After more than a decade, the world-renowned Aeolians of Oakwood University have returned to Southern California—sharing their signature blend of faith, harmony, and excellence in worship. Under the direction of Jeremy Jordan, now in his fourth year as director, the choir embarked on this long-awaited tour inspired by a desire to reconnect with west coast congregations and participate in the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO) Conference, where they were invited to perform.

“Our theme this year is ‘Ask for More,’” said Jordan. “We want people to remember that we serve a God with unlimited resources—so whether it’s peace, strength, or faith, don’t be afraid to ask Him for more.” This message guided the choir’s performances at venues where their dynamic sound filled their sanctuaries like Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church and Loma Linda University Church, with joy and reflection. 

For Madison Evans, a junior and the 33rd Miss Oakwood University, the tour is both ministry and mission. “I hope the audience can take a moment to step back from life’s stress and just be filled with joy and hope,” she shared. Her favorite piece, “How Great Thou Art,” reminds her of God’s timeless goodness. 

Veteran accompanist Dr. Wayne Bucknor, who has played for generations of Aeolians, reflected on his enduring passion: “It’s a blessing to see new students each year and to witness how the music continues to bless others.” 

With a legacy rooted in excellence and a message centered on faith, the Aeolians continue to inspire audiences to ask for more; of God’s grace, purpose, and love.  

Richardson is no stranger to SECC. “This is where I started ministry in 1995, after being sponsored to attend seminary by the conference,” he shared. “I served at 31st Street, New Hope, and Maranatha churches, and also spent time at 16th Street and Imani Praise Fellowship.” Now, he’s excited to return with a fresh perspective and a heart ready to serve. 

When asked about his vision for Black Ministries, Richardson emphasized alignment and collaboration: “I’m not here to do evangelism—I’m here to partner in it. Every church has a unique vision, and I want to work alongside pastors and congregations to create strategic plans that are sustainable and community focused.” His approach centers on discipleship, leadership development, and spiritual growth that extends beyond events and into daily church life. 

Richardson is energized by the opportunity to help SECC churches grow in impact and mission. “There is no greater joy than pointing people to Jesus,” he says. “We’re going to work together—pastors, elders, members—to transform lives through intentional, mission-driven ministry.” 

Richardson is married to his best friend and biggest supporter, Chasity Richardson, who previously served as the Director of Operations at Oakwood University. To the SECC community, his message is simple, yet profound: “I’m excited to be back. I’m here to partner with all our churches and help us think intentionally about how we do evangelism and discipleship. Let’s grow together.” As he settles back into familiar territory with renewed purpose, Richardson is ready to lead with humility, heart, and a clear focus on the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 

1. Richardson gives an impactful graduation speech. ↩︎
2. David Richardson and his wife Chasity. ↩︎

From June 18–21, the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) Black Ministries Department gathered for its annual camp meeting, held under the powerful and timely theme: "Hope Again." More than a title, the theme became a spiritual call to action for a community facing personal struggles, ongoing challenges, and societal unrest. 

SECC’s Vice President for Black Ministries Dr. Andrea King, explained the inspiration behind the theme. “‘Hope Again’ was an echo from last year's theme, ‘Breathe Again.’ In part, it was a response to the many things that have been transpiring in our world today,” she said. “We wanted to create sacred space and support for people to do something radical in these restless times—to hope again.” Through prayer, planning, and fasting, the team sought God’s presence, and He met them there. “We learned to get our hopes up and were schooled in hope behavior.” 

With 16 churches represented in the conference, the Black Ministries camp meeting brought together a beautifully diverse body of believers. “We have youth and young adults, pastors and lay people, third-generation Adventists, and those who joined the church this year,” King noted. “We are unique and also united under the same mission of expanding the Kingdom of God.” 

One of the featured guest speakers, Dr. Myron Edmonds, brought bold truth and deep compassion to the weekend’s message. When asked what prevents people from embracing hope, he replied, “Honestly? One of the biggest obstacles is unhealed pain... We’ve been taught to shout over our suffering rather than bring it to Jesus.” Edmonds emphasized that the church must be a place of “permission to be broken, to question, to grow slow.” His words reminded all attendees that “hope is not hype—it’s a quiet rebellion against despair.” 

Edmonds also described the camp meeting as more than a spiritual event—it’s a sacred reunion. “This is where tired pastors remember why they said ‘yes.’ This is where young people see they’re not crazy for still believing.” His prayer is that, weeks later, attendees are still feeling God’s whisper in their hearts, saying, “God met me there… and I haven’t been the same since.” 

