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.
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!
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.
Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the passing of Pastor Cami B. Cruz Jiménez, who peacefully went to rest on September 23, 2025, at the age of 87. Cruz was known for his unwavering dedication to the Seventh-day Adventist Church and his lifelong commitment to ministry, education, and leadership.
For over five decades, he served with integrity and humility as an evangelist and preacher, with 14 of those years serving the Southeastern California Conference as senior head auditor. His legacy reflects a deep passion for sharing God’s message and strengthening the institutions that shaped generations of Adventist believers. He is remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He is survived by his three children, Alba, Abel, and Brunilda; along with his granddaughters, Joaly, Kiana, and Jasmine; his grandsons, Kelly and Gabriel; and his great-granddaughter, Evani. We are deeply grateful for Pastor Cruz and his many faithful years of service to the Southeastern California Conference and his commitment to ministry. All are welcome to join the family at his memorial service in November.
The family kindly asks that you RSVP if you plan to attend by October 28, 2025.
Service information for Pastor Cruz as follows:
Celebration Service
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 3:00 – 4:30pm
Avon Park SDA Church; Avon Park, FL
Fellowship Dinner
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 5:00 – 7:00pm
Avon Park SDA Church; Avon Park, FL
For more information, visit: Cruz Memorial Service Details
Livestream: Avon Park SDA Livestream
September 02, 2025
RIVERSIDE, CALIF.—Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is excited to announce the appointment of Pastor Danielle Berumen as the new Associate Ministerial Director, effective late September 2025. She joins the conference Ministerial department with an eagerness to serve and support pastors and church leaders.
Berumen comes with various church experience, including Interim Sole Pastor, serving at the Azure Hills, Palm Springs, and most-recently as Pastor for Children & Families at the Calimesa Church. Her work in ministry extends beyond the local church as a content developer for SECC’s Growing Together Sabbath School curriculum. She has a passion for ministry and a heart for encouraging others. Danielle and Manuel (Manny) have been married for eight years with two children, Eiza (five) and Judah (three). Berumen enjoys outdoor adventures with family, eating foods from different cultures, and traveling.
As Berumen joins the Ministerial team and our conference office family, please keep her and her family in prayer.
Congratulations Danielle!
Laguna Niguel Junior Academy Operations Paused for the 2025-2026 School Year
August 11, 2025
RIVERSIDE, Calif.— The Office of Education takes its responsibility of ensuring our schools are providing safe, high quality (spiritually and academically) education for our families very seriously. This includes identifying trends and metrics that require attention to meet our educational standards.
On July 31, 2025, the Office of Education, along with conference administration, and the Laguna Niguel Junior Academy (LNJA) school board have concluded to pause the school’s operation for the 2025-2026 school. A number of factors were considered which included the lack of teaching and administrative staff at the school. After nearly two months of pursuing viable candidates, in addition to minimal student enrollment confirmation, the conference and school board have voted to pause operations for this school year.
As the conference continues to assess, the Office of Education is continuing to support families by personally contacting them with offers of assistance in transitioning to another Adventist school. Orangewood Academy (OA) is working closely with conference personnel to support transferring students for the nearing school year. OA will honor all tuition assistance and agreements if registered by August 14th. In addition to this, the conference will grant monthly transportation scholarships in the amount of $100 per family.
The LNJA school board will remain intact and continue to meet regularly to work on a proposal to present to the Office of Education in November on the future reopening of the school.
We invite you to continue to pray for our students, staff, and administrators through this season of transition. We remain affirmed that God’s work is still active through Adventist education and the lives of our students and families.
For Immediate Release- Statement by Southeastern California Conference regarding the Gospel and the value of human life.
This statement is available for download in both English and Spanish. An additional document entitled, “Compassion in Action Resources” is also provided in supplement that contains practical ideas for churches and ministries to support immigrant communities.
Statement on the Gospel and the Value of Human Life
July 17, 2025
RIVERSIDE, CALIF.— The Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is privileged to serve nearly 70,000 members across five counties in Southern California. Our region is characterized by rich diversity in language, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background—a reflection, we believe, of the prophetic vision in Revelation 7:9, where “a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language” stands united in worship before the throne of God. We acknowledge that the challenges affecting one community may not affect others in the same way. Yet in this diversity, we find a sacred opportunity for deeper understanding, compassion, and shared mission.
