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.
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.
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!
Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
We are profoundly saddened by the tragic events that unfolded Wednesday at Feather River Adventist School in Northern California Conference. In times like these, we turn to our Heavenly Father for His presence, seeking comfort, healing, and restoration for those who are suffering.
Our hearts are with those directly impacted by this devastating tragedy. We understand that events like these may bring worry and uncertainty, especially for families with children in school and church safety. Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and members remains our highest priority. We are ever mindful of the health and safety of our members.
As part of this long-term commitment to health and safety, we have already provided resources for protocols and practices to ensure school and local church safety. We are dedicated to maintaining a secure and supportive environment for everyone.
Church leaders have been actively monitoring the story and are assured there is no current threat to schools or churches within our conference or the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Your trust and partnership are invaluable as we navigate this difficult time together.
We ask you to keep the injured students and their families in your prayers and that you pray for the Feather River community—all the students, families, teachers, the larger community, and our church leaders. We also recognize that this event may have an emotional impact on our students, schools, and churches across the country.
We ask for your continued prayers for our Southeastern California Conference community, and Northern California Conference as they process this recent trauma together. We thank God for His mercy, His protection, and His steadfast love over those we hold dear. May His peace continue to guide and sustain us all.
All media inquiries and questions can be directed towards our Communications & Media department via email: communications@seccsda.org
Loma Linda, CA
Pastors Linda Biswas, Elina Camarena, and Maria Ejurango were recognized by the Association of Adventist Women on October 12, 2024. The annual Junia Awards were created to highlight women from each division who are active in their local church leadership, administration or religious training. The goal of the awards ceremony is to encourage other women who are also leading in church groups and to assure the worldwide church that women have been accepted as holding up half the sky in a wide array of cultures in the Adventist church. Each pastor from SECC have been recognized as the first Bengali-American, Hispanic, and Filipina respectively in their churches.
Congratulations Linda, Elina, and Maria!
We are excited to announce the appointment of Pastor Meshach Soli as the new Associate Ministerial Director for the Southeastern California Conference (SECC). He joins the Ministerial department with excitement to serve each pastor and a part of the Center for Discipleship & Evangelism.
Pastor Meshach, born and raised in Southern California, brings with him over 14 years of pastoral experience, a powerful testimony of transformation through God’s grace, and a passion for serving others. His ministry journey has been dedicated to empowering youth and young adults, and he currently serves as the Associate Youth Director for Club Ministries.
With a deep connection to his Pacific Islander roots and a heart for evangelism, Pastor Meshach is also the Board Chair for The Two Percent Ministry, serving Indigenous and Pacific Islander communities across the North American Division. Known for his dynamic leadership and love for ministry, he views his role not as a job, but as a lifestyle of service to God’s Kingdom. Beyond his ministry work, he is a loving husband to his high school sweetheart, Linda, and father of five sons, serving together with his family in their mission to 'Magnify the King and Multiply the Kingdom.'
Please join us in welcoming Pastor Meshach as he steps into his new role on September 29, 2024. We are excited about the fresh energy and vibrant leadership he will bring to our Ministerial department!
