Clergy Connection
Meet our pastoral staff...
Julio Tabuenca
Pastor
I am a P.K., (yes, a Preacher's Kid ! ), born in South America, and a Promise Keeper — born in the faith when I was very young. I have been happily married for over 40 years; I am also the father of two grown children, and grandpa of three gorgeous little girls.
I received a college degree in theology in Argentina, and earned graduate degrees in theology and education from three houses of learning in this land of liberty and opportunity.
What fills my heart with joy, praise, and gratitude is that I’m a sinner saved by grace, and that my all-loving, ever-merciful God has chosen me to be one of His servants. His call energizes my walk, guides my life, and passionately moves me to serve His people. What a privilege!
At Bonita Valley Adventist Church, we enjoy telling “the story” over and over again. The accent is the same; the approach may vary. We like to explore innovative ways to nurture His people and reach out to those in the community.
Come and visit us! I’d like to meet you in person.
~Pastor Julio |
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Pastor Julio and Alicia Tabuenca
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Vaughn Nelson
Associate Pastor
Also the son of a preacher, I have had the privilege of living in several parts of this country, including the Pacific Northwest, Nebraska, and for nearly a decade Southern California. I attended La Sierra University where I studied religion and am currently enrolled there as Masters of Divinity student.
My passions for ministry revolve around bridging the gulf between religion and everyday life. Sometimes it's watching God's grace bring change to people's hearts, minds, and relationships. Other times it's seeing the Way of Jesus empower communities to do justly and love mercy. And others it's wrestling with the words of Scripture written so long again until they come alive again for today.
Getting to do those kinds of ministry in beautiful San Diego is certainly nothing to complain about either. I can't imagine a better place to race triathlons, run marathons, explore eateries, or simply breathe in fresh, clean air under a sunny blue sky! Hope you enjoy your visit to our website--just know we'd enjoy talking face to face even more.
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Pastor Vaughn Nelson
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Trina Gifford
Office Manager / Ministries Coordinator
I was born and raised in the beautiful Napa Valley, California. Thanks to the love and sacrifice of my parents, I had the privilege of attending Christian schools from 1st grade through the University level.
I met the love of my life, Chip Gifford, in the 10th grade. We became high school “sweethearts” and never looked back. This summer (2008) we will celebrate 14 years of marriage. God is good!
My love for teaching and the ministry became very real the year my husband and I spent as missionaries in Thailand. What a life changing experience it was teaching English, History, and especially Bible! It was amazing and yet so humbling to daily stand before hundreds of 7th and 8th grade students, sharing God’s love and grace to children who knew nothing of Jesus Christ.
When Chip and I moved to San Diego, we were drawn to the Bonita Valley church because of its warm, friendly atmosphere. With no family in the area, we were looking for a church that had that “family feeling,” a place where “everyone knows your name” — a place we could call home. What a blessing it was to have those desires met, as we worshiped at Bonita Valley.
Finding a truly personal relationship with Jesus Christ has made ALL the difference in my life. My prayer is that you too will find a deep, rich and transformational experience with your Lord and Savior.
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Chip and Trina Gifford |