Indeed, “Hope Again” was more than a theme—it was a divine invitation. And the answer, from all who attended, was a resounding yes. 

1. Saturday’s praise team fill the space with joyful worship.  ↩︎
2. Edmonds uses SECC pastors to represent heartache, pain, and loss—showing the church how God can turn every burden around in a moment.  ↩︎
3. King welcomes everyone and prays over the service.  ↩︎

On May 17, the Riverside Kansas Avenue SDA Church was transformed into a vibrant celebration of sound, soul, and spiritual depth through an event titled “Black Is Not a Monolith.” Created and curated by young adult, Marissa Wright, the night sought to challenge the narrow assumptions often placed on Black worship—namely, that it exists solely within the gospel tradition. 

The evening featured a diverse range of musical expressions, from classical choral pieces and hymns to jazz, contemporary worship, and spoken word—all offered through the lens of Black spirituality. For Wright, the title and vision of the event were deeply personal and years in the making. “The title came from a moment in a theology class where a professor asked how we worship,” Wright recalled. “My friend Joseph Smittick responded simply, ‘Black is not a monolith.’ That stuck with me. We are not a singular sound or story.” 

Wright’s own worship journey spans various communities—from gospel services at Kansas Avenue to classical performances with the Aeolians of Oakwood University. “I was hoping to communicate our versatility,” she said. “There’s nothing we can’t do—and we do it excellently. This event was about showcasing the range of Black expression in worship, something many people haven’t had the chance to see.” 

Delroy Brooks, associate pastor of Kansas Avenue, offered support for the event, and emphasized the importance of creating space for new voices in ministry. “I see myself as a cheerleader,” he said. “Events like this show us that young people aren’t walking away from church—they’re transitioning. We need to make room for their creativity.” 

The event sparked meaningful reflection on how church communities can better honor the fullness of Black identity. “Our identity has too often been shaped by media or politics,” Brooks noted. “My hope is that we return to our first love and allow our worship to reflect the truth of who we are in God.” While Wright is cautious about promising a series, she’s open to what’s next. “I definitely want to do this again,” she said. “But only with the same level of prayer, purpose, and intention.” 

Black Is Not a Monolith was more than a program. Instead, it was a movement in melody that reminded all in attendance that Black worship is, and always has been, a beautifully complex tapestry. 

1. The final worship team of the night leads out in a gospel set.   ↩︎
2. Joseph Smittick opens the evening by reading an original poem.  ↩︎
3. Marissa Wright explains the reasoning behind the worship night.  ↩︎

Dear Southeastern California Conference members,

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Anthony Paschal, Sr. Pastor Paschal served within the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) for many years. He led as the Vice President for Black Ministries, and also pastored the Kansas Avenue and 16th Street SDA Churches. Before coming to SECC, he pastored in Southern California Conference and served as a chaplain in Los Angeles.

We solicit your prayers for his family and for the many people his life and ministry impacted. His services will take place in Dallas, Texas on March 31, 2025. A memorial service is being planned within the Southern California region in April.

Flowers can be sent to:

Skyvue Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens

7220 Rendon Bloodworth Rd.

Mansfield, TX 76063

Mt. Rubidoux Seventh-day Adventist Church recently hosted a transformative weekend event, Breath of Life Day, with Debleaire Snell, pastor of Breath of Life, aimed at renewing the spiritual vitality of the congregation and reaching out to the broader community. 

The event’s purpose was clear: to inspire a deeper spiritual commitment among attendees and ignite a fresh passion for faith. "The weekend was a powerful reminder of God's presence in our lives," said Dr. Alfonzo Greene, senior pastor of Mt. Rubidoux church. "It was a time to refocus and renew our spiritual lives." 

Snell, known for his dynamic leadership of the Breath of Life media ministry, which serves as the North American Division’s leading Black media ministry, delivered an impactful sermon titled "The Bucket List." His message encouraged attendees to evaluate their life priorities through a spiritual lens, calling them to examine what truly matters in light of God’s calling. 

"The Bucket List was a powerful word for everyone," said Dr. Andrea King, vice president for black ministries at Southeastern California Conference (SECC), and a board member of Breath of Life. "We were reminded that God saves the best for last, and our best days are still ahead. The call to action was clear—to wait well while God works in our lives." 

