For 19 years, Leo Mascarinia has served hundreds of people in our church and thousands through his many gifts. He has invested thousands of dollars of his own money and thousands of hours to build up and lead our Tech Arts ministry. Leo has repaired countless members' computers as well as provided and overseen the graphics and visuals for our services for years. He has led small groups, led people to Christ, and counselled more people than I can remember. There are few people I trust and depend upon as much or more than Leo.  He, his wife Andrea, and their son Joel are irreplaceable in TP.                   Leo, we are indebted to you for holding on to God no matter what and for making all of our lives better. Thank you! ( Leo is pictured here with another great servant, Greg Knox.)

Part of our challenge as Christ followers is to be "doers of the word and not hearers only." The spiritual force of decisive action can be lost because we confuse knowing all the stuff a disciple is to be and do with actually being and doing it. That's why we need people among us to do great deeds of faith, without words or fanfare. Their examples call us to act too.

We're fortunate to have such as person in Amber Coye. Amber was baptized several years ago in our singles’ ministry. She has always been full of life and energy. A while back, the call of God inspired her to move to mainland China as a missionary. She has supported herself by teaching English to children in China while she made disciples there. Amber returned back home to LA and to TP last week after a year of incredible service for God. Welcome back Amber! Your courageous action step of faith inspires and challenges us all!

Pat and Robyn Foyle are true heroes in our church family. For years they have voluntarily led one of our most joyful, fruitful, and effective small groups. In addition, they have been used by God to change hundreds of lives through their voluntary leadership of our Chemical Recovery Ministry for the past 10 years! They and their daughter Briar Rose mean the world to TP. They are great people with huge hearts. Thanks guys...we love you!

CNN Heroes is inspiring effort by this renowned news network to profile people from all over the world that make it better wherever they are. For the foreseeable future, I want to use this forum to do a much less expensive, much less extensive, but no less heartfelt tribute to the TP HEROES - Everyday People in the Turning Point church family that are changing the world. 

      Ironically, we start with a woman who moved away to Seattle yesterday. She will be joining our sister church in Seattle, WA but leaves a noble legacy behind. a few years ago God put on Mikkell Jackson's heart the dream of partnering with the Casa Hogar Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico. Entirely on her own, she inspired our church to action. Now every month we have volunteers who visit, serve and connect with these 34 adorable kids. They have become a part of our existence because Mikkelllistened to God. They have changed our lives, which I'm sure was a part of God's plan all along.  Vaya con Dios Mikkell! You are a hero, you are loved, and you will be missed. All the best, TP

I was talking to a proud USC alumnus about the recent sanctions imposed by the NCAA against the Trojan football program for a "lack of institutional control." He had this pained look on his face and said that it's a shame that one person's misdeeds hurt so many. In June 2010, after a four-year investigation, the NCAACollateral damage is a sad reality. In many instances, we don't consider how what we do might hurt innocent bystanders and others.  My biggest regrets in life stem from not thinking about the long term consequences of certain decisions I've made.

On the bright side though, the flip side is also true. One person's noble deeds can benefit many. Where would we be without people who have made our lives better by the choices they've made? The things I'm most proud of in life are the good choices I've made that have benefited others. I am sobered by what happened and hope to learn from this teachable moment. USC can bounce back. Even so, I wish they didn't have to.