“Growing up without a present father, I often questioned how a loving Heavenly Father could exist. Church was always part of my life, yet I struggled with faith—attending only because I had no choice. Like many in my youth group, I felt disconnected.”
That all changed, when Jonathan Navarro ran into two friends returning from Youth Rush. They were happy and excited about God. Navarro thought, “If God could do it for them, maybe He could do it for me.”Navarro, this year’s Youth Rush program head leader, joined the program the following summer in 2019 and had a life changing experience. Through daily worship, he learned that even though he had no earthly father, he had a Heavenly Father who cared deeply.
That summer left a lasting impact, giving Navarro the desire to pursue a degree in pastoral ministry at Southern Adventist University. He shares, “I am driven by the hope of impacting other youth, just as Youth Rush did for me.”
What is Youth Rush?
Youth Rush is Southeastern California Conference’s (SECC) Student Literature Evangelism program, which empowers youth ages 16 to 25 to share the good news while earning funds for Adventist education. Formally known as colporteuring, Youth Rush puts a new face on the long-standing ministry. Students distribute Bible-based literature in local communities on a donation basis, and the funds support their Adventist education. In addition to the ministry benefits, it offers unforgettable experiences—camping weekends, beach trips, and even a retreat to Catalina Island to foster meaningful community.
However, the true purpose of Youth Rush goes beyond literature distribution. It develops social skills, builds confidence, and develops leadership qualities among young people. By engaging in mission, youth are equipped to become the future leaders of our churches and communities.
Over the last few years, Youth Rush has seen remarkable growth in participation, literature sales, and Adventist scholarships:
Each number represents a youth dedicated to mission and each dollar represents a Christ-centered book in a community home. Every summer, many of our youth embrace the challenge to share the gospel and impact our communities. The personal experience of seeing God touch lives through literature, is truly life changing.
If you are a young person seeking a mission opportunity or know someone who might benefit, visit seccyouthrush.com to learn more and apply for our 2025 summer program.
April 30, 2025
RIVERSIDE, CALIF.—Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is excited to announce Isaac Kim as the Interim Youth Director, effective April, 2025. He succeeds Aren Rennacker who served as conference Youth Director from December, 2019 before accepting a call to the Pacific Union Conference.
Kim has served within SECC for over 25 years in ministry, beginning at the Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist Church as Associate Pastor prior to leading our conference Family & Children’s ministry as an Associate Youth Director since December, 2021. He likes to work collaboratively with ministry teams, cheerleading ministry leaders, and creating space for people to share life together. Isaac and his two boys enjoy sports, both playing and watching. He strives to be the best dad that he can be by modeling the love of Jesus and believes that the message of the Gospel shows up in different ways in our journeys.
As Interim Youth Director, Kim will oversee conference Youth department operations, youth, young adult, family, and children ministry programs, and support church youth ministry leaders in various capacities.
Southeastern California Conference is excited to see how God continues to move within our youth ministries. Please join us in congratulating Isaac.
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.”
Matt Hayes, CFO, John Crafter, president, Patty Marruffo, secretary, and Dante Marruffo, vice president of The Firehouse Family organization pose with their axes.
For the third year in a row, over two hundred firefighter families partook in the annual Firehouse Family Retreat. This year, hosted at Pine Springs Ranch from March 20-23, families enjoyed three and a half days of fellowship and activities for the entire family to enjoy. Patty Marruffo, Southeastern California Conference (SECC) executive secretary, and Dante Marruffo, senior pastor of Orange Coast church, serve as volunteer chaplains for the Riverside Fire Department. The idea for the event was born out of assessing a need when ministering to firefighters in active duty. They partnered with John Crater, fire chief for the Temecula Division, three years ago to support firefighters and their families. To their success, the Southeastern California Conference along with the Pacific Union Conference, the City of Temecula, and a number of other organizations, helped sponsor the event for a third year.
Patty Marruffo and John Crater share a hug.
The Firehouse Family is a registered non-profit organization that seeks to provide resources and relief to firefighters and their families. In the March 27 Executive Committee meeting held by SECC, Chief John Crater shared a personal testimony to the executive body about his experience as a firefighter and the impact the event has had on his family. "I am incredibly grateful to my friends, Patty and Dante, and to this body for your support of this event," Crater said. Bradford Newton, president of the Pacific Union Conference was in attendance at the meeting. Chief Crater presented an engraved axe, dedicated to the Pacific Union Conference, in gratitude of their support.
