CALVARY CHAPEL A.V - Key Persons
Jim Eckmann, an Elder at CCAV since 2006 and the Treasurer of the church board, has been with the church since 1991. Surrendering to Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 1985 at age 25 empowered him to overcome a past of substance abuse. Married to Carmen in 1986, they have been blessed with five children and the joy of serving in various ministries over the years. As he nears retirement from his Aerospace Engineering/Program Management career, Jim looks forward to more ministry opportunities and continuing his oversight of the Missions Ministry at CCAV.
Born in San Bernardino in 1952 and raised in Rialto, I graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1970. My teenage years were filled with surfing, sports, and part-time jobs, ranging from a neighborhood market to a gas station and a drive-thru dairy. Amidst family turmoil, I left home at 17, struggling to find my place and resisting the Christian faith shared by my friend's family with whom I lived. However, a deep depression and a life-changing encounter with a Campus Crusade for Christ member at the beach in 1971 led me to embrace Christianity, a decision that saved me from a moment of despair and gave me a new purpose in life.
My life transformed after this pivotal moment. My friends and I found faith, and I started a career at a Title Insurance Company, pursuing a Business Management degree. Meeting Mary Travers, who later became my wife, we were deeply influenced by Pastor Greg Laurie at Calvary Chapel Riverside. We married in 1975 and were blessed with two children and four grandsons. My journey in ministry led me from serving at various Calvary Chapels to becoming the Senior Pastor at Calvary Chapel Antelope Valley in 2005, a role I cherish and hope to continue as long as I can.
Robert Smith has been a dedicated Elder at Calvary Chapel A.V. and a member since 2017. Married to Michelle since 1973, they're blessed with two children, Melissa and Joel, and three grandchildren. Born in LA in 1953 and a former Fire Captain, he found Jesus in 1975. Today, Robert oversees facilities, co-leads the men's study alongside Lee Jimenez, and humbly serves in worship under Lee's direction. He feels profoundly blessed to serve amidst such devout Christians. Blessings, Robert.
Ruben Diaz is a committed elder at our church. He oversees the Mana Cafe, a ministry that offers coffee, pastries, and a welcoming space for fellowship and prayer, located adjacent to the Fellowship Hall. He is also in charge of the Abound Ministry, which focuses on serving the homeless community by providing sack lunches on the first and second Saturdays of each month and hot to-go meals on the last Saturday of each month.