Table Summer 2019

S U M M E R I S S U E //

2019

BEING A NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH > > page 18

S T. A N D R E W ’ S P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H

A N E I G H B O R H O O D C H U R C H W I T H G L O B A L I M PA C T.

E R A E W S I H T N I .

R E H T E G TO

J O E

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Banzai Bowls

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T I A N A

B A R D

iana and I started Banzai Bowls

hope, we met him at a coffee shop and expressed

about 9 years ago. It began by

our idea, stressing that we would be the first business

making the recipes that we currently

to sell this and wouldn’t have any competition. His

sell, in our own home for ourselves and friends. The

response was completely unexpected, “That’s not

idea came to me right around the time the recession

good!” He didn’t like the idea of taking a chance on

hit. We were struggling; I had $20,000 to my name

something that wasn’t already a proven success like

and my job was struggling to pay me. No one was

pizza or burgers. Still, he asked about money and

making these acai bowls, at the time, it was just a

with hesitation, we told him we only had $20,000. At

family recipe, but our friends always praised them

that point, he was decidedly not on board as it all

when they would come over. So, why not start a store

seemed thoroughly irrational to him.

and sell them?

That didn’t stop us, upon leaving we would endeavor

I ran the idea by Tiana one weekend as we went

to get a loan from the bank. Despite our best efforts

on a camping trip up in Big Sur. She was skeptical,

(and the fact that I had been with the same bank from

of course, wondering where we were going to get

the beginning) they denied us a loan. So, we went

the money to start a business, but by the end of the

back. They denied us again. So, we went back. On

weekend she was fully on board. On the way back

this trip, one of the managers of the branch invited

from the camping trip we drove past our current

us into her office. She let us know that despite our

location on 17th Street in Costa Mesa and there

financial standing with the bank, the economy was

was a vacant shop for rent. We took it as a sign and

the reason we were getting denied and they were

immediately contacted the owner. Eager and full of

unable to take the risk. I went hysterical. I was

frustrated, I was yelling, I was at the end of my rope.

month after month, to year after year God has continued

Someone just needed to give us a chance. After a few

to make a way, one miracle after another. We have now

moments of this, Tiana grabbed my arm and let the

been in business for 9 years, have two locations in

lady know we would be leaving.

Hawaii, and five locations in southern California.

It was around that time – in a state of despair – that we

This store has become our testimony.

had an eye opener. We realized we were relying on man to pay our bills, to open the right doors, to make a way.

We needed to be relying on God, fully and sufficiently believing that he could make a way.

We decided to go back and meet with the owner of

We believe God gave it to us in order to be able to give back to the neighborhood at large.

the vacant shop, but this time we were praying. Before and after and during, we didn’t stop praying for God to change this man’s heart. After numerous meetings, the owner finally settled on at least showing us the inside of the shop to see if the space would be functional for our business idea. As we walked in, it was as though life turned to slow motion. They had everything already in there from blenders to fridges to counter space. That in itself was an answer to prayer. We had been consistently questioning how we would even be able to buy all the equipment that would be needed if we were able to get the shop. After that meeting we prayed.

Some time went by and the owner finally contacted us about another meeting. As we walked up to the same coffee shop we had been to so many times, something felt different. The first thing he said to us as we approached him was, “I’m done.” Confused as to what that meant we asked for clarification. “I’m done,” he said. “You write up a proposal and let me know what you want to pay for rent and we will go from there. I want $10,000 up front.”

So, that’s exactly what we did. If he wanted $10,000 up front then it was essential that we had the other $10,000 to get the shop up and running. That being the case, we second year and $2,000 rent for the third year. He went for it. He accepted our offer. Only God could move that man’s heart, only God could make a way.

employees through managing in love, to where we source our ingredients from, to running our business with integrity – God’s hand is in all of it.

At the beginning of this adventure, we were in between churches, but shortly after opening our Costa Mesa location, one of the St. Andrew’s pastors came in and invited us to check it out. We’ve been attending ever since and are currently most involved with the preschool ministry as two of our children have already gone through the preschool and our youngest will soon attend as well. We love and trust the staff to look after and teach Jesus to our children. This business has allowed us to give back to the community in so many ways. We sponsor the Preschool Carnival at St. Andrew’s every year as we believe they have the same vision that we do: to impact our neighbors through love

Even after that, we continued to get pushback from

and generosity. We call St. Andrew’s our home church

neighboring businesses telling us not to do it, the

because we believe in their vision and carry it out in

location was “cursed,” but we pushed forward knowing

our lives through the business God has so graciously

that God had opened the door and made a way. And

given us.

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proposed free rent for the first year, $1,000 rent for the

From being able to share the glory of God with our

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O N E M A N ’S EXA M P L E .

B L A I N E

B U S H

I

of chaos and financial ruin. I lived a life that was all about me, yet always had a longing for a life about ’m a father, I’m a brother, I’m a

we. I just had no clue how to get there or how to

son, I’m a husband, I’m an uncle

be that person. God the Father… he knew this and

and if I had a theme for my life it

he was pursing me as a son.

could be summed up as

“finding my father

through faith.”

