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.
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.
For Danielle Berumen, ministry wasn’t part of her original plan. As a college student pursuing pre-medicine, she envisioned a career in the medical field working with children. But in the midst of long nights studying science and excelling in her religious studies courses at La Sierra University, she began to sense God leading her down an unexpected path.
“One night I finally asked God, ‘What is Your will for my life?’” She recalled. “I felt this still, small voice say, I’ve been showing you all along.” From teaching youth Sabbath school classes in high school to preaching when invited by her academy chaplain, Berumen realized that God had been preparing her for pastoral ministry long before she recognized it.
Her journey since then has taken her through several Southeastern California Conference (SECC) churches, serving at Azure Hills, Palm Springs, and Calimesa in roles ranging from youth and children’s pastor to interim sole pastor. Along the way, she was mentored and impacted by the ministry of too many pastors and professors to name them all, but she feels very grateful for the ways she has been supported and poured into over the course of her ministry. Each mentor reminded her that “people always come before the task,” a value that continues to shape her leadership today.
Now, as Associate Ministerial Director for the SECC, Berumen steps into a new chapter, one that allows her to pastor pastors. “God was so clear in calling me here,” she said. “I know He’s doing something special in this season.”
In her new role, Berumen will serve all the pastors of our Conference territory, while intentionally supporting young pastors, female pastors, and students of the Growing Young Leaders program. She hopes to create meaningful opportunities for fellowship and renewal through gatherings like Pastors Connect, where ministers can encourage one another and simply enjoy being together.
Reflecting on Berumen’s appointment, Will Penick, ministerial director, shared, “Danielle brings a heart for people and a deep passion for encouraging pastors in their calling. Her ability to listen, empathize, and build genuine community will be a tremendous blessing to our ministerial team and the churches we serve.”
When asked to summarize her ministry philosophy, she chose three words: service, presence, and encouragement. “I never imagined being a pastor,” she reflected, “but God knew this would bring me joy. My prayer is to stay responsive to the Spirit’s leading, and to help our pastors and churches reflect more of God’s kingdom here in Southeastern California.”
This December, Kansas Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church welcomed the community to experience the timeless story of Christ’s birth through Unto Us: The Nativity Story, presented by KA Live! Drama Productions. Originally produced by LifeHouse Theater, the play was graciously shared with Kansas Avenue SDA Church through special arrangements that allowed the church to bring this meaningful production to life. Presented across four performances (December 6, 7, 13, & 14), the immersive production invited audiences of all ages to reflect on the hope, humility, and love found in the Nativity through music and storytelling.
The production starred Marissa Wright as Mary, whose heartfelt performance captured the faith and grace of a young woman chosen for an extraordinary calling. Aaron Yanez served as both director and visionary behind the whole production, bringing the story together with creativity and care. In addition to directing, Yanez also portrayed Joseph, offering a moving depiction of steadfast faith and quiet strength in times of confusion and questioning God.
Making the production possible was the dedication of the cast and crew, who committed to over 3 months of weekly rehearsals every weekend. Their faithfulness, teamwork, and passion were evident in every scene, reflecting a shared desire to tell the story of Jesus with excellence and purpose.
Through thoughtful staging, meaningful dialogue, and a spirit of worship, Unto Us reminded attendees of the true meaning of Christmas. The production emphasized the message that Jesus came for all—bringing light into the world and hope into every heart.
Kansas Avenue SDA Church is grateful to the cast, crew, and volunteers who made this production possible and helped create a memorable experience for families throughout the community.
“When I was in high school, I hated the church,” says Klenth Sasil, associate pastor at Moreno Hills Church. “I felt lost and empty, and I was really discouraged.”
Sasil was born and raised in the Philippines by parents deeply involved in their local Adventist church. While they encouraged their children to follow in their footsteps, Sasil was uninterested.
“At one point, a pastor I knew told me I had no future,” he recalls. “That hurt, but it also was a wakeup call. I realized what he said didn’t have to be true, but I would have to fight.”
Over time, Sasil discovered that he was happiest when engaged in church life. He also noticed that the most joyful people he knew were pastors. “They don’t have much, and they are truly missionaries,” he explains. “But I saw the joy they had in serving. And that impacted me.”
After graduating with a degree in theology, Sasil was assigned to Manila, Philippines, where he launched a young adult church plant called CAFE Life: Community, Authenticity, Friendship, and Experience.
“We met in a coffee shop to hang out, discuss things, and just do life together,” Sasil explains. “That community grew, and it opened my heart for reaching the younger generations.”
Later, after earning his Master of Divinity from the Adventist Seminary at Andrews University, Sasil faced an employment freeze across the North American Division due to COVID-19. The only work he could find was a two-week substitute teaching job in Oregon, which stretched into several months.
“I wasn’t equipped to be a teacher, and some days it was just too much,” he admits. “But God helped me keep showing up, and over time He developed in me a heart especially for teens.”
Eventually, Sasil accepted a call from the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) to serve as associate pastor for youth, young adults, and young families at Moreno Hills. Today, he draws from both his own rebellious teenage years and his experience working with teens to strengthen his ministry. He also remembers a challenge from a friend: to be the change he wanted to see in the church instead of simply walking away.
Sasil was ordained on Sabbath, August 2, the same day his young daughter, Khloe was dedicated.
“I believe in our church,” he says. “If, when I get to Heaven, I see that pastor who told me as a teen I didn’t have a future, I will thank him for opening my eyes and pushing me in the right direction, because becoming the change has changed me, too.”