Elder Brad Newton is presented with the Pacific Union axe.
Plans are already underway for the next Firehouse Family Retreat on March 19-22, 2026. To learn more about the Firehouse Family, visit www.thefirehousefamily.org/home.
The Firehouse Family is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Redlands Adventist Academy (RAA) students recently explored orthopedic surgery through an immersive lab led by alumnus Corey Fuller, orthopedist. Eager to give back, Fuller instructed Anatomy and Physiology students through procedures such as fracture repairs, bone structure analysis, and surgical techniques.
The session allowed students to work with surgical tools, reinforcing their classroom knowledge with real-world application. Student Sydney Van Zant appreciated the hands-on approach, stating, "It helped me better understand fractures and what factors go into repairing them." She emphasized the importance of precise screw placement, adding, "We had to be precise and make sure not to drill or cover any parts of the growth plate on the femur."
Faith Hayton found the experience engaging. "It was more helpful for me to do something hands-on and make connections about what we’ve learned in class," she said, describing the process of aligning bones using plates and screws. Grace Hayton also found the lab inspiring, sharing, "It made the medical field seem less scary and more interesting than I thought it would be."
Other students walked away with a greater appreciation for surgical work. Caroline Keough remarked, "The fact that the bone felt real was especially interesting. It gave me a deeper understanding of how surgeons work." Maidah Khan saw new career possibilities, saying, "After the lab, I started thinking about possibly going into surgery, and it rekindled my passion for cardiology."
Carter Leichty was surprised by the similarities between surgical tools and everyday hardware. "I didn't know that the equipment they use is very close to hardware tools like drills and screws," he observed. Keathy Sanchez valued the practical knowledge, stating, "It may also be helpful to know what happens in a surgical procedure if a friend breaks a bone."
The orthopedic surgery lab provided students with an invaluable learning experience, bridging academic study with hands-on medical practice. Dr. Fuller’s dedication to educating RAA students ensures young minds are equipped with knowledge that extends beyond the classroom, inspiring potential future careers in healthcare.
The annual Junior/Senior Bible Conference, hosted by the SECC Office of Education, brought together upperclassmen from academies across the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) and Southern California Conference (SCC) for a weekend of spiritual renewal, fellowship, and inspiration. Held at the newly renovated Pine Springs Ranch from January 29 to February 1, 2025, the event encouraged students to deepen their relationship with God while connecting with peers from other schools.
This year’s theme, "Rhythm," emphasized the importance of intentionally including God in daily life. Keynote speaker Mike Rhynus from the Loma Linda University School of Religion, a former attendee of the conference himself, delivered powerful messages that resonated with students, challenging them to integrate their faith into everyday routines.
Beyond the main sessions, the heart of the conference was found in family group sessions led by student leaders. These small groups, made up of students from different schools, fostered deeper discussions on scripture while also building lasting friendships through team activities. Ethan Gaines, senior at Redlands Adventist Academy shared, “The community that I created with people that I don’t normally see was amazing. Being able to worship with these people made our connections much more personal.”
A praise band composed of students from various schools led heartfelt worship, creating an atmosphere so powerful it was contagious. Nicholas Borchik, high school history teacher at Mesa Grande Academy, reflected on the impact the worship had. “Our intention for the event was to create a space for authentic corporate worship. Many of my students walked away saying that they want to take their worship experience into other spaces.” As the students return to their campuses, they carry with them the challenge to embrace Christ as an essential part of their lives, shaping their purpose, choices, and relationships.
Another meaningful element was the Prayer Oasis, a space designed by student Prayer Warriors, where attendees could engage in a unique, multi-sensory prayer experience. Youth pastors played a vital role as mentors for student leaders, while Bible teachers and chaperones helped facilitate team-building activities. Faculty and chaplains emphasized that the lessons learned should extend beyond the event, continuing to inspire students throughout the year.
The Junior/Senior Bible Conference remains a cornerstone of Adventist education in SECC, nurturing faith-filled leaders. Organizers look forward to expanding opportunities for students to engage even more deeply, ensuring that each year builds upon the last in fostering spiritual growth and community.
Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Pastor James (Jim) Clizbe on March 12, 2025. He is now resting in Jesus.
With 45 years serving the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Clizbe spent his career both in education and church ministry. He served in a number of conferences including the Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia-Cumberland, Columbia Union, Ohio, Texas, and Southern California before retiring within the Southeastern California Conference (SECC). His experience has led him to working as an elementary teacher, dean, principal, and superintendent, before accepting a call to serve as an associate pastor at the La Sierra University Church in 2005 before the end of his employment in 2007. He concluded his service within the Riverside County Sheriff’s department as a chaplain.