My dad died when I was only 7 and I remember how that felt at the time. I was very lost, alone, and not sure what to do with all those emotions. So, instead of sorting through them or facing them, I just buried all of it.

My mom worked to support my three siblings and me, which meant I was at home most of the time alone without anyone to help guide, lead, mold, or discipline me. Later, my mom remarried and divorced again when I was 11. To cope with all the stress, Mom turned a very dark corner as she began drinking heavily and turned into a verbally

After I got married, I met a gentleman whose life was truly an example of how I wanted my life to look.

He was joyful, kind, wise and willing to listen to what a complete knucklehead I had been my entire life. He showed me grace, and when I asked how he was able to live such a rich life he shared something I had never heard before. He responded, “I have faith in Jesus, God the Father.”

This was a game changer for me and I discovered my own relationship with Jesus.

abusive, distant adult. Which in turn, only served

When we had two sons of our own, I made a

to squash my self-esteem.

commitment to be the best father I could to our

She did her very best to be both a mother and a father, but it’s just not the same as having both a mother and father at home. I craved having a father I could latch onto. A father who would love me and teach me, but it never happened. As I grew up, there were no fatherly lessons about responsibility, money, relationships, school, employment or even self-discipline. Regardless, the one thing I always knew deep inside was that I had a good heart and a strong moral compass.

I spent most of the years between the time I graduated high school to the time I met the love of my life, Susan, without any knowledge of what very much like an adult; internally I was anything but. I was very selfish and bounced around quite a bit. To cope, I started to gamble, experimented with drugs, drank a lot of alcohol and was constantly in trouble. My life was a continual state

every step of the way. If they knew nothing else, they would know they were loved and valued.

God’s workmanship in me is at its best when I surrender my life to Jesus. Titus 2:6-8 says we need to encourage young men to live wisely, to be an example by doing good works and letting our own life reflect integrity, and to teach truth.

Everyone needs a father in their life. I now know it’s not about me, it’s about we. When my life is in chaos and I’m at the end of my rope and I’m yelling, “Father!” I can rest in him who says, “It’s okay, I’ve got you. I can carry your burdens, Blaine.

I’ve got you.”

With the help of my church family, amazing men’s group, and couple’s life group here at St. Andrew’s, I have been able to continually grow. Today, this fatherless son can embrace the same words God spoke to his son, Jesus, in Matthew 3, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

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adulthood looked like. I felt and externally looked

boys. I swore that I would be there with them

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sapres.org/ministries/family-ministries

R U B Y

T R E S T I K

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Trusting in the Lord.

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"I REMEMBER FEELING SO WELCOMED THE FIRST TIME I ATTENDED." I

Flash forward four years to today, and I am still so

as important and never wholeheartedly

thankful. I continue to grow in my relationship with God

pursued it. I saw church as more of an

and am learning how to spread his grace and love to

obligation, something my mom dragged me to every

everyone I meet. I have had the opportunity to travel to

weekend. It wasn’t my choice, it was hers… until I was

San Francisco multiple times with City Impact in order

brought to Asylum (the junior high group). I remember

to serve the homeless. I have had the opportunity to

feeling so welcomed the first time I attended. Everyone

give the 4th through 6th graders of St. Andrew’s the

was so loving and seemed genuinely happy to be there. I

same love and warm welcome that I was given. I have

immediately knew Asylum was a place I wanted to come

been given the opportunity to share my testimony on

back to every week. The leaders at Asylum were interested

multiple occasions and have even experienced the joy

in my life, they made me feel wanted and important. At

of leading others to faith.

first, it was a place I went to have fun and meet new

Through Refuge (the high school group) and Asylum,

people, but soon after it grew into much more.

I have met lifelong friends and mentors. These

I decided to go to Forest Home Summer Camp that

programs have done more for me than I ever could

year, but it wasn’t without hesitation as I had never

have imagined as a 7th grader. I don’t hesitate to say

liked the idea of being away from home and was unsure

that God has most assuredly used these programs,

about the whole “church camp” thing. I went anyways,

and the leaders within these programs, to make

hoping for the best. And the best it was. It was the

me who I am today. These are relationships and

first time I had ever experienced the overwhelming

memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my

presence of God. I knew I had been called to that

life. Thank you, St. Andrew’s youth programs, for

camp for a reason as everything in my life was about to

guiding me and equipping me to continue on this

change. While there, I committed my life to Jesus and

journey with Jesus, to love my neighbors and to seek

it has since been the best decision I have ever made.

and save the lost.

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grew up in church, but never really saw it

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L E A R N

M O R E

sapres.org/support

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In February of this past year, my mom went into the hospital and was diagnosed with pneumonia. She ended up going to rehab to fight the pneumonia for two weeks and was beginning to recover. Unfortunately, after a short period of time the pneumonia returned and she ended up back in the hospital for three weeks.

