During these unprecedented and unique times in the history of our world, our goal is to remain flexible and sensitive to the needs of our kids, families and local ministry leaders. As we remain mission focused, we are committed to helping Pathfinder clubs with a path toward investiture that is considerate of the complications that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as current events that remind us that we still have much work to do to live out the core values of love, compassion and justice that represent God’s kingdom. We wish to celebrate our Pathfinders’ accomplishments so please be sure to send us pictures of investitures that take place this year so we can post them on our department’s social media platforms. You can also use #SECCPathfinderStrong when you post to your social accounts. It is our prayer as we continue to support and serve our Pathfinders, that we will work together to point our kids to Jesus and to be agents of healing, peace and love in this injured world.
Pastor Manuel (Manny) Vitug had his roots beside the famous U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay in Olongapo City, Philippines. His family later migrated to Glendale, California where his parents accepted the Lord and became Seventh Day Adventist. Graduating from Loma Linda University/La Sierra University with a BS in Accounting, he began his professional career as a CPA. Later, the Lord called him to ministry and he studied for his Masters in Divinity at Andrews. He was blessed to teach Outreach/Witnessing and Bible for Andrews Academy and Loma Linda Academy and eventually took a call to be the Young Life Pastor for Loma Linda Filipino Church. In 2003, Pastor Manny was invited to serve as the Summer Camp and Children’s Ministry Director at the Southeastern California Conference, and later transitioned to his current role as the Family & Children’s Ministry Director. Pastor Manny’s greatest joy in life has been spending time with his wife Faye of over 30 years and having family time with his son and daughter, Alexander & Tabitha. His smiling personality and “Tazmanian” drive have allowed him to lead an amazing group of Children’s Pastors to develop VBS curriculum such as “Kidsville” and “Sea of Miracles” for the North American Division. Most recently, he has been part of the team that launched the first Adventist Family SS program entitled, “Growing Together,” where children & parents study the word of God together with a focus on developing their personal relationship with Jesus. Pastor Manny’s personal mission is to help revitalize family connection and prepare them for the soon coming of God.
Judi Jeffreys has been a part of the SECC Youth Ministries for 20+ years serving as the office manager and working alongside the team to keep youth ministries thriving in SECC. Judi uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others and is inspired daily by those with whom she serves.The gospel message became real to her as a young adult when she accepted the Adventist message and truly grasped the love of God.
Judi’s motto is, "Change brings growth, growth brings growing pains, and growing pains brings change."
Originally born in Colorado, Judi was raised a Southern California girl and loves all types of foods, but her taste buds fancy Asian foods, especially Thai and Indonesian. Judi married her high school sweetheart, Greg, and is proud of their adult children, Leigh, Mark, and Megan. When not working, Judi can be found riding a motorcycle, scuba diving, relaxing with yoga, taking long walks, or just spending time with her family.
Aren Rennacker was born and raised in Sacramento, CA. He became an Adventist as a teenager thanks to the incredible influence of his church and academy. After graduating from Pacific Union College with a degree in Journalism, he served as a youth and young adult pastor at two wonderful SECC churches, Calimesa and Oceanside, while completing his Masters of Theological Studies from La Sierra University. In 2019, Aren became Director of Youth Ministries for the SECC, a position he cherishes.
Aren loves connecting with pastors, speaking to young people, and serving the youth ministries leaders of our conference. His greatest passion is to empower youth and young adults to live the Gospel in new and relevant ways. Aside from ministry, Aren also enjoys basketball, stories, and a fresh bowl of oatmeal. He and his lovely wife Paige were married in 2020.
