One result of Rev. Chris Gordon’s move from Lynden, WA, to Escondido, CA, has been that the broadcast reach of his radio program, Abounding Grace, is greatly expanded.

In addition to being aired five days per week, three times daily, in the Pacific Northwest, the half hour program is now also broadcast five times per week in southern California. The new programming slot is from 1:30-2:00 PM on K-Praise, 1210 AM.

“This is a very big opportunity to advance the gospel to the San Diego area,” says Rev. Gordon. “We are right after David Jeremiah and before Mark Larson. A great spot indeed.”

And the gospel message is being proclaimed in still another new area. Abounding Grace has begun airing at 7:30 AM on Saturdays and Sundays via 1360 KPXQ in Phoenix.

Rev. Chris Gordon received and accepted the call to become the “Preaching Pastor” at Escondido URC in June of 2012. He and wife, Darcy, with their children, Kendal, Collin, Zachary, and Lucy, moved to California the first week in August. His installation was held at Escondido URC on August 19.

Dr. W. Robert Godfrey, an ordained URCNA minister and President of Westminster Seminary California, preached from Psalm 119:129-136 on “The Wondrous Word.”

“We were challenged to love God’s Word and long to hear it preached every Sunday,” explains Rev. Gordon. “The sermon was a great encouragement to view the preaching of the Word not as a burden, but a blessing for our spiritual nourishment.”

Rev. Steve Oeverman, recently called to serve Grace URC in Linn, OR, led a section of the service’s liturgy. Rev. Stephen Donovan, Pastor of Congregational Life at Escondido URC, read the form for installation. Dr. Joshua Van Ee, URCNA minister and Assistant Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at Westminster Seminary California, gave the charge.

Rev. Gordon is a 2004 graduate of Westminster Seminary California and served the URC of Lynden, WA, from 2004-2012.

He reports that his daughter is enrolled at Calvin Christian School and all the children are adjusting well to their new location. “They love the sun and the beach, a big change from the rainy Washington days.”

The Gordons are living in a parsonage in Escondido, but still own their home in Lynden. Rev. Andrew and Millie Cammenga are now living in that house while they temporarily serve the Lynden congregation.

“The church has received us warmly,” says Rev. Gordon. “I am really enjoying my time here getting to know our new church family and ministering the Word. There are many opportunities here to advance the gospel to the surrounding community. This is a very exciting new phase of ministry in an area with such a wide population base.”

His goal is to remain faithful in preaching the Word and ministering to the needs of the saints. “Romans 1:12 comes to mind, that we may be encouraged together by our mutual faith.”

The above article by Glenda Mathes appeared on pages 8-9 of the October 24, 2012, issue of Christian Renewal.