As a result of evangelistic meetings conducted last fall by conference evangelist Allen Sovory and his team, supported by the black ministries department, 70 Adventists are members of a new group in North Palm Springs. The new group is affiliated with the Mt. Rubidoux church in Riverside. Cedric Madison is their pastor.

The Hope Community Group is the newest of 17 black congregations in the Southeastern California Conference (SECC). The only other desert group is the Blythe branch Sabbath school near the Arizona border.

About 200, including friends from San Diego and Central California, celebrated the group’s establishment on April 2 at their meeting location on Gene Autry Trail.

George King, vice president for black ministries, welcomed all to the occasion. Marc Woodson, associate youth director, presented the sermon.

In the afternoon, attendees visited health booths and participated in lifestyle assessments sponsored by the health ministries team of the Mt. Rubidoux church. A service followed with music, testimonies and gifts for the new congregation.