Ministerial Director Jon Cicarelli gives the ministerial charge to the Peraltas.
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A Cloud of Witnesses: Four Ordinations in the SECC
amantha Peralta sensed God calling her into ministry when she was as young as nine. Her parents took her on a mission trip to the Philippines, and as one of the only children on the trip who could understand Tagalog, Samantha spent the majority of her time there translating Bible studies from English into the Filipino language. “I fell in love with ministry as I watched some of the kids I worked with on that trip commit their lives to Jesus,” she recalled. On September 18, Samantha was ordained as chaplain at Loma Linda Academy (LLA), alongside
The Peraltas dedicate their baby to the Lord.
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Southeastern California Conference
her husband, Wally, who was ordained as pastor of the Victorville church. Their daughter, born at the start of the pandemic, was dedicated during the same service. Though Wally’s call came later, as he tried to decide what to do with his life, once he accepted the call, he was no less confident than Samantha in following God’s plan. Many people in Wally’s life assured him that they sensed God’s leading, and they encouraged him to become a pastor. Looking back, Wally knows it was the right decision. “I love watching people discover how their lives carry purpose in the gospel,” Wally said. “I love helping them find security in God’s calling as I have.” Just as their journeys led them to each other, the Peraltas feel God has also called them to parent and minister together. Now, they relish serving together and believe they are strongest when their gifts support each other. “Our giftings are very complementary,” Samantha said. “We wanted a joint ordination because we’re not just partners in life—we’re partners in ministry, too. It’s not a job for us; it’s a lifestyle, a calling, and a passion we both share. This is our life, and we’re in it together with God.” Somer Knight, children and family pastor at the Redlands church, wants to empower whole families to “experience faith together, integrating it into their everyday lives.” And as a mother of two, Knight is not only pastorally but also personally motivated.
