El Estero Presbyterian Church

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

 

Thank you for finding your way to the El Estero Presbyterian Church website.   

 

Let me introduce myself to you by saying that I am a third generation Japanese American born and raised right here in Monterey.    My wife of over 26 years passed away on December 12, 2013 after a long hard fought battle with liver and lung disease.   I have been blessed by a beautiful daughter named Sherry.  In December of 2015 she was afflicted with Transverse Myelitis and became paralyzed from the shoulders down.  After months in the hospital, rehab, and physical therapy she has recovered well despite living with constant nerve pain.  She is currently doing online studies through Brandman University. 

 

My introduction to the Christian faith came by attending El Estero.  Although I grew up attending Sunday School and youth groups, I never made a personal commitment to Jesus.  That remained the case until I went away to college. 

 

            In January of 1975, I began attending Cal-State University of Fresno.  In the dormitories, I met a number of committed Christians who began to speak to me about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.   On October 14, 1975, after studying the claims of the Christian faith, I prayed to invite Jesus Christ into my life to be my personal Savior and Lord.    I was discipled through the ministries of the Navigators and the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship.  

 

            After over 40 years of doing mission work in Japan, attending Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, pastoring two congregations in Southern California, the Christ Presbyterian church of Hollywood and the Wintersburg Presbyterian Church in Santa Ana, the Lord has led me back home to Monterey where I am grateful to serve as pastor.   I began my ministry at El Estero on March 1, 2015 and I am excited for the opportunity to partner with the congregation in fulfilling the Great Commandment of Jesus in growing a loving and caring church and the Great Commission of making disciples of all nations.

 

            My hobbies include hiking and walking on the beach.  I have completed several Ironman Triathlons and am an avid Giants, Warriors and 49ers fan.   I enjoy teaching the bible and helping others grow in their understanding of the Christian faith.    

 

If you don’t have a home church, I invite you to come join us as we seek to honor and glorify God.

 

In Christ,

 

 

Pastor Ted