A New Step Towards Community Health: Beaumont's Emerging Running Club
By Taji Saleem
In the heart of Beaumont, a new initiative is jogging its way into the hearts of local residents – a running club spearheaded by Ron Du Preez, pastor of Beaumont church. Known for combining his athletic passion with his community-driven spirit, Du Preez has sparked a movement towards healthier living and community camaraderie.
Currently unnamed and in the process of discussion, the club’s inception is rooted in cultivating relationships and wellness across the community. Du Preez, who also serves as a chaplain at San Gorgonio Hospital, is an avid runner who shares his passion of health to inspire others.
On October 27, the club hosted its inaugural event at the Albert A. Chatigny Community Center. Community members, including the president of the Loma Linda Lopers Club, Jim Hughes, and David Fenn, Beaumont city mayor, addressed the crowd with messages. Church members and local community members alike gathered for an evening that was as much about fitness as it was about fellowship. The event included a name competition with a $50 prize, free meals, snacks, and massages, all designed to foster a sense of engagement.
The club, which meets monthly plans to undertake more extensive events such as hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail. The broader vision extends beyond physical health. With Ron's advocacy for wholistic living and "healthy friendship evangelism," the group also aims to spread a message of spiritual growth and service. Connection with others is a passion Du Preez holds closely. "God is opening doors for me to connect with people and discussions for deep questions," he notes.
The running club, soon to align with the Beaumont church health ministries, reflects Du Preez's ethos of integrating personal passions with broader community goals. His endeavors reveal a blueprint for how local leaders can engage with and enrich their communities—to create spaces for people to gather and opportunities to share the love of Jesus. "I think this is what Adventists should be doing," Du Preez emphasizes.
Ultimately, the running club is more than just a group of individuals pursuing fitness goals; it is a beacon of how local initiatives can transform lives, foster a healthy community, and evangelize by building healthier connections.
The small desert town of Blythe, on the California-Arizona border, is often associated with its heat, prison, and remoteness. But on October 26, the Colorado River became the setting for something remarkable—a baptismal celebration that united the local church community.
Nearly 100 people gathered at Peter McIntyre County Park to witness ten individuals publicly commit their lives to Jesus through baptism. This event marked the first of its kind for the area and brought together two congregations—the Blythe Seventh-day Adventist Church and Blythe Central Church. Four candidates came from the Blythe church, while a family of six represented the Blythe Central church. The day was filled with unity, joy, and spiritual renewal.
Led by Gabriel Riojas, district pastor and local church elders, the baptisms in the Colorado River inspired cheers as each candidate emerged from the water. Among them was Genesis Brodkin from Blythe Central, who shared, “I want to grow closer to Jesus and love God better.” Reflecting on the day, she called it “the best day of my life.” Genesis was joined by five family members, including her grandfather, cousins, and sibling, making the moment even more profound. Cheers echoed as each candidate were washed in the waters of the Colorado River.
A particularly touching moment came when Kiana Ortiz, a Blythe Church member, was baptized alongside her husband, Diego—the first and only double baptism of the day. Having attended the church intermittently for thirteen years, Kiana shared that it wasn’t until recently that she considered baptism. “It was lovely and so different,” she said. “Being baptized with my husband was refreshing and unforgettable.” Her story is a reminder of the importance of reaching those already in our midst.
The celebration concluded with a shared potluck, symbolizing the unity of the two congregations. Despite the town's challenges, such as poverty and slow growth, the beautiful scene of baptisms demonstrated that God is actively working in even the most remote places. In Blythe, where little seems to move, God is moving in powerful ways.
Cliff and his wife, Freddie, made a last-minute decision to book a budget flight, leading them to seats at the back of the plane. Initially annoyed by the inconveniences, their perspective shifted when they met Jonathan and Cristina Mendoza, seated across from them with their two sons, 12-year-old Bentley and baby Thiago.
As Thiago cried during takeoff, Cristina declined a fellow passenger's help. But Cliff, affectionately known as the "Child Whisperer," stepped in and calmed the baby. This gesture opened the door for a meaningful conversation between Cliff and Jonathan. Upon learning the couple was headed to San Diego for their son London’s installation as senior pastor, Cliff felt led to invite the family to the service. Jonathan’s response, “I need Jesus in my life,” left a lasting impression.
