and I were born in the 60’s. My parents raised me up in the Lutheran Church and Julie was raised Catholic. We both attended DelOro High school where we met through a blind date. Julie and I were married in July of 1980 and in August 1981 we were blessed to have our son whom we named Jeremiah. Our beginning was of humble means. The recession had hit and jobs were scarce. But God in His faithfulness brought about an opportunity to work for Wonder bread of which I became a supervisor at age 24 and worked there for 11 years. One night our Pastor Kenn Winkler asked me in 1993 what I thought of going to Bible College? Little did he know that I’d been praying for 7 years for the opportunity to go. After much prayer and planning I chose to believe Gods leading and quit my career job and sell our home, cars, gave away all 3 of our dogs to great homes. In 1994  

 

Julie and I packed up just what we needed to travel across America to upstate New York to a little Americana village called Lima. I attended Elim Bible Institute for 3 years. Julie worked on campus and our church back home supported us faithfully. Upon graduating in 1997 it was in our hearts to move back to California and give back to the church for all they had done for us. We were Youth Pastors when we left and when we came back we continued in that ministry. Julie became secretary for the church office. 

 

Our Pastor Kenn Winkler in 2003 was diagnosed with inoperable colon cancer. His desire to set us in as senior Pastors was brought before the church family and all were in agreement. So in October of 2003, I was ordained as Pastor. In 2004 our beloved Pastor Kenn was promoted to heaven and we were installed as Pastors. Through much grief and transition our ministry began. Navigating behind the memory and ministry of such a learned and wise and loved leader was daunting at times.

 

Our desire to faithfully carry the baton that was passed to us with integrity and humility has always been our hearts mission. During these years we’ve also found a call to reach out to the gay community. To come alongside parents who have children who are gay. To share the love of God and be His ambassadors to those who would come into our lives. So you see 14 years later we find ourselves still carrying the baton and fulfilling the call on our lives. 

 

Our church is a non-denominational church. We find ourselves hungering for His presence and devoting ourselves to worship. The Bible and people are what God values most. Our church isGod sized, we are the size of a large family. Our love for God is real and our love for one another is big. We decided to give the church the name of Authentic Life because it is the authentic, genuine, unconditional love of Jesus Christ that drew us to Him, Jesus took us just as we were and without pretense or conditions and paid an exorbitant price to ransom us from the struggles of our sin. He sets the lonely in families, He opens prison doors to set the captives free. He gives us life more abundantly. His authentic love transforms our lives everyday. Julie and I want to thank you so much for taking time to let us share with you this brief history of our lives. We are glad you stopped by. We welcome the wonderful opportunity to meet you one day. Pastors Darren and Julie Bills