Southeastern California Conference

A New Thing: God Moved Mightily at PSR

Pine Springs Ranch (PSR) was happy to host its first full summer camp session since 2019. During the pandemic they held a virtual camp and a family camp, but this year they were excited to welcome back campers to all their sessions.

This summer’s theme was centered around Isaiah 43:19, “I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland” (NLT). Although the anticipation and excitement about the summer grew more each day, a few curveballs were thrown PSR’s way and worry started to grow. But God promised He was going to do something new!

The summer was filled with joyous laughter, fun activities, skits, and special encounters with God. Over the course of Junior Camp Week, many children expressed their interest in knowing more about Christ. On that Friday night, campers watched a pageant play put on by the staff showcasing themes about young people’s struggles. Elizabeth Adams, camp pastor for that week, made an altar call, and with tears in their eyes, campers flooded the stage declaring their acceptance of Christ as their Savior. Carmen Ibañez, PSR executive director, Alexy Montenegro, PSR assistant summer camp director, and Adams baptized a total of 11 campers that week!

It was an incredible win for God that day and a milestone in ministry for Montenegro, as she got to baptize for the first time.

When asked what the highlight of the summer was, Ibañez said, “Many come to mind, but baptizing with other female pastors and being part of a first baptism for one of my colleagues was so incredible to see.” It was a very emotional Sabbath at PSR that day—one that many will not forget.

The following week, there were seven additional baptisms! Two campers and five staff members were baptized. Some of the staff who were baptized were inspired by the declaration of faith their campers made. Many were also inspired by that week’s camp pastor, Meshach Soli.

This past summer, the people at PSR were able to see God’s hand in everything. They saw Him through the staff, the campers, the weather, and the health and safety of everyone. They saw God working as people gave their hearts to Christ, and they saw His hand in simply getting through the camp season. It is only by God’s grace that the summer turned out the way it did. A new thing was done, and PSR is excited to see what plans God has in store for summer 2023.

For more information about PSR Summer Camp, visit psr.camp.

____________________ By Alexy Montenegro

TOP FAR LEFT: Ibañez smiles as Adams baptizes a camper. BOTTOM FAR LEFT: Montenegro baptizes Anabelle Kelly. LEFT: PSR Camp staff alum Wills Groth hugs his brother, Levi, after he is baptized.

LEFT: Attendees enjoy fellowship together. RIGHT: Olivier swaps shoes for a sermon illustration.

More Than 800 Attend SHIFT Conference Hosted by SECC Black Ministries Department

In mid-July, the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) Black Ministries Department held the fourth annual SHIFT Conference (formerly camp meeting)—a yearly gathering of SECC African American churches to fellowship and worship God. The Mt. Rubidoux and Kansas Avenue churches hosted the two-day conference and drew more than 800 attendees.

This year’s theme centered around upgrading or “going to another gear.”

“Every year, millions of people upgrade their phones, computers, cars, and more,” said Baron Sovory, pastor at Valley Fellowship church. “But during SHIFT, we explored how to upgrade spiritually. How can we encourage and enable our attendees to upgrade their faith, hope, and vision for what God can do in and through us?”

The keynote speaker on both days was Paula Olivier, youth director for the Northeastern Conference and sought-after speaker and author. On Sabbath, she discussed the story of Samuel selecting David as the next king. Olivier highlighted how David was overlooked and forgotten, but God “upgraded” him from the field to the throne. Her message resonated with attendees who may have felt overlooked or marginalized.

In a memorable moment, Olivier swapped her high heels for running shoes to illustrate her point, drawing a chorus of laughs and excitement from the audience.

Robert Edwards, vice president of Black Ministries, led the effort to plan this year’s conference in partnership with a select committee of pastors and laity. “This year’s attendees were excited,” said Edwards. “We aim to challenge each person to make shifts in purpose and in power.”

Reported by several attendees as the best SHIFT to date, the conference featured events and programs for children, youth, and adults alike. Wade Forde, pastor of 16th Street church, and Edwin McBride, youth pastor at Kansas Avenue church, led the work with youth attendees and hosted a pancake breakfast. Jeremiah Green, associate pastor for children at Mt. Rubidoux church, led the children’s program. Jerrold Thompson, pastor of the San Bernadino Community church, hosted SHIFT school.

“During this year’s SHIFT, I witnessed God renew people that endured a global pandemic over the past two years,” said Edwards. “My favorite part of SHIFT was seeing our congregants fellowship and worship together.”

The Black Ministries Department oversees 17 churches with predominantly African American congregations in the Southeastern California Conference. For more on the Black Ministries Department or the annual SHIFT conference, please visit the newly launched website, seccblackministries.org.

____________________ By Danni Thaw