Lake City Community Church

Behind-the-scenes impact

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:24:38 +0000

CAROL WYLIE

I've been serving on the Worship Team since I joined LC3 in 2015, and it has been one of the greatest blessings of my church experience. Have you ever wondered how the song lyrics appear on the screens at just the right moment, or how the stage lights seem to change seamlessly throughout the service? Much of that happens because of the Worship Support Team — a group of volunteers serving faithfully behind the scenes to help create an environment where people can focus on worshiping the Lord.

My husband, Eric, serves on the Worship Team as a bass player, usually one weekend each month. Being part of the Worship Support Team gives us a unique opportunity to serve together. While he helps lead worship from the stage, I support the service from behind the scenes. It's meaningful to know that we are each using our gifts in different ways to help point people to Christ.

Throughout my life, God has often provided opportunities for me to serve in quieter roles that may not be highly visible but are still important to the life of the church. Whether it's advancing lyrics, operating lighting cues, or helping services run smoothly, I enjoy knowing that my contribution helps create fewer distractions and allows people to focus their hearts and minds on the Lord.

I am grateful for a ministry that fits so well with the way God has wired me. Serving on the Worship Support Team has allowed me to use my gifts, serve alongside my church family, and contribute to something far greater than myself. It's a reminder that every role matters in the body of Christ, and that God can use both visible and behind-the-scenes service to make an eternal impact.

Building relationships & growing

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:22:35 +0000

CHERYL WOFFORD

As a member of the older generation, I have come to appreciate the importance of a vibrant ministry that encourages health in body, soul, and spirit. Legacy Builders (formerly known as Prime Timers) has been exactly that for me and many others. It is a place where we can be known, valued, and even laugh together when we forget the word we were just about to say!

One of the things I appreciate most about Legacy Builders is that everyone is welcome, whether you come on your own or as a couple. It truly makes no difference. Along with enjoying a wonderful lunch together at our monthly luncheon, we are encouraged through personal testimonies, meaningful conversations, and engaging activities that help us reflect on biblical truths and historical events.

Legacy Builders has reminded me that I do not have to live in isolation. It is a place where new friendships are formed and old friendships are renewed. We are encouraged to invest in the next generation through mentoring, Bible study, providing rides for those who no longer drive, and staying actively involved in the life of the church.

A couple of the ministries I currently serve in are Alpha and the Food Bank. I am grateful that I can still use my gifts to serve others and that I have not "aged out" of ministry. Instead, I am continually reminded that God still has a purpose for my life.

Philippians 1:6 is especially meaningful to me: "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." I may be older, but I know that I am still seen by the Lord, still growing, and still called to be part of His work.

Building relationships & growing

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:20:51 +0000

CASEY SWENSON

Almost 20 years ago a dear brother, Tony Oury, invited me to experience my first men's camp. That invite created a lifetime bond. At the camp, we had the opportunity to get to know one another as well as get to know other men of LC3. That Man Camp was literally camping: tents, fire-pit cooking, late night conversations, friendly card games, and competitions. It was great.

Until that camp, I had no idea how important godly relationships are — especially man-to-man. Since that first experience, the camps have evolved. There's no more tent camping but the fellowship has only gotten better. Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Man Camp does just that. We get deep into the Word of God and we are better men because of it. I asked a few men to share their experience. Here is what they had to say:
"The last man camp was one of the few places I was able to engage in real conversations with other men. Those are rare and very far and few between. Why is that so important? Men need real conversations with other men and not listening to themselves all by themselves." — Eric Wylie

"The stories men shared at Man Camp showed me that God is stronger than their flaws and mine. He will bring us together and heal our hearts." — Wilbur Hannan
"I loved getting away to a different venue, unplugged from the hustle and bustle of daily life. I made new friendships and deepened others. I was able to spend uninterrupted quiet time with the Lord; He restores and refreshes my soul in times like this." — Tyler Knack

Man Camp will be taking place on October 2-4, 2026, with various speakers from our church leadership. We will be spending the weekend at the Cascades Camp in Yelm, Washington. All we ask is that you sign up and show up with an open heart, ready to hear what God wants you to learn about who He says you are in Him. Be prepared to be transformed. We can't wait to get to know you and grow with you.

Offering a gift back to God

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:18:12 +0000

KYLE MASHITA

Being part of the LC3 Photography Team has touched my life in ways I didn't expect. When I first joined, I thought I was simply offering a skill — taking photos. But God has used this ministry to soften my heart, deepen my faith, and open my eyes to the beauty of His people.

