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
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
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.
Imperial County | October 6, 2026 at 6:30 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.
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.
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.
