Celebrating Forty Years

This weekend Victory Tabernacle celebrated the Fortieth Pastoral Anniversary of Pastor and Sister White.  It was an incredible weekend!  It started with service Friday night, a banquet on Saturday afternoon, and a final service Sunday afternoon.  So many friends and church family members past and present were in attendance.  Our building was packed!

I didn't take a single picture on Friday night.  I got one picture on Saturday with a lifelong friend, Sis. Ruby Wilson.  I was in their wedding 40 years ago and she and her husband are responsible for us meeting!  (You can read all about it here.)

After Sunday's service, our church presented the Whites with their gifts.  Sis. White received a very large check and we were able to buy Pastor White a new car!  This took months of planning and sacrificial giving from our entire church family.  I am so thankful that we were able to do this for them.

Everyone made their way outside, then the Whites were brought out with blindfolds on...

Stunned does not even begin to describe their reaction!

It was such a privilege to honor these two great people!  They are more than deserving of double honor!  We are also thankful that Pastor White got a clean bill of health this past week - that was the icing on the cake for our church!

After the gift presentation, all the ministers and their families were provided with a delicious meal.  My final picture of the day has some amazing women in it:

 

I have known these ladies for many, many years.  Sis. Luke (first one of the left) is who I have known the longest.  She and her husband helped start a church in Clovis way back in the 70s and I attended some of the services there when I was about 12.  Many of the others I have known since I was a teenager - their husbands have preached messages at camps and conventions that remain with me still.  I'm so thankful that our pastor and first lady have such a fine group of friends that bless our church on a regular basis.

 

I have been privileged to call Pastor and Sis. White my pastor and first lady for 30 years.  I really don't have enough words to say just how much they mean to me.  I am completely blessed and so very grateful.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 15: Brighter

Victory Tabernacle is celebrating the 39th Pastoral Anniversary of Pastor and Sister White today.  We won't be able to do nearly as much as we have in the past with all the COVID restrictions, but they are worthy of double honor!

Pastor and Sister White make this world a brighter place.  They are kind and loving.  They are hard workers.  They have stepped up to the challenges of 2020 to keep our church family united. In the more than 29 years that Pastor White has been my pastor, I have never gone hungry spiritually.  He always brings a spiritual feast to the table.

During my early twenties as I waited for God to bring Mr. Right into my life, I started praying not only for my future husband, but for his pastor as well. I changed my list of things I wanted in a man to include "must belong to a good church" and even included a list of pastors that I felt I would be safe in their churches. When I met Les, and saw a future with him, I knew I was going to be in safe hands with Pastor White as my pastor - he was one of the pastors on my "list!"

One of the greatest things that Sis. White has done for our church is in developing musicians. When I married Les and became part of Victory Tabernacle, Sis. White was our only organist, with no one playing the piano/keyboard. It wasn't until Pastor and Sis. White were gone one Sunday that I realized how much we needed help. At that point, with much encouragement from Les, I secretly began taking Class Piano at our local community college. At some point, Sis. White got wind of this and said it was time for me to start playing in church!! Oh My!!! I certainly wasn't ready (sometimes I still feel unready) but she said Do It!! In time, I began playing loudly enough that people could actually hear me. But Sis. White didn't stop with me. She has repeatedly pushed, prodded, and thrown musicians into the waters of playing. We now have many talented, capable musicians and it is thanks to her vision.

 

I am so thankful for these two great people of God.  They make my world brighter!

35th Pastoral Anniversary Weekend

I have a TON of catching up to do!  We moved home on Halloween and we are really glad to be here.  (Just to clarify - Les still works for the company in Hawaii so we will still be going there but will not be staying for long stretches like we have most of this year.)  I'll get back to our final weekend on Oahu later this week, but today I want to talk about this weekend...

