At the 62nd GC Session, Du Preez was invited to give a special presentation, sharing his experiences, and the impact the journey had on both himself and the communities he visited. This great feat garnered the attraction of Miami Dolphins running back, Alexander Mattison, and local news stations. Showing him support, the news stories reached thousands across Indiana, Michigan, and Southern New England. 

Throughout the journey, Du Preez promoted a wholistic health message rooted in the Adventist lifestyle—encouraging movement, plant-based eating, rest, and spiritual well-being. "Stronger legs, longer life," he quoted from a Time article published during his trek. “Physical health strengthens your mental, social, and spiritual life.” 

For Du Preez, Senior Strides wasn't just about miles—it was about momentum. “No matter your age or stage,” he concluded, “you can improve your health, bless others, and live the abundant life God intended.” You can learn more at seniorstrides.org. 

1. Du Preez presents on the 62^nd General Conference session stage.  ↩︎
2. Alexander Mattison, Miami Dolphins, films with Du Preez.  ↩︎
3. Du Preez keeps a steady pace over his 50 days.  ↩︎

“If I could summarize this journey, it’s simply about gratitude,” said Pastor Isaac Lee. “God and His people have affirmed this calling, and I don’t take that lightly.” 

Lee was ordained to the gospel ministry at Yorba Linda Seventh-day Adventist Church in late March. He currently serves as executive and associate pastor, working with every department and focusing specifically on youth, collegiate, and young adult ministries. He began serving at Yorba Linda in November 2023. 

His ministry began in 2009 as a part-time pastor at Fort Lee SDA Church in New Jersey. But the calling started even earlier — before he even knew it. 

“My parents dedicated me to God to be a pastor,” he shared. “But they didn’t tell me that until I had already made the decision on my own.” 

That quiet thread of providence has woven itself throughout his ministry journey. After seminary at Andrews University — where he earned both his undergraduate and Master of Divinity degrees — he received his first full-time call and served churches across the country. 

One of the most defining chapters came after leaving Loma Linda Korean SDA Church. As he sought God's direction for his next step, he received offers from 8 to 10 churches across North America. But one offer stood out, not because it made sense, but because it moved his heart. 

“Queens, New York, offered the lowest pay, no service credit, no insurance. It made no logical sense,” he said. “But I was moved with compassion for my people.” 

What happened next stunned even him. Despite the Greater New York Conference’s typical policy against granting service credit for local hires, he was given four years of credit — double what he would have earned elsewhere. 

“When I told the church members, they wept with me,” he recalled. “It was impossible. But God had a plan.” 

Fifteen years since his first pastoral assignment, Pastor Lee says his ordination is not a marker of his worth, but of God’s faithfulness. 

“There’s nothing about me that I can boast in,” he said. “Only that Christ chose to use a sinner like me. If anyone sees anything good, it’s just Him working through me.” 

Now, settled into his ministry in Orange County, he’s prayerful for what’s ahead: “This is a new chapter — a balance between work and personal life, maybe even preparing for family. But as always, I’m just waiting and listening upon the Lord.” 

Congratulations to Pastor Lee! 

1. President Park leads the call and response during Lee’s service. ↩︎
2. Lee is blessed by several pastors.  ↩︎

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. ↩︎

To mark the beginning of the new school year, several SDA schools across the SECC opened their campuses with prayer walks. Students, parents, teachers, and staff joined together to dedicate the year to God, praying over classrooms, hallways, and shared spaces.

Participating schools included Redlands Adventist Academy, San Diego Academy, Calexico Mission School, San Antonio Christian School, La Sierra Academy, Orangewood Academy, Murrieta Springs Adventist Christian School, Desert Adventist School, Oceanside Adventist Elementary, Mentone SDA Elementary, and Loma Linda Academy.

The purpose of these gatherings served as powerful reminders that education within Adventist schools is about more than academics—it is about nurturing spiritual growth, building community, and inviting God’s presence into every aspect of school life. By beginning the year with prayer, these campuses set the tone for a Christ-centered journey ahead.

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.

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.  ↩︎

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.  ↩︎

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.

Dear Southeastern California Conference members, 

As we continue to grieve the loss of Yolanda Perez, we would like to share service information with you.

Yolanda passed to her rest on July 12, 2025, and is now resting in Jesus. Perez was part of the Southeastern California Conference family with 19 years of service to our Treasury department as a Church Receipting Coordinator and Clerk. 

She is survived by her husband, Andres Perez; her children, Andrea, Alyssa, and Andrew; and her sisters, Martha Perez, Nora Perez, and Carol Hernandez. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved her deeply. Please keep the Perez family and loved ones in your prayers through this difficult season.

Southeastern California Conference is grateful for Yolanda and her family for her ministry to our conference.

Service information for Yolanda is as follows:

Visitation

Tuesday, July 22nd 6:30pm-9:00pm

Harlow Memorial Chapel at Crestlawn

Celebration of Life

Wednesday, July 23rd 11:00am-12:00pm

La Sierra Spanish Church

Committal Service

Wednesday, July 23rd 12:30pm-1:00pm

Crestlawn Memorial Park

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