My dear fellow believers, 

I find it as no small matter that I have been chosen to write the Pastor's Corner for December 2025. I can only hope that my words will do it justice, as I believe it to be a solemn task, as it is also a day to remember. The Christmas season is my favorite time of year, as it is for many. No time of the year is quite as special as Christmas. Sadly, it has also become a season for gifts and presents, and Jesus has gotten lost in all of the holiday celebration. Very few children know the story of Jesus during Christmas, and instead the focus is all about gift giving, lighting the Christmas tree, and unwrapping presents.

I fondly remember when I was 10, and living in Socorro, New Mexico, that I was able to play in the snow on Christmas day, as that was the only time in my life that I'd been able to do so. But it was at age 11, and I will never forget that year, as we had moved to Long Beach, California. During that same year I gave my life to Jesus. I will never forget, after seeing the Christian movie, "A Man Called Peter," at a theater in North Long Beach, that I got down on my knees in the middle of the street and prayed on North Long Beach Blvd. Thankfully there was absolutely no traffic that late at night, in the middle of that otherwise busy street.

It is true that Christmas is my favorite time of the year, but I also realize that the story of Jesus is lost during all of the celebrating. However, I will continue to focus on Jesus, as He is truly “The reason for the season.” When I hear the story that he was born in a stable, I occasionally find myself imagining that I was one of the Wise Men who came to worship Him, and I fall in love with Jesus more and more each day.

As I age, and that continues to accelerate every year, my love for Jesus continues to grow daily. He is my “Reason for the Season,” and for me it is not a slogan. “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so” rings true in my heart every day of the year, but it seems to grow stronger as the 25th draws near. Yes, we know that December 25th is most likely not the true date of His birth, but that’s fine with me. It simply doesn’t matter, because He is my Savior, 365 days a year.

It is true that I love Jesus more than life, and I long for the day when I will meet Him in Paradise. I declare that I do not fear death -- at all, because, on that day I will fall to my knees, and like Mary Magdalene, I pray I am permitted to wipe his feet with my tears.

Your brother in Christ, 

Ken Simmons

Greetings, Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

I love this time of year, and especially this month, because it is the time of year when we reflect on all we have to be thankful for. Thanksgiving! We are encouraged, actually, commanded to be thankful in everything! (Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”) 

This means to be thankful always, in every circumstance and situation. Oh,how our Lord does direct our path. This is the path of joy and peace. The path of thanksgiving! When we stop and give thanks to God for what He is doing, or going to do, through our circumstances and situations, we receive peace knowing He will bring us through. By the way, this is also asking for more of Him. We

acknowledge Him, and are looking to Him, and receiving from Him, more of Him. Oh, the wonders of the ways of our Lord!

Stop!! Stop and give thanks today for what He is bringing you through, for where He is leading you to, and for whom He has allowed into your life. He will direct your path as you seek more of Him. (Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”) You see, wanting more of Him

is stopping and looking to Him for His ways, His paths, and His righteousness; all of Him! Desiring to do His will brings Him glory. To love Him is to desire more of Him, and as Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

Now that you have spent time with the Lord and gotten direction from Him, go and do what He has shown you. Because you have spent time with Him, you can know that He is leading you. He does what He says He will do! He said that if you acknowledge Him, He will direct your path. Do you believe Him? Then go in confidence knowing that you are being led by Him. This is an opportunity to walk by faith. So be bold and go do what He has shown you to do!

Walking by faith with you,

Doris Cook

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Apostle Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Apostle Paul was willing to lay down his life, if necessary, as he continued to fulfill the assignment the Lord had given him. In the time in which we now live, it is becoming more and more evident that the enemy will go to great lengths to stop the spread of the Gospel truth, as recently evidenced by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. We, as Christian believers, need to assess our commitment to the Lord. Has this tragedy caused us to be more fearful to evangelize for God’s kingdom, or has it caused us to be bolder, knowing that Christ’s return is drawing near? We need to be more vigilant to witness for Him as He instructed us in Matthew 28:19-20.