Being our home church, we called upon the Care team at St. Andrew’s. Pastor Leah showed up shortly after to pray with us. Though sleepy, Mom was still alert at that point and so Leah also read us some passages from the Bible.

My husband has a caregiver business and had a connection with someone in the hospice industry, so we all decided that it would be best for her to be able to go home on hospice.

Pastor Bryan came to see my mother while she was in hospice. There was a whole group of people gathered around my mom, Susan, my cousin, the hospice nurse, Bryan, and myself. Bryan prayed for us and led us in hymnals; he also knew that my mother liked the Psalms so he read verses to our group gathered there.

My mother passed away on March 15, but there are

A L L I S O N

R O B A R

Support from my church family.

so many people that stick out in that difficult season.

The St. Andrew’s Care team really came alongside, not only my mother, but my family and myself. With the rest of my family being in Wisconsin and my husband

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still trying to hold our household together during that hree years ago, at age 83, my mom, Nancy, moved here from Wisconsin. I already considered

St. Andrew’s my home church, so she began attending with me and my family. We consistently attend the worship services and on one specific occasion during the time of meet and greet, Susan introduced herself to my mother. Susan became a very special friend to my mother and also a very dear friend to me and my family.

time, I didn’t have a lot of people around. Susan was there every step of the way for the last 2 or 3 months of my mom’s life.

I could not have gone through that season without all of them. They helped to provide peace and strength in a time when I didn’t have any.

your neighborhood coffee shop

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STAY IN THE KNOW

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SERVING THE BEST OF THE BEST FROM OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY.

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M O R E

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sapres.org/ministries/preschool-and-tuition-programs

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YOUNG G R O W TH M A R I T Z A

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R Y A N

B O C K S

WATCH program at St. Andrew’s

M

y husband, Ryan, and I, both work full

so much so that he came home one day and asked

time. We have two boys, Charlie, the

Ryan and me, “Why don’t we go to church at St.

oldest, is now 10 and in 5th grade;

Andrew’s?” We started to see him seek after faith

and our youngest, Hunter, is 7 and in 2nd grade. Ryan

and a relationship with God even at such a young

and I have worked full time since the boys were

age. Eventually his birthday came around and one

infants, meaning they have always attended some

of the wishes on his birthday list was that we could

type of daycare. Once Charlie started Kindergarten,

go to church so that he could see his friends at

he needed a place to go after school. We first started

Sunday school. We didn’t hesitate to say yes to his

him at the CDC – Child Development Center –

wish and it kind of became an eye opener to us,

because it was connected to his elementary school,

realizing the importance of the kids being raised

Newport Heights. This made for a quick and easy

in the faith. After that, we started consistently

transition for him to go from Kindergarten to daycare.

attending the worship services.

Although it was an easy transition, it didn’t seem like

A place that would keep him safe and naïve; we didn’t

Both of our boys have always had great relationships with the staff who have become their role models;

believe that he needed to be exposed to so much at

it’s fun on the weekends to watch the boys wave and

such a young age.

smile at their teachers from across the aisle. We are

Ryan and I were married in the Catholic Church, but at

just so thankful to know that the people they look

the time we had been loosely attending St. Andrew’s

up to are pure-hearted and faith-driven. Charlie has

when someone mentioned WATCH (an afterschool

attended WATCH from the 1st grade all the way

care program for 1st to 6th graders). Upon looking

through to the 5th grade and will continue on into 6th

into the program, my only hesitation was that Charlie

grade; it’s crazy to think how long he has been going

would have to ride a bus on his own from Newport

and how much of an impact it has had on him. Our

Heights to St. Andrew’s in order to attend WATCH.

hope is that Hunter will continue on at WATCH for the

Ryan seemed less concerned and more excited about

next few years until he reaches 6th grade as well.

the new option, so without further hesitation I agreed

WATCH is a safe place for both of the boys to go

that we should give it a try. The bus actually turned out

after school where they are well taken care of by

to be great; it gave Charlie a sense of responsibility

people who put into practice “loving their neighbors

and was a smoother transition than expected.

as themselves.” We have faith in the fact that the kids

Charlie really enjoyed WATCH,

are kind and that the boys are happy being there.

quite the right fit. He was so used to being separated by age and grade that the CDC was a little overwhelming for him; it wasn’t a place he seemed to thrive. At that point, we sought out a better solution.

St. Andrew’s to whom we are so very grateful for. St. Andrew’s is our second home.

