CONFERENCE NEWS

FRESNO, Calif. — On Nov. 26, 2025, the Central California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists installed a new exterior sign at its headquarters, replacing the previous sign that had served the campus for nearly 30 years. Over time, the old structure had deteriorated, with rotting materials and several letters falling off, making replacement necessary to ensure a reliable and presentable appearance. The new sign reflects the updated branding guidelines of the General Conferen

The Central California Conference expresses appreciation to Pastor Bismarck Castillo , who is concluding his ministry with us this year. Over the past several years, Pastor Castillo has served two congregations in our conference, caring as he walked alongside members in their spiritual journeys. Pastor Castillo first joined the Central California Conference in 2019 , after several years of ministry at the Springdale First Spanish Church in the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference. H

Nearly 80 men from across the Central California Conference gathered this past weekend for the annual CCC Men’s Retreat, themed “The Mandate.” The event focused on calling men not only to personal growth, but to a deeper life of discipleship—grounded in Scripture, strengthened through community, and committed to following Jesus with conviction. The retreat featured keynote messages from David Dean, Brian Simmons, and Anil Kanda, each offering spiritually challenging and encou

Yosemite, Calif. — In February 2025, women from across the Central California Conference gathered at Tenaya Lodge for a transformative weekend retreat that evolved into a powerful experience of healing, connection, and spiritual renewal. Set against the quiet winter beauty of Yosemite, the retreat created a safe space for women to confront the realities of abuse, reclaim their God-given identity, and experience restoration through worship, teaching, prayer, and testimony. Att

Nearly 80 young men from across the Central California Conference gathered at Camp Wawona for this year’s Teen Guys Retreat—an uplifting weekend filled with worship, mentorship, and hands-on learning set against the beauty of Yosemite National Park. The featured speaker, Chad Lambie, delivered a powerful message drawn from his extraordinary personal journey. Born with Cleidocranial Dysplasia/Dysostosis (CCD)—a rare genetic condition affecting bone development—Lambie grew up w

FRESNO, Calif.—The Central Valley Golden Eagles Pathfinder and Adventurer Club, Visalia Pioneers, and Fresno Navigators joined the Central California Conference (CCC) Junior Youth Department on November 11 to proudly participate in the 106th Fresno Veterans Day Parade. Under the leadership of CCC Youth Director Norma Villarreal, the group represented the Seventh-day Adventist Church with gratitude, joy, and a spirit of service. The Fresno Veterans Day Parade—one of the oldest

Clovis, Calif.— On November 9, 2025, the Central California Conference (CCC) Junior Youth Department officially launched Master Guide University Cohort 3, welcoming 22 new Master Guides in Training (MITs) from across the conference—stretching from Bakersfield to San Francisco. Each participant arrived with a shared commitment: to grow, to lead, and to serve within their local church communities. The day began at the CCC office with check-in, registration, and a Program Orient

Monterey Bay, CA  — The Area 3 churches of the Central California Conference came together in a spirit of unity and joy for their first-ever Area Convocation , hosted at the Monterey Bay Academy Church. Nearly every congregation in the area participated, making the day a vibrant celebration of faith, fellowship, and mission. The program opened with a series of musical presentations that reflected the diversity and talent within Area 3. Worship teams and individuals from Monte

November 12, 2025 —  The Area 6 pastors came together for their quarterly meeting on Wednesday, November 12, sharing not only plans and updates but a meaningful time of fellowship, gratitude, and prayer. This quarter’s gathering was made especially memorable by the inclusion of Adventist Health chaplains serving throughout the region. Among the guests were Area Chaplain Coordinator Zeke Nichols , Chaplain Edgar  from Tulare, Chaplain Allen  from Hanford, and Chaplain Gilbert

Clovis, Calif. – The Central California Conference (CCC) Children’s Ministries Department is launching an exciting new initiative designed to inspire young hearts to serve their communities for Christ. The Kids Rally Community Impact Grant invites local churches to host creative, service-focused rallies that show children they don’t have to wait until adulthood to make a difference for Jesus—they can start right now. With $23,000 in total funding dedicated to this effort, the