At a time when polarization threatens to divide communities, we are reminded of the sovereignty of Christ, in whom “all things hold together” (Col 1:17). It is Christ who unites us—and who teaches us that we will always find Him among the vulnerable and the marginalized (Mat 25:40). In light of increased immigration enforcement activities and the resulting fear felt by members and neighbors in some of our congregations, we affirm the North American Division’s (NAD) “Appeal for Human Dignity and Decency,” as well as the statements of our sister conferences. We reject the notion that one’s value is determined by immigration status; rather, we uphold that every human being is created in the image of God (Gen 1:27) and is endowed with inherent worth and dignity. This affirmation does not negate the importance of upholding the laws of the United States. Rather, we join our sister conferences in calling for immigration policies that are both just and compassionate—honoring the law while upholding the sanctity of human life.
The current climate presents a growing challenge to our mission: to proclaim the everlasting gospel within our cross-cultural territories. As pastors, educators, members, and neighbors experience direct and indirect consequences, we are compelled to speak out with both clarity and compassion. Scripture calls us to care for the foreigner among us, treating them as our own (Lev 19:34). We echo the NAD’s conviction that “dehumanization through exclusion or fear contradicts biblical teaching” (Fundamental Belief No. 14). We urge that the language and rhetoric surrounding immigrants and refugees refrain from vilifying those who are seeking a better life.
We remain committed to fostering church and school environments that are safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all regardless of immigration status. We understand that in-person worship may not feel secure for everyone at this time, and we invite those affected to remain connected with us through online community and ministry.
SECC will continue to equip and support our leaders and congregations by providing resources, training, and pastoral care to meet the needs of all who seek it. We pray that God’s perfect love will provide the presence needed to face and overcome fear (1 Jn 4:18), and that each person would experience the truth of Ephesians 2:19, 22—that we are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens and members of God’s household, being built together into a dwelling place for His Spirit.
May we, as a body of believers, embody the hope, healing, and justice of the gospel in our words and in our witness.
Signed,
SECC Administration
This statement was voted by the Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Administrative Committee in Riverside, California on July 15, 2025.
Para publicación inmediata
Declaración sobre el Evangelio y el valor de la vida humana
17 de julio de 2025
RIVERSIDE, CALIF.—La Conferencia del Sureste de California (SECC) sirve a casi 70,000 miembros en cinco diferentes condados. Nuestra región se caracteriza por una rica diversidad lingüística, étnica y socioeconómica; es una anticipación de la visión profética de Apocalipsis 7:9, donde "una gran multitud de toda nación, tribu, pueblo y lengua" se reúne en adoración ante el trono de Dios. Reconocemos que los desafíos que afectan a una comunidad pueden no afectar a otras de la misma manera. Sin embargo, en esta diversidad encontramos una sagrada oportunidad para practicar un ministerio de compasión y una misión compartida.
Cuando la polarización amenaza con dividir a las comunidades, recordamos que es en la soberanía de Cristo que «todo subsiste» (Colosenses 1:17). Debemos considerar que, en su ministerio terrenal, Jesús se identificó con los vulnerables y marginados (Mateo 11:5).
Ante el aumento de las medidas de control migratorio y el temor que sienten algunos miembros de iglesia y personas en nuestras comunidades, afirmamos el llamado y compromiso de la División Norteamericana (NAD) para proteger “la Dignidad y la Decencia Humana”.
Rechazamos la idea de que el valor de una persona se determina por su estatus migratorio; más bien, afirmamos que todo ser humano es creado a imagen de Dios (Génesis 1:27) y está dotado de valor y dignidad inherentes. Esta afirmación no niega la importancia de respetar las leyes de Estados Unidos. Esperamos que las autoridades implementen políticas migratorias justas y compasivas, que se respete la ley de la nación, pero que se haga dentro del marco de la protección de la dignidad humana.
El ambiente actual presenta un desafío creciente para cumplir con la misión de proclamar el Evangelio Eterno en nuestro territorio multicultural. A medida que nuestros pastores, educadores y miembros de iglesia experimentan consecuencias directas e indirectas, tenemos la responsabilidad moral de alzar nuestra voz con claridad y mostrar compasión hacia las familias afectadas.