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not only did he seem to thrive and enjoy the people and teachers, but it actually peeked his interest in God,

WATCH brought us into the greater community of

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S U Z A N

Z A H E D I

Desperately seeking.

h g u o r h t y nit u m m o c is h g t n g u n i o v y r e o s t g n i k o a t "I love e g p n s i l d g g an u r g t s n i e r s o t o n h t d me n a , s m mo , n e m o " . w e f i l d e em e d e r a e liv

I heard his voice so clearly; it spoke to me about being worthy of love and of having a life that mattered. Of course, I had no idea how or what

“D

it was about - but from that night forward my life esperately Seeking Suzan” is the only thing I can think of when I

imagine how God ever found this sad and hopeless Jewish, atheist girl 22 years ago. God wove together so many seemingly disparate events, and St. Andrew’s will forever be part of my salvation story.

This is how it began... After surviving my mother’s suicide at 3 ½ and being raised by a sadistic stepmother and a disconnected father in an atheist household, I flew the nest with a broken heart and a very broken spirit. People-pleasing and creativity were the key to my success early on, where I somehow managed to keep it together. I followed a career in graphic design and marketing, which on the surface seemed to be a perfect fit.

My secret life began during my early career: business suit by day and in an ocean of tears by night, wondering how I could continue to live this way. I was just so confused about love and life. I couldn’t understand why the people who said they loved me

Even though I was in such a vulnerable place and wasn’t a Christian at that point, God began working right away. I began making jewelry again (a side business I had in high school) and also started mentoring foster youth through Orangewood.

Within a year, I had accepted Jesus with my friend, Karen Taylor, from St. Andrew’s, which ended up being just in time for me to serve at St. Andrew’s Royal Family Kids’ Camp!

In the past 22 years, the Lord has blessed me with twin girls (who are now teenagers), a tribe of Christian sisters, a story to tell, and the courage to speak it out loud. There are still times I struggle to let God heal the wounds of my past, and to surrender my teenagers to his loving hands and wisdom, but my goal is to struggle with authenticity and still tell a story of hope.

I love serving this community through mentoring and speaking to young women, moms, and those

forward 20 years of living this way, I was exhausted

struggling to live a redeemed life.

and living at the end of my rope—hopeless and

My jewelry business located here in Costa Mesa is

afraid. I had made so many bad decisions and had

a gathering place where Kingdom stories are told

run out of ideas on how life should be lived. Until

every day. It is a place where I am able to give

one night, at 39 years old, I (the Jewish atheist)

back, love my neighbors, and share my testimony

heard God’s voice say, “You will never again think

with every piece of jewelry I make; for that I am

of ending your life, you will now know who I am.”

forever grateful.

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were so cruel, and why I was so angry inside. Fast-

changed forever.

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H

ello, my name is Bianca Wajack and this is my story. I’ve been coming to St. Andrew’s for about

six years now with my aunt who is my biggest supporter in all I do. I live with my aunt and my mom who suffers from extenuating medical problems. It’s

B I A N C A

W A J A C K

Lifelong relationships.

hard to deal with my mom’s medical illnesses, but when I’m at church I feel the freedom to pour my heart out to the Lord.

Since attending St. Andrew’s, I’ve grown close to Sally Afable and Suzanne Westmoreland who I consider my “second moms.” They are such big supporters of my dancing and show up to all my performances. These women are always there for me when I need someone to lean on. Pastor Megan is also dear to me and a huge fan of my dancing; there are truly no words to describe how much of an impact she’s made on my life these past couple of years. She’s stood by my side and comforted me when troubling events happen at home that are out of my control, and encourages me to let God take the lead.

Megan has taught me to trust the Lord and to have faith. Even in times of hurting, I now trust and believe that he will watch over my aunt, my mom, and me for eternity. I’ve also come to trust him with my plans after high school and believe he has led

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me to pursue education at Orange Coast College.

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While at St. Andrew’s, I’ve grown so much closer to God and have made new connections that will last a lifetime (things that wouldn’t have been possible without St. Andrew’s)!

"THESE WOMEN ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR ME WHEN I NEED SOMEONE TO LEAN ON."

S T E V E N

K I S H I

God’s presence through it all.

H

aving been raised an only child in a

Just having a brother to confide in, and their wanting to

Japanese American Buddhist family in

pray for me while at a job interview, helped strengthen the

Los Angeles, my walk with Jesus started

bond. Seven years later, my life has been fully blessed by

much later than you might expect. Our Japan adopted

these guys and I love them all.

daughter, Christina, attended a Christian elementary

Despite not having regular employment for years, these guys

school and despite attending many Sunday services, I didn’t fully accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior until just after turning 50.

were my support group, which allowed me to confidently seek out God’s call for me. God had me on a journey of redemption, so I realized that, while I had no employment, it

Selfish pride coupled with business failures and abundant

was time to donate my available time to serve others. It was

other life mistakes, I found myself at the bottom of a

a personal growth experience to help out at Project Hope

hopeless pit. At the encouragement of my loving wife

Alliance, start up the Whittier Elementary partnership and

Pat, I had to fully confess my sins to God. Jesus had paid

help out with Serve Day with the Send Team.

the price of all of them, and I had to fully turn my life over

God is a part of my daily life. There were and are definite

to him.

and continual signs that I was and am being called to serve

I decided to try out the Men’s Tuesday Morning Study

him. Among those calls included being asked to serve as an

Group and remember walking in to Dierenfield Hall, being

Elder at St. Andrew’s these past three years and finding a

greeted by Casey O’Callaghan and invited to join his table

great job in my field of specialty.

group. Being in the Word was truly spearheaded by our

Our family’s most challenging times allowed us more

The love, prayers, and continued encouragement received from these guys resulted in life changing brothers I never had.

opportunity to grow closer to God, and we have been totally blessed by his constant presence, provision, mercy and grace.

