By: Michel Aguinaga
On March 14, 2026, the Pathfinder Bible Experience Union-Level Testing was held at La Sierra Academy gymnasium, bringing together 27 teams from across every conference in the Union and welcoming nearly 500 attendees for a day of worship, fellowship, and biblical study. This year, Pathfinders were tested on their knowledge of Isaiah chapters 1–33, demonstrating remarkable dedication to Scripture memorization and understanding.
The Southeastern California Conference was well represented with eight teams participating:
We are thrilled to celebrate that all eight SECC teams earned first place, advancing to the Division-level Pathfinder Bible Experience testing at Camp Hawthorne, Florida.
We are also grateful for the support of our local clubs: the Arlington SDA Church Pathfinder Club prepared lunch for over 300 attendees, and the Kansas Avenue SDA Church Pathfinder Club provided a meaningful color guard ceremony during the opening and closing worship services.
Thank you to all Pathfinders, leaders, volunteers, and families who made this event such a success. We continue to pray for our teams as they prepare for the next level!
Michel Aguinaga is the Associate Youth Director for Club Ministries of the Southeastern California Conference.
Alexy Mondak to Join the Redlands Seventh-day Adventist Church
March 2, 2026
RIVERSIDE, CALIF.—Southeastern California Conference (SECC) announces that Alexy Mondak, Summer Camp Director and Assistant Youth Director will join the Redlands Seventh-day Adventist Church as Associate Pastor beginning April 2026.
Mondak has been instrumental in leading the conference summer camp program alongside Executive Director of Pine Springs Ranch, Carmen Ibáñez. In her role as Assistant Youth Director, Mondak has also helped lead and oversee new events organized by the Youth department, which include the Young Adult Night, The Experience: a worship event for junior high students, and Bloom Conference for high school girls. Pastor Alexy has served in several conferences prior to joining SECC in June 2022. Her experience in clinical psychology from Southern Adventist University and Master of Arts in Youth and Young Adult Ministry at Andrews Theological Seminary has shaped her as a pastor. Currently, Mondak is working towards a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling.
As Mondak steps into a new season, the Conference expresses deep gratitude for her service and commitment to youth ministry.
Mark Ricalde Appointed Associate Youth Director
March 2, 2026
RIVERSIDE, CALIF.—Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is excited to announce Mark Ricalde as Associate Director for Youth and Young Adults, effective April 2026. This appointment follows the confirmation of the February Executive Committee meeting.
Ricalde is passionate about today’s young leaders and how they will shape the church of tomorrow. He has enjoyed working as a youth pastor, church planter, camp director, and academy chaplain. Ricalde holds a degree in religious studies from Burman University and a Master of Divinity from La Sierra University. He is married to Alina, a pediatric dentist. Together, they enjoy walks, spending time with friends, and hanging out with their cats, Daisy and Hamilton.
Pastor Mark joins the Youth department (SECC Youth) from his most-recent role as associate youth pastor at Crosswalk Redlands.
As Ricalde joins the SECC Youth team and our conference office family, please keep him and his family in prayer.
Congratulations Mark!
With a background in young adult ministry and marriage and family therapy, Isaac Kim steps fully into his role as Youth Director for the Southeastern California Conference (SECC). His appointment to the position followed confirmation of the August Executive Committee, effective September 2025. Kim succeeds Aren Rennacker, the former director, after five years of leading SECC Youth Ministries.
Kim is no stranger to youth ministry or SECC. After more than two decades pastoring at the Calimesa Church, he joined the conference office in 2021 as Associate Director for Family & Children’s Ministries—a ministry area he continues to oversee as Youth Director.
Originally from Georgia, Kim began his academic journey at Georgia State University before receiving the call to study religion at Southern Adventist University. He later earned his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University, where he discovered how spiritual care and emotional health intersect in ministry. Working with young adults and families has always been a passion for Kim. “There’s a certain blessing that comes when you’re able to engage in the lives of people you worship and minister with,” he shared.
Reflecting on his transition to the Youth department, Kim is focusing on the momentum the department has created. “Aren and I shared a vision that age-based ministries are cohesive,” he explained. “Strong children’s ministries build strong youth ministries, which then strengthen adult ministries. Ministry doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s intergenerational.”
As Youth Director, Kim oversees SECC’s Family, Children’s, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries. The department supports local churches, Club Ministries, summer camp at Pine Springs Ranch, and works collaboratively with schools and pastors to nurture young people across all stages of faith development.
Kim emphasizes the importance of connection and prayer. “We ask that our members pray for our youth,” he said. “They are the most valuable part of the Church. Anything we can do to support our local churches and extend ministry to the next generation matters.” Through his leadership, Kim hopes to strengthen connections between generations and ensure that young people not only belong in the Church today but help shape its future.
For five years, the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) Youth Department has hosted its annual Youth Leadership Convention, a space for leaders to worship, connect, and grow together. This year’s gathering, held September 12–13, 2025, was no exception. Since its start in 2020, the gathering has become a key weekend for training and inspiration. This year’s theme, “The Open Table,” reminded leaders that everyone has a place in God’s kingdom.
