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This article appeared in the Ventura County Newspaper.
Let the walls fall down Simi Valley church building and congregation have an 'extreme makeover'
Author(s): Lacy Enderson Special to The Star Date: August 5, 2006 Section: Community
Envisioning a widespread change, members and spiritual leaders of a Simi Valley church recently took on what they are affectionately calling "an extreme church makeover." For years, membership and spirit at the Church of the Living Christ at Madera Road and Royal Avenue in Simi Valley have been on the decline, according to the congregation, but recently there's been a whole lot of changes going on. The congregation shouted "Let the walls fall down"' and the walls fell, both physically and spiritually. Church members donated their time for two weeks to begin a much awaited church face-lift. The Rev. Matti Perttula, who left his homeland in Finland and on June 4, 2000, brought his wife, Maarit, and four sons, Joel, Ron, Kent and Matias to Simi Valley, joined the members daily tackling the hard work and offering encouragement. Those familiar with the church's history say many changes have taken place over the years, but Perttula, who is the senior pastor, said he believes this will be the most profound change by far. Built in 1965, the facility is undergoing a major transformation: new entry, upgraded offices, fellowship area with cafe, new kids facilities and a future outdoor theater. The goal is a more functional and appealing church home. On a road where the old meets the new, devastating impact can occur, but as the old blends with the new, Jesus is seen, Perttula said. Church of the Living Christ has been a declining church for years, but just as God kept a remnant of his people in the Old Testament, he has kept a remnant together at the Simi church, Perttula said. Longtime congregants remember the beginning of the church and hold on to memories of the church history. Joanne Jones, a member for many years, remembers 20 years ago when now Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Ventura County, dedicated the new church building. "This church has been a part of this community for over 40 years. There is a lot of history here," Jones said. Determined to keep the history intact, Perttula envisions diversity as he brings the past into the future. "God isn't finished with us yet, as a team and as a body of believers," he said. "We are beginning to move forward from where we are to where God wants us to be." Ready for new beginnings, Perttula said the time is now to usher in the new as it blends with, not replaces, the old. His son, the Rev. Joel Perttula, associate pastor, agrees. "Maybe the church hasn't grown, because there is so much old stuff there isn't any room for anything new. Another benefit of the church makeover is the creation of momentum for other new things to happen as well," he said. The vision began a few years ago, but the timing for change wasn't right and plans didn't quite fit in with the budget, church officials said. However, earlier this year, when a mission trip was canceled and the time made available to refurbish the church, the proposed project was met with enthusiasm. The Rev. Matti Perttula met with church member Richard Enderson, a local contractor, to see what the options were, and every aspect of the vision fell in place. Plans were drawn up and presented to the church body. Donations began pouring in, and a church unity like none in a long time took hold of the Church of the Living Christ. "This is a new declaration of our faith in God, not in us and our ability but in his abilities. This is a project we can't complete without God," Perttula told his flock. "We have talked about this project for a long time. It is time to move from words of faith to actions of faith. It is time to move in a spiritual and concrete way." "You must strike while the iron is hot or the shape will not change. The time has come when this place is hot. The heat is on and God is shaping." It was time to strike, but would members of the church grab hold of the plan? On July 17, the people came. For two weeks from 15 to 20 individuals daily donated their time to help beautify the church. Even though it turned out to be the two hottest weeks of the year so far, the people still came. There was camaraderie among the members, and every day members prepared full-course meals for both lunch and dinner. For those who couldn't donate their time building or cooking, prayer took on a whole new meaning. Obvious to members from the start, the hand of God was all over the project. Not one serious accident occurred; maybe a blister or a bruise but no broken bones or stitches were required. Members shared with others how remarkable they felt after a long day at work. Even those who helped carry debris to the trash bins were amazed their muscles weren't more sore. "This project is fun. Working collectively together as a team is amazing," said member Doug Dubrall. "It has been a great bonding experience." For Enderson, the project is a dream come true . "I have always wanted to build a church, but it wasn't until I started living for God that he actually gave me a church to build. ... I haven't attended this church as long as the majority of the congregation, but I see the potential for growth, and I want to be here when it happens." With the first phase of the extreme church makeover complete, what's next? "There is a physical transformation taking place, but an even bigger spiritual transformation is on the horizon," Perttula said, challenging those in the congregation to spend the next few weeks in prayer asking God for guidance. "We knew we couldn't do this on our own, so now it is time to go back to the Lord," he said. "We started a project bigger than we are, and we cannot finish it on our own. We are like the people of Israel standing at the edge of the Red Sea. Now it is up to God."
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