As I reflect back over my whole life, I can identify so many specific events that could only be a result of God’s presence.

No doubt, God has always been there with me, it just took a long time for me to realize it and to open my heart and intentionally listen to him. All the glory be to God!

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Tuesday mornings together.

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WE DON'T EXIST FOR OURSELVES.

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#BEANEIGHBOR

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"OUTREACH IS MADE EASY AT THE CORNER CAFÉ..."

ON- CA M P U S M I S S IO N S J E S S I C A

F E E

Being a neighborhood church.

F

or the past year, I have been working at the Corner Café located on the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church campus. I first heard about the opportunity to work at the Corner Café through a friend who, at the time, was helping out at

the nursery. My sister, Kendall Fee, also attended St. Andrew’s at the time and still helps out as a leader with the high school ministry. We were both raised in a Christian home, our dad being a youth pastor and worship leader. Since I was young, I have always had a heart for missions as I would consistently be a part of the mission trips our church would take to Navajo Nation based out of New Mexico.

The Corner Café places a lot of emphasis on missions and outreach coupled with their desire to be a neighbor and extend their hand to the community locally and globally. Upon getting hired at the Corner Café, I started working on Sunday mornings and have been able to watch the sermons every Sunday and become involved with the mission of St. Andrew’s. The café has been the perfect balance of being able to build a community around me and also continuously be on mission. The people I work with are not only co-workers but have also become some of my closest friends.

church to those outside of it. Outreach is made easy at the Corner Café as we have many students from Newport Harbor who daily visit our café, many of whom have no relationship with God. At the Corner Café we get the chance to open conversations, be a friendly face, and overall make them feel so accepted that they would want to be a part of the church as a whole.

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To me, being a neighborhood church means that we are focused on our community and bringing

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"I am so thankful for the St. Andrew's community of neighbors and friends that are helping me walk through that process with God." S U S A N My story.

B U S H

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H

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H

i, my name is Susan Bush. I was born in

could go to California alone. I pushed against that as I

Des Moines, Iowa to loving parents and

didn’t want to be the reason they divorced, believing

an older brother. We moved to Arizona

that it would be my fault. Despite what I could do, my

when I was three years old and lived there until I was 17.

dad and I moved and they divorced.

On the outside, my childhood was idealistic: my parents

At 29 years old, my journey with the Lord was

were successful, happily married, I had a wonderful

progressing. The Good News: by God’s grace I married

older brother. We swam in our pool all summer long,

a wonderful man and have two incredible boys. My

spent 4-6 weeks in Newport Beach and celebrated the

husband and I started attending church and became

holidays with lots of traditions and family. From the

involved with a couple’s Bible study. The Hard News:

outside, it was the perfect life… until 1972.

my parents divorced the year of my wedding. One of

At 11 years old, my mother was diagnosed with breast

the last things I remember my father saying to me was

cancer. I vividly remember the day of her surgery: we

right before he walked me down the aisle, “Susie, I

woke up to a beautiful Arizona sky, crystal clear and cool.

have a one-way ticket for you to go anywhere you want

She went in for a biopsy in the morning and as the day

if you don’t want to go through with this.” That was it,

progressed a huge thunderstorm rolled into Scottsdale.

nothing more was said.

What I didn’t realize was the thunderstorm that was

Shortly thereafter, my father remarried a woman who

about to hit my family. My father unexpectedly picked

took him away from me. I saw him only a handful of times

me and my brother up from school early. When we were

and my youngest son only saw him once or twice. My

driving to the hospital he dropped the bomb; the cancer

father built a wall high and tall between my brother and

had spread to mom’s lymph nodes and she had to have

me. On May 10, 2007 I found out my father had died.

a radical mastectomy. I didn’t understand what he was

His wife never called me or my brother and by the time

saying, but somehow understood that my world would

we found out he had died, she had already cremated

change forever. When my mother came home from the

him and spread his ashes at sea saving nothing of our

hospital she showed me where her breast used to be. I

father for either of us.

was so scared and confused; from one day to the next, I didn’t know if she was going to die.

