Southeastern California Conference joins thousands of other Seventh-day Adventist churches in the global effort of sharing the message of hope.
Part of the OneVoice27 initiative created by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the "All Things New" theme has officially launched in the North American Division.
All Things New invites every member and congregation to pray like Jesus, serve like Jesus, share Jesus, and follow Jesus. Utilizing innovative evangelism efforts, churches and schools participating will have the opportunity to join others from around the world in this global movement. We invite you to join in a united prayer effort beginning this September.
Churches and schools are invited to participate and share their stories from their programs with the conference.
Learn more about All Things New by visiting the link below.
*Originally published by the Center for Youth Evangelism
BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich.
Sept 10, 2026 Camporee Press Release
For months the North American Division International Camporee office staff and executive committee have been praying, meeting, and exploring options for the NAD International Pathfinder Camporee in 2029. After much consideration, the 2029 Stand Strong North American Division International Pathfinder Camporee is going back home to Oshkosh, Wisconsin!
“While the 2024 Believe the Promise Camporee out west in Gillette, Wyoming, was a phenomenal, unforgettable experience, there is a distinct joy in returning to our roots,” shared committee members. “Oshkosh is the place where the international camporee dream truly matured into a worldwide event, and we cannot wait for a brand-new generation of Pathfinders to experience this.”
The exact location for the 2029 camporee is the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), which has gone through an expansion since the last International Pathfinder Camporee in 2019. This allows the camporee the opportunity to come back to this awesome venue. “We are excited that the newly developed property will give us the space we need to hold the nighttime program,” organizers added.
As the camporee team continues preparations for Pathfinders to experience this world renowned camporee, they invite the global church family to cover this event in prayer. Please lift up the newly appointed camporee executive director Pastor Pedro Perez and the entire camporee team. Pray for wisdom, safety, and vision as they provide an atmosphere where more than 50,000 Pathfinders from around the world can explore the story of Elijah, grow their faith, and find the courage to stand strong for Jesus.
Don’t forget to buy your tickets, and we’ll see you in Oshkosh on August 20-26, 2029!
View the original article here: https://www.nadadventist.org/news/location-chosen-for-the-2029-stand-strong-north-american-division-international-pathfinder-camporee/
Dear Southeastern California Conference family,
It is with deep sorrow that the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) announces the death of Charles “Chuck” McKinstry. McKinstry served SECC faithfully since 1969 and leaves behind a legacy of commitment and dedication to serving children within the community.
McKinstry began teaching at the San Diego Academy in June 1969, becoming principal in 1978 and eventually becoming Superintendent of Education for SECC in July 1985 until November 2004. He inspired and mentored students, teachers, and administrators while serving in these roles. McKinstry loved Adventist education and was invested in its success.
“Chuck had the ability to quietly multiply an individual’s strengths and then provide opportunities to use those talents.,” said Datha Tickner, Superintendent of Schools.
McKinstry became the director of Property and Trust Service (PATS) in December 2004, providing legal counsel. He was a fierce protector of children at SECC churches and schools. He also provided legal advice and guidance to thousands of pastors, church leaders, teachers, principals and conference administration. “He had a way of making each one of us feel seen. He made leaders,” stated Reyna Escobar, director of Property & Trust services. McKinstry concluded his role in 2019.
“Chuck was consistently graceful under pressure and demonstrated the love of Christ to everyone he met,” said Richard Harrison, SECC Legal Counsel & Director of Legal/ Property Services.
The Southeastern California Conference extends its condolences to his family and loved ones and asks to keep them in your prayers during this time.
Celebration of Life Service
Saturday, September 12 at 3:00 p.m.
Corona Seventh-day Adventist Church
2550 S Main St, Corona, CA 92882
The service will be livestreamed and available for later viewing: www.youtube.com/@coronasdachurch
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 began the opening day of the Messiah's Mansion exhibition located at the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) office campus in Riverside. For six days, visitors can take a step back more than 3,000 years to experience the biblical sanctuary in a new way.
Messiah's Mansion, a traveling life-sized replica of the Hebrew Tabernacle, is open for tours September 1-6 at the SECC office. Through a guided, five-station experience, visitors journey from the courtyard into the Holy Place and Most Holy Place to learn about the altar of sacrifice, laver, table of showbread, altar of incense, candlestick, Ark of the Covenant, and garments of the high priest.
