Not long ago, a friend of mine explained why he loves California. He said, “It’s like the city of Corinth from the New Testament—it’s dangerous but exciting at the same time.”

He’s right.

California is a unique place. With over 39 million people, it’s the most populated state in the nation. Our coastline stretches nearly 900 miles from top to bottom. More than 240 languages are spoken here—more than any other state. It’s a land of innovation, the entertainment capital of the world, a tech leader, a patchwork of 16 climate zones, home to top-tier universities, 20 professional sports teams, 9 national parks, and yes—we even boast more food trucks than any other state. (I do love my street tacos.)

But for all its beauty, influence, and opportunity, California is also a major distraction—keeping many from entering a saving relationship with God.

Let’s be honest: California is the largest mission field in the United States. More than 35 million people here do not know the Lord. Lostness is everywhere.

People need Jesus.

The Power of Boldness

I came to know the Lord during the Jesus Movement in 1972—a true Revolution for Jesus. I wasn’t looking for anything spiritual that day. I was just waiting for a friend to meet me for lunch at West Valley Junior College in Saratoga. He was late.

While I waited, a stranger approached me. He introduced himself and asked if he could share something that had changed his life. And the rest -as they say- is history.

I’m here today because someone was late… and someone else was bold enough to approach me. The ’70s were a happening time —a season when the Spirit of God swept through California’s campuses. People were coming to faith in droves, and it all started right here on the West Coast.

It Must Begin with Prayer

California needs a fresh breath of God’s presence sweeping up and down this state again. And I believe it starts with prayer.

I’ve had the privilege of pastoring three different churches—in Northern, Central, and Southern California. If I had understood back then what I know now about the power of prayer, I would have pastored very differently.

I’m almost 71 now. And for much of my Christian life, my prayer life has been inconsistent. Ministry was the main event; prayer was optional. Not anymore.

The Bible says, “Men ought always to pray and not to faint” (Luke 18:1).

My life has changed. These days, the early morning hours—just me, God, and His Word—are the best part of my day.

What If We All…?

Today, I serve as the Associational Mission Strategist (AMS) for the Gold Coast Baptist Association, which includes 27 churches. Now, can you imagine with me -What would happen if all 27 of our Association’s churches were ignited by the Spirit of God? What if revival broke out—not in just one church—but across them all? That kind of awakening only happens when individuals experience the presence of God personally—when we return to prayer, not as an afterthought, but as our foundation.

There are 27 associations across California, grouped into seven regions. Altogether, we represent more than 2,300 California Southern Baptist churches. Can you imagine what God might do if we all caught the wind of the Spirit?

Let It Begin with Me

I want to be part of another revival in this Golden State. But more than that, I want to see a true movement of God spread to every corner of California. I want to see His hand move across denominational lines. I want to see—borrowing the words of Dr. Fermin Whittaker, former CSBC Executive Director—“every man, woman, boy and girl” come to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

I can only imagine what God might do here.

As Bill Elliff so powerfully said, revival comes “when we move prayer from the side room of our lives to the very foundation of our lives.”

So, Lord, let revival come.
But let it begin with me.