This event was devastating to me, but in turn pointed me to the Lord. In 2010, our family began attending

Looking back, I believe that my mother’s cancer was

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and our boys thrived

a direct result of the stress in her life. My mother

at Refuge (high school group). Blaine and I started

worked 24/7 to keep us afloat and as time progressed

exploring different groups at St. Andrew’s as well. Three

my parents started fighting more and more. Within

years ago, I met Pastor Megan at a Coffee and Welcome

that, there existed an undercurrent of uncertainty that

and we’ve never looked back. My faith continues to

I could feel but not identify. We didn’t talk about it.

grow through couple’s bible studies, Branches, mission

To cope, my brother would sit in his room and play

trips and involvement with the Deacon ministries.

they would divorce filled my mind. I found out later of the myriad of affairs my father had and the multiple business dealings that went south.

Fast forward, I am 16 years old and it’s 1978. My father announced that we were moving to Newport Beach, CA. As a junior in high school, my mother wanted her and me to stay in Arizona until I graduated and said my dad

I truly feel that God called me to leave my job and get involved with St. Andrew’s so that I can begin the healing process.

I am so thankful for the St. Andrew’s community of neighbors and friends that are helping me walk through that process with God.

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music. I would listen to my parents fight, and a fear that

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F I NDIN G O U R H OM E E Y V E T T E

A

H I B B A R D

s I think about my journey to St.

experiences, and I encourage Christians as we

Andrew’s, a lot of memories

travel to see God in different places, events and

begin to surface.

spaces. It’s truly a gift to see the Lord’s Spirit

I grew up in the Church of Christ and

attended children’s ministry. I had some of my best memories at church camp and VBS (Vacation Bible School). I had a strong Christian foundation and was very involved with the church as my grandfather was a pastor. Jesus was around me always. He was there through my parents’ divorce and different hurdles with my family. The church was a safe place where we all felt we belonged.

everywhere. Yet,

here at St. Andrew’s, great women have opened their arms to me as a neighbor should.

Kyle Team invited me to my first Sunday service, KC Kroeger encouraged me to get my family involved and Stacy Evatt invited me to Tribe.

As I went through my 20’s, church became

Because of their personal invitations, I currently

fewer and farther between. It wasn’t until I

attend Tribe and am involved with the Hospitality

had trouble having my first baby that I heard

and Women’s Ministry teams. I realize now how

loud and clear where I needed to rest my faith.

much a personal invitation means.

The faith that was always there, but had been long neglected. I felt guilty for calling on the Lord at such a low time in my life. But, I now know my journey brought me to this present day - where I’m supposed to be.

My husband and I brought the kids this past summer to family camp and I knew this experience was exactly what I wanted for my family for years to come. It’s a gift to know that when my girls

I attended great local churches in Orange County,

have a safe place to retreat to across the street.

but never quite felt settled. My grandmother

I have prayed countless prayers, as many of us

would often ask me, “Do you have a church

do, for the Lord to place me and my family where

home?” I would always answer, ”yes” but not

we need to be, to have a closer walk with him.

until I came to St. Andrew’s did I really understand

He placed us here, at St. Andrew’s, and what a

what she meant.

blessing it is!

I’ve been blessed to have had many church

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attend Ensign and Newport Harbor High they’ll

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A M Y

M Y E R S

Forest Home Family Camp

with his Squirrel group (ages three and four) and deepened the friendships he made last year. We had

T

the ability to give our child more independence and his was our family’s second year attending Forest Home Family Camp and we are officially committed to being “lifers.”

Our first year, my husband was hesitant (to say the least) in committing our precious vacation time to a week of camp; however, by the end of the week we had already signed up for our second year!

That first year attending Forest Home Family Camp, we week into a social butterfly and make lifelong friends with other kids from our church. We were also encouraged by one of the speakers to write a family motto. To this day, the motto we wrote is still fresh in my mind and still hanging in our home, “Love God, serve others and dance!”

This year, as a three-year-old, our son went on adventures

children who have similar value systems. Not to mention the dining hall, which will always be a special place for us.

Not only is the food made for every meal, but cleanup is taken care of as well and our son could be free to go and play with other children; which means we actually got to finish a conversation!

Words cannot express how much this camp has changed our lives as a family and as a couple.

Having a week to reflect on all God has done in our lives and to reflect on what he truly wants us to be for his Kingdom is a humbling and soul settling experience.

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watched our two-year-old son transform throughout the

freedom to run around in a safe environment with other

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Peggy

BEI N G ON MISSION WITH JE SU S P E G G Y B O B

P E N C E

E D M O N D S

I’ve been a Christian for decades. I was brought up as a Christian and I was baptized when I was ten.

Throughout my life God has been so faithful, he has been my strength through the hard times. I first became interested in anti-human trafficking a number of years ago when I was actually tasked with doing a presentation for a rotary club. At the time I had no idea the extent of human trafficking. After being exposed to how prevalent human trafficking was, I began looking for opportunities to be involved.

It wasn’t until I came to St. Andrew’s and learned about the anti-human trafficking ministries here that I was able to find a way to be involved hands on, other than just financial contributions.

Bob If you had told me I would be involved in street ministry

+

three years ago, I would’ve said you were out of your mind.