Our life here on earth is but a tiny dot compared to an ever-expanding huge circle representing eternity with Christ. As the hymn Amazing Grace says in verse 4, 

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
  Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
  Than when we first begun.

Eternity in heaven is never ending, where God is present to reign and receive worship. There will be no more sickness, nor pain or sorrow. However, the alternative for those who die without accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior is hell, where there is eternal torment, everlasting destruction, and separation from God (2 Thess. 1:9). 

Charlie Kirk was like a seed planted in the Turning Point USA organization, whereby he was able to reach out to college age students to pour his life into others, raising up a generation who would be bold in their faith (1 Cor 16:13), steadfast in their love of freedom, and unafraid to defend their country. We need to vow to move forward, surrendering not to the enemy, but to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Matt16:24-26). We should serve Him well in whatever calling He has placed on our lives (Jer. 29:11) so that we can hear the words of Mathhew 25:33 when we meet our Lord and Savior, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Yours in Christ,

Roger Cook

Greetings Family,

When it comes to our relationship with God, how important is the condition of our hearts?  Whether you have been saved for a long time, or a short time, the condition of your heart is very important, and in fact is the key to a healthy relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. To follow Christ wholeheartedly we must not only lay down our lives and deny ourselves, but He must be our treasure and first love.  Mathew 6:19-21 (NKJV) says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal; For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. Let’s ask ourselves, “What is our treasure? What is most important to us? Is it material things and earthly treasures, or heavenly

treasures?”

In this daily walk with God, we must always guard our hearts, knowing we will be tested and tempted by the evil one. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”  How can we guard our hearts and keep them pure?  In the book of Psalms, David simply asked the Lord to help him, and we can do the same. Psalms 51:10 (NKJV), “Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Another way of guarding our hearts is to read and study God’s word daily. Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) says, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” The following is another scripture on how to guard our hearts; Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to

God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Therefore, I encourage you to do a heart check, and I pray that Jesus is your first love. 

In His Name,

Josh Rios

Readiness in Every Season

In 1 Samuel 3:10, we see young Samuel responding to God’s call after being guided by Eli to say, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” His willingness to be led with an open heart and to respond as told highlights an important part of his life: Being ready to hear from God requires a posture of humility and expectancy.

As we age and grow in years in our walk with the Lord, there are times that we become complacent with our past experiences with God and therefore forget to continue in the same willingness to hear his voice in our walk with him today. My experiences and the faith I had in my 20s, 30s, and 40s will not work for my life in my 50s, as I need the faith for what I’m experiencing now.

That time of my life was for yesterday’s faith. Yesterday’s time with God was good for yesterday, but I need the faith for today to get through my “now” moments. I need every day to be spent with the same willingness and openness of heart as I did in years past to fulfill today’s experiences. That can only be done by being ready in every season and stage of life in the time I choose to spend with him to continue to know His still small voice.

 Knowing His Voice

Jesus reassures us in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” It is only through that intimate relationship between the shepherd and his sheep that allows connection with Jesus. As we spend time in His presence, we become familiar with God’s voice, and we learn to discern that voice through our ongoing relationship with him.

In the morning Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you and watch expectantly. (Psalm 5:3) This involves regular prayer, worship, and meditating on His word. So, in whatever season you are in, this will apply to them all. Seek Him and you will find Him, even in the still small voice, because you know that voice, and the Father knows you as well.

Blessings,

Marina Provencio

Greetings,

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” We are all called to something in this life, whether you’re the provider for your family, a homemaker, or called to the ministry, just to name a few. God has destined us all to fulfill His purpose. Are you fulfilling His purpose or are you choosing your own path?

Just as the natural seasons change, so do those of our lives. Our jobs change, our friends change, where we live will even change. Do you welcome these changes or are you resistant to them? From our youth to adulthood God intended our bodies to change, and so must our minds change as well. Change is inevitable. Paul refers to it this way in 1 Corinthians 13:11, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”

So where are you at in the process in this specific time of your life? Are you maturely willing to hear from God or do you, like a teenager, think you know what’s best and have all the answers? Do not deceive yourself. When we refuse to yield our lives to God's will, we will quickly spiral downward and realize our hearts are in the wrong place and our lives have been a mere shell of what they could have been if we would have just given full control over to God.