Southeastern California Conference expresses its gratitude for Pastor Clizbe and years of service as an educator and leader. Please keep his family and loved ones in your prayers.
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
Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elder Gerald Penick, Sr., who passed away on Friday morning, March 7, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children in Alvarado, Texas.
Elder Penick was born on October 1, 1944, in Topeka, Kansas, where his father pastored. Beginning at age 4, Gerald displayed his musical talent, playing the piano and adding the organ soon after. He led choirs by age 13. He graduated from Oakwood College in 1970, where he met the love of his life, Linda Penick.
Elder Penick’s ministry journey included being the organist for C.D. Brooks and E.E. Cleveland. He began his pastoral ministry in the South Central Conference, Central States Conference, and Allegheny West Conference before he joined the Southeastern California Conference. In Allegheny West, he finished building the Southeast SDA Church in Cleveland, OH. At Kansas Avenue, he held several evangelistic series to plant the Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church, leading baptisms at the Union for several years.
After pastoring the Kansas Avenue and 31st Street churches, he transitioned into the conference office. There, he served as Vice President of Black Ministries, where he created the Black Adventist Ministerial Fellowship (BAMF) and established the Black Ministries camp meeting, which was open to all churches. Over the course of 25 years, he held key positions including Vice President, Executive Secretary, and served as President for Southeastern California Conference from 2005-2012.
As president, Elder Penick’s leadership created an indelibly tangible impact within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Jonathan Park, current president of SECC shares, “under Elder Penick's leadership, Elder Sandra Roberts became the first female Executive Secretary and later the first female president of a conference in the North American Division. I have always appreciated his extraordinary way he welcomed me into the conference office and his willingness to listen and impart his wisdom.”
Though Elder Penick’s leadership in administration was invaluable, his dream was always to return to pastoral ministry after leaving the office. He worked another six years in local congregational leadership. He served as Executive Pastor at Garden Grove (now OC Grace), served as Interim Pastor at several congregations, and concluding his years of ministry at Arden Hills in 2018 and OC Grace in 2019.
We are deeply grateful for Elder Penick’s many years of faithful service to the Southeastern California Conference and his unwavering commitment to ministry. He was well-loved for his gifted piano and organ playing, and his smile and laughter brightened the lives of many. His love for Jesus and his passionate energy for service left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Elder Penick is survived by his beloved wife, Linda, his adult children Gerald Penick, Jr. (Terri), Eric (Tanisha), Anthony (Johanna), and seven grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.
Please keep his family and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time.
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Dear Southeastern California Conference members,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pastor Bernard Taylor. He passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, and is now at rest in Jesus. A memorial service for Dr. Taylor will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Loma Linda University Church. All are welcome to attend his memorial service.
Dr. Taylor taught biblical languages at La Sierra University beginning in the early 1990s until 2021. Upon accepting appointment as Associate Pastor of the Loma Linda University Church in 1990, Dr. Taylor also joined La Sierra University’s School of Religion as Collaborating Professor of Biblical Languages and Old Testament Theology—a position he held until 2021. During these years he regularly led La Sierra's pastoral ministry students into a thorough knowledge of the biblical languages of classical Hebrew and Koiné Greek, as well as into Ecclesiastical Latin, and the theological thought of the Hebrew scriptures. The publication of his Analytical Lexicon to the Septuagint (Zondervan 1994; rev. 2009) marked his thoroughgoing scholarship and lasting contribution to the field of scriptural linguistics. Accordingly, graduates of La Sierra who applied for admission into graduate programs in pastoral ministry at the SDA Theological Seminary and other advanced institutions found ready acceptance; their knowledge of the biblical languages was consistently strong.
Another significant part of Dr. Taylor's public ministry during these years was his regular participation over a couple of decades and more, as a panelist on "Searching for Answers," the popular weekly telecast on Loma Linda Broadcasting Network, with world-wide viewership. His spiritual insights into biblical teachings, arising from his thorough linguistic knowledge that were delivered in terms that spoke to the Christian lives of ordinary laypeople (often with a touch of his gentle trademark humor), contributed definitively to the program's success.
Please keep his family and his loved ones in prayer.
Memorial Service for Dr. Bernard Taylor
March 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Loma Linda University Church
11125 Campus St.
Loma Linda, CA 92354