Behind the camera, I witness moments some people may never see — of quiet prayers, genuine smiles, tears during worship, families reconnecting, and people stepping into church carrying both hope and hurt. Capturing these moments has reminded me that God is moving constantly in big ways, in small ways, and in ways we only notice when we slow down and truly look.

Serving in this ministry and amongst others like re|engage and the security team has also given me a deeper sense of belonging. LC3 has become a place where I feel encouraged, supported, and connected. God has used it to show me that serving doesn't have to be loud or public to matter. Sometimes it's as simple as using the gifts He's already placed in your hands.

I love how 1 Peter 4:10 says it: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace."
This ministry has helped me live by offering my gifts back to Him and seeing how He uses them to bless His children. I'm grateful for the chance to serve, to grow, and to see God's work through a different lens, both literally and spiritually.

Pull quote: "Behind the camera, I witness moments some people may never see — of quiet prayers, genuine smiles, tears during worship, families reconnecting, and people stepping into church carrying both hope and hurt."

Prepared for a life of service

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:13:25 +0000

EMILY RODRIGUEZ, Grade 5

I have been a part of Serve Team for the last two years. God has used Serve Team to grow me in so many ways. Being part of a church family means serving because that is the example that Jesus set. Through Serve Team I have had many opportunities to put that into practice. Some of my favorite things we have done this year include serving in the preschool ministry, welcoming new kids to children's church on Sunday mornings, and housekeeping. I also really loved being a waitress for the Valentine's Day Dinner because it felt good to be helpful at such a big event. We also did fun things during meetings, like playing games, as well as bigger things like planning and holding our own Christmas party. I have made lots of friends and grown in confidence to volunteer for things I would not usually choose to do.

Romans 12:4-6 says, "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them." You don't have to wait until you are older — God can use you right now, even the smallest things are helpful, and everyone has a skill to offer.
Serve Team is all about dedication, hard work, and taking pleasure in your effort. God has used this ministry to help me build a habit of service, prepare me well for other opportunities to serve as I get older, and helped me see how service should be a part of a fulfilling faith-based life.

Pull quote (for the highlighted callout box): "God has used this ministry to help me build a habit of service, prepare me well for other opportunities to serve as I get older, and helped me see how service should be a part of a fulfilling faith-based life."
That callout was just the closing sentence lifted out for emphasis, so I pulled it out separately and kept the body running clean without the interruption.

Letting Go To Rely On God

Thu, 14 May 2026 13:02:03 +0000

BECKI SIMONS

I grew up in the church, and about two years ago I started attending LC3 with my daughter Sarah and her family.
Last year was my first women's conference at LC3, and I was hooked. I couldn't wait to get my ticket for this year—but I had no idea just how much I would need it.
For the past 16 years, my mom has been battling Alzheimer's, and she is now in the late stages. My dad has faced health struggles over the last couple of years, and my brother has been fighting colon cancer for the past five years. I've been the main support person through so many of these difficult moments.
This weekend, my brother went back into the hospital, and since the conference, we've been told there's nothing more that can be done. While I was at the conference, singing the beautiful hymns that spoke so deeply to my heart, I finally let go and cried.
And then there was Mariah, the conference speaker. I truly believe she was there to speak directly to me—about letting go, reaching out, and allowing Jesus to take control. She reminded me that everything is in God's hands, that Jesus can heal even from far away, that He sees our pain and wants us to rely on Him.
Every message she shared spoke straight to my soul. I needed to hear the way she broke down Scripture and made it so clear and personal.
I also met incredible women in my small group who stayed late, listened to me, talked with me, and prayed with me.
I will forever be touched by the Refresh Women's Conference in more ways than I can fully express. It has deepened my faith in a way I didn't even realize I needed.
I already can't wait for next year.

