Back in 2000, the Epcot Center had a new feature as you first walked in. There were giant slabs of black granite all over – tons & tons of granite. Next to this was a big sign that read: “Leave Your Legacy.” For a fee, they would take your picture and chemically transfer it onto these granite rocks – now – and for all of time, your picture would be on this big ol’ stone. Thousands of people have put their tiny, little picture on these big rocks.
Why do people do this? Because, deep down inside, everyone wants to leave a legacy and everyone wants to feel like their life counts for something. In the Bible, Paul says that he was willing to impart to people – to show, to share, to give part, to invest. That’s legacy! Someone once said that what we leave as a legacy reveals our priorities. Yes and for sure to that. Because at the end of the day, we’re not remembered so much by what we do, but by the people we impact.
Fifty one years ago The Dwelling Place Church area included a barn & cow pasture plus a dairy with a sheep field nearby. I was 24 and Bob was 27 – now I’m 75 and Bob is 78. How times flies. Today the 12-acre campus features a large sanctuary, playground, school, soccer field, and multiple other buildings. DP will mark its 51st anniversary October 18th at 10 am with a celebration service as well as a farewell from Bob & myself as we step down and turn the ministry over to Pastors Steve & Susanne Ryan.
Bob has always said that he wanted to die in the pulpit following a great message and a hearty Amen! But as I told our congregation recently, this isn’t the best way to transition out of a ministry! So, we are turning over the led to the next generation, who I’m sure will hit it out of the ballpark.
We moved to the Valley in 1974 when we were asked by our church (Melodyland Christian Center in Anaheim) to run a juvenile facility in Castile Canyon. A Bible study was started there which eventually led to opening a church. We began in the little white church at the end of Columbia Street near the Ramona Bowl. Quickly outgrowing that, the former Ramona/Sun-Up Dairy on Girard Street was purchased in 1977.
In 1997 Bob wrote a book – Commitment to Conquer – covering many of our experiences in this Valley and challenges of growing the church. The main vision of DP has always been one of evangelism and to equip the saints for the work of the ministry. I think our biggest challenge these past five decades has been to change with the times but still adhere to unchanging Biblical values.
So – 51 & done? Not quite! We’re not going anywhere, we’re just turning over the led. As I always tell people, if you’re still breathing then God’s not done with you yet. And yes – we are both still breathing Praise God! I recently read about a survey of people 100 years or older. The study asked these folks if they had any regrets about their lives. One of the top answers of the survey was, “I wish I could have left something that lives beyond me.” In other words, they wanted to leave a legacy.
Something that they would be remembered for and be passed on to future generations.
The reason most of us fail to leave a legacy is our focus. John Maxwell brilliantly put it this way: “Achievement comes to someone when he is able to do great things for himself. Success comes when he empowers followers to do great things with him. But a legacy is created only when a person puts his organization into a position to do great things without him.” The same is true of life in general. We haven’t successfully finished the race of life until we have passed on our baton to the next generation.
Bob and I are truly excited to see what the future brings to The Dwelling Place.
Literally thousands of people have walked through our doors and encountered Jesus Christ and had their lives changed for eternity. People have been saved, healed, delivered, set free & set on fire for the Lord. That will not change! I truly believe this next generation will take the foundation that’s been laid for 51 years and use it for even greater things!
As for Bob and myself – fifty one & done? Not by a long shot. We’re sticking around to be part of the miracle!
Bob and Susan Beckett pastor The Dwelling Place City Church at 27100 Girard Street in Hemet, CA. For more information, you may contact them at DPCitychurch.org