Victory Tabernacle celebrated the 35th Pastoral Anniversary of Pastor and Sister White this weekend.  It was such a beautiful celebration and I stayed in the moment while my phone stayed in my purse and I did not take a single picture.  Pastor and Sister White have been a tremendous blessing to Victory Tabernacle in Burbank for these many years.  They are loving and giving and faithful.  They are loved and respected by so many which was evidenced by the many guests who came to celebrate with us.

We kicked things off Friday night.  Service started at 7:30.  When Les and I arrived at 6:45 both parking lots were full and we parked on the street.  The building was packed.  As service started and more folks came, chairs were brought in.  We heard from one of the saints of Victory Tabernacle, Bro. Leo Alcocer, who shared what the Whites mean to him.  Three of Pastor White's friends then spoke - Pastors Tom Johnson, Ron Garrett (my first youth leader!) and B.J. Wilmoth.  They each had stories to share and kind words.

Our speaker for the weekend was Elder Vaughn Morton.  It was such a treat to have him with us.  He retired from pastoring Truth Tabernacle in Fresno 2 1/2 years ago and he has stayed busy, busy, busy!  On Friday night he talked about the past, giving honor to Pastor and Sister White.  He had Sister White join him on the platform and kept saying, "I'll get to you later!"

After the preaching we saw a slideshow of pictures of 35 years of memories.  Two building programs, revivals, evangelism, dramas, family trips and much more.  We then enjoyed a time of fellowship with ministers and their wives after service.  It was so good to talk to so many!  It was well past my bedtime when I finally looked at the time on my phone but well worth it.

Sunday morning started with Les teaching our Adult Sunday school class.  This quarter we have been studying the Sermon on the Mount and Les has brought much insight to these great teachings of Jesus.  It was another outstanding lesson.  Ask anyone who sits in on those classes and you will know I am not biased at all when I say that.

We were blessed with more guests who came just to show honor to our first couple.  It was so good to see Elder and Sister Gerald Buxton and many pastor wives.  Sister Blanca Mejia testified in Spanish, telling what the Whites have meant to her through the years.  Pastor White's sister, Sister Kaye Singleton, blessed us with a song about the faithfulness of God.  I love this sweet lady!

Our Sunday morning worship service is mostly in Spanish with the preaching translated.  Elder Morton gave us just a nugget of his message "Just Let It Unfold."  This is such a classic message and I would have loved to hear the entire message.  We then had a beautiful move of God during the altar service.

I spent Sunday afternoon getting food ready for our post-service potluck!  I made Broccoli and Cranberry Salad, Butternut Squash Bake, and Baked Mushroom Chicken.  It's a known fact that if you go hungry at a church potluck it is no one's fault but your own!

Sunday night's service was our final celebration.  Bro. Frankie Ayala and Sis. Vivian Gonzalez both spoke about what the Whites mean to them.  I was on the schedule to sing and took the opportunity to talk about Sister White's great influence on our music department.  I have been playing for 25 years now and Sister White is directly responsible for that!  I shared a few stories and then had all of our musicians stand.  It was a beautiful sight to see how many musicians we now have.  As I said last night, one of the greatest things that has happened is Sister White no longer needs to play the organ for altar service so she can freely pray with those in need in the altars.  We also heard from our three branch pastors.  Again, the church was packed with visitors and saints from Burbank and our branch works.

Elder Morton preached to us about our future.  We celebrated our past, but it's time to keep moving forward!  He exhorted us to focus on evangelism, to not worry about where we would put people when the church is full - God will provide!  He was so anointed and so funny as only Elder Morton can be!  Victory Tabernacle has a bright future.

Following the altar service Brother Hector Flores read a letter celebrating Pastor and Sister White.  (Les wrote it and with his permission I might post it tomorrow.)  We then presented the Whites with a gift of a "Romantic River Cruise" on the Danube.  Les and I thought about taking this cruise when we were planning our 25th anniversary trip and I know they will have a great time!  There is no gift big enough to say how much we appreciate them.  I know our greatest gift is each of us living for God and reaching out to others.

