Calvary Chapel Conference 2021
Let Us Rise & Rebuild: Pastor David Trujillo
Compiled by Terry Flagg
Photo by Christian Rodriguez
The Calvary Chapel Association held its 2021 Los Angeles (L.A.) Regional Pastors and Leadership Conference March 5-6 at Calvary Chapel Downey, CA, close to L.A. The theme of the conference was Let Us Rise and Rebuild, from Nehemiah 2:18: And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work.
David Trujillo, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel South Los Angeles (SOLA), CA, spoke Friday afternoon on the topic of “Avoiding Distractions.” He shared from Nehemiah Chapter 6, when three main conspirators attempted to distract Nehemiah, the leader, from completing the wall around Jerusalem. They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands” (Nehemiah 6:9, NIV).
Pastor David noted that a faithful work, such as Nehemiah’s, will get the attention of the enemy—he had no gaps in his wall, and he was faithful and honest, which built up his credibility. David asserted, “In ministry there has to be integrity. People are witnessing your service, and you are building up credibility, so that when you speak to them, you can speak into them.”
There were many opportunities for believers to pray together—and encourage each other--at the Los Angeles Regional Pastors & Leaders Conference. The Calvary Chapel Association conference was hosted by Calvary Chapel Downey, CA, March 5-6.
He also taught that, although Nehemiah had enemies coming against him to distract him, he didn’t repay evil for evil, as Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, NIV: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Pastor David related, “Jesus was faithful to the end. We have to have the mindset to be attracted to things the Lord has called us to do.”
In his calling is to help people to know the Lord, David recognizes that there will be distractions from doing the Lord’s work, he said. “Always keep the main purpose in front of you, your purpose and the will of God.” The best way to not let the enemy discourage you and create fear in you is to “know his tactics,” just as Nehemiah knew his enemies’ tactics to distract him from building the wall. Because Nehemiah knew their plans, he could take a firm stand. “The enemy won’t stop, he won’t quit. Distractions come in all forms to take you away from God’s plan, godly priorities.”
A young man relishes his time of worship at the conference. The theme, Let Us Rise & Rebuild, was based on Nehemiah 2:18.
Pastor David emphasized, “If God has given you a vision and a purpose, then you are not to let anyone get in the way of what God wants to do in you, through you, and for you. Distractions will be part of our life. We can become consumed with the distractions. Stay focused.” Allowing God to finish the work he started is the key, he added, to live a life of obedience: focused, determined, and in love with Christ.
As he closed, he exhorted, “When you are active doing the will of God, you will become less of you and more of Him.” David concluded, “Time is running out, Christ is coming back, and we need more Nehemiahs when the distractions come; we will get that wall built, [and] when [Jesus] returns, He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
During the two-day event, pastors, leaders, and their wives were exhorted and encouraged in God’s Word by eight seasoned CC pastors.
Two men from CC Downey enjoy a relaxing conversation as they serve on the conference security team.
A guest praises God during one of the worship sessions.
All verses above are quoted from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.
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