Teen FLOW got its start in 2022 with the mission to nurture the growth of teen leaders of Southeastern California Conference’s (SECC) Pathfinders. With tremendous success and great fellowship, Teen FLOW saw its third annual one-day event occur in December 2024 at La Sierra Academy.
Over 220 teen Pathfinders from across SECC gathered for the one-day event, almost doubling the number of teens from last year. “Teen FLOW is a highlight event of our year,” shared Aren Rennacker, SECC director of youth and young adults. “Our teen leaders have done so much in their clubs throughout the year, and we love gathering together to celebrate them. It’s especially fun to see how they connect with each other as they sing, serve, and play at our gym night.”
With a focus on Faith, Leadership, Outreach, and Witnessing, the day’s activities included worship, breakout sessions, and a message from the main speaker, George Tuyu, youth pastor of Azure Hills church. Tuyu emphasized with attendees how God shapes their lives and works with them and through them for His glory.
The breakout sessions of the day were divided by the pillars of FLOW. For “Faith” and “Leadership,” Pathfinder teens enjoyed crafting care packages and working together on a collaborative drawing activity. “Outreach” and “Witnessing” saw attendees visit Gardens of Riverside, an assisted living facility, and engage with its residents and staff. Rennacker shared his own insights on the valuable skills needed when sharing the gospel with others.
For Jared Gonzalez, SECC assistant director for youth media, his first Teen FLOW experience was one he won’t forget. “To see the excitement and drive for ministry these pathfinders had in them was amazing,” said Gonzalez. “Pathfinder teens were so eager to learn and grow spiritually together.”
The growth of Teen FLOW has been inspiring–the benefits teen leaders gain from it even more so. “It [is] a reminder that we should continue to equip and provide resources for our youth so that they can continue life in the path God wants for their lives,” Gonzalez reflected. Rennacker added: “We are grateful for the leadership of our Teen FLOW coordinators, Mercy and JJ Martinez, and to Pastor George for his timely messages! We look forward to the next event!”
Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pastor David Perez Torpoco. He passed away January 27, 2025, and is now resting in Jesus. Originally from Huancayo, Peru, he received his education at Colegio Unión and pastored for 25 years before beginning his ministry in the United States.
Pastor Perez was a servant of God, the church, a beloved husband and father that left a legacy of inspiration. He is best remembered as being present and intentional with those he loved and served.
Before his retirement, Perez served in Orange County, assisting with a colporteur ministry, leading bible studies, and pastoring the Brawley, Indio Spanish, Lake Elsinore, Temecula, and La Sierra Spanish churches.
Southeastern California Conference is grateful for the many years of service to our Church and his commitment to ministry. He brought a spirit full of love for Jesus and passionate energy of service to others.
He leaves behind his wife Elizabeth and his children, Sam, Areli, Aurora, his 4 grandchildren Bernard, Amanda, Ariana, and Elias. A service will be held on February 9, 2025, at the La Sierra Spanish church.
Please keep his family and his loved ones in prayer.
After over 30 years of dedicated ministry, Doug Mace has retired from his role at Loma Linda University Church (LLUC), leaving a legacy of passion and transformative leadership that has profoundly shaped the church community. Beginning as a volunteer youth leader in 1985, Doug’s willingness to serve—despite personal challenges—set the foundation for a thriving career in ministry.
Invited by Shirley and Marvin Ponder, Doug first served in children’s Sabbath school and as a Camp Meeting storyteller. He soon joined the youth ministry at the invitation of Dr. Fred Kasische, learning that ministry didn’t require perfection, only a willing heart. Guided by Dr. William Loveless, who encouraged him to embrace a pragmatic approach to serving God, Mace formally answered the call to ministry in 1994. This pivotal moment began a lifelong journey as a youth pastor for the Southeastern California Conference (SECC).
Doug’s leadership philosophy centered on empowering young people. Through programs like Teen Ministry (TMs) and Junior High Leadership, he provided spaces for youth to grow as disciples of Christ. “I don’t make leaders—God does,” Mace shared. “But I can create opportunities for them to flourish.” By engaging young people in the life of the church and fostering their sense of purpose, Doug inspired countless youth to deepen their connection to God.