So honestly ask your Heavenly Father, what needs to change in me? My mind, attitude, desire to know Him?  How do you need to change in your circumstances, in your relationships? There are so many areas in our lives that need improvement. Don’t get complacent with what’s familiar. Ask with a true desire and willingness for change.

Be open to what God has for you today!

In His service,

Damian Provencio Sr.

Greetings, brothers and sisters. 

Recently my wife and I traveled to Oregon to spend two weeks with my sister, Laura. I am so pleased that her faith in Jesus continues to grow.

In Oregon, God appears to be showing off, as everywhere we went He displayed the beauty of His creation (see Psalm 19:1). During our time at Mount Hood Village, we dined at Whistle Stop Restaurant, a place we had visited twice before. Looking out the huge bay window we saw skiers also seeming to show off, as each of their dramatic turns tossed up what looked like a wave of white snow. Yes, God was displaying His handiwork (see Genesis 1:1), and Diane and I took it in with an even greater appreciation of His beautiful creation.

The State of Oregon boasts of so much beauty that both Oregon and California are tied at the top of our list of states.  And, Diane and I have been able to bask in what I believe to be the most beautiful beaches in the world, most notably Laguna Beach.

I became a certified scuba diver at 19, and my first deep-water dive was at Catalina. Diving among the kelp forests was stunningly beautiful, as the sun’s rays came through the kelp forest, reaching a sandy white bottom below. Over the next few years, when I donned my scuba gear at Diver’s Cove and headed off to the reef, I was awe-struck at all the beauty (see Palm 95:5, Psalm 104.25). At a depth of 35 feet, I saw a spot where the reef appeared to have been split in two, leaving a beam of sunlight to light up the patch of white sand on the bottom between the two sections of the split reef.

At that reef, I was often greeted by the same young octopus, who was quite curious about me and my scuba gear. Occasionally it would playfully wrap its tentacles around my face mask. After spending several minutes together it would eventually leave, and each time it left it would push off with all of its eight little arms, leaving a tiny cloud of bright purple ink. I felt it was his way of saying “That was fun, so let's do it again next time you’re here." (See Genesis 1:21, Psalm 104:25.)

I pray that this inspires you, as it did me. 

Your brother in Christ, Ken

Dear brothers and sisters, 

Over the past year and a half, the Lord has been calling us to attention, urging us to position ourselves to hear His voice. This year our goal is to be marked by God, and as I meditate on this I am reminded of where I stand with the Lord. When He speaks we must be attentive to what He instructs us to do.  

In the Bible, we see stories like that of Saul. In 1 Samuel 15:3, the Lord gave Saul clear instructions: "Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys." 

But in verse 8, we see Saul's disobedience: "He captured Agag, king of Amalek, alive, but devoted all the others to destruction with the sword." Then in verse 9, it says, "Saul and his troops spared Agag, along with the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs, and the best of everything else. They were unwilling to destroy them, but they devoted to destruction all that was despised and worthless."

This is a powerful reminder that we must be fully obedient to God's instructions—no exceptions. Too often, when the Lord speaks to us, we try to negotiate or compromise. In 1 Samuel 15:11, the Lord says to Samuel, "I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out my instructions." 

These words from the Lord deeply shocked me, reminding me that it is all too easy to take His instructions lightly. 

This year we have heard the Lord’s heart for our lives and for the ministry. It’s more than just a wake-up call, it is a call to action and to realignment. I encourage you to seek the Lord, to listen to His voice, and to receive His guidance for what is to come. 

Keep seeking, keep praying, and never forget…you are deeply loved by God.

Love and Peace, 

Samantha Rodriguez

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Just as nature blesses us with both gentle showers and fierce storms, our lives are filled with seasons of joy and seasons of trial. The rain nourishes the earth and helps it flourish, yet the storm tests its resilience. Similarly, we experience moments of abundance and peace, only to face times of struggle that challenge our faith and fortitude.

