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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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.
With a background in young adult ministry and marriage and family therapy, Isaac Kim steps fully into his role as Youth Director for the Southeastern California Conference (SECC). His appointment to the position followed confirmation of the August Executive Committee, effective September 2025. Kim succeeds Aren Rennacker, the former director, after five years of leading SECC Youth Ministries.
Kim is no stranger to youth ministry or SECC. After more than two decades pastoring at the Calimesa Church, he joined the conference office in 2021 as Associate Director for Family & Children’s Ministries—a ministry area he continues to oversee as Youth Director.
Originally from Georgia, Kim began his academic journey at Georgia State University before receiving the call to study religion at Southern Adventist University. He later earned his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University, where he discovered how spiritual care and emotional health intersect in ministry. Working with young adults and families has always been a passion for Kim. “There’s a certain blessing that comes when you’re able to engage in the lives of people you worship and minister with,” he shared.
Reflecting on his transition to the Youth department, Kim is focusing on the momentum the department has created. “Aren and I shared a vision that age-based ministries are cohesive,” he explained. “Strong children’s ministries build strong youth ministries, which then strengthen adult ministries. Ministry doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s intergenerational.”
As Youth Director, Kim oversees SECC’s Family, Children’s, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries. The department supports local churches, Club Ministries, summer camp at Pine Springs Ranch, and works collaboratively with schools and pastors to nurture young people across all stages of faith development.
Kim emphasizes the importance of connection and prayer. “We ask that our members pray for our youth,” he said. “They are the most valuable part of the Church. Anything we can do to support our local churches and extend ministry to the next generation matters.” Through his leadership, Kim hopes to strengthen connections between generations and ensure that young people not only belong in the Church today but help shape its future.
