Youth Pastor Update!
Author: Pastor Mitch Williams
April 30, 2026
One of the greatest blessings of The Hill is the vibrant community of children and youth who fill our church each week. On any given Sabbath, the steps of the platform are filled from edge to edge with young people leaning in to listen to the children’s story. It’s a beautiful picture of the next generation of Christ-followers. While our preschool and K–12 Academy certainly contribute to this, it ultimately reflects a church family committed to raising young hearts to know and love Jesus.
About a year and a half ago, our Youth Pastor, Miguel Verazas, accepted a call to serve at Loma Linda University Church. While we have deeply missed his leadership, we have trusted God’s timing, even through a season that included a Conference hiring freeze. I’m grateful to now share that the Conference has approved moving forward with the search for a new Youth Pastor, with the goal of having someone in place by the start of the new school year.
We invite you to join us in fervent prayer as we begin this search. This is more than a hiring process; it is a spiritual journey as we seek the Lord’s leading. Ask Him to guide us to the right person: someone who loves Jesus wholeheartedly and is passionate about leading our young people into a deeper relationship with Him. Pray for a leader who will connect well within our church family and faithfully invest in the next generation for years to come.
When Pastor Miguel first arrived, none of us could have fully known what a blessing he would be. Yet over time, God made it clear. That same faithful God is already at work, preparing the person He is calling to serve here next. The process is underway, and we have already begun interviewing candidates.
I also want to express sincere gratitude to those who have stepped in to support our youth during this season. In a special way, we thank Hiram and Erika Navarro. From the very beginning, they stepped forward to lead the High School Sabbath School and have faithfully continued Friday evening vespers. Hiram has also served as the praise team leader for PH Youth, regularly blessing our worship services. Their service has been a true labor of love. As we continue to wait on the Lord, please keep Hiram and Erika in your prayers as they faithfully stand in the gap.
As we move forward, we hold onto the promise that God Himself provides shepherds for His people (Jeremiah 3:15). Thank you for your continued prayers and for your faith in the Lord Jesus as He leads The Hill in this important search.
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