But

I

was

sitting

in church at St. Andrew’s one day, minding my own business, and Julie Wood got up and began talking about anti-human trafficking in India and I thought to myself, there’s no way I would do that. About a month later she stood up again and God started to speak to me. The third time she got up and spoke in front of the congregation, I found myself signing up for a trip to India. Before I knew it, I was on a plane with some folks headed to India. We went over there and when we got back we formed an anti-human trafficking leadership team at St. Andrew’s.

It was then that we met Kevin Brown, who was a retired Santa Ana policeman and also the founder of Lives

"THERE IS SO MUCH FULFILLMENT BEING ON MISSION WITH JESUS & FOR THE GLORY OF HIS KINGDOM." Worth Saving. He’s the one that got us involved in

They don’t have self-esteem, they don’t feel worthy, and

this local ministry. I’ve been working with Lives Worth

it is a process for them to find their way out to freedom.

Saving for about a year now. We go out Friday nights

Everyone who is involved in Lives Worth Saving, whether

from midnight until 2:00 a.m. We have two teams of four people (two men and two women) on each team. We approach victims, the prostitutes - we call them victims - and try to determine if they are victims of human trafficking and if they want to be rescued. And if they do, we have a separate team that will endeavor to rescue

you’re in security, an advocate, praying from the car, praying from home, does this because we care. And conveying that message of love and worthiness is what these women need to hear, and is hopefully what will bring them along the path towards finding freedom.

them and transport them to a safehouse where they can

Bob

enter programs and turn their lives around.

The advocates, the Christian ladies that speak to the

Peggy

victims out on the street, absolutely radiate the love

I haven’t had the opportunity to be out on the track

conversations and it gives me a great deal of hope to

yet, but I am one of those listening via Bluetooth and praying from home. The first time I heard the victim over Bluetooth, I began to cry because the conversation, woman to woman, was like any conversation, but you realize that in moments they could be picked up by a perpetrator and taken to a motel. And the things they endure and go through – to imagine that as a woman is heart-wrenching.

The advocates will ask the women, “can we pray for you, is there something we can pray for you about?” Many times, they pray for safety. And yet, they’ll ask them, another life?” And some of them will say no. They don’t have any other ideas of what they might do. Others will say, “I’d like to be a nurse, I’d like to be a teacher.”

They do have different dreams. And yet, what we find is that most of these women that are on the streets have been, in their very young life, abused, probably sexually abused, and oftentimes by someone close to them.

see people that are a generation or two younger than me, out giving up their Friday nights, working from midnight to 2:00 a.m., sometimes 4:00 a.m., to share the love of Christ with these victims. These are bright, lovely young women that sometimes have been thrown out at the age of 12 or 13, into the streets, and to see their recovery is a wonderful thing and in it of itself, a great reward.

It’s wonderful to work with roughly 40 Christian men and women from a half dozen major churches in Orange County, all ages, people from their 20s into their 80s.

There is so much fulfillment being on mission with Jesus and for the glory of his kingdom. Working together as the body of Christ for a purpose beyond ourselves.

We are powerless on our own. We need Jesus and his community of believers (united as a church) to impact our neighborhood on a local and global level.

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“is there a dream that you have, have you considered

of Christ. We’re all on Bluetooth so we can hear these

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D E A N N E

N E R G U I Z I A N

Divine appointment.

M

any years ago, my late husband moved our family to the desert and we made it home, yet my heart has

always been at the beach. I used to come up to the beach every summer from the desert. Back in June, God financially equipped me to make the move to

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the Newport area truly giving me the desires of my

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"I GOT THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY & FELLOWSHIP MY HEART CRAVES."

heart. Little did I know the big plans he had for me to get involved in the neighborhood around me through St. Andrew’s church.

A friend from the desert, who I had not seen in many years, came across my path and invited me to the Women’s Bible Study. I’m so glad I took her up on the offer and am beyond thankful God wove her back into my life! I’ve made wonderful new friends in my small group and throughout other areas of the church. Pastor Megan is so full of love and joy; she makes each meeting fun and we see Jesus shine through her beautiful heart for the Lord. In those small groups, we are not only fed the Word of God, but the ladies also provide a great array of food in a festive setting each week. More than just a bible study, I made lifelong friends and got the neighborhood community and fellowship my heart craves. I am so thankful I was invited and made to feel so welcomed; it has been such a joy to be a part of the St. Andrew’s Women’s Ministry this past season, it has truly been a part of making this place feel like home!

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D O N A L D S O N

Connecting through hospitality.

calling (the Belong Team falls under Send/Missions), on discipleship, connection, and God’s grace manifested

I

through service. Hospitality is not merely a task to be ’m what is called an ambivert - a balance of extrovert and introvert features. So, I love to interact with people but also need

quiet time. I love greeting people at each service and getting to know their stories and being allowed to encourage and pray with them as we figure out what it means to walk in faith together.

done, but is a privilege to participate in.

Hospitality creates an environment where worshipping is safe.

