Pastor Ray Owens
I grew up in sunny San Diego. My parents divorced when I was 1 and both my mom and dad remarried. I had a wonderful childhood and upbringing.
In high school, my life seemed to turn upside down; I was drinking and smoking pot. My first girlfriend and I were intimate too. In college, the pot turned to crystal and the intimacy turned into strip clubs and pornography. When I was 19, I read the book “Clean Sweep;” it was a personal testimony of Senior Pastor Barry Minkow. After reading it, I wanted to change my life and I did my best at cleaning up my life (unsuccessfully).
But five months later, I wanted to end my life. My girlfriend had been cheating on me. I wanted to end it al to escape from all the hurt. The following Sunday, I was moved to attend CBC. After hearing the Gospel, I totally surrendered my life to the only one who forgives sins. I never imagined it was possible that my broken heart could be pieced back together, but that’s what the Lord did.
I have been a Christian since 1999 and my life has completely changed. Most of my family is now Christian and I got to baptize my mom and sisters. I also graduated from Liberty University in 2002. I thank God for giving me this calling and passion for youth ministry. The past five years have been the best as God has blessed me with an amazing woman, by best friend Sarah; we were married in 2002. Our beautiful daughter Isabella was born in 2006. The power of God is truly amazing! Jesus has filled my life and I am no longer average.