This historical exhibit brings the biblical story of the sanctuary to life and provides opportunities for guests of all ages to better understand its symbols, their significance, and God's plan of salvation for humanity.
For generations, Seventh-day Adventists have studied the sanctuary as more than an ancient structure. Its furnishings, sacrifices, priests, and services tell a larger story—the story of salvation and the ministry of Jesus Christ. The earthly sanctuary was designed as a place where God would dwell among His people, but Scripture also describes its services as a “copy and shadow of the heavenly things.” Throughout its worship system, the sanctuary pointed forward to Christ—His sacrifice for humanity, His role as our High Priest, and His continuing ministry on our behalf in the heavenly sanctuary.
In this way, the sanctuary message is not simply about understanding ancient Israel. It offers a picture of a God who desires to be near His people and has made a way for humanity to be restored to Him.
Walking through Messiah’s Mansion provides an opportunity to see familiar biblical passages in a new way. The altar can remind visitors of Christ’s sacrifice. The priesthood points toward Jesus as our High Priest. And the journey toward the Most Holy Place can invite reflection on God’s desire to ultimately restore His people fully into His presence.
Messiah’s Mansion has traveled across 38 states and seven countries since 2003, welcoming churches, schools, families, and communities along the way.
Free tours are available daily from 1:00 to 6:30 p.m. at 11330 Pierce Street in Riverside. Walk-ins are welcomed, but reservations are preferred. Visit https://www.messiahsmansion.com/riverside to book a tour.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Didier Noriega Selected to Serve as Hispanic Ministries Evangelist for Southeastern California Conference
August 31, 2026
RIVERSIDE, Calif.—Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is pleased to announce Didier Noriega to serve as Hispanic Ministries Evangelist. Noriega currently serves as the senior pastor for the Escondido Spanish Church and brings over eighteen years of ministry experience in Colombia and the United States.
Noriega earned his bachelor’s degree in theology in 2007 from the Universidad Adventista de Colombia and master’s in pastoral ministry from Andrews University in 2019. He was ordained to pastoral ministry in 2022 at the San Ysidro Spanish Church. Noriega began his ministry career by leading the youth ministry in Bogota, Columbia. He has provided pastoral oversight, supported evangelism programs and directed congregations throughout churches in both Columbia and California, serving SECC since 2013.
As evangelist, Noriega brings a background in congregational leadership, educational chaplaincy, and multi-church district administration. His ministry has been marked by public and personal evangelism, discipleship development and commitment to next-generation ministry. Noriega shared, “What excites me most about this new position is the opportunity to equip, inspire, and empower our churches for evangelism. My hope is not simply to conduct evangelistic campaigns, but to help develop disciples and leaders who can reach others and multiply the mission. Ultimately, I hope to build a culture of evangelism where every church and every member sees themselves as part of the mission.”
The Southeastern California Conference congratulates Noriega on this new chapter of his ministry and looks forward to working with him in this new role.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pedro Rascón Monribot Appointed to Serve as Vice President for Hispanic Ministries for Southeastern California Conference
August 27, 2026
RIVERSIDE, Calif.— The Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is pleased to announce Pedro Rascón Monribot to serve as Vice President for Hispanic Ministries for SECC. Rascón currently serves as the Conference Hispanic Ministries Evangelist and will succeed Yohalmo Saravia, who formerly served in the position, following his transition to the Pacific Union Conference.
Rascón’s journey into ministry began in Puebla, Mexico, experiencing divine intervention at fourteen. His father, an ordained pastor and director of Literature Evangelism, was also part of his conviction. Rascón graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theology from Montemorelos University and a master’s degree in pastoral ministries from Andrews University. He served in the Upper Columbia and Idaho Conferences as Hispanic Ministries Coordinator before joining SECC in 2004.
Throughout Rascón’s ongoing ministry, he has strengthened his skill for church planting and leadership of Hispanic ministries across various local conferences. His philosophy of leadership is built upon humble service and absolute submission to the sovereignty of God. During his time as SECC’s Hispanic Ministries Evangelist, he has led strategic evangelistic campaigns and collaborated with local pastors to strengthen outreach.
Rascón is passionate about equipping and training new generations of pastors and lay members, showing them the value of visiting homes and seeking out souls individually.