We concluded the night with our potluck.  It seemed like no one wanted to leave!  We just stayed and ate and talked and laughed.  It was after midnight when Les and I finally drifted off to sleep. 

I woke this morning with a heart that is full.  We will celebrate Thanksgiving next week, but I am extremely thankful today!  It was a blessed weekend and I am looking forward to what God has in store next.

Weekend Getaway

We took a road trip this past weekend and it was a whirlwind!  We drove up to Fresno Friday afternoon.  Les was up bright and early Saturday morning and headed to North Fork for the 22nd Annual Grizzly Century bike ride.  I got up not too long after he left and went for an eight mile run.  Then it was time to get ready for Ladies Day at Truth Tabernacle.

The guest speakers at Ladies Day this year are very dear to my heart - our very own Pastor and Sister White!  Sis. White did an excellent job as she spoke about prayer.  There is nothing more powerful than a praying woman.  Sis. White had Sis. Caroline Rogers and her daughter, Stephanie Barnes, sing the song "If I Have To."  There's no "if" about it - we have to stay on our knees.

I'll stay on my knees if I have to
I'll fight to the bitter end
I will not be defeated
Cause I've put all my trust in Him
So say what you please
I'll stay on my knees
Praying for you… if I have to.

Pastor White's title was "Thank God for the Preacher's Wife."  Such a powerful message!  From the time I was 8 until I was 27, I did not have a pastor's wife, but I have been blessed by many preachers wives who have helped me in my journey.

The Tarazons and I were the last ones out of the building!  So many friends to see and hug and talk to!  From one month old Avaughna Mantooth (I taught her mother, Tara, in Sunday school) to dear Irene Wilkinson (who taught me in Sunday school) and so many in between.

Les and I enjoyed Sunday morning service at Truth Tabernacle, our first since Elder Morton retired.  It is wonderful to see the church in good hands with Bro. and Sis. Tim Lackey.  It's always good to sit with my aunt and uncle, Joyce and Ken Gilstrap - I'm so glad they are part of Truth Tabernacle.  

We didn't get to visit with very many because we had lunch reservations with Kim, Rodney, Lauren and Krysten, so we slipped out before service was completely over.  We met for lunch at Sakura Chaya.  Catching up while watching our chef prepare our meal was a lot of fun.  And we even took a few pictures before hitting the road!  We made it home just in time for Sunday night service in Victory Tabernacle!

These three, right here, mean the world to me!  Love them SO much! (That can be said about the picture above and the picture below!)

30th Pastoral Anniversary Weekend

What a great weekend at Victory Tabernacle! We celebrated 30 years with Pastor and Sister White. They are worthy of all the honor bestowed on them. I love this great couple!

Friday night we had a packed house. The number of visiting ministers showed how highly respected our pastor and his wife are. Pastor Steve McMullen preached "When God Switches His Hands." He told the story of Joseph and his two sons ~ Manasseh and Ephraim. When Jacob blessed them he put his right hand on Ephraim, instead of his older brother Manasseh. Manasseh means God hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house. Ephraim means God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. God wants us to get beyond our past and make us more fruitful.

Sunday morning was a beautiful time of reflection. We had several special guests ~ Pastor and Sister Clifford Clark, Elder and Sister Gerald Buxton, and Pastor White's sister, Sister Kay Singleton. There was also a time for some of the saints to reflect and say what Pastor and Sister White mean to them. Sister White gave Pastor White and her sons beautiful memory boxes that had preaching notes from Pastor White's father, along with some other mementos.

Last night was another great service. The church presented Pastor and Sister White with a Mediterranean cruise. We were blessed to have Elder Vaughn Morton in service with us. He preached "Let this Mind Be in You, Which was also in Christ Jesus." The mind of Christ is not some great mystery, He came to seek and to save that which was lost. Our church has just started a new evangelism thrust, which Elder Morton didn't know anything about, so his message about reaching the lost was perfect timing!