SECC’s new Youth Director, Isaac Kim, shared that the theme came from Revelation 7:9— “we wanted our leaders to know that everybody is welcome to God’s table. God’s table is wide enough for people we may not expect, and we have a responsibility to care for them.”
Assistant Director for Youth Media, Jared Gonzalez added, “The table means having open arms to all types of people in our communities. Our goal was to provide information that’s both empowering and relevant for ministry today.” Collaboration was key in making the weekend meaningful. “We rely on pastors, leaders, and volunteers to guide sessions and share expertise,” Kim added. Gonzalez highlighted the support of churches, youth pastors, and La Sierra University’s School of Business, noting that these partnerships created a smooth and engaging experience for attendees.
Participants echoed the impact of the event. Janelle Baker, from 16th Street Church, said the theme reminded her of belonging: “A table is where we share and discuss life. It’s about community where we all feel comfortable.” She especially loved the Family Sabbath School workshop, calling it a simple, adaptable model that smaller churches could easily use. Alda Gomez, from San Ysidro Spanish Church, said his favorite breakout session focused on ChatGPT: “It showed how adults are also adapting to the tools we use—it was encouraging to see them embrace it with purpose.”
When asked to capture the heart of the convention in one word, Gonzalez chose “empowerment,” while Kim chose “team.” Both pointed to the same truth: leaders don’t serve alone. With over 300 in attendance, The Open Table was not just a theme but a lived experience of unity, collaboration, and hope for the future of youth leadership.
How does Jesus meet us where we are and lead us to where we are meant to be? This question, among many others, was explored by 220 high school students in the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) during the 12th annual OneLife Retreat. Held August 15–17 at Camp Cedar Falls, the weekend combined worship, presentations, prayer, and the signature “Jesus Experience”—student-led group discussions guided by a curriculum. But who designs this curriculum? Who are the people shaping the atmosphere and curating the themes behind the event?
While the conference oversees the OneLife retreats, the event is truly a collaboration of youth pastors from more than 20 churches. Each year, the planning team chooses a theme, invites a speaker, and discusses their individual responsibilities. Because the theme sets the direction for everything else, it is chosen first. How is it selected? Lindsey Haffner, youth pastor at Redlands church, explained: “The biggest question is, what do the students need? That’s two-fold: what do they perceive as their need, and what do we as pastors—who spend significant time with them—recognize as their deeper needs?”
This year’s theme, “Here and Beyond,” invited students to reflect deeply. Haffner, who helped create the Jesus Experience curriculum, posed questions such as: “How does Jesus meet you here, and what does that look like? How does He move us and propel us beyond what we can comprehend?” The curriculum drew on the biblical stories of Cornelius, Moses and the burning bush, Nicodemus, and the woman at the well. The main speaker was Aren Rennacker, newly appointed Pacific Union Conference Director of Growing Young Leaders.
With one of their core members absent, the youth pastors stepped up to take on greater responsibilities. “This year, it was especially youth-pastor led,” Haffner noted. “We took on more responsibility than usual, delegating tasks among ourselves. Because of that, the retreat felt more autonomous—and we were more invested in its success. It clarified that OneLife truly began, and continues, as the result of churches coming together.”
That sense of ownership extended to the students as well, inspiring them to take responsibility for their own faith—asking big questions and seeking answers in partnership with their church and with God.
Photo Credit Mikayla Rodriguez
As the summer came to a close, PSR stood out as more than just a camp. Worship had shaped it into a community—one where leaders emerged, relationships deepened, and God’s presence was experienced in everyday moments.
There was something different in the air at Pine Springs Ranch (PSR) this summer, something deeper, quieter, and more powerful than the usual camp buzz. It was worship. Not just the songs sung at morning gatherings or the hands raised during evening vespers, but a spirit of worship that shaped how staff and campers interacted—in the dining hall, during activities, and in the ways they listened, encouraged, and served. This focus on spiritual connection defined each week and led to something beautiful: eighteen baptisms, including fourteen campers and four staff members who publicly declared their commitment to Jesus.
At the center were Jo and Laia Amaya, a husband-and-wife team pursuing Master of Divinity degrees at Andrews University. Having served within the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) before graduate school, they returned with a vision: to cultivate a worship culture that felt authentic, safe, and rooted in relationship.
“We didn’t want worship to feel like a performance or a task,” Laia shared. “We wanted it to be a joy—something that made people feel seen and safe.” Instead of assigning worship to busy staff, Jo and Laia led every service themselves, inviting others to join as they felt ready. By midweek, staff and campers who began hesitant to sing were stepping forward as “worship leaders,” a title used to affirm and empower them.
Their style was less about polish and more about presence. Songs were chosen for age groups, sometimes adjusted when participation lagged, but always aimed at building trust and community. “We saw worship as our mission field,” Jo explained. “It wasn’t just about music, it was about how we treated each other.” Even silly or unfamiliar songs became tools for connection—opportunities to sing with friends and grow in faith together.
Angelica Torres, returning as Spiritual Care Coordinator, saw how this reshaped camp culture. “With so many new staff, we had to rebuild from the ground up,” she explained. “Jo and Laia helped us see that worship wasn’t just a slot on the schedule—it became the heart posture of the community.”
