Valley United Korean church held its 40th anniversary service on March 16th. Under the theme “Reunion,” former pastors and members reunited to express gratitude, share past and present blessings, and prepare for a new journey of faith.
In the fall of 1980, Pastor Jo Jung-wan, serving at Faith for Today School of Evangelism in Newbury Park, resolved to deliver the gospel to the densely populated San Fernando Valley. He visited Adventist believers and encouraged them to start youth meetings at the Northridge church youth hall. In 1984, four groups—North Hollywood, New Burbank, Valley, and Valley Fortress—obtained approval from the Southern California Conference (SCC) to establish Valley United Korean church.
During the formative years, worship services were held in various rented spaces throughout the San Fernando Valley. In 2013, the church building in Granada Hills was acquired, and a year later, all debts were paid off.
Velino A. Salazar, SCC president; John H. Cress, SCC executive secretary; and Kathleen V. Diaz, SCC treasurer/CFO, shared messages of congratulations and hope at the anniversary celebration.
“When you started this journey, you didn’t imagine how the Lord was going to bless you,” Salazar shared. “Today is the perfect moment for you to recount the blessings you have received during these four decades. The Lord has been good to you, and you have been receptive to His influence in order to proclaim the gospel in the San Fernando Valley community.”
“We had a time of thanksgiving service where we looked back on the past 40 years,” said Hyun Ouk John, senior pastor, “and pledged to continue the newly begun second chapter of our faith journey all the way to heaven.”