To Cliff’s surprise, the Mendozas arrived early the next morning for Sabbath school and the service. They connected with the church community and began attending regularly, forming a close bond with London Lee, senior pastor of the San Diego Clairemont Church. Through Bible studies and support from the congregation, Cristina started to heal from the devastating loss of her 16-year-old son, Isaiah, to gun violence two years earlier.
Guided by newfound faith, Jonathan and Cristina made significant life changes. After learning about biblical marriage, they decided to live apart until they could wed. In September 2024, Lee officiated their wedding, a joyful milestone in their journey. Weeks later, the couple was baptized together, their tearful embrace in the baptismal pool a testament to God’s transformative power.
The family has since become integral to the San Diego Clairemont church. Jonathan joined the “Service and Love Together” (SALT) ministry, serving the homeless, while Bentley joined the Pathfinder club. While attending the International Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, Bentley decided to be baptized.
The Mendozas’ journey from grief and uncertainty to joy and purpose reflects God’s perfect timing and grace, proving how a simple plane encounter can spark a lifetime of transformation.
Loma Linda, CA
Pastors Linda Biswas, Elina Camarena, and Maria Ejurango were recognized by the Association of Adventist Women on October 12, 2024. The annual Junia Awards were created to highlight women from each division who are active in their local church leadership, administration or religious training. The goal of the awards ceremony is to encourage other women who are also leading in church groups and to assure the worldwide church that women have been accepted as holding up half the sky in a wide array of cultures in the Adventist church. Each pastor from SECC have been recognized as the first Bengali-American, Hispanic, and Filipina respectively in their churches.
Congratulations Linda, Elina, and Maria!
Danielle Berumen and Gabriel Morales Ordained to the Gospel Ministry
By Danni Thaw
This past May and June, the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) ordained two pastors: Danielle Berumen and Gabriel Morales.
Pastor Danielle Berumen serves as the Children’s and Family Ministry pastor at Calimesa church. She began her full-time pastoral career in April 2016 and joined Calimesa in March 2022.
Pastor Berumen holds a bachelor’s degree from La Sierra University and a master’s from Andrews University. Her journey into ministry began in college when she felt a clear call from God, shifting her path from pre-med to pastoral ministry.
"My ordination was more special than I anticipated it would be. It was so meaningful to be affirmed and encouraged," said Pastor Berumen. Her multicultural background and bilingual abilities allow her to minister to a diverse community.
Pastor Berumen views her role as holding the door open for all people to encounter Jesus. She loves spending time with her family, including her husband, Manuel “Manny” Berumen, and their two children, Eiza (4) and Judah (2).
Pastor Gabriel Morales, who serves as the young adult and media pastor at Azure Hills church in Grand Terrace, California, also brings a rich cultural heritage to his ministry. He began his current role in February 2023.
A graduate of Antillean Adventist University in Puerto Rico and Andrews University, Pastor Morales helps collegiates and young professionals deepen their relationship with Jesus and creates meaningful worship experiences through multimedia platforms.
"What’s significant about ordination is the affirmation and support received from my community," shared Pastor Morales. "For me, I have always been convinced of my calling. Ordination is just a public expression of what God has already been doing through me."
Drawing from his Puerto Rican roots, Pastor Morales incorporates the warmth and hospitality of his culture into his pastoral approach. He enjoys running, drinking delicious cafecito, rooting for New York sports teams, and spending time with loved ones.
SECC is blessed to celebrate the ordination of these dedicated pastors, who enrich their communities and spread the love of Jesus Christ. Congratulations to both!
On a Sabbath back in May, an entire Sabbath School class from Loma Linda University church (LLUC) took a field trip to radio host and Torah scholar Dennis Prager’s personally established synagogue in the San Fernando Valley, The Torah Minyan. Their visit was facilitated by Prager’s assistant and program producer, Allen Estrin, and built upon a decades-long dialogue and friendship between Dennis Prager and LLUC member Janine Colburn.
