Church Marks 50th year and a Pastor's Passion for Evangelism

By Betty Cooney

Photo by Betty Cooney

(L. to r.) Local elders Howard Cush and David Perkins; Interim Pastor Benjamin T. McPhaull; C.D. Brooks, evangelist and founder, Breath of Life Television; Adolphus Garnett, Greater Los Angeles Region director; local elders Mark Minor, Cesar Cerna and Timothy Simpson; Frederick Settle, director of music.

The Valley Crossroads Church celebrated its 50th anniversary with joy — and with tears for the loss of beloved senior pastor, Reginald Robinson, who recently passed away. "Though our hearts are heavy," said Pastor Benjamin McPhaull, "we have the blessed hope that one day we will see our pastor and others who have died in Christ."

Morning presentations mingled fond recollections of the church's history with looking forward in mission; quotes reflected Robinson's passion for evangelism. "Our purpose for being in the neighborhood for 50 years is not simply to come to church," he had said. "I want to make this church into an evangelistic center."

That determination resounded throughout the day, with members and leaders accepting the theme as their calling.

"As this church moves more toward being an evangelistic center," said personal ministry director Edly Atherley, "we pledge that this church will do His work in this neighborhood."

Head elder Richard Davis, Sr., provided a historical overview, from the church's start in a rented pink church. "We needed a place on our own," he said, "but we were a small group. Pastor Robert Andrews was able to purchase and build. Then the State of California had to have that property. 'The Lord is leading — there's a cloud over Israel,' he said. When it lifted, the people moved. When it settled over a pasture, what were we going to do?"

Pastor James Middleton led the church in purchasing its current site. "The Lord directed us to this strategic corner," noted Davis.

"No doubt we are in the midst of a battle," McPhaull reflected when introducing the morning speaker. "This week, as many of us had a desire to lay down our weapons, Elder C. D. Brooks — a four-star general in battle — reminded, 'Jesus has already won the battle!'"

"Plans were made for the Revelation seminar held just before this anniversary celebration," said Brooks. "After our pastor's death, it was suggested that we could put these plans off. Pastor Robinson was already planning a spring campaign two weeks before his illness. We must celebrate that by accepting that mission and carry on the work that he began."