For the past 14 months, I’ve been working part time here at St. Andrew’s with my primary focus on weekend hospitality. I get to be here for all four services and

about 6 years, coming here from a small church in the area.

other special gatherings, greeting and getting to know

My work in luxury hotel management didn’t afford me much

so many regular attendees and new guests week after

time to get involved beyond attending a weekend service,

week. It has undoubtedly afforded me the opportunity

but that all changed as I left my last hotel a couple years ago

to connect in both individual relationships, as well as the

and God made clear that he had different plans. Every day I

larger church family.

discover a little more just how he wants me to serve.

I’d love to get to know more of those I get to worship

I started volunteering with the Hospitality leadership here

alongside, and we’d love to have you serve with the

to think through roles, training, and vision that I’ve used

Belong Team (ushers, greeters, parking, and Connect

in hotels, expanding them to create deeper relationships

Center). As Augustine wrote, “We do good deeds, but

within our church, specifically during weekend worship.

God works in us in the doing of them,” and it is a privilege

I found myself excited about the emphasis on missional

to be a vessel of God’s goodness here at St. Andrew’s.

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My wife, Janice, and I have been attending St. Andrew’s for

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I

’ve always gone to St. Andrew’s.

My parents got married there, and I went to preschool there as well.

L U C Y

V A L D E S

Finding the deeper meaning.

However, I never really connected with church or actually enjoyed it until 5th grade. I thought that church was boring and dreaded going every Easter and Christmas. But my mom wanted me to go to the Wednesday night youth group for 4th and 5th grade students, called the Port. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I ended up really liking the games they played and all of the leaders there. I brought more and more friends each week until I reached 6th grade and moved onto Asylum (junior high group.

I never really realized the significance of the Port as I just liked playing the games and hanging out with friends.

However, when I got to Asylum, I started going every Wednesday night for a completely different reason. At Asylum, I met the youth staff. They really stressed the importance of God and made it more interesting than the typical Sunday service. I continued to bring more friends, and I was really able to understand what God

going to Asylum and Forest Home consistently, I

does in our lives and even talk about it in the small

wouldn’t have met her. Not only have I become

groups we had at the end of each Asylum. I went to

closer with friends, I have become closer with the

Forest Home every year after the Port, and every time I

many leaders at Asylum. I now feel comfortable

went I was able to not only strengthen my relationship

to talk to these people about anything whenever I

with God, but also strengthen my relationships with

feel the need. Asylum has truly helped me have a

my friends and leaders.

better understanding of God, connect with the

I have consistently been going to Asylum for two

neighborhood-like community at St. Andrew’s, and

years now, and have even started going to the

build better relationships with my friends.

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worship services on Sunday. At Asylum, I am able to

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surround myself with people who accept who I am and help me grow deeper in my relationship with God. It has not only helped me connect with God, but also my friends. I feel that I brought many people in my friend group to Asylum and made some of my closest friends at camp. For example, I met one of my best friends, Lotte West, through camp. If I wasn’t

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"I AM ABLE TO SURROUND MYSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO ACCEPT WHO I AM AND HELP ME GROW..."

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He t a h t t b ou d ty a i t n u u o m h t om wi c w h c o r n u k I ch r u o g d n n a s to e is usi i d l i n m a a f m i g to brin als closer to hrkers who individu kingdom wo orld. w p raise u is love to the h extend

S AVE D B Y C O MM U N ITY J O R D I

W

S A L O M O N

hen my husband, 4-month-old son, and I showed up to St. Andrew’s for the first time nearly five and a half years ago, I was an anxious, sleep-deprived new mom with a long-neglected

faith and very few close friends. My church-avoiding husband indulged my desire to check out a church with a cry room because he knew that I was in a hard place.

I don’t remember much of that first service, but I will never forget the warmth of KC Kroeger as she gave us a tour of the nursery and invited us to her house for a Dinner for 10. Such extreme hospitality was completely foreign to us. At that dinner we met a couple in the same stage of life as us who were leaders of the life group we subsequently joined. Through that life group, Parent-Child classes, ministry opportunities, and the Women’s Thursday Morning Bible Study, I have formed relationships with incredible sisters in Christ and grown closer to Jesus than I ever knew possible. The greatest gift has been watching my husband grow into a man of God who leads our family with integrity and a heart that seeks the Lord daily. Our two sons are growing up in Family Ministries and I love that their Sunday school teachers care for them and partner with Sean and I as we raise young men who know, love, and serve Jesus. I know what it is like to feel alone, little family to St. Andrew’s where we have experienced community and have been given the opportunity to heal, forgive, serve, and move forward into the abundant life that Christ promises us in John 10:10. God is truly good and I know without a doubt that he is using our church community to bring families and individuals closer to him and to raise up kingdom workers who extend his love to the world.

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anxious, and wounded by pain from the past. I praise God that he brought my

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600 St. Andrews Rd. Newport Beach, CA 92663

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