The church is located at 777 Santa Fe Drive.

For more information, call (760) 632-1051.


Mormon quotes compiled into book
EL CAJON — Former El Cajon resident Bill McKeever, director of the Salt Lake City-based Mormonism Research Ministry, has published a new book, “In Their Own Words: A Collection of Mormon Quotations.”

The 300-page book compiles hundreds of Mormon quotes into a topical guide to aid in research.

“Bill McKeever has compiled a compendium of the teachings of the LDS Church quoting both church authorities and lay members,” said historian H. Michael Marquardt, the author of “The Rise of Mormonism: 1816-1844.”

“This extraordinary collection is a good place to start a friendly discussion on Mormonism. Just about any topic should strike up a conversation.”

McKeever, who once served as publisher of the San Diego Christian Classifieds, the predecessor to the Christian Examiner, established MRM in 1979 to educate the public about the differences between Mormonism and Christianity, as well as to reach out to the LDS people with the biblical doctrine of grace.

He is also the author of “Answering Mormons’ Questions” and co-author of “Mormonism 101.” His expertise on the history and doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has allowed him to speak at numerous churches, conferences, Bible colleges and seminaries both in the United States and abroad.

McKeever also founded the San Diego Christian Classifieds in 1983, the forerunner to what is now the Christian Examiner, the nation’s largest regional Christian newspaper.

For more information, visit www.mrm.org.


Pilot to headline special luncheon
SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Women’s Connection will present Russell O’Quinn, an internationally known test pilot and aircraft designer, at its July 11 “Come Fly With Me” luncheon at the Handlery Hotel and Resort. The luncheon, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., is open to men and women.

O’Quinn has been featured in Life magazine as one of the top five test pilots in the United States. He has been a guest on the “Today Show” and many other network programs. Throughout the years the pilot has assisted the U.S. State Department by providing more than 1,000 food lifts in war-torn regions of the world. A television special pertaining to his background and the jet fighter program titled “Skyfox” is currently being aired nationally on the PBS network.

Ken Anderson will serve as soloist for the event.

San Diego Women’s Connection is sponsored by Stonecroft Ministries.

The luncheon is $22, plus $1 for parking.

The hotel is located at 950 Hotel Circle North.

 Reservations may be made by calling Bunni at (619) 229-9945 or JoAnn at (619) 276-6972 or through e-mail at sdwomensconnection@yahoo.com.


Bikers ministry to host barbecue
POINT LOMA — The ARMY Ryders Ministry of The Rock Church will hold its annual Bike Baptism and Barbecue from noon to 4 p.m. July 11 at Rock Park.

The event is a time of celebration and fellowship.

There is a $5 fee for the barbecue and $10 for the bike baptism (washing).

The park is located at 2277 Rosecrans St.

For more information, call (619) 517-7871 or send an e-mail to rockryders@gmail.com.


Floresta seeks auction items, sponsors
LA JOLLA — San Diego-based Floresta, a global charity that specializes in environmental restoration and micro lending for the poor, will celebrate its 25th anniversary at the “Planting Hope Gala,” set for 6 p.m. Oct. 10 in the La Jolla Ballroom at the San Diego Marriott La Jolla.

The Christian-based nonprofit planted its four millionth tree late last year, while reporting a 25 percent increase in donations for 2008, despite an economy that is devastating charities nationwide.

The international charity works in areas where poverty is caused by deforestation and helps to restore the environment in order to empower the poor. In addition to planting trees, the ministry has helped to revitalize thousands of small farms and made more than 5,600 small business loans. Their work is augmented by supporting the spiritual needs of the impoverished.

In addition to selling tickets, the ministry is looking for sponsors and auction items for the black-tie optional event.

The hotel is located at 4240 La Jolla Village Drive.

For more information, visit www.floresta.org or call (858) 274-3718.


Local author honored
SAN DIEGO — San Diego resident T.V. Varughese is the grand-prize winner in the spring 2009 Christian Choice Awards. Varughese was cited for his book, “Bible & Theology Mysteries Solved,” which also was the first-place award in the contest’s theology category.

The award was announced May 29 and comes with a trophy and a $250 cash prize.

A native of Kerala, India, Varughese has more than 35 years of experience in the ministry and is founder and president of International Discipleship Ministries Inc. The author has also been an adjunct professor in the School of Missions at Fuller Seminary and served 10 years with International Students Inc. He has also taught at San Diego Christian College.

He and his wife, Miriam, have a daughter and four grandchildren.


San Diego Salvation Army ARC hosts Sobriety
LA JOLLA —The San Diego Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center recently hosted 300 people at a Sobriety Banquet at La Jolla Presbyterian Church. In addition to alumni, the event was attended by members of the program’s advisory council and board, volunteers and beneficiaries.

“We are celebrating the gift of recovery,” Capt. Grady Brown, administrator of the center, said as he welcomed guests and introduced Christian radio station KPRZ personality Tom LeVine, who served as master of ceremonies.

Dick Lewis, San Diego Chargers’ Players Outreach Director, delivered the keynote address. ARC graduate Les Jones, recipient of the Alumni of the Year Award, thanked God and The Salvation Army for a rehabilitation program that changed his life and for providing an opportunity for “giving back.”

Salvation Army soldier Joshua Sneed was recognized as Volunteer of the Year for his dedication and continuing service to the ARC. A posthumous recognition of service by the late Harry Frels, advisory council and advisory board member, was accepted by his widow, Dorothy Frels.


Mets nab PLNU ballplayer in amateur baseball draft
POINT LOMA — The New York Mets acquired Point Loma Nazarene senior Kurt Steinhauer during the 27th round in the 2009 Major League Baseball Amateur draft on June 10.

Steinhauer was the 824th overall pick in the 50-round draft. The 6-foot-1 right-handed player from Palos Verdes hit .379, blasted a school-record 19 homers and drove in 52 during the 2009 campaign. He also earned Rawlings Gold Glove honors for his excellent defense in centerfield.
Steinhauer was a key member of the PLNU's Golden State Athletic Conference championship club that finished second at the NAIA World Series.

Steinhauer is the 23rd Point Loma player tabbed in the amateur baseball draft since its inception in 1965.


Foster care group makes 300^th placement
SAN DIEGO — The Angels Foster Family Network recently celebrated its 300^th placement. The ministry places infants taken from neglected or abusive homes and places them in loving homes.

“When I look back over the past 10 years, it seems like only yesterday that we placed our first baby, Jeremy,” said Cathy Richman, the agency’s founder and director. “Since then, it is only through the support of our wonderful friends and our incredible foster parents that we celebrate this momentous occasion.”

Richman said, to date, more than 20 babies have been rescued since January. Their goal is to place 65 at-risk babies into loving homes by the end of the year. The agency provides training to prospective foster families.

For more information, visit www.angelsfoster.com or call (619) 283-8100.