Throughout his career, Doug worked alongside exceptional colleagues, including his close friend and mentor, Randy Roberts, senior pastor of LLUC. Together, they spearheaded impactful initiatives such as annual Camp Meetings, Easter Sabbath celebrations, and summer family fun nights—memories Doug treasures deeply. Pastors' retreats in San Clemente remain among his favorite moments, reflecting the camaraderie and vision-building that characterized his ministry.
As Doug steps into retirement, he looks forward to slowing down, spending time with his family, and enjoying Sabbath worship at LLUC. His plans include woodworking, honing his skills as an “Instagram chef,” and developing activities to engage youth beyond their phones.
Doug’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, but his legacy will continue to inspire the LLUC community for years to come. His faith, dedication, and heart for service leave a lasting imprint, reminding all of us that God truly works through willing hearts.
Mt. Rubidoux Seventh-day Adventist Church recently hosted a transformative weekend event, Breath of Life Day, with Debleaire Snell, pastor of Breath of Life, aimed at renewing the spiritual vitality of the congregation and reaching out to the broader community.
The event’s purpose was clear: to inspire a deeper spiritual commitment among attendees and ignite a fresh passion for faith. "The weekend was a powerful reminder of God's presence in our lives," said Dr. Alfonzo Greene, senior pastor of Mt. Rubidoux church. "It was a time to refocus and renew our spiritual lives."
Snell, known for his dynamic leadership of the Breath of Life media ministry, which serves as the North American Division’s leading Black media ministry, delivered an impactful sermon titled "The Bucket List." His message encouraged attendees to evaluate their life priorities through a spiritual lens, calling them to examine what truly matters in light of God’s calling.
"The Bucket List was a powerful word for everyone," said Dr. Andrea King, vice president for black ministries at Southeastern California Conference (SECC), and a board member of Breath of Life. "We were reminded that God saves the best for last, and our best days are still ahead. The call to action was clear—to wait well while God works in our lives."
The event also provided a unique opportunity for connection between the Breath of Life ministry and its supporters. “It was inspiring to see so many first-time visitors,” said Dr. King. "Pastor Snell invited his supporters from throughout Southern California, and they came out to show their support."
Breath of Life has been a key player in spreading the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ through a contemporary, urban perspective for over 50 years. This event was not only about spiritual renewal but also about celebrating and connecting with the digital disciples who support this ministry.
Pastor Snell expressed his gratitude for the support of the ministry’s "digital disciples" during the event. “This weekend is a way for us to reciprocate the resources and prayers we’ve been blessed with,” he shared.
The weekend proved to be a monumental success, leaving the Mt. Rubidoux church and its community spiritually rejuvenated and more committed to deepening their relationship with God.
January 30, 2025 | Columbia, MD
From the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church: An Appeal for Human Dignity and Decency
There are many in the United States who are afraid for their futures, and for the lives of family members. As a Christian denomination in the U.S., the Seventh-day Adventist Church supports the rights of all persons, no matter their country of origin—the equal rights provided in the U.S. Constitution and fair treatment as immigrants and refugees in this country.
As members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we believe that “we are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation” (Fundamental Belief No.14).
“We maintain our allegiance to the biblical principles of equality and dignity of all human beings in the face of historic and continuing attempts to use skin color, place of origin, caste, or perceived lineage as a pretext for oppressive and dominating behavior. These attempts are a denial of our shared humanity, and we deplore all such aggression and prejudice as an offense to God” (Seventh-day Adventist Church statement “One Humanity: A Human Relations Statement Addressing Racism, Casteism, Tribalism, and Ethnocentrism”).
The Bible declares that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female—all are one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28). We are one humanity. Dehumanization and margination by law or the implementation of the laws or policies are diametrically opposed to the Bible. Therefore, it is inhumane and robs people of their God-given dignity in Christ to have policies that make them afraid to go to church and school because of the threat of being deported.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America encourages its churches and schools to be warm and welcoming places for all people. All are created by God and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
In light of the fact that we have a shared humanity, in light of the fact we all are created equal, in light of the fact we should love our neighbor as ourselves, and in light of the fact that Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40, NIV), our appeal is for us, as Adventists, to show our immigrant families that we love them by lifting up our voices and standing by their side in these times of uncertainty.
