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

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Southeastern California Conference (SECC) pastors and ministry leaders gathered at La Sierra University’s Troesh Conference Center for the annual Pastors Professional Development Day—a time to pause, reflect, and grow together in ministry.

This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Heather Thompson Day, an ECPA bestselling author and contributor to Religion News Service, Christianity Today, Newsweek, and the Barna Group, delivered two impactful sessions centered on emotional resilience, spiritual leadership, and effective communication in ministry.

Dr. Thompson Day opened the day by addressing the emotional and spiritual leadership required to stay motivated when support feels limited—especially during seasons of transition. She reminded leaders that steadfast faith, authentic community, and emotional awareness are essential for sustaining ministry when others appear to be “thriving.” In her second presentation, she explored cross-generational and cross-cultural communication, storytelling as a bridge to engagement, and the thoughtful use of social media as a ministry tool.

Following each keynote message, pastors gathered in smaller breakout groups. Each session explored a key area of leadership development and practical ministry growth. These sessions allowed for open dialogue, peer learning, and practical takeaways tailored to the unique realities of pastoral ministry.

The day also included a diverse panel of pastoral leaders showcasing creative approaches to communication and outreach in their local contexts. Their discussion highlighted how innovation, authenticity, and compassion can make ministry more personal and impactful in today’s constant changing world.

SECC President, Jonathan Park, Executive Secretary, Patty Marruffo, and Ministerial Director, Will Penick welcomed ten newly appointed pastors to the conference family and celebrated the retirement of John Butarbutar, William E. Dopp, and Rudy Almonte, honoring their decades of dedicated service. From worship and prayer to thoughtful discussion and creative collaboration, Pastors Professional Development Day 2025 reminded SECC pastors that effective ministry begins with renewed hearts and connected community.

On April 5, 2025, a milestone day for both her life and the wider church community, Pastor Melinda Mauia was ordained to the gospel ministry—a moment she describes as a profound gift from God and a historic breakthrough for Samoan women in pastoral leadership. 

Mauia’s journey to this moment has been one of perseverance, faith, and resilience. Raised in a Seventh-day Adventist pastoral family, she witnessed the dedication and sacrifices of ministry from an early age. Yet, her path was far from straightforward. After seasons of personal struggle and spiritual searching, she found her footing through Yucaipa Youth Ministries and missional discipleship. Those early experiences ignited her passion for service and led her to Andrews University, where she overcame academic challenges to earn both a bachelor's degree in theology and later a Master of Divinity in 2014. 

Though doors to pastoral ministry did not open immediately, God redirected her path in unexpected ways. From teaching and coordinating in South Korea to serving in San Francisco and completing Clinical Pastoral Education in Loma Linda, Mauia gained deep experience in trauma care, cross-cultural ministry, and spiritual leadership. In 2021, she accepted the call to serve in the Santa Ana Samoan Church and New Hope Samoan Company, where she has faithfully led with humility and courage. 

As a Samoan woman in ministry, Mauia has faced both cultural and gender-based challenges. “Sometimes my brothers could say the same thing I was saying, but it would be more readily accepted because of gender,” she reflects. Yet, she has learned to meet these moments with love, rooted in her Samoan upbringing and her calling to shepherd her people as a spiritual mother. 

The ordination service carried the theme “I trust in God my Savior—He will never fail.” Surrounded by family, church members, and mentors, Mauia experienced the peace of God’s affirmation. A deeply personal highlight came when her father prayed the ordination prayer over her ministry, sealing the moment with family legacy and blessing. 

Her ordination is also a historic first: she is believed to be the first Samoan female pastor ordained by a Samoan church—a glass ceiling broken for future generations. “I may be the first, but I won’t be the last,” she says. With gratitude to her family, community, and conference, Mauia continues to lead with compassion, determination, and unwavering trust in God who has guided her every step. 

1. Mauia’s sermon on trusting in God.  ↩︎
2. Pastors pray a blessing over Mauia.  ↩︎
3. Mauia surrounded by her family.   ↩︎

The Sabbath afternoon on April 26, 2025 was filled with joy, prayer, and words of celebration. United States Navy Lieutenant chaplain, Nephtali Ortega Gauthier was ordained to the gospel ministry at the El Cajon Seventh-day Adventist Church. Southeastern California Conference’s (SECC) Ministerial department conducted an official ordination service along with the North American Division (NAD). 

