Highlighting the theme, “Advancing the Gospel,” more than 400 California Baptists and guests gathered recently in El Cajon, California, to celebrate the 81st anniversary of the founding of San Diego Southern Baptist Association. The association started with three churches and now includes more than 200 churches and missions.
San Diego Association has been serving San Diego since 1942. The association has planted an average of 4.2 churches in the last 81 years in San Diego, a border city of Tijuana, Mexico, one of the largest cities south of the border.
Celebrating dedicated service
Highlights of the 81st anniversary included celebrating the 60th wedding anniversary and 50 years of ministry of Mike and Judy Carlisle. A.B. Vines, pastor of New Seasons Church in San Diego, introduced the couple’s renewal of their vows, prayer and charge.
RELATED: Check out other stories about the San Diego association and Mike and Judy Carlisle here.
The Carlisles’ sons, Jason and Eric, shared about their parents’ positive influence and faithful ministry. Judy Carlisle retired in January as director of operations and Mike plans to retire as director of missions at the end of 2024.
SDSBA Executive Board Chairman Rolland Slade, senior pastor of Meridian Baptist Church, led a service remembering the legacy of pastor Henry Peterson and pastor Jack Rickman. Peterson and Rickman, longtime supporters of SDSBA, died in 2023. Current pastors and spouses also were recognized for their servant spirit and faithful service.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story released by the San Diego Southern Baptist Association.