Showers of Blessing Fall in High Desert
San Diego resident Juan Lopez runs a construction business that employs 100. On the side he is a committed lay preacher and evangelist. With support from his former teacher, Elias Gomez (now a retired pastor), Lopez organized an evangelistic series for the Victorville Spanish Company, four nights a week, from July 11 through Aug. 9. As a result, 20 were baptized by Ralph Martinez, district pastor, and two joined the church on profession of faith. Others are engaged in on-going Bible studies.
Lopez established small groups for public relations, literature distribution, visitation and Bible studies. PR included one-minute paid announcements broadcast eight times a day on a local radio station. During the series, Esther Barraza also led a Vacation Bible School that emphasized child evangelism. Three children asked for baptism.
Besides preaching, Lopez led a 14-member gospel singing group, El Grupo Amistad. Although many members lived approximately 130 miles away, they performed regularly during the meetings.
I.C.U. Helps Youth Leaders
Dwain Esmond, editor of Insight magazine, addressed approximately 85 youth leaders during an “Intensive Care Unit” of leadership training provided at the conference office on Sabbath, Sept. 20.
The theme for the afternoon/evening workshop was “Push Out into Deep Water,” based on Luke 5. Decorations included scuba gear and swirls of blue streamers.
According to Sandy Roberts, associate youth director at SECC, Esmond focused on three topics: (1) enhancing the youth Sabbath school program, (2) teaching youth Sabbath school, and (3) building a leadership team. The editor also had a 30-minute question-and-answer period about the magazine. He expressed the need for more articles and stories written by youth for youth.
School Enrollment Dips Slightly
A total of 4,883 students enrolled in Southeastern California Conference (SECC) schools by the end of September. Of these, 3,484 were elementary students and 1,399 were academy level students. Compared with the 2002-2003 school year, the overall enrollment fell by 117. “We don’t know all the reasons this occurred,” states Charles McKinstry, superintendent of education. “We do know that when the economy slows down, it affects our members.”
Ten elementary schools showed a gain in enrollment while 12 reported a loss. Those with the greatest gains included Murrietta (+11), Redlands Elementary (+11) and La Sierra Elementary (+25). Schools with fewer students than last year included Orangewood Elementary (-39), Valley Adventist Christian School (-31), Loma Linda Elementary (-22), Escondido Elementary (-22) and Oceanside (-17).
Three secondary schools had enrollment gains and seven experienced a loss. Escondido Academy had the strongest gain (+10). Declines occurred at La Sierra Academy (-33) and Calexico Mission Academy (-10). Enrollment has fluctuated over the past 10 years by about 360 students. The high point of 5,091 came in 1993-1994 school year; a low of 4,728 students occurred in 1998-1999.
Clergywomen’s Retreat Attracts SECC Pastors
About 75 Adventist women in ministry attended the second clergywomen’s retreat sponsored by the North American Division (NAD). The group met at the Cohutta Springs Retreat Center in Georgia, Sept. 14-17.
Organized by Dúane Schoonard, an associate director of the NAD ministerial department, the event attracted pastors, healthcare and school chaplains, theology teachers, conference leaders and women studying theology and clinical pastoral education. Southern Adventist University sponsored 10 theology students.
Five attended from the Southeastern California Conference (SECC): Hyveth Williams and Marlene Ferreras, Campus Hill Church; Carmen Ibanez, then of Loma Linda Spanish Church; Penny Shell, La Sierra University Church; and Kit Watts, SECC communication department.
Pathfinders Camporee Draws 2001
Sixty-seven clubs and 2,001 Pathfinders and their leaders converged on Rancho Jurupa camp grounds in Riverside for the 49th annual Pathfinder Camporee, Oct. 9-12.
Providing an opportunity for all the clubs to get together at one place, the outing emphasized camping skills such as knot tying, fire building, outdoor cookery and first aid—28 different activities in all.
Roy Ice, assistant pastor at the Azure Hills Church, was the Sabbath speaker, focusing on the Pathfinder theme, “SOS—Serving Our Savior.”
By noon Sunday the tents were down and the Pathfinders were headed home after a weekend of spiritual emphasis, friendship, work and play.
Next year will be the 50th anniversary of Pathfinder camporees. The celebration will be held Nov. 11-14, again at Rancho Jurupa.
