CENTRAL ACTS – April 2026

Central California Conference announced that on December 14, 2025, the Executive Committee has voted Daniel Gouveia as the new Ministerial Director. He will officially begin his new role on January 15, 2026. We had the opportunity to speak with Pastor Gouveia about his faith journey and vision for supporting pastors across our conference.

Following God’s Call

Pastor Gouveia was born into a young Adventist family in Portugal. His recently baptized parents did their best to share their newfound faith with their children. “I have early memories of seeing my Mom praying fervently, with tears in her eyes, and my Dad reading his Bible every single morning”, he recalls.

During his teenage years, he experienced a profound faith crisis and struggled with suicidal thoughts. In the midst of tears, he cried out to God, “I would like to believe in you, but I can’t!” In what he describes as a panic attack, he grabbed a Bible in contemporary Portuguese that his parents had given him. Opening it randomly, he read Isaiah 41:10: “Don’t be afraid because I am with you, don’t be afflicted because I am your God. I will help you, I will strengthen you, I will sustain you with My victorious right hand.”

“Suddenly, I was not alone in the Universe anymore. Someone could see me and understand everything I was going through,” he said. Though it may not have been his true conversion moment, it became a turning point that affirmed God is real and hears our cries.

A couple of years later, while consistently reading his Bible and Ellen White’s book The Desire of Ages, he fell in love with Jesus and began to sense a call to ministry. Though he was studying psychology at the time and thought he was cut out to be anything but a pastor, his church pastor invited him to preach. After the members heard him speak, they strongly encouraged him to study theology and become a pastor. Following a period of prayer and fasting, he became convinced this was God’s purpose for his life.

Leadership Shaped by 21 Years of Ministry

With over 21 years of pastoral experience, Pastor Gouveia has served in a variety of roles, including youth leader, evangelist, radio host, video host, district pastor, associate pastor, and senior pastor. He has served on different church committees on two continents and pastored both small and large churches. He has also earned a Master in Theology from the Adventist Faculty in France and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Andrews University.

“I have been loved and hated, healthy and sick, I have experienced great joys in ministry and great sorrows,” he honestly shares. He has experienced seasons of burnout, at times unsure if he could continue in ministry. Yet he affirms that through it all, God has been his refuge, his rock, and his salvation.

“I pray and trust that my experience, through great trials and great blessings, will help me to be a friend to pastors in times of need, pastors who are most likely going through similar things. I ask God to use me to inspire them and strengthen them to keep holding on to the hand of Jesus, no matter what.”

Intimacy with God: The Foundation of Ministry

When asked about the most pressing needs facing pastors today, Pastor Gouveia points to something extremely vital, yet often overlooked. Pastors face a constant temptation to rush through ministry, but meaningful work can only flow from a daily quiet time with God in prayer. He draws inspiration from the great prophetic books of Daniel and Revelation, noting that both were written by individuals who were very close to God. In his words: “Daniel was a deeply spiritual man. The Bible says that he was greatly beloved by God and was constantly in prayer. The apostle John was so intimate with Jesus that he even had the trust to lay his head on Jesus’ chest during a very tense moment and considered himself as the disciple that Jesus loved.”

This intimacy, Pastor Gouveia believes, is essential—the assurance of God’s love and the ability to hear the heart of Jesus. From this place of spiritual connection, pastors can lead with love, integrity, humility, and passion for God’s work in these last days.

An Invitation to Prayer

As Pastor Gouveia prepares to step into this new role, he humbly asks for the conference’s prayers. He acknowledges his deep need to be filled with the Holy Spirit each day, to love Jesus wholeheartedly, and to glorify God in every aspect of his life, including his personal life, family, and ministry. Above all, he asks for a humble heart, ready to serve God’s servants, and for divine empowerment to inspire pastors throughout the Central California Conference. His prayer is that pastors would lead in ways that draw hearts closer to Jesus and His unfailing love.

The conference welcomes Pastor Gouveia and looks forward to the spiritual leadership and pastoral care he will bring in this vital role.

By Bryan Bong

High school students from across the Central California Conference gathered at Camp Wawona Jan. 16–18 for Teen Bible Academy’s Study Weekend, setting aside the distractions of everyday life to deepen their relationship with God through Scripture, worship and community.

Teen Bible Academy was founded in 2003 by Pastor Steve Hamilton while serving as a youth pastor in Bakersfield. Sensing a growing need for intentional spiritual formation among teens, Hamilton created the program as a three-week experience focused on solitude, study and service.

Over the years, the program has evolved to serve more students. Under the leadership of Delinda Hamilton, Central California Conference youth, young adult and summer camp director, the original three-week format has been restructured into shorter, more accessible sessions offered throughout the year. The solitude component is now offered as an Outpost Camp through Camp Wawona during the summer. The next session is scheduled for July 26–31, 2026, with registration available at campwawona.org.

The Study Weekend portion of Teen Bible Academy took place Jan. 16–18. Throughout the weekend, students engaged in biblical instruction designed to help them learn how to study Scripture, understand key biblical themes and apply God’s Word meaningfully to their lives today. Instructors for the weekend included Brian Simmons, Steve Hamilton and Andrew Uyeyama.

Beyond classroom learning, the weekend included meaningful worship, small-group Bible study, time in nature, fellowship and evening campfires. Together, students studied the book of Jonah and explored the doctrine of hell, leading to thoughtful dialogue, honest questions and moments of spiritual insight.

For more than 20 years, Teen Bible Academy has impacted hundreds of Central California Conference students, nurturing spiritual growth and helping young people develop a deeper, more personal faith. Families and church members are encouraged to share this opportunity with high school-aged students who may benefit from this formative experience.

More information about Teen Bible Academy is available at cccsdayouth.org.

By Delinda Hamilton

Christian Home and Marriage Sabbath was joyfully celebrated at the Armona Seventh-day Adventist Church on February 14, 2026. Coordinated by the Family Ministries Department, co-led by Miguel and Irene Razon, the event highlighted the importance of nurturing strong families and Christ-centered marriages in today’s busy world.

With the church beautifully decorated and music presented by young families and their children, the atmosphere was uplifting and heartfelt. It was the perfect setting to welcome keynote speakers Pastor Abel Pangan and his spouse, Dr. Bienvisa Pangan, who shared inspiring insights from their years of denominational and missionary service.

The Sabbath School program centered on “Fortifying the Family Relationship” through interactive discussion and a special dedicatory prayer for families. The Divine Worship Service focused on “Enriching the Marriage Bond,” culminating in a moving “Affirmation of Love” ceremony. Thirty-two couples participated, reaffirming their vows and reflecting Christ’s love—selfless, enduring, and full of grace. The congregation joined in singing “Bind Us Together with Love,” beautifully capturing the spirit of the day. The program concluded with a dedicatory prayer and benediction by HEAL District Pastor Julian Kastrati. Each couple received an Affirmation of Love certificate and the devotional book The Love Dare. The day ended with joyful fellowship over a delicious pasta meal and fun games prepared by the church’s social committee—a true celebration of love, family, and faith.

By Julian Kastrati