Storms whether in the skies or in our hearts remind us of our fragility and our dependence on something far greater than ourselves. These trials are not random; they carry profound meaning and purpose. Each storm presents us with an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to draw nearer to our Creator.

In moments of turmoil and uncertainty, we must remember that there is one source of hope, strength, and salvation that never fails, Jesus Christ. As it is written in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” This truth anchors us in the fiercest storms of life.

Let us not rely on our own understanding or strength alone, for we are encouraged in Ephesians 6:11 to “put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” When the winds howl, the rain pours, and the waves threaten our

faith, we must be fortified by His grace and love, which will enable us to persevere. This armor of faith equips us to face the trials ahead, grounded in the truth of His Word and protected by the shield of His promises.

Let us also remember that no storm is without purpose. God, in His infinite wisdom, allows us to endure difficulties so that we might emerge stronger, more compassionate, and closer to Him. As Romans 8:28 reassures us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Every trial carries the seeds of transformation, and every challenge is an opportunity to trust Him more deeply.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, let us face the storms of life with courage and faith. Let us trust in His perfect plan and prepare our hearts and minds to stand firm, knowing that Christ is our anchor and our guide. With Christ as our anchor, we will emerge from every storm stronger and more faithful than before.

Yours in Christ,

Juan Rodriguez

Greetings dear brothers and sisters,

Recently my wife and I went up to the apple orchards for time away to rest and refresh.

With the busyness of life, work, and family, my wife and I realized the need to get away and rest. By setting this time aside to get away we were able to commune with one another and draw close together. We were able to have intimate conversations that the normal hustle and bustle of daily life doesn’t afford us. I cannot forget to mention that we were able enjoy the beauty of the Lords handiwork that surrounded us. As we sat looking at the snow-capped mountains, we felt a feeling of safety and contentment, this overwhelming sensation came to us just by being in the presence of the Almighty. We came there with all sorts of thoughts, concerns, feelings, and emotions. Yes, God was truly with us. We were able to talk, laugh, and maybe most importantly even cry together a little. It was truly a time of restoration and healing.

Why do I tell you all this? In the Bible we often see that Jesus went away to rest and find time alone with God in secluded places, such as mountains and deserts. He also taught his disciples it would be wise of them to learn to do the same.

We see in an example of this in Mark, 6:31-32, “And He said to them, ‘come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’ For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.”

You see, even Jesus Himself needed to leave and commune with His Father in Heaven.in fact, He felt it was necessary to do so. So while we continue to do the work of our Father in Heaven, do not forget to take time and rest, to restore your bodies, always allowing the Holy Spirit to refresh and restore your mind, body and spirit. May the Lord give you rest, and restore you this day.

Your brother in Christ,

Aaron Wantuch

Dear Family of God,

As I pondered what the Lord has for us this year, I kept sensing that He desires all of us, in the sense that He, the Lord God, wants your whole heart and life to be submitted, surrendered and devoted to Him. I felt this was being confirmed when our Pastor encouraged us, in that we were to be “Marked by God” this year.

As we continue through this year I believe we will be presented with many opportunities to choose whom we will allow to mark our lives. Will it be the world around us, or the Lord Jesus Christ? This year we have to make the conscious decision to truly surrender our entire lives to the Lord. We must take up our cross daily, every single day, and follow our God wholeheartedly.

He desires more of us, all of us, and He is waiting for His bride to be made ready for His return. We don’t know the day or the hour in which our Lord will return, but we are reminded to be ready. (Matthew 24:44, NLT). “You must therefore be ready at all times, for the Son of Man will return when He is least expected.”

Let us determine as individuals, and as the Body of Christ, that this year we will allow our lives to be transformed by the Lord. We will let His will be done in and through us. We will be true followers and disciples of God. We have to do our part in being children of God and start doing what He has called us to do. Our lives must reflect Jesus. Our actions must reflect those of our perfect example in Christ. 

Let us be “Marked by God” together this year!

In His Service,

Vanessa Provencio