God's Faithfulness Through Brokenness

Thu, 14 May 2026 12:48:53 +0000

JORDAN BROWN

Before my trauma, my life looked stable and promising. I had success, direction, and opportunity, but beneath the surface were unresolved wounds from childhood—struggles with identity, belonging, and pain I didn't know how to process. Those struggles followed me into adulthood, even into my time in the U.S. Navy, where I battled addiction and brokenness. Yet even then, God's grace was at work, guiding me toward recovery and shaping my life in ways I couldn't yet see.
Years later, in 2022, everything changed. I survived a violent assault that nearly took my life. In that moment, when I was at my weakest, I cried out to God—and He saved me. I know without a doubt that His hand was on me.
What followed was a difficult season filled with fear, loss, and emotional pain. I struggled with depression, anger, and isolation. But God never left me. Slowly, He began restoring what was broken—my health, my purpose, and my hope. He placed the right people in my life, opened doors I thought were closed, and reminded me that my life still had meaning.
One of the greatest blessings in my healing has been the Military REBOOT program. Through it, I've found community, truth, and the courage to face my pain with Christ at the center. Hearing others' stories has reminded me I'm not alone, and that real healing is possible.
Today, my faith is stronger than ever. I've learned that God doesn't just save us—He restores us. My life is proof that even in our darkest moments, He is near, faithful, and working all things for good.

Community Easter Eggs-change

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:56:22 +0000

LC3

Thank you to all who helped with the Eggs-Change, named after the opportunity to exchange plastic Easter eggs for candy - while hearing about the love and truth of Jesus. There were several highlights as we interacted with our neighbors this year.

It is no small thing that we hosted LC3’s first-ever, two-campus outreach event! After going door-to-door around our Lacey campus, we were excited to serve 50 kids, parents, and grandparents.

At the Lakewood campus we were blown away by the turn out. We are estimating 390 people attended. But like Jesus, we host events for the one. A favorite moment was standing in the back with a mom as she watched her daughter. I walked up and introduced myself and asked if she had been to LC3 already. She said no, they had attended Trunk- or-Treat and now this. I learned she lived right next to the church and invited her to come in someday. Will you pray with me for this neighbor, all the neighbors near both campuses, and the ones near our homes?

There was something beautiful about the multi-generational joy. Cookie On The Face (pictured below) was led by our incredible youth pastors. Dads and kids alike were competing! There was a rigorous push-up contest in Lacey and cold brew flowing at both campuses.

Our youth group students made the gospel come alive with reenactments of the Easter story, kids left with joy, and parents were cared for.

I can’t help but pray that our next generation will seek out Jesus the way they sought out the eggs. I am grateful for our church for intentionally going into all the world - including to our neighborhoods!

Impact Through Serving

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:52:01 +0000

RICKY LUTHER

Serving in ministry has become something deeply personal to me. At one point, I made a simple prayer asking God to use me as an instrument of His will and His peace, and to help me be a light in a world that can feel dark at times. I didn’t fully know what that would look like, but I wanted to be available.

For me, a lot of that has taken shape through serving in the choir. What started as just singing has become something more meaningful. It’s a way to worship, to encourage others, and to be part of something that brings people closer to God.

I’ve come to understand that serving isn’t about having all the answers or being perfect. It’s about showing up, being present, and trusting that God can work through even the smallest moments. In doing so, I’ve grown not just in my faith, but in how I care for others.

"I’ve come to understand that serving isn’t about having all the answers or being perfect. It’s about showing up, being present, and trusting that God can work through even the smallest moments."

One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been seeing the impact extend beyond myself. I’ve had the blessing of walking alongside a few friends as they’ve begun reconnecting with their faith and returning to church. That’s been incredibly humbling, and a reminder that sometimes we’re just planting seeds or helping water them, but God is the one who makes them grow.

Serving in ministry has shown me that being willing matters more than
being ready, and that even in life’s challenges, God can still use us for
something good.

Called To Serve

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:41:22 +0000

CHRIS PETERS

When I first became a member of LC3, one of the first things I felt led to do was serve.

About three years ago, I joined the security team, continuing a path that had already been part of my life for many years. At my previous church, I spent twelve years serving as an usher.

Over that decade, I learned that serving does far more than simply fill a role—it shapes the heart. It creates opportunities to welcome people, care for them, and help make the church a place where everyone feels seen and safe.

I’ve come to believe that serving is one of the spiritual gifts God has placed in my life. As it says in Romans 12:6–7, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us… if your gift is serving, then serve.”

When the Holy Spirit places that calling on your heart, it’s hard to ignore. Stepping into service has always felt like the natural response to the grace God has given.

One of the unexpected blessings of serving on the security team has been the relationships. Before services begin, there are countless small conversations—greeting visitors, catching up with church family, or simply sharing a smile with someone walking through the doors.

Those moments remind me that church is more than a building; it’s a community of people walking together in faith.

What truly stands out at LC3, though, is the culture of gratitude. I’ve never been part of a church that cares so deeply for its volunteers.

