Highlight on Our Conference Office: Norma Villarreal

FRESNO, Calif. – This month, the Central California Conference spotlights Norma Villarreal, who serves as the Junior Youth Ministries Director, overseeing Adventurers, Pathfinders, and the Master Guide Program. Through hands-on leadership and a heart for service, Norma guides children, youth, and young adults as they develop a deeper walk with Jesus.

A Journey to Faith

While many people grow up immersed in faith from early childhood, Norma’s path to Christ was marked by unexpected turns and God’s patient pursuit.

“I was baptized at the Los Baños Church by Pastor Lockwood,” Norma recalled. “At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of following Jesus, but God in His grace met me where I was. Through key people and meaningful experiences, He revealed He had a bigger purpose for my life.”

Her baptism was only the beginning. Norma’s faith grew through active ministry, culminating in involvement with the Hispanic Youth Federation of the Central California Conference. This community of believers ignited a passion in her to serve, eventually leading her toward full-time ministry.

“Looking back, I never imagined those moments of service would open the door to leading children, youth, and young adults to encounter Jesus,” she said. “God truly began a work in my heart that continues to this day.”

Norma’s story is a reminder of Philippians 1:6: “…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

A Blessed Family

Norma is the proud mother of three daughters—Zuleika, Nathalie, and Desiree—and a grandmother to a beautiful granddaughter, Zuri. Spending time with her family is a central priority, even though her daughters are now in different stages of life.

“I don’t have a specific hobby,” she admitted with a smile. “But I cherish visiting my mom or spending time with my daughters whenever I can.”

For Norma, family life embodies the promise of Psalm 127:3: “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.” Each moment spent together is a gift from God.

What Is Jr Youth Ministries?

As the Junior Youth Ministries Director, Norma oversees the Adventurer and Pathfinder programs, serving young people from ages 4 to 18, as well as the Master Guide Program, which provides advanced leadership training for those 16 and older.

“Our goal is to help children and youth develop their faith, leadership abilities, and a lifelong love for Christ,” Norma explained. “We partner with local churches to ensure they have the training, resources, and support needed to create meaningful experiences for young people.”

These ministries center on spiritual growth, character development, outdoor education, and community service. Master Guides, in particular, serve as mentors, leading clubs and supporting other church ministries.

Proverbs 22:6 encapsulates the heart of Jr Youth Ministries: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Special Projects in the Works

One of Norma’s key initiatives is the Master Guide University, which currently has 34 Pathfinder leaders working through its requirements.

“Last year, we invested 52 new Master Guides at Soquel Camp Meeting,” she said. “They’re now actively leading youth in Adventurer and Pathfinder clubs throughout the conference.”

This program sparked interest beyond the Central California Conference, inspiring other conferences in the North American Division to explore their own Master Guide Universities. Norma and her team are now developing a second phase to involve not only youth and young adults but also pastors looking to enhance their engagement with youth through Adventurers and Pathfinders.

“The Master Guide Program is essential because it trains spiritually mature leaders who can mentor our next generation,” Norma noted. “We invite prayers for these leaders as they invest their time and resources to serve our youth.”

Citing 2 Timothy 2:2, she added, “‘The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.’ We want to continue that legacy of discipleship.”

How Churches Can Get Involved

Norma emphasizes that local congregations are a vital part of Jr Youth Ministries. She encourages churches to start Adventurer or Pathfinder clubs, volunteer as mentors, and support events—either financially or through prayer and hands-on help.

“Above all, please pray that God will guide this ministry and bless the young people we serve,” she said. “Every effort, big or small, contributes to shaping a child’s faith journey for life.”

Grounded in Proverbs 22:6, Norma’s vision for Jr Youth Ministries is clear: nurture faith in children and youth so they can stay firmly rooted in Christ, no matter where life leads them.

Written by Bryan Bong