Love Stories from SECC
Love is the greatest thing God has given us,
and we want to celebrate it this month in Southeastern California Conference!
The love story of William Wright Jr. and Judi Wright began long before they understood what love truly meant. Growing up together, their lives were intertwined through faith, family, and the Adventist church that first connected their parents. What began in childhood grew into a lifelong partnership guided by God.
Married for 61 years as of Dec. 20, 2025, much of their early marriage was marked by constant movement. During their first 18 years together, they moved every two to three years as Bill served as principal at different Adventist schools across Ohio, California, Alabama, Missouri, and Georgia. Throughout these transitions, they were blessed with two sons, Chip and Todd, whose lives were shaped by faith, resilience, and love. Today, their family has grown to include five beautiful grandchildren.
Through constant change, William and Judi learned that a strong marriage is built on communication, kindness, respect, and, above all, a prayerful connection with God. Looking back, they give God all the credit for their beautiful family, their perseverance, and a love that continues to endure to this day.
Unto Us: The Nativity Story
This past December, Kansas Avenue church opened its doors to the community for a powerful retelling of the Christmas story through Unto Us: The Nativity Story, presented by KA Live! Drama Productions. Originally produced by LifeHouse Theater, the play was graciously shared with Kansas Avenue church through special arrangement, allowing the congregation to bring this meaningful production to life for their local community.
Presented across four performances on Dec. 6, 7, 13, and 14, the immersive experience invited audiences of all ages to reflect on the hope, humility, and love found in the birth of Jesus. Through music, movement, and storytelling, the production created an atmosphere that encouraged both reflection and worship, reminding attendees of the true reason for the Christmas season.
The production starred Marissa Wright as Mary, whose heartfelt portrayal captured the faith, courage, and grace of a young woman chosen for an extraordinary calling. Aaron Yanez served as both director and visionary behind the production, guiding the story with creativity, intentionality, and spiritual depth. In addition to directing, Yanez portrayed Joseph, offering a moving depiction of steadfast faith and quiet obedience amid moments of uncertainty and questioning.
Behind the scenes, the dedication of the cast and crew played a vital role in the production’s success. Over the course of more than three months, volunteers committed to weekly weekend rehearsals, demonstrating remarkable faithfulness, teamwork, and passion. Their commitment was evident in every scene, reflecting a shared desire to tell the story of Jesus with excellence and purpose.
Through thoughtful staging, meaningful dialogue, and a spirit of worship, Unto Us reminded audience members that Christ came for all—bringing light into the world and hope into every heart. Kansas Avenue church extends heartfelt gratitude to the LifeHouse Theater owners, their church cast, crew, and all the volunteers who helped create a memorable and meaningful experience for families throughout the community.
By Jordyn Wright
kids konnect
God’s Plan: Two are Better than One
One windy afternoon, Elijah’s family decided to build a big kite to fly in the park. Dad held the wooden sticks, Mom tied them together, Elijah cut the colorful paper, and his little sister, Naomi, brought the tape. Everyone had a job, and soon the kite was ready. When they tried to fly it, the wind pushed it sideways, and it fell to the ground. Elijah frowned. “Why didn’t it work?” Dad knelt beside him, “Because every part has to work together, just like a team or family.”
They adjusted the strings and, this time as a team, tried again. The kite caught the wind and soared high into the sky. Elijah watched it soar alongside other kites and felt proud of what they had done as a team. Mom smiled and said, “This is why God created families, so we wouldn’t face life alone. When we help each other, we grow stronger.”
The Bible teaches in Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two are better than one.” God designed marriage so husbands and wives could support one another with love and kindness. Families grow from that love: children learning from parents, siblings helping each other, and everyone practicing patience and forgiveness.
On the way home, Elijah thought about what had happened. The kite only worked when everyone helped, and he realized families are the same way. God gives each person a role, and when they support one another, things just work better. Marriage and family are important because God uses them to shape us—teaching us to care, to cooperate, and to grow in faith together. A strong family isn’t perfect, but it leans on God and on each other.
By Jordyn Wright