Whether it’s simple words of appreciation throughout the year or the special end-of-season celebrations hosted by our leadership, that spirit of thankfulness means a great deal.

It’s a reminder that every act of service matters. And it’s a big part of why I continue to serve with such joy and dedication.

The Hands And Feet Of Jesus

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:40:39 +0000

THE PASSION CENTER FOR CHILDREN, MALAWI

In June 2024, the Passion Center's Community Health Network, formed out of Chinduzi Community Church, identified a family in critical need.

Six children were left in the care of a frail grandmother after their mother died when the youngest was less than a year old. She struggled for the next year, and most of the children were forced to beg on the streets for food to survive.

In God’s perfect timing, we learned about this family the same week we opened our Chikondi Infant Rescue Home.

Jummah, age 2, was brought in—dirty, hungry, and in desperate need of care. After being bathed, fed, and placed in a warm bed, his transformation was remarkable.

A few months later, three siblings (ages 4, 7, and 9) joined the Passion Center residency and enrolled in school.

The following year, the two oldest (16 and 18) entered our Vocational Training Center. On March 10, they graduated with 25 others—Christina trained in tailoring, and Umali became a bricklayer.

The best part is the family is now together again, worshipping at Mulunguzi Community Church every Sunday.

Though raised Muslim, Umali and Christina came to faith in Jesus through devotions and teaching at school. In late 2025, they were baptized, with their siblings present.

We thank God for rescuing these children and giving them hope in a once-hopeless season, and we look forward to…

Grace To Persevere

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:22:54 +0000

ANDIE REGENFUSS

Homeschooling can be an isolating experience. I choose the curriculum. I teach the lessons. I troubleshoot when problems arise. And all the while I wonder—am I doing this right? Am I giving my children what they need? How do I teach Spanish when I don’t know Spanish?

When my best friend, Laura Quartey, and I started the Homeschool Support Group here at LC3, I was hoping it would be a place to ask questions and share ideas. And it has certainly filled that need. The collective wisdom of these Jesus-loving moms continually amazes me. Their creativity, practical advice, and experience have strengthened me as a teacher.

"But what I didn’t anticipate was how deeply God would use these women to shepherd my heart."

But what I didn’t anticipate was how deeply God would use these women to shepherd my heart.

In the quiet discouragement that can creep into homeschooling, they have reminded me of truth. When I feel inadequate, they remind me that God does not ask for perfection—He asks for obedience. Through their prayers, encouragement, and gentle honesty, I have experienced the tangible love of Christ. This group has become more than shared curriculum tips and field trip ideas. It has been a means of grace. God has used these women to steady my heart, lift my eyes, and help me persevere in the work He has given me.

I am deeply grateful for how the Lord ministers through His people— and for the reminder that we were never meant to walk this journey alone.

Building A Community

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:18:04 +0000

CAMILLE SACCA

As a military family, one of the first things we look for in a new place is a church that helps us build community. When we arrived in Washington in 2023, we were immediately drawn to LC3 because of the variety of ministries that offered opportunities to get connected, grow spiritually, and form meaningful relationships. I was especially excited to find both Women’s Bible Studies and a MomCo group designed specifically for moms.

From my very first visit, I felt genuinely welcomed. The women in each ministry were warm, kind, and authentic. Through these groups, I found some of my closest friends in Washington and experienced tremendous growth in both my faith and leadership. I was invited to help lead Women’s Bible Studies and eventually stepped into leadership within MomCo as a co-coordinator and later coordinator. It was there that God ignited my passion for building biblical literacy and encouraging moms who are in the thick of raising and discipling their children.

Seeing how God works through these ministries has been incredible. One thing that continually stands out about LC3 is its love for the “new” person in the room. Everyone is welcomed, included, and leaves feeling seen—often with a smile and at least one new contact saved in their phone.

"Everyone is welcomed, included, and leaves feeling seen—often with a smile and at least one new contact saved in their phone."

As we focus this year on the cost of the Kingdom, don’t be afraid to take the first step by joining a group or serving. At LC3, that may be the only step you take alone. From there, you’ll find people ready to walk with you through every season. I’m deeply thankful for the women who have prayed for me, brought meals, offered encouragement, and stood beside me through it all.

