Greetings from

Alicia Wilson Baker

Hi everyone! Thanks for your love and support. I continue to grow and learn here in Indianapolis. Excited to see what God has in store for me over the next few years!

Skip Ball

I send greetings to all my brothers and sisters in the Free Methodist S. California conference. I’m encouraged by your growth and fruitful ministry. God is good to me over the years. While it’s been necessary for me to stay employed, God has given me physical strength and stamina to remain in the workforce. For this I’m grateful. As long as I have opportunity I constantly share my faith wherever I find myself. I receive great love and loyalty to those I work with and teach. God has taught me to lead by loving people right where they are. When people feel the love Christ and know that it is genuine, they open their hearts. I find myself ministering to all ages from a 26 year old Martial Mix Art fighter who won the California belt, to a Hindu woman who says I’m her closest friend here in the U.S. At my age, it amazes me that I can influence young people from many walks of life and share my faith without rejection. I’m privileged to have long time friends around the world, from France to Australia to a Tel Aviv Israeli man who says I’m closer to him than his brothers, I know God is using me. For every life I touch, I know it is by the hand of God. I therefore treat them as precious in His sight.

I have just completed a 5 year project, writing a historical novel centered in Yeshua’s crucifixion based on the miraculous account of Matthew in chapter 27:52,53. A story that addresses many human issues of people today. These followers are called to suffer for their faith even if it means death. This is story is greatly influence by the Middle East and Israeli cultures for today. As America watches the genocide of Christians in the Middle East, this is a wake up message for us to take the call of discipleship seriously. Our characters face the hatred of Rome and the call to make a choice of life or martyrdom. You can find Bone Boxes in many places. Here is a link for Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bone-Boxes-Skip-Ball/dp/1498493718

Dan Bishop

As I write this, it is almost Easter, and my heart if full of joy. This coming Sunday, over 1,800 folks from the Riverside area will meet at the top of our special Mount Rubidoux at 6 AM for 109th continuous Easter Sunrise Service (the longest running service in the United States. Many will accept Jesus, we will be passing out Bibles and special booklets to help our community know about our Risen Lord. I have the great privilege of being one of the speakers. As our Lord has risen, I am grateful to say that, after six years of serious heart challenges (including several cardiac arrests) and cancer, I am still alive and overcome by His goodness. My Dr has stated, “All that’s left is for me to get stronger”. Wow. It has been a long haul. I hope to greet many of you at Conference and to rejoice with you in all your “Amazing Grace” blessings as well.

A relatively new song that means so much to me these days, is by Selah, and it’s called “I Got Saved”. The words to the chorus simply state, “I’m undone by the mercy of Jesus, I’m undone by the goodness of the Lord, I’m restored and made right, He got a hold of my life, I’ve got Jesus How could I want more”. Hallelujah!

Pat Bower

May God bless you richly!

Jon Brewer

May our loving heavenly Father, who is able to do more than we could hope for think, bless you all.

Alan Chandler

At the risk of sounding cliché’, this has been a sweet season of experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit in my spiritual life and in my ministry.

Challenge: 80% of churches in America are plateaued, in decline, or growing at a pace slower than their communities. That’s not a very positive greeting, but it’s the reality. I’m thankful to be a consultant with a ministry that offers proven, biblical strategies to help Christians, pastors, and church leaders become more effective at their mission, The Great Commission.

Good news! The Bride of Christ in America is far from dead. This year I’ve had the opportunity to celebrate with churches who are back on track. I’ve heard testimonies of people sharing their God stories. I’ve been in the middle of active revival and seen first-hand God’s supernatural provision.

I’m encouraged by young adult Christians. I see their passion and how they’re hard-wired for revival! Properly equipped and encouraged they will impact the local church and the Kingdom of Heaven. I’ve been blessed by ministries like S.E.N.D. North America. A 10-month discipleship adventure for young adults designed around a gap year.

I could go on, but you get the idea. As I wrap up this communication I want you to know I appreciate your prayers. 2018-19 is going to be a very full year. That’s a good thing! Churches are increasingly asking for help. We’ve also been approached by some denominational leaders (not FM) to inquire about working with groups of their churches.

If you have a moment, check out the ministry website. www.churchdoctorministries.com

You can learn more about S.E.N.D by going to www.SendNorthAmerica.com

Cheri Coleman

It is good to belong. I appreciate the dedication of our outgoing Superintendents and the work they have done over the last 8 years and look forward to working with the incoming Superintendent Team to further the Kingdom here in So Cal.

