My story begins in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in Brooklyn during the 50s and 60s was an adventure, there was so much to do and always so many ways to get into trouble. I always would say, “Boy, did I luck out and get out of this situation and that situation.” Little did I know at that time, that God had a plan for my life even though I didn't know Him.
Then one day in 1979, God sent me one of His children, Virginia. She was definitely different from anybody I have ever met before in Brooklyn. We spent a lot of time together, I got to know her well and we became friends. When she left to go back home to California, I felt lonely and lost, so I decided to visit her knowing in my heart I would never return to my Brooklyn. In June of 1980, we got married and I surrendered my life to God, and it's been a blessing every day since.
In the year of 2000, we moved to the desert and started attending Grace Chapel of Indio. I was serving as an elder, then in 2011, I was asked to come on staff. I feel so blessed and humbled to be able to shepherd the people here. I look forward to shepherding many more years my brothers and sisters who attend Grace, our church body is like family.
On a personal note, Virginia and I had been married for 42 years and we have five wonderful children, and we have been blessed with six grandchildren.
John’s story starts in Brooklyn New York,
along the way a beautiful girl came into his life
and he followed her to California.
They became best friends, fell in love
and have been happily married for 38 years.
John and Virginia have five adult children
(Jonna, John, Joe, Anthony and Joshua).
They also have five beautiful grand children.
John has been serving at Grace Chapel since 2001
in many different areas and is currently on staff
as Pastor of Administration and Counselor.
On a personal note, someone asked John about Brooklyn,
he told him “I’ve got to laugh at dat, when I tink about it. It’d take a guy a lifetime to know Brooklyn. An’ even den, yuh wouldn’t know it all, have a cup of “cawfee” and, Fuhgedaboutit!!