Las Escrituras nos llaman a cuidar del extranjero entre nosotros, tratándolo como uno de los nuestros (Levítico 19:34). Creemos en la convicción de la NAD de que «la deshumanización mediante la exclusión o el miedo contradice la enseñanza bíblica» (Creencia Fundamental #14). Instamos a que los inmigrantes y refugiados en nuestras comunidades sean tratados con respeto y dignidad.
Nos mantenemos firmes en nuestro compromiso de crear espacios seguros e inclusivos para todas las personas en nuestras iglesias y escuelas, sin distinción de su situación migratoria.
Sabemos que el culto presencial puede no ser seguro para todos en este momento, por lo que invitamos a los afectados a permanecer conectados con nosotros en forma virtual.
SECC seguirá equipando y apoyando a nuestros líderes y congregaciones, proporcionando recursos, capacitación y atención pastoral para satisfacer las necesidades físicas y espirituales de toda nuestra comunidad de fe.
Oramos para que el amor de Dios provea la ayuda necesaria para enfrentar y vencer el miedo (1 Juan 4:18), y que cada persona experimente la verdad expresada en Efesios 2:19, 22: que ya no somos extranjeros ni advenedizos, sino conciudadanos y miembros de la familia de Dios, siendo edificados juntos para ser morada de su Espíritu.
Que nosotros, como cuerpo de creyentes, abracemos la esperanza y experimentemos la sanidad y la justicia del evangelio tanto en nuestras palabras como también en nuestro testimonio.
Firmado,
Administración de la Conferencia del Sureste de California.
Esta declaración fue votada por el Comité Administrativo de la Conferencia Adventista del Séptimo Día del Sureste de California en Riverside, California, el 15 de julio de 2025
April 30, 2025
RIVERSIDE, CALIF.—Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is excited to announce Isaac Kim as the Interim Youth Director, effective April, 2025. He succeeds Aren Rennacker who served as conference Youth Director from December, 2019 before accepting a call to the Pacific Union Conference.
Kim has served within SECC for over 25 years in ministry, beginning at the Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist Church as Associate Pastor prior to leading our conference Family & Children’s ministry as an Associate Youth Director since December, 2021. He likes to work collaboratively with ministry teams, cheerleading ministry leaders, and creating space for people to share life together. Isaac and his two boys enjoy sports, both playing and watching. He strives to be the best dad that he can be by modeling the love of Jesus and believes that the message of the Gospel shows up in different ways in our journeys.
As Interim Youth Director, Kim will oversee conference Youth department operations, youth, young adult, family, and children ministry programs, and support church youth ministry leaders in various capacities.
Southeastern California Conference is excited to see how God continues to move within our youth ministries. Please join us in congratulating Isaac.
RIVERSIDE, Calif— From the SECC Ministerial department: Meshach Soli, associate ministerial director,
“To our Southeastern California Conference family,
We have served at the SECC in a variety of capacities for over 15 years. We have been truly blessed to minister to our local church, our families, our children, youth, and young adults, our clubs, our pastors, and our leaders. However, after much consideration, prayer, counsel, and doubling down on our family’s core values, we have accepted a call to serve as the new Executive Secretary and Ministerial Director for the Hawaii Conference beginning on June 1 of this summer.
We are so grateful for the years that we have been able to spend here in growing, leading, and ministering, and we just want to thank all of our family and friends for all the love and support that you have poured into the Soli tribe for many years. We also want to thank our administrators who have poured into us and believed in our leadership—I want to specifically thank Dr. Jonathan Park, our president, for not only his guidance, but his mentorship throughout the years; to Patty Marruffo who has also played a significant role in our ministry and journey, and of course to our Youth department and our Ministerial department.
Transition is hard, but we are excited to see how God is going to lead in this new season. The Bible says, “He who began a good work [in us] will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ,” (Phil. 1:16, ESV) and we look forward to your prayers to help sustain us and guide us in this transition.
This is not goodbye, this is, ‘see you later.’ We’re looking forward to growing our family and being a blessing overseas.
God bless, and aloha.”