Don Crandall

To my fellow pastors, “keep the faith.” I was privileged to be part of a great group of ministers in what was called the Southern California Conference. Many of them are retired now and some have gone to be with the Lord, but all were men of God. I don’t get to many meetings these days, however we shall meet again in heaven.

Tom Davis

I praise the Lord for the fruit He has allowed me to see this last year. I focus daily on discipling about 25 homeless men each year. This is where I best fit in the body of Christ and I greatly enjoy it.

Royal Edwards

I wish I was able to attend this historic event, but I will be with you all in spirit for this special ordination. May God bless these elders and new Superintendent team.

Yaik Wong Eong

Do your best for Christ while you are physically able. Stand firm for the Lord.

Jimmie Estrada

Greetings to all the conference ministers and friends. May the Lord continue to bless the FMCSC. Our request is that you keep us and our family in your prayers.

David Fenwick

Be assured of our love and prayers, even though Nellie and I do not travel as much as we used to.  It is encouraging to know that our Conference welcomes hearing news from retired ministers. My new book, “Jesus: His Story” is available from www.PortHolePublishing.org

Steve Fitch

I continue to grow in the love of the Lord and am thankful for my ministry family.

Roger Garza

May the Lord continue to give us a burden for the lost, before night cometh, when no one can work.

Ieda Grigg

I have great joy and count as a real privilege to be able to be facilitating a Bereavement Support Group there at City of Hope for families that are grieving after the loss of their loved ones. I see Christ in a such powerful way when walking with those who are grieving. Indeed God is closer to the brokenhearted and He saves those who are crushed in spirit. I see that again and again – He is indeed the God all of comfort!

Rick Harrell

Greetings from Philomath Oregon. I miss you all and would welcome visits. We have a guest room!

John Hartley

During this trial God has been gracious. I have taken this time as an opportunity to study the theology of the great reformer Martin Luther. Now I am working through prof. Dunn’s magisterial work on Paul’s theology and mission by which he brought the Gospel to Gentiles, establishing churches throughout the Mediterranean world. Prof. Dunn’s work is very enlightening, providing a solid basis for believers in Jesus from every race and creed to have confidence before God, becoming genuine believers without having to be circumcised or abstaining from unclean foods. Paul provides Gentiles confidence for that they can be genuine believers in Christ Jesus our Lord without being Judized. I trust that Paul’s message is often heard in churches in our conference. I have also worked through Dr. B.J. Oropeza’s vast, new commentary on 2nd Corinthians. He shows how Paul maintained committed to and confident of his ministry to the Gentiles even in the face of intense sources of opposition. He worked diligently so that Gentiles could become believers in Christ without taking on all the obligations of the Mosaic law.

Maressa Jaikumar

Part of what made moving across the country so hard was knowing I was leaving my FMCSC family! I have grown so much as a person, disciple and pastor over the years in this conference. Thank you for loving and nurturing me as I become the woman that God has called me to be! I do not take all that love, training and experience for granted! I miss you all terribly but I’m excited to connect with the FMC family in New York. The FMCSC has equipped me well for whatever God has for me next!

Serounian Keir

It’s wonderful to see how God is moving in the Southern California Conference of the Free Methodist Church. He has blessed the conference with excellent leadership over the years. Not only has that been true in the past 8 years but will also be true in the years ahead. I pledge to pray weekly for the new board of superintendents. I am praying that God will raise up an army of leaders – evangelists, pastors and teachers – who can penetrate the California culture with the Gospel. May He bless you with Holy Spirit wisdom and power in the year ahead and beyond.

Moses Kwok

Please pray for the need, physical and spiritual of the new Chinese immigrants and students. Ask the Lord to show you what our church can do for their salvation.

Jack Littlefield

Greetings and best wishes to all! While my day job is teaching in a public school in an underserved area in Santa Ana, I have been surprised and blessed by many opportunities to share the Lord there in informal contexts. On weekends I often do pulpit supply on Sunday mornings and fulfill other Bible teaching opportunities. I am available to do the same for your church if you are interested.

Bob Managbanag

Continuing to grow spiritually in personal spiritual life, marriage, family, and workplace. Deepening in my study of God’s word and discovering a deeper experience of God’s grace.

Kevin Mannoia

I have found new freedom in referring to life not as “busy” but as “Full & Fulfilled.” I cannot recall a time when the thrill of making a Kingdom impact has ever been so frequent, so exhilarating, and so life-changing! Kathy and I are embracing every day as a gift from God. We see God giving grace for every moment and are thrilled to be part of advancing God’s work in the world in ways that cannot be contained by position or described by a job. These are days in which we are truly living the call!

