Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
With sadness, we share the announcement of Pastor Samuel Shadrach’s recent passing.
Shadrach served the Seventh-day Adventist denomination faithfully as a Pharmacy Technician for Loma Linda University Medical Center and the Community Hospital prior to his pastorship with the Southeastern California Conference in 2001. In our conference, Shadrach served as pastor of the Southern Asia Adventist Community Company in Redlands. He planted that congregation in faith as he was impressed by the Lord to start a church. Before the congregation’s beginnings, Shadrach had resigned from his employment as Pharmacy Technician pondering upon the Lord’s calling. His ministry has been marked by his commitment to providing wholistic spiritual care and nurture to those in need.
Shadrach is survived by his supportive, loving and caring wife, Shalini (Shalu), his mother Esther, and his siblings. We ask that you keep his family and loved ones in your prayers.
Service information for Pastor Shadrach is provided:
Schedule:
July 10, 6:00 p.m. Viewing at Montecito Chapel
July 11, 9:30 a.m. Funeral Service at (First Lutheran Church Building)
1207 W. Cypress Ave. Redlands, CA 92373
12:30 p.m. Burial Service (Montecito Memorial Park & Mortuary)
3520 E. Washington St. Colton, CA 92324
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2026
RIVERSIDE, CALIF.— The Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is excited to announce the appointment of Richard Harrison to the role of Legal Counsel & Director of Legal/ Property Services. He will begin his role on June 21, 2026.
In these roles, he will provide legal counsel and services to the Conference and its churches, schools, and affiliated ministries, while also overseeing property transactions, leases, tax matters, regulatory compliance, and other property-related issues. Together, these responsibilities support the faithful stewardship of assets dedicated to the Lord’s work.
Harrison recently served as Director for Planned Giving at the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International in Silver Spring, Maryland. Prior to that, he served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Western Adventist Foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona. His history with SECC includes previous service as an attorney and trust officer, as well as Assistant Director for Summer Camp at Pine Springs Ranch, where he served for ten summers.
Harrison is licensed to practice law in California and Arizona and is a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving. He holds degrees from the University of California, Irvine, and Trinity Law School. He enjoys creative problem-solving, golf, and traveling the world with his wife Randall and their two children, Lucas and Alara.
May 19, 2026
CORONA, CALIF.— On May 19, held at the Corona Seventh-day Adventist Church, pastors from around the conference gathered for an annual pastors meeting to hear updates happening within Conference departments and ministries.
The day began with a devotional message shared by Mike Cauley, who serves as executive coach to pastors within Southeastern California Conference (SECC). Throughout the day, numerous department reports were shared. Conference Executive Secretary, Patty Marruffo provided a report regarding conference membership and statistics. Beginning January 1, 2025 SECC’s membership included 68,863. To date, conference membership has increased to 70,327. God is moving in our territory through baptisms and professions of faith through the dedication of our pastors.
Marruffo continued her report to introduce the SECC Crisis Response Team (CRT), which provides support for emotional and spiritual care within the Adventist community during crisis, not limited to churches, schools, and institutions within the conference. The Crisis Response Team works in collaboration with Adventist Community Services, local first responders, and community emergency services.
Further updates were shared including updates to eAdventist, and other reports from conference personnel included Human Resources, the Office of Education, Ministerial, and the Youth department. Conference Treasurer, Verlon Strauss shared an update on conference finances which included a report on property insurance and church and school subsidies. SECC is grateful for the hard work its pastors do to help keep the conference financially responsible.
New pastors were welcomed into the conference pastoral community, six pastors were celebrated for the academic achievements, and five were recognized as recently retired with a combined number of 170 years of service within our conference.
This gathering of pastors reminds the conference of its larger network in partnership across our conference to fulfill its mission. In tangible ways, it is seen through the work of our pastors.
April 20, 2026
LOMA LINDA, CALIF.—Hundreds of educators, administrators, and pastors descended on the campus of Loma Linda Academy for Health Day. Sponsored by the Ministerial department and Office of Education of the Southeastern California Conference (SECC), the day brought together school and church leaders to partake in activities, exercise and enjoy friendly competition with movement and health at the center.
Traditionally held at the Drayson Center campus of Loma Linda University, this year was the first for Loma Linda Academy to host this annual event. From a devotional message that kicked off the day, Pastor Aren Rennacker, Director for Growing Young Leaders at Pacific Union Conference, encouraged the attendees to embrace movement as a commitment to change and betterment.
Pastors and teachers were then given several opportunities to take part in competitions such as volleyball, pickleball, ping pong, and a Fifa showdown on the soccer field between pastors and teachers. The pastors team won the Fifa tournament and were crowned winners. Throughout the day, SECC employees connected with one another and made new friendships. The day concluded with a prize giveaway. Many educators and pastors were recipients of relaxing trips and gadgets in an expression of appreciation.
“It’s moments like this, that we get to see every pastor and every teacher, who serve day after day, meet together in one place just to connect with one another. It reminds me that we are many moving parts, and when working together, help us fulfill our mission. For that, I am grateful that our office staff get to serve each educator and pastor in the field,” shared Jonathan Park, SECC president.
This day, like many, are just one of the ways the Southeastern California Conference brings together hard-working pastors, administrators, and teachers to share its gratitude and encourage community through movement.
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.