Sonora, Calif. — From October 17–24, 2025, sixteen young preachers from the Discover Life Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sonora led an inspiring eight-night evangelistic series titled The ONE: Meeting Jesus in the Book of Revelation. Each evening, these students—ranging from eighth to eleventh grade with most attending Mother Lode Adventist Junior Academy (MLAJA) and Central Valley Christian Academy’s Sonora Campus (CVCA/Sonora)—shared messages of hope, love, and redemption

Exeter, Calif. – Under a starlit sky and the soft glow of string lights, families gathered on the lawn at Sierra View Junior Academy for a heartwarming Friday night vespers themed “Grace Wins.” With camp chairs, cozy blankets, and the sound of student-led praise music in the air, the evening had all the charm of a backyard revival and the power of a Spirit-filled gathering. A rustic flatbed trailer transformed into a stage set the tone—simple, authentic, and welcoming. Studen

For several years, the Central California Conference did not hold a conference-wide Camporee due in part to COVID. As the conference emerged from the pandemic, the administration at that time chose to focus on supporting Pathfinder ministry through local and regional gatherings. The new Central California Conference administration has embraced a renewed vision for this ministry, and I, together with our Junior Youth Department and dedicated lay leaders, am deeply grateful for

FRESNO, Calif. — Pastors from across the Central California Conference gathered Oct. 28 at the conference office for a one-day in-service meeting focused on prayer, unity, and shared leadership. The event blended spiritual reflection, open dialogue, and practical planning—all under the theme “Healthy Leaders, Healthy Culture.” Leading from Wholeness President Ricardo J. Viloria opened the morning with a message of hope and transparency, calling pastors to lead from wholenes

Next year’s Camp Meeting theme celebrates being Rooted  — grounded in God’s Word, growing stronger through unity, and flourishing in faith! We’re inviting YOU  to help choose the official design  that will represent this powerful theme. Three creative options capture different aspects of what it means to be Rooted  in Christ: 1️⃣ Heritage  – A timeless look inspired by faith and tradition. 2️⃣ Rustic  – A fresh, modern take that reflects vibrant growth. 3️⃣ Folklore  – A beau

FRESNO, Calif.—The All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated 18 baptisms during its Pentecost 2025 "Preparation" evangelistic series held on October 20-25. The week was filled with food, music, testimonies, praise, and powerful messages that culminated in this beautiful harvest of souls. "We are so thankful for God's providence," said Pastor Bryan Bong, lead pastor of All Nations Adventist Church. "This baptism is the fruit of everything our church has poured into

A man walked into Principal Carol Bovee's office at Sierra View Junior Academy on the Tuesday before school started. "Good morning, Mrs. Bovee," he greeted in Spanish. "I want to enroll my first-grade son." After introducing herself, Bovee asked the usual questions: Would you like to know about our school? Do you know about Adventists? Would you like a tour? To each question, he responded, "No, not really." Curious about his confidence, she asked, "How did you hear about us?"

MONTEREY, Calif. — Twenty-seven participants gathered one Sunday afternoon at the church for a baking class led by Nadia Pantic, with assistance from Netty Obeso and Rosanna Patton. The group learned to make specialty baked goods inspired by Pantic’s Russian and Serbian heritage, including strudels, cookies, and other traditional sweets and savory treats. Participants observed each step of the process as Pantic demonstrated how to measure ingredients and prepare the dough to

FRESNO, Calif. — On October 5, children and families from across the Central California Conference gathered at Fresno Adventist Academy for the annual Adventurer Tyke-A-Thon—a day of faith, fun, and perseverance on two wheels. The event began with a devotional inspired by Hebrews 12:1–2, which encouraged participants to “run with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” The message set the tone for the day, reminding young riders that their spiritual and physical journeys bot

VISALIA, Calif. — The Visalia Pioneers Pathfinder Club celebrated a milestone on Oct. 1, honoring longtime leader Jerry Paifer for 62 years of service while welcoming a new generation of leadership during its induction ceremony. The event recognized Paifer’s decades-long dedication to the Pathfinder ministry, where he has served as both club director and Area 6 coordinator. Over the years, he mentored numerous young leaders and guided multiple clubs throughout the region. Eve