Southeastern California Conference
SECC Celebrates Three Ordinations in June
Edna “Josie” Asencio
Asencio equates her calling with the passion that she has for sharing Jesus. Growing up, she always worked closely with churches and found support from her immediate and extended family to follow God’s calling. She graduated from La Sierra University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies. She then attended Andrews University in pursuit of her master’s degree. While there, she enjoyed her time in student leadership. After earning her degree, she worked at several SECC churches, including Palm Springs and Corona. “God speaks to us about passion,” said Asencio, “and when you do what you are passionate about, it is not really work.” ENNO MÜLLER
ENNO MÜLLER
In Mentone, he mentored Bible workers, In August, Asencio began a chaplain coordinated annual evangelistic meetings and residency program at Tampa General Hospital cast a vision for the church to participate in in Florida. yearly evangelism and discipleship initiatives. “My passion in life is to see people commit their lives to Christ and the mission of preparing the world for His soon return,” said Allen. Recently, Allen was appointed as secretary/ treasurer of Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries and has left SECC. ENNO MÜLLER
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outheastern California Conference recently ordained three pastors. On June 7, Kyle Allen was ordained at the Mentone church. The following week, Edna “Josie” Asencio was ordained at the Corona church. And finally, on June 21, the Calexico Spanish church welcomed Miguel Mendez as an ordained pastor. The services began with music and prayer, followed by introductions of the candidates. Attendees to each of these services were given the opportunity to affirm their support of the respective pastors, recognizing the gifts of ministry that have been endowed to each of them. After Scripture reading and a sermon, conference officials and participating clergy consecrated the candidates. Members of each respective congregation celebrated with their newly ordained pastors, encouraging them to continue to pursue their call to ministry.
Kyle Allen addresses the congregation at his ordination service.
Kyle Allen
Native to Chattanooga, Tenn., Allen attended Southern Adventist University before transferring to Columbia Union College, where he double majored in religion and political science. He then went on to Andrews University to receive his Master of Divinity degree. In 2008, SECC hired Allen as associate pastor for youth and young adults at the San Diego Filipino-American church. After two years there, At the end of her ordination service, Edna he transferred to the Mentone church as senior “Josie” Asencio takes a few mintues to share her experiences in ministry. pastor.
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Miguel Mendez, associate pastor for study at Loma Linda University church, shares his story during his ordination service.
Miguel Mendez
Mendez admits that it was the faith of his parents and grandparents that led him to ministry. They instilled in him a love of Scripture and a desire to know more about God. When he went to college at La Sierra University, he was not sure what he wanted to study, but he enrolled in several religion classes. It was here that he felt God’s call to minister and serve others. He earned an undergraduate degree in religious studies and went on to earn his master’s degree in biblical studies. Although he was born in California, Mendez has a Mexican, Cuban and Honduran heritage. His diversity in culture makes him eager to know more about the community he serves. “The ability to share my story with people and have others share their story with me is what I love about ministry,” he said. Mendez served as pastor of the Calexico church and recently joined Loma Linda University church as associate pastor for study.
Mario A. Munoz