Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

09/02/2026

Dear Southeastern California Conference family,

It is with deep sorrow that the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) announces the death of Charles “Chuck” McKinstry. McKinstry served SECC faithfully since 1969 and leaves behind a legacy of commitment and dedication to serving children within the community.

McKinstry began teaching at the San Diego Academy in June 1969, becoming principal in 1978 and eventually becoming Superintendent of Education for SECC in July 1985 until November 2004. He inspired and mentored students, teachers, and administrators while serving in these roles. McKinstry loved Adventist education and was invested in its success.

“Chuck had the ability to quietly multiply an individual’s strengths and then provide opportunities to use those talents.,” said Datha Tickner, Superintendent of Schools.

McKinstry became the director of Property and Trust Service (PATS) in December 2004, providing legal counsel. He was a fierce protector of children at SECC churches and schools. He also provided legal advice and guidance to thousands of pastors, church leaders, teachers, principals and conference administration. “He had a way of making each one of us feel seen. He made leaders,” stated Reyna Escobar, director of Property & Trust services. McKinstry concluded his role in 2019.

“Chuck was consistently graceful under pressure and demonstrated the love of Christ to everyone he met,” said Richard Harrison, SECC Legal Counsel & Director of Legal/ Property Services.

The Southeastern California Conference extends its condolences to his family and loved ones and asks to keep them in your prayers during this time.

Celebration of Life Service

Saturday, September 12 at 3:00 p.m.
Corona Seventh-day Adventist Church
2550 S Main St, Corona, CA 92882

The service will be livestreamed and available for later viewing: www.youtube.com/

09/02/2026

Tuesday, September 1, 2026 began the opening day of the Messiah's Mansion exhibition located at the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) office campus in Riverside. For six days, visitors can take a step back more than 3,000 years to experience the biblical sanctuary in a new way.

Messiah's Mansion, a traveling life-sized replica of the Hebrew Tabernacle, is open for tours September 1-6 at the SECC office. Through a guided, five-station experience, visitors journey from the courtyard into the Holy Place and Most Holy Place to learn about the altar of sacrifice, laver, table of showbread, altar of incense, candlestick, Ark of the Covenant, and garments of the high priest.

This historical exhibit brings the biblical story of the sanctuary to life and provides opportunities for guests of all ages to better understand its symbols, their significance, and God's plan of salvation for humanity.

Messiah’s Mansion has traveled across 38 states and seven countries since 2003, welcoming churches, schools, families, and communities along the way.

Free tours are available daily from 1:00 to 6:30 p.m. at 11330 Pierce Street in Riverside. Walk-ins are welcomed, but reservations are preferred. Visit https://www.messiahsmansion.com/riverside to book a tour.

08/31/2026

Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is pleased to announce Didier Noriega to serve as Hispanic Ministries Evangelist. Noriega currently serves as the senior pastor for the Escondido Spanish Church and brings over eighteen years of ministry experience in Colombia and the United States. Congratulations Pastor Didier.

08/27/2026

We are excited to announce the appointment of Pedro Rascón as Vice President for Hispanic Ministries for the Southeastern California Conference. Pedro, who currently serves as conference evangelist will join the SECC administrative team to further our mission of expanding the Kingdom of God.

08/27/2026

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Pedro Rascón Monribot as Vice President for Hispanic Ministries for the Southeastern California Conference. Rascón currently serves as the Conference Hispanic Ministries Evangelist and will join the SECC administrative team to further our mission of expanding the Kingdom of God.

Read the full announcement on our website:

08/22/2026

Exciting changes in leadership at the Pacific Union Conference, back to school, and celebrating years of ministry! 🙌

Email from Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists New Seasons of Ministry (August 2026 edition)     August 21, 2026     Conference News   Pacific Union Delegates Elec

08/19/2026

Pacific Union Conference Elects New Officers at 32nd Constituency Session

By Becky St. Clair

On August 16-17, the Pacific Union Conference held its 32nd Constituency Session in Indian Wells, California. Three hundred and one delegates from across the five-state region gathered to vote on bylaws changes and new leadership for the upcoming quinquennium.

Read more by visiting the link: https://www.adventistfaith.com/news/pacific-union-conference-elects-new-officers-at-32nd-constituency-session/

By Becky St. Clair On August 16-17, the Pacific Union Conference held its 32nd Constituency Session in Indian Wells, California. Three hundred and one delegates from across the five-state region gathered to vote on bylaws changes and new leadership for the upcoming quinquennium. Though delegates wer...

08/17/2026

August 17, 2026

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.— The Southeastern California Conference congratulates Manny Vitug on his newly-elected position as Vice President for Asian Pacific Ministries for the Pacific Union Conference. Pastor Vitug served in a number of roles within the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) since July 2000 prior to his appointment.

Vitug, who has had a passion for pastoring and youth ministry, began within the SECC as Young Life Pastor before becoming Children’s Pastor and Camp Director for Pine Springs Ranch in 2003. Throughout his tenure, he served the Youth Ministries department as Associate Director for Family & Children’s Ministries until October 2021 before accepting a call to serve as Lead Pastor at the Loma Linda Filipino Church—his most recent assignment.

Southeastern California Conference is grateful for Vitug for his years of dedicated ministry to the youth, families, children and leaders he served. As he serves in his new position, we pray for God’s continued guidance and widening impact for Asian Pacific Ministries across the Union territory. SECC congratulates Vitug on this new chapter in his ministry at the Pacific Union Conference.

08/17/2026

August 17, 2026

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.— The Southeastern California Conference is pleased to congratulate Dr. Yohalmo Saravia on his election as Vice President for Hispanic Ministries for the Pacific Union Conference. Pastor Saravia served as Vice President of Hispanic Ministries at the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) for the past eight years and has served the conference for thirty-six years.

Saravia pastored at the Greater New York Conference in the late 1980s before joining the ministerial team at SECC. He held pastoral roles at the Hemet Spanish, Costa Mesa Spanish and San Diego Spanish churches. He joined the conference administration as Vice President of Hispanic Ministries in 2018.

“I look forward to partnering with Hispanic Conference Coordinators, pastors, and local churches to strengthen disciple-making ministries, equip leaders, and mobilize members for service,” said Saravia. “I am also excited about investing in the next generation of leaders and creating healthy leadership cultures.”

Throughout his years of service and leadership at SECC, Saravia has shown a deep commitment to Hispanic ministries and advancing the mission of the Church throughout the conference. The Southeastern California Conference is grateful for his years of dedication and congratulates him on this new chapter in his ministry at the Pacific Union Conference.

07/16/2026

It’s never too late to stop the celebration. 🎊 Congratulations to these final 6 graduates. 🎓