Yazid responds and thanks people for their impact on his life during his ordination service at Loma Linda Indonesian church on Oct. 1.
Then in 2010, he was called to lead the Orange church. His favorite part of ministry has been watching others serve in the areas where they are gifted. “As pastors we can get so caught up in fulfilling our role that sometimes we forget that we are really there to equip our members to serve.” He also loves that his church makes it a priority to meet the community’s needs. The Orange church members participate in feeding the homeless once a month. They eat with them, talk with them and pray for them. They also hold worships at a local rehab facility and conduct a weekly prison ministry for the Santa Ana women’s jail. “We believe preaching the gospel is done both in our actions and in our words,” he said. Oceguera also devotes time to helping others by using his own spiritual gifts. He is a board-certified life coach and writes a blog (everydaycathedrals.org) about applicable spirituality.
Amy Prindle SAMUEL CHUNG
ENNO MÜLLER
Southeastern California Conference
SAMUEL CHUNG
and discusses subjects such as economics, politics, arts and culture. This also provides opportunity to apply the gospel’s message to different life events or social issues. As he continues his leadership at the Loma Linda Indonesian church, Yazid seeks to cultivate youth to care about and love the gospel. “I’d like to see the next generation be sophisticated and intellectual citizens of the world who understand what it means to be Christians and who can be sensitive and helpful toward people’s suffering,” Yazid said. “There is still a lot of poverty in our area,” he continued. “I’d love to see a church that’s doing their best to alleviate some of that pain.” These ministry passions of Yazid have not gone unnoticed by those he works with. “Norman is a humble, calm and spiritual person,” shared Elizer Sacay, conference vice president for Asian/Pacific ministries. “He has an attitude David Oceguera is surrounded by family, pastors and church administrators during his ordination at Orange church on Oct. 15. of cooperation and respect.” Yazid is grateful to his wife, Nathanya Taliwongso, as well as his parents and sister for their support of his ministry journey. He also appreciates his Bible study students. “They have compelled me to keep studying questions of faith seriously. They are not afraid to ask tough questions, and they have all been crucial in making me the person and pastor I am today.”
David Oceguera, Pastor, Orange Church
When he was 16, David Oceguera read Ephesians 2:8, 9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” He experienced a conviction that has continued to affect his ministry. “I wanted to devote my life to preaching this message of mercy, grace and love to everyone who would listen,” said Oceguera. After seminary, he was called to the Brawley/El Centro district, where he also helped with chapel and religion classes at Calexico Mission School. From 2008 to 2010, he was also president of the Interfaith Council, which educates people in the Imperial Valley about the shared values of David Oceguera takes a moment to thank people during his ordination service at Orange church on Oct. 15. different religions. December 2016
7