I said to Les numerous times last night and this morning ~ "It was such a great weekend." My only slight regret ~ I didn't take a single picture!

Making a Joyful Noise... Or at Least Trying

After I posted on Saturday about playing the piano, I received a comment from Mary that said, "Didn't know you could play the piano..." I guess I've never written about that. Before I tell you how it came to be, I will tell you that I in no way considered myself an accomplished or talented musician. This is not a post to brag ~ believe me, I know my shortcomings when it comes to playing and they are many. I love to sing and am happiest when I'm in the pew doing just that, but sometimes there is a need...

When Les and I were first married, Sis. White was the organist for our church. She did, and still does, a great job playing and keeping the service flowing. I wasn't the least bit concerned about the music in Burbank since she had it covered. Until one Sunday morning in August when Pastor and Sister White were gone to Senior Camp. There wasn't anyone else who stepped onto the platform that Sunday to fill in...


You have to realize that I grew up in Truth Tabernacle in Fresno. There have always been several piano and organ players. When I was a little girl, the Layne family was there and they could all play. Hermon Lindley, Bekki Cantu, Pam Gregg, and many others, filled that role while I was in Truth Tabernacle. I never felt the need to learn to play. I was completely happy just singing in the soprano section of the choir, singing an occasional solo or in a trio.


So back to that Sunday morning... On the way home I asked Les, "Doesn't anyone else play?" "No." "Doesn't anyone else want to play?" "I guess not." That Fall found me enrolled at Moorpark Community College taking Class Piano on Monday nights ~ at the age of 27. Flats, sharps, middle C, scales, whole steps, half steps, or many other new terms were filling my brain.


At this point, Sis. White did not know I was taking piano. I didn't want her to know. I wanted to learn how to play first! Eventually she found out and before I knew what was going on, I found myself sitting at a little keyboard trying to play in church! How in the world did I get here? I was terrified. I wasn't ready. Fortunately, I wasn't plugged into the house system, I just had a little monitor next to me. A monitor that I kept turned down so low I couldn't even hear it myself!!


I kept at it and slowly (VERY slowly) saw improvement. I have had a lot of help along the way from some very kind people. I still have a long way to go, but here I am 20 years later still playing. There have been plenty of mistakes, wrong chords, flat notes that should have been sharp, but God has somehow used the little I have. During these 20 years, Victory Tabernacle has been blessed with many musicians that have started at a young age and have progressed to the point that there are many that play much better than me! Since I am now the choir director, I am very appreciative of all their work and talent.

One of the most rewarding things about learning to play is helping others. I have students from a neighboring church. At some point, I hope they'll need another teacher because that will mean I have taught them all I can and they are going to be better than me, too! My favorite times to play aren't on Sunday night or during a special service, but at home, when it's just me and God.

I am glad I learned to play. Through the mishaps and embarrassing moments aplenty, I've learned that God still wants me to give Him my best. When I have a really bad night and can't seem to play anything correctly, I go back to the reason why I started playing in the first place ~ to be a help to our church. I give it all back to God and ask Him to help me do better next time.

Be careful when you sing, "If you can use anything Lord, You can use me... take my hands, Lord, take my feet..." He might take you up on it.

Happy Birthday, Sister White!

Almost without fail, every year on Sister White's birthday, Les and I are out of town. Why is that? Her birthday falls just one day after our anniversary!! But I couldn't let this day go by without saying how much I love my Pastor's Wife. She is first class, one of the hardest workers you will ever meet, she's funny and loving and caring and always goes beyond the call of duty.


To my favorite Pastor's wife - Happy Birthday! I love you!

Can I Get An Amen??

Sis. White gave me this card for my birthday a couple weeks ago. It's my favorite this year!

The cover:


The inside:



Isn't it great??

30 Days of Thanks - Day #14

I am thankful for my pastor and his wife!