The Rational Bible Sabbath School class was founded in 2022 and is based on Dennis Prager’s recorded lectures at the University of Judaism, together with his commentary volumes on the Torah —the first five books of the Old Testament. The class aims to compare Jewish and Christian teachings, using Adventist commentaries and Ellen G. White’s Patriarchs and Prophets.
A total of 17 members from LLUC arrived for Sabbath at the synagogue. When Prager rose to give the sermon after the morning prayer session, the group was astonished to hear him say he had totally changed his sermon in anticipation of their coming. Whereas the “Torah Portion” for the day was to be in the book of Leviticus, Prager spoke instead more generally, titling his talk, “The Most Important Texts in the Torah.”
After a potluck lunch, Prager invited the LLUC Sabbath School leaders to participate in an interview for the benefit of his own members still present, around 150 in number.
During the interview, class leaders were asked questions about the Seventh-day Adventist Church, its origins, beliefs, primary founder, and the denomination’s general approach to Sabbath-keeping. Afterward, many Minyan members stayed by to ask further questions and field questions about Judaism from the group. Prager himself asked for a copy of Patriarchs and Prophets when he was shown one, and blessedly, the group just happened to have one to give him.
As the class was leaving, Prager invited them back, saying, “Let’s have an annual Adventist Day at the Torah Minyan!”
The Rational Bible Sabbath School class meets every Sabbath at 10:30 a.m. in the Family Ministries Complex of Loma Linda University Church, Room 2410. All are welcome.
The Beaumont church celebrated the 50th anniversary of its sanctuary on April 13, the exact date when church services were first held in the current facility.
In February, they welcomed their new pastor, Ron du Preez. One of the first things on his agenda was to celebrate this important anniversary. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for the congregation and guests to hear the Word, fellowship, enjoy music, and celebrate God’s faithfulness over the years.
The festivities began with a Friday evening vespers service, themed “Lo! He Comes—Longing for the Lord’s Day.” Attendees sang songs about the second coming of Christ, including the opening song, “Lift up the Trumpet,” accompanied by trumpets. Longtime members shared personal testimonies about the church's impact on their lives and the community, highlighting the blessings received through the Beaumont church.
Sabbath was filled with special events. The Honorable David Fenn, mayor of Beaumont, and his wife, Misty, offered greetings and good wishes for many more years of gratitude to God. Former pastors attended, including Bob Atteberry, Bill Penick, and Meshach Soli, along with Mark Etchell, the pastor from their sister church in Banning.
The worship hour featured music by the Advent Chorale and a sermon delivered by Atteberry. It was a special time for reconnecting with friends and former members, contemplating the joy of reuniting with loved ones at the second coming of Jesus.
The celebration continued with performances by children and other groups. Mary Ellen Bazemore reviewed the church's history through a PowerPoint presentation, showcasing various activities over the years and how people have changed over time.
The evening ended with a final song, “When We All Get to Heaven.” Guests stood and sang with power and emotion, expressing a collective longing for that wonderful day.
This golden anniversary provided a unique opportunity to honor the church’s past, celebrate the present, and dream for the future. The occasion strengthened the bonds within the church community and set a vision of mission and outreach for years to come, all for the glory of the Creator and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Moreno Hills church is stirring up conversations with its new podcast, “Tofu Soup,” hosted by Klenth Sasil, associate pastor, and Giselle Imperio, church member. The podcast releases episodes monthly and is available now on YouTube and Spotify.
Born from young adult vespers, the show aims to capture the humorous, wisdom-filled discussions that happen twice a month in small groups at the homes of church members.
The show’s creators recognized the need for a more accessible platform. They wanted “Tofu Soup” to engage a wider audience by having conversations that simmer and engage. The name “Tofu Soup” reflects the desire to encourage community and dialogue as well as the surrounding environment.
“Soup is something people gather around to savor and enjoy over some good conversation,” said Imperio. “That’s the goal of this podcast. We wanted to create a space for young adults to share their thoughts about a wide range of topics.”
The podcast aims to be a genuine space for young adults to explore life's challenges and joys together. It emphasizes authenticity and openness to help foster spiritual growth and a stronger church community.