Kari Morris-Guzman

Loving and serving Jesus at my church and home!

Floyd Noble

I have some concerns about how divided our country is becoming. I believe that our president is doing some good things, but I also believe that what we really need is a spiritual renewal that begins with us Christians. 2 Chronicles 7:14. I believe that we should support persecuted Christians around the world, and I like what Bishop Kendall said about welcoming immigrants into our country from all over the world, even from places where the Gospel is hindered.

Karla Riggs Norton

Into 2018 I watch and wait expectantly as the Lord hears and answers the petitions each day for the needs/lives of those in my life. I have renewed surrender and peace these days and I am mindful of the way God is always there, ready to listen, ready to advise, and ready to answer. Last month, I wrote a thank you note to a physician who stayed up all night looking through medical journals (we did not have the internet in my early years) for a possible cure of a blood disease that was taking my young 6 year old life. That night my doctor found what ultimately worked, I lived. But, reminded him in my letter that a small group of men were praying for me late at the church the very night “he” found the cure. God is there all along. Had I died, he was there. I lived and what joys I would have missed had I gone to Heaven then. What trials I would have missed had I skipped this life. Put them together, I have what I remember hearing sung often at the Columbus, Indiana Free Methodist Church… “Peace, peace, wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above. Sweep over my spirit, forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love.”

Marcel Oliveros

To all my friends and pastors be a warm hello. The Lord be with you blessing all your jobs in the Lord’s work. Let’s wait for a better year and many people coming to know the Lord. Amen

Ruben Ortiz

I am amazed to hear the good news how the SCFM is winning souls for the Lord and always planning to open more churches. Praise God and we will keep you in prayer. I am praying the Lord Jesus Christ blesses all the leaders and laymen and for you to keep growing stronger in the Faith.

Your Co-Servant in the Lord,
Ruben

Don Rogers

These are exciting days to be in the ministry of empowering lives! I would like to thank so many of the So California Conference churches who have prayed for this ministry of Empowering Lives – sent teams – given support and personal encouragement to me. We are seeing some of the greatest impact in terms of changed lives this year than in our ministry history. Providing economic training to the poor has opened doors for sharing the Gospel and influencing entire communities in ways we could not have imagined. From the drilling of fresh water wells in Tanzania – raising 275 orphans in the two homes – and providing Skills for Life training to pastors, widows and suffering families is truly yielding fruit that is lasting. our refined missions statement is – Equipping the poor to live sustainable lives that honor God. Looking forward to talking with each of you about joining this journey as we build the Kingdom together around the world. [email protected] cell 951-704-8973

Adrian “AGE” Sandoval

Hello my name is ‘AGE’. I’m excited about how God is taking our journey here in San Diego. He has opened some doors for us to continue meeting people right where they are. As I continue to evangelize the Gospel I’d love to share my story with you also. I’m open to share my life changing story at your next event or even to your congregation.  You are loved.

Earl Schamehorn

Julie joins me in sending greetings to Bishop Thomas, ministers and delegates of this 2018 Annual Conference. We have incredibly fond memories of the countless friendships we have enjoyed since arriving to the Conference in 1960. We trust that all of you will be blessed with the same blessings we have experienced. Our prayers are with you for a great time together. We will especially be praying for our new leaders, Superintendents Venter, Latchison and Prior.

Lee Schierbeek

We are excited about who God is in the life of our family and community. Raising our two teenagers to know God is where my wife and I draw much of our strength.

Eugene Smith

What a joy to simply fall in love with Jesus and continue to grow in grace and intimacy with Him. My life is full and I am grateful for His continual, bountiful blessings.

Richard Sorenson

Realizing that I have a lot more years behind me than I do ahead of me, I want to make each day count for advancing God’s Kingdom in any way that I can. I continue to be grateful for God’s new mercies that I experience every day. God has blessed me with an amazing wife of 42 years, 2 grown children who seek to live for the Lord and 4 grandchildren who are reminders of God’s goodness. I am a blessed and am seeking to be a blessing to my circle of influence!

Karen Winslow

God expects the contributions of all people who follow after Christ in whatever path they choose, and God has led me to train pastors I am grateful for God’s call on my life, for grace to respond and daily wisdom. APS and APU continues to prepare pastors for our churches in FMCSC and the world. Please pray for our students. Thank you for your support of APU and its ministries.