Today we will celebrate the 29th Pastoral Anniversary of Pastor and Sister White. 29 years ago they came to Victory Tabernacle in Burbank and we have been blessed because of it!


In these 29 years under Pastor White's leadership we have built a new building, then expanded that building. We have started several branch works in the greater Los Angeles area and one in Mexico (now pastored by Bro. Curtis Wakefield). We have a van ministry with children and young people coming every Sunday to hear about Jesus. Pastor White also learned Spanish - not just enough to "get by," but he can preach in Spanish! And Sister White is beside him all the way!


Pastor and Sister White, I am thankful for you! Love you both!

The Excitement Continues to Build

Sis. White, Bro. P.J. White and I went to Knott's Berry Farm yesterday for a walk through of the Charles M. Schultz Theatre. Our appointment was at 2:00, but not knowing what traffic would be like we decided to leave Burbank at noon. We got to Buena Park very quickly so we decided to grab lunch. We ate at PoFolks, just down the street from Knott's Berry Farm.


While we were eating, our waitress, Karen, asked Bro. P.J. if he was a Pentecostal or Apostolic preacher. Bro. P.J. said yes. Karen went on to tell us that her father was a Pentecostal preacher at one time. Then with tears in her eyes she said, "Pray for Karen, she needs to come home."

We were so touched by her request. Sis. White invited her to Alive at the Park and we're praying that she will get to come. Three young people received the Holy Ghost at last year's event, so there's no telling what God has in store for this year!

When Sister White Became Mimi D

A little over two years ago I wrote "When Mom Became Grandma." It was about the transformation that took place in Mom's life when her grandchildren arrived. We've seen that same transformation this week in Victory Tabernacle - Pastor and Sister White now have a grandson! Max Alexander White, son of P.J. and Megan, was born last week.

I believe we will be seeing "Mimi D" with this pose most of time...


That was her last night before church with her latest picture of Max! "I just got a new picture!" she gleefully exclaimed!

I love seeing Sister White in this role. She is such a loving person - she loves our church family, she loves the visitors who come, she loves her friends, she loves her family, and she is very much in love with this new little guy!

There are so many quotes about grandparents, but I think this one is my favorite:

When a child is born, so are grandmothers. ~Judith Levy

Congratulations, PJ and Megan! Welcome, Baby Max! And welcome, Mimi D!

Celebrating 35 Years!

What a day we had yesterday! I think I've said something similar the past two Mondays - but we've just been having great church lately! Yesterday we took the time to honor Pastor and Sis. White as they celebrated their 28th Pastoral Anniversary and 35 Years in the Ministry. Both services were full of surprises, kind words, and special guests.

Bro. David Abbott from Scottsdale, Arizona preached both services. Of course in my mind, Bro. Abbott is not complete without Sis. Darcy Abbott! Not only was Sis. Abbott with him, but their youngest daughter, Danae, came too. Their singing blessed both services. From new songs that Danae has written to oldies like "He's My Lord and My God." Bro. Abbott preached about "The Mighty God in Christ" and "The Precious Gift of the Holy Ghost." There were souls in the altar both services feeling God's Spirit.

The highlight of the day was when we presented our final gift. Anyone who knows Pastor White, knows he has a heart for souls. Bro. P.J. White told the story of his grandmother, Sis. Gloria White, who also loved souls. Many times Granny White would take P.J. to McDonald's and while praying for her food she would pray for the "children of Africa." That prayer was part of her daily prayer life. So in honor of Pastor White, Victory Tabernacle of Burbank, along with our three daughter churches, is building The Gloria J. White Memorial Church in Liberia, Africa! I honestly cannot think of a greater gift - there is no car, house, or trip that would mean more to Pastor White.

After service we had a potluck. I forgot to bring my camera to church - I had food and choir music on my mind, but I did snap this with my iPhone. Isn't she a cutie?


As Les and I climbed into bed around midnight last night, we were exhausted but so thankful for such a great day. Once again, I have an overwhelming thankfulness for my pastor and his wife! I love these two and thank God so much for putting them in my life.