Growing Locally

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:13:43 +0000

MARIAH MCCLEARY

I thought it was a prank call when Joshua, Director of Global Local Outreach at LC3, asked if I would be willing to help our incredible church deepen its involvement in the local community. He shared about generous, faithful believers who are invested globally and locally and invited me to partner more closely with LC3. That was a dream. For 25 years I have served as a missionary with Young Life in multiple different roles and contexts. The idea of our church being so committed to seeking out needs in our local community and meeting them was a blessing!

LC3, YOU have been surprising people with Jesus' love all fall and winter, and it has been a blessing to have a front-row seat to the action!

Getting to be on the other end of the phone while we call Care Net, local schools, Food Bank volunteers, etc. with the good news of LC3 support has been a joy. Principals are confused, office ladies cry in delight, and babies are being blessed. As a church we are taking faith in action to our neighbors. We have always been a church that has reached out but as we grow, the leadership has been intentional to be strategic not just about our growth but about how we can serve locally.

"The idea of our church being so committed to seeking out needs in our local community, and meeting them, was a blessing!"

For 103 years our mission is clear: Love God + Love People. Many of us are looking for ways to engage and if that's you, I want to encourage you that you don't have to go far to be on mission: we can step out of the front door - together. Often, people think they don't know Jesus enough to serve Him, but the joy is that we grow in Him WHILE serving. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you feel like it might be time to get involved locally in a new way. Lakewood, Lacey and beyond are ready! Email anytime at LocalOutreach@LC3.com

I Can Do All Things Through Christ

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:10:41 +0000

CLEO

JBLM, Washington — August 8, 2025. Just two hours after arriving at my first duty station, a battle buddy picked me up and drove me to a Bible study at a hospitality house near base. In the Army, we don’t really say “friends”—we say battle buddies—and that night, the term took on deeper meaning. As we drove, I found myself marveling at God’s creation, feeling strangely at home in a place that was brand new. When I walked through the door, the Prestwiches and Jenessa greeted me with warmth that felt like family. I knew then that military ministries like Cadence and Shiloh are sacred ground, built by people faithfully living out Christ’s love.

On September 2, 2025, I stepped into Military REBOOT. It reminded me of training—a demanding 12-week course—but one worth every ounce of effort. If I could wrestle with my past alongside Jesus, shoulder to shoulder with other battle buddies, it would matter. It did.

"If I could wrestle with my past alongside Jesus, shoulder to shoulder with other battle buddies, it would matter."

Cadence later connected me to LC3, where I encountered the “Upside Down Kingdom,” the story of Jonah, and a community rooted in the Word. Fellowship hasn’t always been easy for me, but God uses it to form accountability, deepen relationships, and remind me that people are worth loving— because He says so.

Military REBOOT begins again February 17, 2026. If you know a soldier, sailor, or wingman willing to let Christ guide them through their past, encourage them to go. Philippians 4:13 says it best: I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

Connection is tough, but I am reminded of one of our military cadences that echoes a similar Philippians theme: “If I can do it, — (with God) — so can you!”

Faith, Family, Fellowship

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:00:17 +0000

ALYSSA MOORE

Our Military Community Group has had a meaningful impact on my life. One of the things I love most is the smaller setting. I’m not very outgoing when I arrive somewhere new—I tend to observe quietly and take things in. Stepping into this group, however, made it easier to connect with people who genuinely love the Lord, and that has been such a gift.

It’s been refreshing to build friendships with others who understand both the military lifestyle and share a desire to grow more like Jesus. Doing life alongside believers matters deeply to me. I know how lonely it can feel to attend church week after week without truly knowing anyone. Community group changed that for me—it replaced isolation with connection.

Community group reminds me of Mary Poppins’ bag—there’s always more inside than you expect. It has been a place to give encouragement and receive it, a place to grow as we dig into God’s Word, a group of friends who have become family, a prayer army, and a safe space for meaningful conversations that go far beyond Sunday morning in the lobby.

"Community group changed that for me - it replaced isolation with connection."

I’m incredibly grateful for our short time at JBLM and for the people God placed in our path to link arms with. As we move to Oklahoma, there will definitely be an LC3 Military Community Group–shaped hole in my heart. But I trust the Lord—He is faithful, and He won’t leave that space empty for long.

Discipleship Amid Hostility

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:07:49 +0000

Reaching the Unreached: Turco-Russia

LC3 is committed to sharing the love of Jesus with unreached people groups around the world. Predominantly Muslim, Dagestan is a republic in southern European Russia, nestled in the Caucasus region and bordering Georgia, Chechnya, Azerbaijan, and Kalmykia. More than three million people live across its many cities and villages, including about 600,000 residents in Makhachkala, the capital and largest city.