Surrounded by his family and friends, the church gathered in recognition of Ortega’s ordination. Chaplain Ortega is the first Navy chaplain within our conference territory to be ordained during military service under the NAD’s Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries (ACM).  

Ortega’s introduction into ministry began in 2010 while a student in a military chaplaincy class. “The professor’s words reflected my own life experiences so clearly that I knew God was calling me to serve in a unique way,” Ortega recounted. Stepping into traditional pastoral ministry beginning in 2011, he served as a Bible worker, youth, associate, and district pastor at several churches in Puerto Rico.  

However, Ortega sensed God was tugging towards another area of ministry. The idea of military chaplaincy was not just another role—it was a calling within a calling. Through much prayer and confirmation, in 2018, Ortega joined the U.S. Navy as a chaplain candidate before entering active duty as chaplain in 2022 through ACM.  

Serving in uniform has taken Ortega to places he never expected both physically and spiritually. “It’s in those places that God met me, stretched me, and called me deeper into ministry,” he shared. Ministry has been redefined in Ortega’s context. While serving aboard the USS Comstock (LSD 45) and with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, ministry happened on the mess decks, in engine rooms, and during midwatch conversations while floating on the seas. “In that confined, floating world, I saw how deeply people long for meaning, connection, and hope, and how powerful it is when a chaplain shows up, listens without judgment, and reminds them they’re not alone.” Ortega carries this sentiment everywhere he goes. 

Ortega’s journey reflects the powerful ways that God can be experienced outside of the church walls. Equally, he has been shaped and transformed through the church community and comrades he serves. Ortega’s remarks, based on Isaiah 6:8, during his ordination service summarize his journey well, “May everything I do in ministry be for His glory, by His grace. Here I am, oh Lord, send me.” 

Congratulations to Chaplain Ortega on his ordination! 

1. Ortega’s family takes a photo during his ordination service.  ↩︎
2. Prayer of ordination over Ortega and his family.  ↩︎
3. Ortega and his students in Puerto Rico.  ↩︎

June 31, 2025

RIVERSIDE, CALIF.—Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is excited to announce Dr. David Richardson as the newly appointed Black Ministries Evangelist.

After more than ten years away, Richardson has returned to the SECC as the new Black Ministries Evangelist. Richardson brings extensive experience from his previous role as Vice President for Student Life and Mission at Oakwood University, where he led student spiritual development, co-curricular programming, and mission alignment. His background also includes leadership roles at Walla Walla University and pastoral work in several Southern California churches.

In his new role, Richardson plans to focus on collaboration, discipleship, and sustainable, community-focused ministry rather than working alone. He emphasizes partnering with churches to develop strategies that grow leaders, strengthen mission, and deepen spiritual life beyond events. Excited to return to the conference where he first began ministry, Richardson, alongside his wife Chasity, looks forward to helping SECC churches intentionally transform lives through mission-driven evangelism and discipleship.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. David Richardson.

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.

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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

The evening began with a welcome from conference president, Jonathan Park and ministerial director, Will Penick, and associate ministerial director, Meshach Soli, who provided an overview of the rally before being led in worship. Members in attendance were eager to learn about ways to get involved through CDE.  

The panel discussion, comprised of four pastors, shared personal testimonies of their experience of cohort discipleship called The Journey and the impact on their ministries. Mark Sigue, pastor of Loma Linda Filipino, participated on the panel who shared, “After 22 years, ministry took a whole new turn for me.” He acknowledged that the curriculum ensures that different perspectives are shared which helped create environments for intergenerational worship at his church. 

Throughout the evening, attendees were introduced to CDE’s core pathways, including leadership development, evangelistic training, and support for church revitalization. Resources such as workshops, coaching cohorts, and digital content will be available to help individuals and congregations grow in their calling to make disciples. 

“Discipleship is not a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle,” said Penick. “The Center exists to walk with churches on that journey, so that every member can live out their faith with purpose and impact.” 

The rally concluded with a recommitment prayer, as participants stood together in unity—affirming their desire to be transformed disciples who disciple others. With strong interest and momentum from the rally, SECC leaders are hopeful that the Center for Discipleship & Evangelism will become a catalyst for spiritual renewal across the conference. 

