I’m so blessed to be here at Calvary Chapel Jurupa Valley. God has truly been moving and showing Himself to me since I came back to Him in 1992. This is my home, Jesus is my Lord and Pastor Jim is my Pastor. I have faithfully served Pastor Jim for 23 years.
I ran from God for twenty-two years. In that time my life was filled with hard drugs, alcohol, guns, pornography and a biker lifestyle that was filled with evil thoughts and deeds. I never thought God would accept me back into His grace. I couldn’t be more wrong!
God never left me – I left Him. When I realized what a terrible life I had, I repented from my sin and simply asked Jesus back into my life. He received my prayer and repentance, and brought me back into His good grace. I’ve not looked back since.
I submitted myself to the Men’s Bible Study Ministry where I was trained and taught weekly through the whole Bible. With my new found knowledge, I gave myself over to the daily maintenance of the church building. Soon after I was handed a key to the church. I was stunned and silently said to myself, “Lord I’m a liar, a thief, and a criminal. Yet You are handing a key to the church to me?” I knew right away that the Lord had moved me from the criminal element into His trust and care. What a joy!
After a couple of years of leading the Men’s Ministry and serving the Lord in various ways, I found myself being ordained as the Associate pastor of CCJV. Furthermore, the Lord opened the door for me to take over the Wednesday night weekly Bible studies. During that time the Lord trained me how to study and present His Word clearly and simply. Additionally, I’ve led many teams into the mission fields of Mexico, the Philippines, and NYC right after 9-11. Oh how His Word never returns void. What a comfort!
On the local front several team members and myself minister at musical outreaches which always conclude with a Gospel message and invitation to come to Jesus in repentance. Additional activities include opening City Council Meetings with prayer, praying at annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, dedicating highways and bi-ways for our city, and other various city festivities. All these events are organised by Jesus and is always recognized for the opportunity.
As the years have gone by my pastor was asked by the Lord to step down from the pulpit and focus on family needs. God then raised me up to take the senior pastor position of CCJV. Shortly after taking the pulpit the Lord changed our church address to the residence where we currently reside. I now find myself leading, guiding, and providing God’s Word to a glorious group of people that my wife and I have come to love dearly. Our hearts go out not only to our local congregation, but also to our city Jurupa Valley. We have raised our children and resided here for three decades. Oh the depths and the riches of our glorious God! He restores and blesses abundantly!
Some of the many things that CCJV is currently involved in include: Men’s Bible Studies. Women’s Bible Studies. Youth Bible Studies. Children’s Bible Studies. We have a vibrant food Ministry that is open to any and all. We enjoy a Sanctuary that gives true REST to the weary every time we meet. We benefit from an exciting Prayer Ministry that receives requests on a daily basis. That list is just a portion of what God the Holy Spirit is doing here at CCJV!
Visions we have for the future include more local outreaches. We desire to meet more of our neighbors. Likewise, we are asking the Lord for a once a week local radio Bible study bringing God’s Word. Join us in prayer for those things won’t you?
As noted many things are happening here at CCJV. That being said, we need good strong soldiers to join us. If you are currently looking for a Spirit filled, Bible believing, Bible teaching fellowship of like minded believers, stop by for a visit. My wife and I would love to meet you and show you around.
The Bible tells me: “God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). Now that you and I have read that scripture, we can rest assured that God loves us. Therefore, and as I have done, turn from your sin; Ask Jesus into your life. He is faithful and true and will save you (Acts 4:12). You must turn in repentance to Jesus, and ask Him to be your Savior. When you repent, (confess and turn from your sin) He will respond in the way only He can as loving Savior. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Remember Jesus’ words, “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
We hope to see you here at CCJV. In the meantime, remember, Jesus loves you and He died for you but you must receive His free gift of salvation. Amen.
Senior Pastor Greg & wife Connie Rondeau