth Director, Mondak has also helped lead and oversee new events organized by the Youth department, which include the Young Adult Night, The Experience: a worship event for junior high students, and Bloom Conference for high school girls. Pastor Alexy has served in several conferences prior to joining SECC in June 2022. Her experience in clinical psychology from Southern Adventist University and Master of Arts in Youth and Young Adult Ministry at Andrews Theological Seminary has shaped her as a pastor. Currently, Mondak is working towards a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling.
As Mondak steps into a new season, the Conference expresses deep gratitude for her service and commitment to youth ministry.
Mark Ricalde Appointed Associate Youth Director
March 2, 2026
RIVERSIDE, CALIF.—Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is excited to announce Mark Ricalde as Associate Director for Youth and Young Adults, effective April 2026. This appointment follows the confirmation of the February Executive Committee meeting.
Ricalde is passionate about today’s young leaders and how they will shape the church of tomorrow. He has enjoyed working as a youth pastor, church planter, camp director, and academy chaplain. Ricalde holds a degree in religious studies from Burman University and a Master of Divinity from La Sierra University. He is married to Alina, a pediatric dentist. Together, they enjoy walks, spending time with friends, and hanging out with their cats, Daisy and Hamilton.
Pastor Mark joins the Youth department (SECC Youth) from his most-recent role as associate youth pastor at Crosswalk Redlands.
As Ricalde joins the SECC Youth team and our conference office family, please keep him and his family in prayer.
Congratulations Mark!
February 9 and 10 marked the beginning of the Center for Discipleship & Evangelism Community Engagement intensive track. Partnered with Andrews University’s Center for Community Change, 10 pastors—four from Southeastern California Conference (SECC) and six from the Northern California Conference—outreach was the sole focus. From SECC, pastors Baron Savory, sole pastor at Valley Fellowship; Laffit Cortes, senior pastor of Escondido; Sandra Fermin, associate pastor for youth, young adults, and community engagement at Loma Linda Filipino; and Linda Biswas, community engagement pastor from Azure Hills, were selected to join the training across two days.
Through its partnership with Andrews University, the Center for Discipleship & Evangelism is laying a foundation for sustainable, community-focused ministry across the conference. This track marks a strategic step forward in equipping pastors and members to engage their communities with compassion and purpose.
To learn more about the Center for Discipleship & Evangelism, visit www.seccministerial.org/cde.
PRESS RELEASE: Anna Chung to Conclude Her Role at SECC Legal & Property Services
January 8, 2026
RIVERSIDE, CALIF.—The Southeastern California Conference (SECC) announces that Anna Chung, General Counsel for the Legal and Property Services Department, will be concluding her service with the conference following several years of dedicated leadership and counsel.
Since joining SECC in 2021, Chung has served as the Conference’s primary legal advisor, providing guidance on governance, compliance, risk management, and property matters affecting approximately 150 congregations, multiple boards, and the Conference’s educational institutions. Her work has included advising executive leadership and board committees, overseeing legal aspects of real estate transactions, developing employment and child protection policies, and coordinating with outside counsel and insurance partners to safeguard the Conference’s mission and operations.
Throughout her tenure, Chung was known for her diligence, integrity, and collaborative approach, offering steady counsel during complex legal and organizational matters. Her leadership played a key role in strengthening internal processes and ensuring responsible stewardship across departments and institutions.
As Chung steps into a new season, the Conference expresses deep gratitude for her faithful service and professional excellence. While transitions can be challenging, SECC remains confident in God’s continued guidance and provision for the work ahead. Her role will conclude January 15, 2026.
This announcement marks not an ending, but a transition, one made with appreciation for Chung’s contributions and prayers for God’s blessing as she moves forward.
Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the passing of Pastor Cami B. Cruz Jiménez, who peacefully went to rest on September 23, 2025, at the age of 87. Cruz was known for his unwavering dedication to the Seventh-day Adventist Church and his lifelong commitment to ministry, education, and leadership.
For over five decades, he served with integrity and humility as an evangelist and preacher, with 14 of those years serving the Southeastern California Conference as senior head auditor. His legacy reflects a deep passion for sharing God’s message and strengthening the institutions that shaped generations of Adventist believers. He is remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He is survived by his three children, Alba, Abel, and Brunilda; along with his granddaughters, Joaly, Kiana, and Jasmine; his grandsons, Kelly and Gabriel; and his great-granddaughter, Evani. We are deeply grateful for Pastor Cruz and his many faithful years of service to the Southeastern California Conference and his commitment to ministry. All are welcome to join the family at his memorial service in November.
The family kindly asks that you RSVP if you plan to attend by October 28, 2025.
Service information for Pastor Cruz as follows:
Celebration Service
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 3:00 – 4:30pm
Avon Park SDA Church; Avon Park, FL
Fellowship Dinner
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 5:00 – 7:00pm
Avon Park SDA Church; Avon Park, FL
For more information, visit: Cruz Memorial Service Details
Livestream: Avon Park SDA Livestream
Laguna Niguel Junior Academy Operations Paused for the 2025-2026 School Year
August 11, 2025
RIVERSIDE, Calif.— The Office of Education takes its responsibility of ensuring our schools are providing safe, high quality (spiritually and academically) education for our families very seriously. This includes identifying trends and metrics that require attention to meet our educational standards.
On July 31, 2025, the Office of Education, along with conference administration, and the Laguna Niguel Junior Academy (LNJA) school board have concluded to pause the school’s operation for the 2025-2026 school. A number of factors were considered which included the lack of teaching and administrative staff at the school. After nearly two months of pursuing viable candidates, in addition to minimal student enrollment confirmation, the conference and school board have voted to pause operations for this school year.
As the conference continues to assess, the Office of Education is continuing to support families by personally contacting them with offers of assistance in transitioning to another Adventist school. Orangewood Academy (OA) is working closely with conference personnel to support transferring students for the nearing school year. OA will honor all tuition assistance and agreements if registered by August 14th. In addition to this, the conference will grant monthly transportation scholarships in the amount of $100 per family.
The LNJA school board will remain intact and continue to meet regularly to work on a proposal to present to the Office of Education in November on the future reopening of the school.
We invite you to continue to pray for our students, staff, and administrators through this season of transition. We remain affirmed that God’s work is still active through Adventist education and the lives of our students and families.
