It is with sadness that we ask you to pray and support the Hawaii Conference, as wildfires are still ravaging Maui. Reuters reports the death toll is up to 55 with many unaccounted for and billions of dollars in damage.
Hawaii conference has been affected too. “Members have lost homes and are displaced; our church kitchen, parsonage, and part of the sanctuary are gone,” said Hawaii Conference President Erik VanDenburgh in his August 9 statement. The conference is coordinating efforts to help members and students that have been affected by the fires. The photo above is taken from Hawaii Conference, displaying the yellow shirts that are "beacons of light" amidst the tragedy.
The need for housing, food, personal items, and even gasoline is great in Maui. Giving financially is one of the best ways to provide immediate relief. You can donate to the Maui Relief Fund by going to www.HawaiiSDA.com and donating there. To stay up to date, follow the Hawaii Conference Facebook page.
We ask that you continue to keep our brothers and sisters in Hawaii in prayer. Pray for God’s comfort, wisdom, protection, and provision during this time.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, Psalm 46:1.
Praying for our Children
Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 1:30pm.
1305 Deodar Rd., Escondido, CA 92026
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.
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Join Loma Linda University Church on a life-changing mission trip to the Maasai Mara in Kenya, Africa, from June 15-29, 2026. This two-week experience offers participants the opportunity to serve alongside local communities through outreach, ministry, and relationship-building while experiencing the rich culture and spiritual life of Kenya.
Registration is required, and payment and sign-up information can be found at ureachlluc.com/missions-2026.
For any other inquiries:
Contact Joshua Wagner
(909) 206-4255 | ureachmissions@ureachlluc.com
