\I am making everything new!\  Revelation 21:5

Robyn and I feel very honored and humbled to be asked to serve the church in this new role.  We have had the privilege of being a part of the LA Church since we moved our family here from Chicago in April 1991.  Our lives have been so blessed by God because we have had the blessing of working side by side with so many of you over the years.  We have seen God work in many wonderful and powerful ways, from sending out the team to start the church in Moscow in 1991 to seeing thousands of lost souls saved. 

It needs to be noted that so much of what God did during the LA church\'s first 15 years was done because of the great sacrifice and generosity of many churches (large and small) from throughout the United States, as well as working through the disciples here.  During that time, a number of churches sent many of their very best leaders (full-time and volunteer) as well as resources to help the church here to reach our level of growth, even at the expense of their own rate of growth and progress.  We will forever be indebted to those dear sister congregations for their generous and selfless spirit and help. 

The restructuring of the International Churches of Christ in 2003 had a huge impact on this congregation, since this was the home base for a significant number in that leadership.  This required a massive change in the number of people that the LA church could have in the full-time ministry.  Over the last couple of years, through unified cooperation with the elders and evangelists, we have also worked with several sectors in the most outlying areas (Antelope Valley, Bakersfield, and Temecula) to form their own congregations.  In addition, we have seen some of those who initially moved here to provide help and support in our early years decide to return.  There have also been others who have been called by God to other cities, states and countries. 

It is now time for us to begin a new chapter in the LA church.  We believe that He desires to move us forward.  One of the reasons the Holy Spirit has been put in us is so that \young men will see visions\ and \your old men will dream dreams.\  (Acts 2:17)  Whether we are young or old, God still desires for us to look ahead and leave the past behind (Philippians 3:13-15); He desires to use all of us to \do even greater things.\  (John 14:12)   There are millions of lost souls in this great metropolitan area that still need the saving message of Jesus Christ and we believe they can and will be reached!

I am so thankful to work side by side with such a spiritual and faithful group of regional evangelists and elders.  In addition, we have a phenomenal group of evangelists, women\'s ministry leaders, interns and small group leaders in each of our sectors.  Robyn and I feel privileged to work together as a team.  Because of my new full-time responsibilities shifting to that of an evangelist, I will be stepping back from serving the LA church as an elder at this time.  In the future, as always, I will remain open to whatever role God desires for me to fulfill.

In a special way, Robyn and I sincerely solicit your prayers.  Please pray that God will increase our faith, vision, love, humility, conviction, and wisdom.   We deeply desire to serve God and see as many souls saved as possible.  Please pray that God will be glorified through this church and everyone\'s individual lives so that the Lord\'s message will be proclaimed to everyone.  Please pray that we will all be humble and faithful servants of Jesus Christ, so that God will be allowed to do \immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.\  (Ephesians 3:20)