Pastors Gary and Michelle Merriman have been married since 1999 and have three boys. One went to be with Jesus 56 days after his birth; one is grown and on his own, and the youngest is a young teenager still at home. Both Gary and Michelle grew up in pastors’ homes and were involved in ministry since they were teenagers. Officially, they received their Foursquare Pastor’s License (1997/1998) and Ordination (2001) after graduating from Life Pacific University (formally Life Bible College). Pastor Gary went on to earn two graduate degrees - a Master in Biblical Studies at Biola University (2001) and a Master in Library and Information Science (MLIS) at San Jose State University (2013).

Pastors Gary and Michelle have been involved in various roles of ministry, always with the goal to love God and to love people. They have a passion to teach the Word of God, to see people of all ages grow in their faith and walk with the Lord, to help develop healthy godly families, and to help support missions on a local and international level. They enjoy serving with others as a team.

The Merriman's have lived in the High Desert since 2003. They enjoy going to the mountains and the beach, taking walks, camping, and spending time with family. Pastor Gary is an avid reader and coffee drinker (at the same time)! He likes watching the Eagles and the Angels win, and off-roading with friends. Pastor Michelle enjoys shopping, finding great deals, taking pictures, and hanging out with friends. Once you taste their apple pie and fudge, you will want more!

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Here are a couple of their lifelong verses:

•  “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

• “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1)

• “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

        In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths”

        (Proverbs 3:5,6).

• “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:1-5).

• “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).

• “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”                      (1 Corinthians 10:31).

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Pastors Gary and Michelle want to bring glory and honor to God in everything they do. You may often hear them say, “For God’s glory and our joy!”