1. Penick asks a question to the panel of pastors. ↩︎
2. Henderson preaches to the congregation. ↩︎
3. A group of attendees prays together. ↩︎

Applause and cheers of gratitude erupted in the worship center on the morning of February 1, 2025. The Crosswalk Redlands community and members part of its Global Network filled the worship center to standing-room capacity. After ten years of dedicated ministry, Tim Gillespie, former lead and teaching pastor of Crosswalk Church, preached his final message as lead pastor. Iconically, he ended the service by reminding each member to “remember to Lovewell.” 

Gillespie, who accepted a call to serve as vice president for mission and ministry for the Rocky Mountain region of AdventHealth, leaves a community deeply influenced by his leadership. Over the culmination of his ten years with Crosswalk Redlands and the church’s intentional mission expansion, Crosswalk has grown into a worldwide movement.  

Rather than upgrading local facilities to accommodate growth, Crosswalk chose to plant churches—a move that shaped the next six years of Gillespie’s ministry and continues to define the Crosswalk Global Network today. He noted, “by expanding the mission of Crosswalk outside of the four walls of Redlands, we began to meet more people who were committed to the gospel, to expand the kingdom of God, and who are willing to put in the work in order to attend the churches that they were willing to build.” He clarified that the goal was never to simply broadcast a preacher from Redlands to multiple locations but to empower local leaders to serve their communities. 

Crosswalk’s worship experience was intentionally structured around three key values: Belonging, Momentum, and Experience. From hospitality teams to children’s ministries, every aspect of the church was designed to create an inclusive and dynamic environment where people felt connected and engaged.  

While some may assume that a church with a modern worship style might lack biblical depth, Gillespie emphasized that the opposite was true. Crosswalk, he explained, has a strong Christology that informs its mission and church structure, offering extensive discipleship opportunities through small groups, podcasts, and structured trainings. Gillespie reflected with pride for the growing community seen through the church, Lovewell groups, and their home-based watch parties.  

As he steps away from pastoral ministry, Gillespie shared advice for the next generation of church leaders: “The church is a living organism that allows for new growth, new ideas, and new opportunities. As you gain the trust of the organization and the people you minister to, you will be able to do so much more than you can imagine today.” 

1. The worship center applauds Gillespie during his final benediction. ↩︎
2. Gillespie expresses his gratitude to the congregation in his sermon.  ↩︎
3. Patty Marruffo, executive secretary, prays over the Gillespie family.  ↩︎

Victorville Seventh-day Adventist church recently welcomed Pastor JJ Martinez Jr. as their new lead pastor. A California native, Martinez grew up attending La Sierra Academy and Rio Linda Academy before beginning his journey into ministry. Outside of his pastoral work, he enjoys building LEGO sets as a stress reliever and exploring different cuisines, with Italian, Mexican, and Indian food among his favorites. 

Since arriving at Victorville Church, Martinez has been struck by the warmth and sense of community among its members. Through the trust and partnership with the congregation, Martinez shares, “We can work together toward the church’s mission and vision of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ." 

Before stepping into pastoral ministry, Martinez initially envisioned a career in healthcare. 

"Initially, my plans were to serve people through the healthcare system," he shared. "I attended Union College (now Union Adventist University) and was in the nursing program. But while I was going through the program, I kept feeling God call me into pastoral ministry. After a while, I gave up running away from it and accepted that call. I felt so at peace and knew that God was leading, and I haven’t regretted that decision." 

After completing his Master of Divinity at Andrews University, Martinez returned to the Rocky Mountain Conference, where he served multiple congregations, including the Lamar, Arkansas Valley, Pueblo, and Grand Junction Seventh-day Adventist churches. 

For Martinez, ministry is about walking alongside people in their faith journey. “Many aspects of my ministry give me life and renew me,” he shared. “But the one that sticks out is seeing someone give their life to Jesus. Standing with someone in the baptismal waters is such a joy and honor. I love it when one person comes back home to Jesus.” 

As he settles into his first year at Victorville Church, Martinez is focused on building relationships and supporting the church’s mission. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue strengthening connections within the congregation, mentoring those seeking to grow deeper in their faith, and celebrating moments of spiritual commitment, such as baptism and discipleship. “I want our church family to know that I am there for them through all that life has given.”  

With a heart for discipleship and a passion for seeing lives transformed, Martinez looks forward to the journey ahead—one step at a time, walking in faith together. 

1. The congregation join in prayer during the installation service.  ↩︎
2. Martinez and his family.  ↩︎
3. The Victorville church elders and search committee pray over Martinez.  ↩︎

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.”