Our appeal to our policymakers and government leaders is found in The Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (p. 92): “All are in search of wholeness. All are gifted, needed, and treasured. All are created in the image of God with an inherent dignity regardless of any limitation they may have.” Therefore, let our laws and the implementation of our laws treat all of God’s children, who are created in His image, with the dignity and decency they deserve.
Sincerely,
G. Alexander Bryant, DMin
President
Kyoshin Ahn, PhD
Executive Secretary
Judy Glass
Treasurer/CFO
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pastor Julio Tabuenca. He passed away Friday, January 17, 2025.
Pastor Julio Tabuenca was born in Juliaca, Peru, where his parents served as missionaries from Argentina. In 1967, he and his wife, Alicia, traveled from Argentina to the United States to pursue master's degrees at Andrews University. Pastor Julio would go on to complete his PhD from CA Graduate School of Theology and his EdD from Loma Linda University.
Over his lifetime, Pastor Julio held several leadership roles ranging from Adventist education to Public Health. His last thirty years of ministry were spent in the Southeastern California Conference where he pastored nearly a dozen churches with his trademark passion and dedication, eventually retiring as senior pastor of the Campus Hill church in 2018.
He leaves behind his wife Alicia, children Monica Huff, Arturo Tabuenca, and five granddaughters.
Southeastern California Conference expresses their gratitude for his years of service and active membership in spreading the gospel.
Please join us in keeping his family and loved ones in prayer.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pastor Daniel Skoretz. He passed away Wednesday afternoon, January 15, 2025, with his wife and children by his side in Grand Terrace, California. After 97 years, he is now at rest in Jesus.
Pastor Skoretz served the Seventh-day Adventist Church for many years through faithful service. He started his career in Canada, serving as pastor in the Prince Albert district and Edmonton churches. He then served as a departmental director in the Alberta Conference and the Ontario/Quebec Conference. After earning his MA in Education, he taught at Canadian Union College in the theology department. After earning an MPH at Loma Linda University, he taught at the School of Public Health and then worked in the Ministerial department and Health department of the General Conference. Returning to pastoral work in the Southeastern California Conference he pastored the Hemet church during the construction of their present church complex. In retirement he served part time at the Crestline, Homeland and Mentone churches. He served the Adventist Church as an employee for 73 years with 40 years of pastoral ministry. Most recently, he pastored at the Mentone and Homeland churches as associate pastor before his retirement in 2024.
Southeastern California Conference is grateful for the many years of service to our Church and his commitment to ministry. He brought a spirit full of love for Jesus and passionate energy of service to others.
He leaves behind his wife Elaine and his adult children, DonnaLee (Lehmann), Sherlynne (Will), Randall, Robert, and 10grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Please keep his family and his loved ones in prayer.
We continue to keep our sisters and brothers in Los Angeles in prayer in light of the fires and evacuations in Los Angeles county. Southern California Conference is working to mobilize churches within their conference to be used as shelters in the coming days. The needs and availability are still being assessed in the area. Each site will have varying levels of resources available, which include shelter, food, and showers
Adventist Community Services from both the Pacific Union and North American Division are working with them to support their efforts.
You can contribute your support for those affected by fires within Southeastern California Conference and Southern California Conference by visiting AdventistGiving and selecting the “California Fires” fund (offering code 78102). This fund is also available online or through in-person giving by checking the "California Fires" fund on your tithe envelope. More information is listed below. To donate funds directly through PayPal to Southeastern California Conference, visit our Treasury page.
During times of hardship, the Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to be a resource and place of healing. Adventist Community Services is available with resources for disaster response.
Southern California Conference List of Shelter Locations:
Evacuation Sites Available for Southern California Fires
SECC Information:
Southeastern California Conference Community Services
PayPal Donation > SECC Treasury
AdventistGiving:
How to give online to the "California Fires" fund:
A New Step Towards Community Health: Beaumont's Emerging Running Club
By Taji Saleem
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.