Yasmin is a Christian leader faithfully serving in Dagestan. Though she has faced rejection and persecution from family and neighbors because of her faith, she continues to serve the Lord through prayer, personal witness, and the distribution of audio Scriptures. She also helps translate God’s Word into the language of one of Dagestan’s largest ethnic groups.

With no baptistry available, she baptized them in her own bathtub.

After six years of prayer, a breakthrough came. A 19-year-old young woman Yasmin had been praying for returned with her mother, asking for prayer and healing. The daughter asked that her vision, hearing, and speech would be restored. Yasmin prayed in the name of Jesus, and the young woman was healed. In that moment, her mother placed her faith in Christ and is now reading the Bible.

In another powerful step of obedience, three women Yasmin had previously led to the Lord came to her asking to be baptized. With no baptistry available, Yasmin baptized them in her own bathtub. Today, these women and others gather daily for Bible study, prayer, and fellowship—boldly following Jesus despite the risk of persecution.

Finding a Place to Belong

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:52:53 +0000

MIGUEL & JENNY SIERRA

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

Earlier this year, when my family and I were introduced to the military community small group, we came in both nervous and hopeful. For years, my wife and I had been praying for the Lord to lead us to a group where there would be true fruit—where we could pour into others and be poured into in return. For nearly four years, we searched for a place where we could truly be ourselves. This year, God finally brought us home—to a family.

A few weeks ago, our group talked about the idea of belonging. What does it really look like to belong? That question stirred a memory from years ago when my wife and I attended a young adult gathering. We stood in the doorway with our children and quickly realized we didn’t fit in—both practically and spiritually. Our small children made us feel out of place, but we refused to let that moment stop us from continuing the search for community.

As we reflected on that question around the table—What does belonging look like?—I looked at the faces around me and said, “This is belonging.” A place where we can be fully ourselves, without fear of judgment, ridicule, or being misunderstood. A place where differences don’t divide us, but instead draw us closer together.

What stood out most in this group was our shared willingness to show up and look out for one another. What began as a small group became something far more—it became family. We see one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. When someone is sick, hurting, or in need, we don’t hesitate; we step in immediately, just as family does.

I know our prayers were answered, because for the first time I watched my wife step fully into the woman God created her to be. As her husband, I couldn’t be prouder. She found friends she can trust, sisters who walk with her in faith. Through this community, God has transformed us, reminding us that He hears the prayers of the righteous and faithfully leads His people into belonging.

A Song Restored

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:48:42 +0000

CHARLETTE RAGUDOS

Growing up on the island of Oahu, my exposure to music came at a very early age. I grew up in a setting where my singing was used at every family function, and that gave me a sense of worldly validation. I was constantly told to sing by my parents at every big celebration, and in turn, I’d receive money and acceptance from people with whom I had no relationship. Singing was something I loved to do, but singing for the world quickly became a chore rather than a gift.

As I grew older, I realized my love for music became a way for me to express myself, and how singing really carried me through some of the darkest seasons of my life.

On Christmas Eve of 2021, I was sexually assaulted, and the result of this left me in the worst condition I had ever been in. In the aftermath, I struggled heavily with PTSD, drinking, and sexual immorality. I was searching desperately to fill a God-shaped void in my heart.

When I came to LC3 in 2022, God met me through community. I found places to belong and heal through ministries like Cadence, Reboot, W2Connect, and eventually the Worship Arts Team. It was there that worship transformed my relationship with both God and music. No longer was I singing for approval—I was singing to the Lord.

Singing about God and to God has filled parts of me I didn’t know needed to be filled and helped me release pain I had carried for years. Being part of LC3’s Worship Arts ministry has given me purpose to share not just my love for music, but my love for God with my community. God has given me confidence, rooted in His calling not in performance, to lead my community in encountering Him, and I am deeply honored to use the gift He placed in me to serve my church family and to further His kingdom.

Unexpected Friendships

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:44:55 +0000

WAYNE SCHOCK

My journey into ministry at the Tacoma ICE Detention Center began this past April with simple window visits. A friend from English with Friends (an LC3 ministry) told me about several Chinese men who spoke little English and had no visitors. She handed me a list of names, helped me navigate the process, and soon I found myself speaking with a young man—Chen—through a thick pane of glass and a telephone. He had been detained for eight months without a single visitor. At first, he was cautious and unsure why I wanted to meet him. All I could offer was friendship, conversation in my rusty Mandarin, and, at the end of each visit, a brief prayer.