Rascón will begin in his new role starting August 30, 2026. The Southeastern California Conference is eager to continue to work with Rascón in this new role and congratulates him on another chapter at SECC.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Manny Vitug Voted to Serve as Vice President for Asian Pacific Ministries for the Pacific Union Conference
August 17, 2026
INDIAN WELLS, Calif.— The Southeastern California Conference congratulates Manny Vitug on his newly-elected position as Vice President for Asian Pacific Ministries for the Pacific Union Conference. Pastor Vitug served in a number of roles within the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) since July 2000 prior to his appointment.
Vitug, who has had a passion for pastoring and youth ministry, began within the SECC as Young Life Pastor before becoming Children’s Pastor and Camp Director for Pine Springs Ranch in 2003. Throughout his tenure, he served the Youth Ministries department as Associate Director for Family & Children’s Ministries until October 2021 before accepting a call to serve as Lead Pastor at the Loma Linda Filipino Church—his most recent assignment.
Southeastern California Conference is grateful for Vitug for his years of dedicated ministry to the youth, families, children and leaders he served. As he serves in his new position, we pray for God’s continued guidance and widening impact for Asian Pacific Ministries across the Union territory. SECC congratulates Vitug on this new chapter in his ministry at the Pacific Union Conference.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dr. Yohalmo Saravia Voted to Serve as Vice President for Hispanic Ministries for the Pacific Union Conference
August 17, 2026
INDIAN WELLS, Calif.— The Southeastern California Conference is pleased to congratulate Dr. Yohalmo Saravia on his election as Vice President for Hispanic Ministries for the Pacific Union Conference. Pastor Saravia served as Vice President of Hispanic Ministries at the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) for the past eight years and has served the conference for thirty-six years.
Saravia pastored at the Greater New York Conference in the late 1980s before joining the ministerial team at SECC. He held pastoral roles at the Hemet Spanish, Costa Mesa Spanish and San Diego Spanish churches. He joined the conference administration as Vice President of Hispanic Ministries in 2018.
“I look forward to partnering with Hispanic Conference Coordinators, pastors, and local churches to strengthen disciple-making ministries, equip leaders, and mobilize members for service,” said Saravia. “I am also excited about investing in the next generation of leaders and creating healthy leadership cultures.”
Throughout his years of service and leadership at SECC, Saravia has shown a deep commitment to Hispanic ministries and advancing the mission of the Church throughout the conference. The Southeastern California Conference is grateful for his years of dedication and congratulates him on this new chapter in his ministry at the Pacific Union Conference.
Connecting Through Christ Mid Term Session Notice
This official notice is to inform constituents of the Southeastern California Conference about the upcoming mid term sessions. Conference bylaws require that we have a meeting halfway between constituency sessions. These meetings provide opportunities for our members to dialogue, ask questions, and propose agenda items to be considered for our upcoming constituency session. Constituents are invited to join one of the meetings held in the county of their residence.
*Please note that a date and time change has been made for Imperial County and is current as listed below:
Imperial County | October 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
San Diego County | October 7, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Orange and Riverside Counties | October 13, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
San Bernardino County | October 14, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Download graphics in English and Spanish
Pastor Eliezer Benavides Remembered in Celebration of Life Service
The Southeastern California Conference acknowledges the passing of Pastor Eliezer Benavides. Benavides, who had an extensive background serving in the United States Army as a medic during World War II, then accepted a call into pastoral ministry within the Southeastern California Conference in 1951.
His commitment to sharing the gospel was tangible through his roles, serving as pastor at a number of churches, including the Barstow, Santa Ana Spanish, Calexico Spanish, Inland Spanish, Corona Spanish, and Redlands Spanish churches. Benavides was ordained to the gospel ministry in 1956 before later serving as Hispanic Ministries Coordinator for the Pacific Union Conference and bridging the development and cohesion of Hispanic ministries through our conference the Union territories.
A memorial service for Benavides was held on July 12 at the Inland Spanish Church. Conference leaders gathered in remembrance of pastor Benavides. "On behalf of the Southeastern California Conference, we express our gratitude for the life of Pastor Eliezer Benavides. Today, Pastor Benavides rests from his labors, awaiting the resurrection—that glorious morning when he will see his Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face." Patty Marruffo, conference executive secretary, shared with the congregation.
Southeastern California Conference is grateful for Pastor Benavides and his family.