Belize Bound

A large group of young people from Victory Tabernacle (along with Pastor and Sis. White and P.J. and Megan White) are headed to the country of Belize today! Bro. Joiner, missionary to Belize, was the speaker at our Missions Conference last year and the trip was born from his visit. I am so excited for them. There is nothing like leaving the good old USA to have your eyes opened to the needs of the world around you.



Most of these young people were at camp last week. They will be get home next Tuesday and some of them will be going to Donkey Rock Teen Camp on Wednesday! That's enjoying summer vacation to the max!

Annual Music Department Christmas Recital

Last night was our Christmas Recital. We have been doing this for several years and it's a very unique evening! The night starts with our beginning musicians - often playing the keyboard with only one or two fingers - then progresses to the more advanced. It's neat to see who has improved over the past year and to see where our next talent is coming from!

This year was no exception. Three year old Neveah sang "Happy Birthday, Jesus" to a soundtrack and did fabulous - right on beat!


Six year old Caitlin Flores played "Away in a Manger" and her four year old brother, Nicolas, sang along. Her finish was quite unique - she got a little lost, but kept smiling!



Angelica Craig (who will be seven next month) played "Joy to the World".


And our resident "diva", Miss Krystal Rojo, age 10, treated us with "There's Something Going on in Bethlehem."


There were songs by the children of each of our branch pastors, which included one song in Spanish. There was a song in Polish. There were piano solos, vocal duets, the Sign Language Team, and even an iPhone "flute" solo!!! Of course, none of this would happen without the prodding, pleading, and stressing of our Music Director, Sis White!


Each year, Sis. White and I choose a "Musician of the Year." This year, we selected Les, not because I'm married to him, but because he has been very faithful to our Music Department for a long time. He not only plays the bass, but he is also responsible for the sound equipment in our church - a big job in any church! Les, thanks for all you do - your help is greatly appreciated!


The church also took the evening to honor Pastor and Sis. White, presenting them their Christmas gift. Since it was "only" a card, I imagine there was some "green" involved. We love this couple!


We finished the evening with cookies and hot drinks. Wish you could have all been there!

There's Only ONE Sis. White!

I was going to post this a couple weeks ago, but that was before our world turned upside down and daily hospital updates took over my blog! During Les' hospital stay, Sis. White was once again there for me - the many phone calls while out of town, her visit to the hospital, and her prayers meant the world to me!

With P.J. and Megan's marriage, we now have 3 ladies in our church named Sis. White - our pastor's wife and her daughters-in-law (or daughters-in-love as she calls them!). Chantelle and Megan are married to the White "boys", but truly there is only one Sis. White!

I really don't know anyone who works harder than our pastor's wife. Sis. White is involved in every aspect of the church (except the actual preaching!) When someone doesn't know what is suppose to happen next or who is responsible for whatever, Sis. White is the person to ask! If she doesn't know, she'll make a decision and go with it!!

One of the greatest things that Sis. White has done for our church is in developing musicians. When I married Les and became part of Victory Tabernacle, Sis. White was our only organist, with no one playing the piano/keyboard. It wasn't until Pastor and Sis. White were gone one Sunday that I realized how much we needed help. At that point, with much encouragement from Les, I secretly began taking Class Piano at our local community college. At some point, Sis. White got wind of this and said it was time for me to start playing in church!! Oh My!!! I certainly wasn't ready (sometimes I still feel unready) but she said Do It!! In time, I began playing loudly enough that people could actually hear me. But Sis. White didn't stop with me. She has repeatedly pushed, prodded, and thrown musicians into the waters of playing. We now have many talented, capable musicians and it is thanks to her vision.

Sis. White loves the saints of Victory Tabernacle. She rejoices with us in times of victory and weeps over losses. She is so much fun and a tremendous blessing to our church and me personally. Sis. White, if you're reading this, I love you!!