By the final day, campers who once sat quietly were leading songs with confidence. Staff who never imagined themselves in spiritual roles guided others in prayer. Arms linked in worship circles became a weekly scene, as once-reluctant voices now asked, “Can we sing that song again?”
September 02, 2025
RIVERSIDE, CALIF.—Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is pleased to announce Isaac Kim as Youth Director, effective September 2025. This appointment follows the confirmation of the August Executive Committee meeting.
Kim, who served as Interim Youth Director since April 2025 and formerly as an Associate Youth Director since December 2021, will lead the Youth Ministries department (SECC Youth) which oversees Club Ministry, Family & Children’s Ministry, Summer Camp Ministry, and Youth & Young Adult Ministry. He will continue to lead Family & Children’s Ministry as the department director.
Southeastern California Conference is excited to see how God will move throughout our youth ministries and the leaders our Youth department empowers.
Please join us in congratulating Isaac!
From Canvasser to Calling: How Youth Rush Shaped a Future Pastor
By Ezrica Bennett
At 16, Joshua Roman joined Youth Rush as a shy teenager. Today, he serves as the San Diego program head and is spending his eighth summer with the organization. He is also pursuing a theology degree at Southern Adventist University. For Roman, Youth Rush was more than just a summer job; it was a catalyst for transformation.
Youth Rush is a summer literature evangelism program for young adults that equips students with meaningful skills and ministry experience. Each day begins with optional morning devotionals, followed by practical chores such as food preparation, inventory, or accounting. After breakfast and a mandatory worship session, students receive training on how to engage with the public safely and effectively. From 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., they canvas neighborhoods and parking lots, offering books on health and spirituality on a donation basis. Students keep a portion of what they collect, while the remainder supports the program’s operational costs, such as transportation and housing.
Like Roman, many students enter Youth Rush with little experience in social interaction or evangelism. Over time, they develop essential communication skills that strengthen their confidence and character which extend beyond their time in the program.
“Youth Rush helped me break out of my shell,” Roman shares. “I used to be terrified of talking to people. After facing rejection day after day, I stopped being afraid. I gained confidence, learned how to make friends, and how to reach people’s hearts.”
Students often experience moments where they see their faith come to life. Roman recalled one student who had been praying for an “angel experience.” One day, while canvassing, people kept glancing over his shoulder, and someone gave him two water bottles—one for him and one "for his friend." The student was alone. When he shared what happened, a leader suggested, “Maybe that was your angel.” The student was overjoyed; his prayer had been answered.
The process of engaging their faith through service makes this a life-changing experience for many. It certainly was for Roman. Though he once planned to follow his family into medicine or the military, he now sees ministry as his calling.
“Youth Rush changed my path and my heart,” he says. A journey that began with a simple yes continues to shape his purpose and the stories of other young adults, one summer at a time.
Marching with Purpose: Celebrating Club Ministries within SECC
By Jordyn Wright and Taji Saleem
The campus of La Sierra University was vibrant with rhythmic drums, food booths, and over 3,000 attendees who gathered for the Southeastern California Conference’s (SECC) fourth annual Club Ministries Fair. With over 100 clubs represented and more than 2,000 participants marching in the parade, the event reflected the camaraderie developed by Pathfinders, Adventurers, and Master Guides in SECC.
Now in its third year held on La Sierra’s campus, the Club Ministries Fair is the result of merging the longstanding Pathfinder Fair and Adventurer Fun Day. This fusion has not only preserved cherished traditions but also created a new space to celebrate the accomplishments of clubs at the end of their ministry season. This year’s fair marked a milestone in attendance and participation, reflecting the increasing energy and commitment within SECC’s club ministries.
Organized by Michel Aguinaga, club ministries director, Savannah Villa, youth secretary, Jared Gonzalez, assistant media director, and 25 dedicated club ministry coordinators, the success of the event evident through the vibrancy throughout the day. Gonzalez shared, “I really enjoyed seeing all the families and friends come together to support the clubs. Everyone had a smile on their face as the clubs from every county marched on the grounds of La Sierra University.” He especially highlighted the enthusiasm around the Drill Down competitions, noting the high level of preparation and discipline displayed by participating Pathfinders. University president, Christon Arthur addressed the morning crowd with an inviting message: “This is your home (referring to LSU).”
More than just marching and awards, slip-and-slide games and a foam machine enticed attendees out of their uniforms. A diverse menu of pupusas, burgers, and Kona Ice refreshed hungry attendees.
Recognition was another key feature of the day. Eleven clubs earned a prestigious platinum award, while others received silver and bronze honors. Special acknowledgment was given to Pathfinder Bible Experience teams and the first Adventurer Bible Game participants—underscoring the commitment to spiritual growth and excellence.
The success of the fair, as Gonzalez noted, was not only in the numbers but in the seamless execution and positive feedback from directors and families alike. “One director told me how everything was on time and even ahead of schedule,” he said. “It just showed how committed everyone was to making this event a success.”
In every way, the Club Ministries Fair exemplified the unity and spirit of SECC’s club ministries—a celebration of what happens when dedication, hard work, and community come together.
