30 years so far

9:25 p.m. Today's project was to attend the evening celebration of  the 30th anniversary of the founding of our church, Calvary Chapel Moreno Valley, in 1982. This morning, a proclamation of commendation from the city's mayor was read before Pastor John's recounting of the reality of Ephesians 3:20-21 in the life of the fellowship:

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Calvary Chapel Moreno Valley is an offspring church from Calvary Costa Mesa, founded in the 1970's by Pastor Chuck Smith, a true modern day apostle, in my view! Seeing that phrase "to all generations" reminded me of a quote by Harvest's Greg Laurie  that "the total impact of the Jesus Movement may not be seen for five or six generations." In turn and in God's timing, Calvary Moreno Valley has founded churches in Alabama, North Carolina, Wales, England, and missions in Mexico and Eastern Europe.

Pictured above is one of the Gutierrez Brothers, a masterful Spanish guitar duo whose lives are "a testimony of what God can do when you give Him your life." Pastor John and his wife Robin had their children and grandchildren with them. Pastors and missionaries who were sent out from Calvary were there, along with two couples who were a part of the church from the beginning, when it met in the local Women's Club building. I especially enjoyed hearing from Pastor Bob Ybarra of Calvary Chapel Perris Valley, whose wife Cosima became a friend when she reviewed my book, Galatians: An Exploration of Faith & Freedom. I met the two of them for coffee at the Woodcrest Starbucks. Bob was the architect of the beautiful building we meet in today.

Steve and I, our son Steven and daughter Heidi have benefited greatly from the Bible teaching of the pastors. Steve, Heidi and I have been privileged to participate in and lead ministries, and to be part of a loving church family. In addition to leading many of the Calvary Chapel women in a summer Bible study of II Samuel, and a July Heart to Home series of classes, I am planning to be a crew leader for Vacation Bible School in late June, Can't wait!

I wish to give a loving congratulations to our pastors, staff, and fellow volunteers for thirty years of ministry and service to Moreno Valley and its citizens, and for saving souls  around the world. This is a church that gladdens the heart of God!