“‘Tofu Soup’ is a space for young adults to navigate life together,” said Sasil. “Being authentic and genuine is vital in our spiritual growth and church culture.”
Though tailored for young adults and young professionals, “Tofu Soup” welcomes listeners from all walks of life. The team behind the podcast is excited about its potential to positively impact their community.
“God is the guiding force behind our podcast,” said Imperio. “Ultimately, God is the MVP—our producer, director, and inspiration for every show—and we’re just along for the ride!”
The first episode is available now on the Moreno Hills Church Music YouTube channel and on Spotify. You can follow the team on Instagram at @morenohillssda or visit their website at morenohillssda.org.
Loma Linda Korean Church Embarks on Mission Trip to Belize
By Ezrica Bennett
In February, 25 individuals from the Loma Linda Korean church embarked on a mission trip to Belize. The group was comprised of diverse professions, including four physicians, five dentists, a dental hygienist, and two pharmacists. Some of the attendees brought their families and children, with the youngest being a one-year-old. The team made many sacrifices to get to Belize, including closing practices and using limited vacation time, but from their perspective, the blessings of service superseded anything that may have been lost.
"Mission trips start with prayer and end with prayer," said Richard Lee, lead pastor of Loma Linda Korean church, as he recounted the miracles of the trip to his congregation. For this mission trip, the team constantly sought God's guidance and practiced active trust in Him. While in Belize, the team spent the first few days visiting rural churches and working with the members, including planting bamboo trees and installing an automatic irrigation system. They saw over 300 patients at their medical and dental clinics and worked with a local orphanage run by an Adventist pastor. The team also helped with the renovation of the labor and delivery room in La Loma Luz Adventist Hospital. Prior to visiting Belize, the church raised $30,000 to help the hospital buy a new computed tomography (CT) machine.
Ministry is interwoven into the heart of the Loma Linda Korean church. The motto of the church is "Loma Linda and beyond," said Lee. One of their main objectives as a congregation is to reach the world around them for God. They do so by connecting with former members or ministry partners who are actively living and serving in different parts of the world. The church has visited other locations, including Cambodia and Haiti. For their trip to Zambia, they raised $20,000 for 50 cataract surgeries. Loma Linda Korean church plans to return to Belize in December. They also have a ministry partner who recently moved to Togo, and they plan to visit that location in the next few years.
In October 2023, the men’s ministry of Valley church, also known as MOVE (Men of Valley Engage), organized their first Men's Week of Prayer. The theme of the week was “Courage.”
The men, with the guidance of MOVE director Trevor Conner, took it upon themselves to create and carry out a special prayer line preceding the week of prayer. This prayer line strove to let the Holy Spirit lead, guide, and direct the men of MOVE. “It was astounding and a blessing to hear the men sing from their heart,” said Paulette Jumalon, a guest musician. What was planned as a traditional week of prayer turned out to be an exhilarating outreach opportunity, resulting in other men expressing interest in joining MOVE. “It was an awe-inspiring week,” said Alfonso Small, a MOVE member.
The week of prayer featured distinguished guest speaker Dan Smith, retired pastor. During the week, Smith inspired and reached church members and nonmembers alike. One Valley member discharged from the hospital was motivated to come directly to the prayer service. She expressed how thankful she was that there was a weekday service, and she was thoroughly blessed by Smith's message. In addition to Smith’s services, the attendees also participated in afternoon potlucks. At the final Sabbath afternoon potluck, “several individuals expressed interest in joining the [church],” said Eric Penick, pastor of Valley church.
MOVE’s main purpose is to use service as a vehicle to bring men into a union of brotherhood that fosters an intimate relationship with God, their families, and each other.
On one occasion, MOVE provided a cleanup service for Harold Aronson, a member of the community who lost his wife. Grateful and inspired, he began attending church.
On another occasion, the men helped Phyllis Kunkel, a fellow member of Valley, by visiting her home and providing cleanup services. She was given roses in appreciation of giving MOVE the opportunity for service. The overall attitude of MOVE is the more service we provide, the more we are blessed. Jesus Himself said that it is more blessed to give than to receive. We hope this may reach other men and inspire them to MOVE!