The event also provided a unique opportunity for connection between the Breath of Life ministry and its supporters. “It was inspiring to see so many first-time visitors,” said Dr. King. "Pastor Snell invited his supporters from throughout Southern California, and they came out to show their support." 

Breath of Life has been a key player in spreading the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ through a contemporary, urban perspective for over 50 years. This event was not only about spiritual renewal but also about celebrating and connecting with the digital disciples who support this ministry. 

Pastor Snell expressed his gratitude for the support of the ministry’s "digital disciples" during the event. “This weekend is a way for us to reciprocate the resources and prayers we’ve been blessed with,” he shared. 

The weekend proved to be a monumental success, leaving the Mt. Rubidoux church and its community spiritually rejuvenated and more committed to deepening their relationship with God. 

1. Pastor Snell delivers a challenge to the congregation.  ↩︎
2. Pastor Greene welcomes worshippers.  ↩︎

January 30, 2025 | Columbia, MD

From the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church: An Appeal for Human Dignity and Decency

There are many in the United States who are afraid for their futures, and for the lives of family members. As a Christian denomination in the U.S., the Seventh-day Adventist Church supports the rights of all persons, no matter their country of origin—the equal rights provided in the U.S. Constitution and fair treatment as immigrants and refugees in this country.

As members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we believe that “we are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation” (Fundamental Belief No.14).

“We maintain our allegiance to the biblical principles of equality and dignity of all human beings in the face of historic and continuing attempts to use skin color, place of origin, caste, or perceived lineage as a pretext for oppressive and dominating behavior. These attempts are a denial of our shared humanity, and we deplore all such aggression and prejudice as an offense to God” (Seventh-day Adventist Church statement “One Humanity: A Human Relations Statement Addressing Racism, Casteism, Tribalism, and Ethnocentrism”).

The Bible declares that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female—all are one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28). We are one humanity. Dehumanization and margination by law or the implementation of the laws or policies are diametrically opposed to the Bible. Therefore, it is inhumane and robs people of their God-given dignity in Christ to have policies that make them afraid to go to church and school because of the threat of being deported.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America encourages its churches and schools to be warm and welcoming places for all people. All are created by God and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

In light of the fact that we have a shared humanity, in light of the fact we all are created equal, in light of the fact we should love our neighbor as ourselves, and in light of the fact that Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40, NIV), our appeal is for us, as Adventists, to show our immigrant families that we love them by lifting up our voices and standing by their side in these times of uncertainty.

Our appeal to our policymakers and government leaders is found in The Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (p. 92): “All are in search of wholeness. All are gifted, needed, and treasured. All are created in the image of God with an inherent dignity regardless of any limitation they may have.” Therefore, let our laws and the implementation of our laws treat all of God’s children, who are created in His image, with the dignity and decency they deserve.

Sincerely,

G. Alexander Bryant, DMin

President

Kyoshin Ahn, PhD

Executive Secretary

Judy Glass

Treasurer/CFO

January 25, 2024

We are pleased to announce the Executive Committee has elected Andrea King as the Vice President of Black Ministries for Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. King most recently served as the Communication and Media Director for SECC. Please continue to keep her in prayer as she steps into this new role.

By Rashad Burden and Andrea King

The 31st Street Church celebrated its 100th anniversary of ministry in San Diego. The church has a rich history of music, evangelism, and exceptional pastors. During the month of March, Rashad Burden, current 31^st Street pastor, brought back some of the pastors from 31st Street’s past to be celebrated and appreciated. Former pastors, Cleveland Hobdy, Andrea Trusty King, Robert Edwards, and John Damon, the most senior living pastor, were all honored during the month.

The celebration didn’t end in March. The church scheduled ongoing events to extend the fun and festivities throughout the year. They are compiling a cookbook that will celebrate many of the wonderful meals and excellent cooks that have served the congregation throughout their history.

The church is also doing its part to make sure its members enjoy the same kind of longevity the church has.  Members were asked to walk and log 100 miles throughout the year.  A mile-long walk path is being set up around the church to help members get in their mile.

“This is the campaign that will be celebrating fitness, will be celebrating health, and will be celebrating our 100 years here at 31st Street,” said Belinda Williamson, head elder of 31^st Street Church.

The year-long celebration will culminate in a homecoming weekend, October 21-23, 2022. Northern California Conference President Marc Woodson and James Doggette, Sr. are scheduled to return. This weekend also boasts of a choir reunion and banquet. God has truly been faithful to 31^st Street Church and they look forward to manifesting all that had been predestined by the Lord.