One week, Chen asked if I would visit his cellmate, Bai. Soon I found myself meeting both men weekly—listening to their stories, praying with them, and sharing the Gospel using Chinese Scriptures I had memorized 40 years ago when I first lived in Taiwan. God brought those verses back to mind word-for word (we are not allowed to bring items to the window visits). Eventually, Bai asked Jesus into his life, and Chen began asking deeper questions about faith.

As the weeks went on, relationships deepened. My granddaughter joined one visit, and her presence touched Chen profoundly, opening the door for more spiritual conversations. Through their Saturday church services at the DC, Chen and Bai introduced me to another believer, Lin, and by mid-summer I was discipling all three men.

In August, I began serving inside the Saturday volunteer church ministry. Now I sit with groups of Chinese men for Discovery Bible Study, joining volunteers of many languages as we witness God transform lives. Just this past weekend, 36 men and women were baptized, representing diverse nations and stories.

Many in the DC remain alone, hungry for the love of Christ and the salvation found only in Him. Some will return to the U.S., others to their home countries—but each carries the potential to share powerful testimonies of God’s grace.

Designed to be a Warrior

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:39:43 +0000

ERIC & LAURA CARLSON

My husband Eric and I have walked with the Lord throughout our marriage, and after more than 20 years at the same church, we began attending LC3 in 2020. Eric has always been a wonderful husband and father, yet I longed to see God stir an even deeper desire in him—to love the Lord above all, to love people in a way that reflected Christ, and to lead our family with a heart tuned to the Spirit. I prayed faithfully for years, learning to trust Jesus and His timing over myself.

In the fall of 2023, our son and son-in-law attended Every Man a Warrior (EMAW) gathering at our church. I had hoped Eric would go, but he didn’t feel ready. After the meeting, they ran into a mutual friend who, sensing the Lord’s prompting, bought the first EMAW book for Eric. Later, as our son and son-in-law waited in the car, they called and encouraged him to join them. God used that moment, and Eric agreed—eventually completing all four books.

As he walked through EMAW, I began to see a beautiful transformation. He committed to daily time in God’s Word, even memorizing Scripture despite how challenging it was for him. He became more intentional in prayer, more tender toward our family as he prayed for and encouraged them in their faith, and more compassionate toward others after years in law enforcement had hardened parts of his heart. I saw a renewed willingness to follow wherever God led - including into a ministry position at church that I’m not sure he’d have been willing to do prior to attending EMAW.

Eric is not the same man he was. God used EMAW to ignite a passionate love for Christ and a warrior-like courage to lead his family. I am so thankful for the ministry of EMAW. EMAW changes lives. I believe the Lord designed men to be warriors in His army and leaders of their family and in their communities, and when they are, there is no limit to what He can do in and through them for His glory.

Finding a New Home

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:34:59 +0000

DAVE & CATHI TAGUE

Having raised our family in warm, sunny Mission Viejo, California, we never imagined leaving the place we called home for over 40 years. Our church there had been our family— where we grew in faith, served in ministry, and built lifelong friendships. But about eight years ago, God began stirring our hearts, calling us to Washington to be near our three daughters, their husbands, and our sixteen grandchildren.

Leaving was bittersweet. Starting over—finding a new church, new friends, and a new rhythm of life—wasn’t something we expected to do in this season. Yet, as He always does, God had something beautiful in store.

Attending LC3 was a natural step since our oldest daughter, Abby, and her husband, Peter, and their nine children were already part of this loving church family. From our very first Sunday, we sensed the presence of God’s Spirit and the warmth of His people. We quickly joined a Community Group and have found deep friendship and genuine fellowship—people who feel like family.

Dave now serves with Food Bank pickup and on the security team, while Cathi helps in the preschool ministry and runs the AWANA store. Together we are continually blessed by the heartfelt worship and the solid, Bible-centered teaching from Pastor Tung and the pastoral team.

We’ve learned firsthand that the Church truly is God’s gift—where His people gather to worship, grow, pray, and serve together. We’re deeply grateful to live near our children and grandchildren and to have found a new home here at LC3—a place where God’s love feels like family.

Restored and Renewed

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:20:47 +0000

JEFFEREY RONDEAU

My childhood ended when I turned 12 and my parents gave me a computer for my bedroom. This was the start of my slavery to pornography and sexual brokenness, all before puberty.

As the years went by, I used this brokenness to medicate my emotional and relational wounds. When I hurt, I ran to my addiction. When others rejected me, I retreated to the fantasies of my mind which couldn’t reject me. But these fantasies were actually phantasms. They reminded me I was living against God’s design while being the very chains that bound me.

For me, accountability wasn’t enough. When I was hurt by others, I would simply isolate and enter my fantasy world. I thought this brokenness would end at marriage, but it remained. I thought it would end after having children, but it remained. I thought it would end when I started seminary, and in some sense, it did. My seminary required I join Pure Desire to kill the sin that causes so many seemingly godly men to fall.

"I came to grips with the traumas I had received and dealt to myself..."

During my time in Conquer Series and Seven Pillars, I came to grips with the traumas I had received and dealt to myself over the years. Conquer Series helped me understand this was a very real battle of the mind with physical elements at play (such as neural plasticity). Seven Pillars took me exponentially deeper and forced me to face the wounds I ran from. I learned my wounds are not simply “bad habits,” but are unaddressed relational hurts. This radically freed me from the mystery of temptation and helped me spot the enemy long before he comes.

Through these two ministries, the Lord has brought profound healing into my life, and I have watched Him do the same for countless men and families—restoring hearts, renewing marriages, and leading people into the true freedom and reconciliation found in Christ through the work of Pure Desire.

Finding Connections, Accountability, and Quiet Time

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:03:00 +0000

Joe Avery

Amid my life’s most difficult season, I came to a saving faith in the person and work of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My passion for the Lord and desire for biblical knowledge, understanding, and wisdom caused a pleasantly insatiable craving to draw nearer to Him; however, I was not equipped with the necessary skills to efficiently and purposefully learn about Jesus, His Scriptures, and practical application.

Fortunately, Every Man A Warrior (EMAW) provides me the framework to learn and hone skills that enable me to interpret and understand God’s Word. One of the best features of EMAW is the fellowship with other like-minded men. I have formed several strong, deep-rooted connections with outstanding men of God who offer encouragement, accountability, and brotherly love. Another gift in this journey has been learning the rhythm of Quiet Time—a simple, structured way of sitting with God’s Word. It invites us to slow down, explore Scripture in its original setting, grasp its truth, and listen for how the Lord is shaping our hearts and daily steps through it.

Recently, my EMAW group advanced to Book Three of the four book curriculum, a milestone otherwise unachievable without the Lord’s transformative work in each of our hearts—all the glory and honor and power be to Jesus! Before committing to EMAW, I couldn’t recite a single verse by memory. After beginning EMAW in Book One, I have memorized 21 versus! Throughout daily encounters in the world, I am confident and ready to recite those Scriptures to advance God’s kingdom and as a weapon against the enemy. I pray more men will join EMAW.

God's Faithfulness Through Generations

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:51:18 +0000

Dustin Kinney & Neilia Moliassa

At LC3, we are blessed to see God’s faithfulness woven through the lives of our families—and sometimes that faithfulness becomes beautifully visible in the next generation.

This month, we want to highlight one of our incredible young volunteers: Dustin Kinney, age 18. Dustin grew up in our church, attending the elementary ministry when it was still called Promise Land. As a kid, he watched his mom, Neilia, faithfully serve—helping children learn Bible stories, memorize Scripture, and see Jesus’ love lived out each week.

Today, Dustin is following in her footsteps. Now a young adult, he serves regularly in our elementary ministry, leading kids with joy, patience, and enthusiasm. This past summer he even stepped into character as Joseph in Egypt, helping children understand God’s faithfulness through Joseph’s story. Dustin says his heart for serving comes from watching his mom’s example—and now he gets to pass that same love for God’s Word to the next generation.

Recently he shared this experience: “One weekend I was leading the kids’ large-group lesson in Elementary. We had over 50 kids that service, and most of the helpers in the room were high schoolers and middle schoolers. It made me realize how well our church has discipled the younger generations. They aren’t serving because they have to—they serve because they want to. It’s amazing to see how much God is moving in our church!”

Dustin’s story is a reminder that spiritual investment matters. When parents and adults step into ministry, kids notice. They remember. And often, they grow up to do the very same.

As we continue to pour into our children, we invite parents and adults to join us in shaping the next generation of believers. Your influence—your presence—could be the spark that encourages a child to walk faithfully with Jesus for a lifetime.

God is at work in our church family, from one generation to the next. Let’s continue the legacy together.