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Dear Pastor; (Rev. Dr. Oyakhilome)
I'm from Liberia, West Africa I studied Industrial Engineering at the University of Massachusetts At Lowell, MA. At home in Liberia I was member of the United Methodist Church then in the US I was a member of the RocK Church in Richmond. Virgina, USA. I also studied Theology at Family Radio College online in Oakland, California, USA but when I came to Montreal, Canada in 2008, a friend (Bro Matthew) I met at the Refuge Center at the YMCA from Nigeria, one night in our worship service at Pastor Toni Church, he told me about Pastor Chris coming to Toronto, Canada he invited me to come with him I did that meeting in Toronto, Canada was a life's time experience for me the first time I attended The Higher Life Conference. Christ Embassy Church aka BLW has totally changed my life I'm now 15 plus years member of Christ Embassy Church Montreal, Canada I want to thank you Pastor for the ways you've tough us the Word of God so simple and continued teaching us one very important thing I didn't know in the Word of God that I have leant from from Pastor Chris is everything you ever need to lived a better life is in the Word of God study it mediate on it and speak it out confess it declare it on your life, keep saying don't stop. Secondly, never emphasize on the negative aspect of this world system because whatever you say negatively is what the enemy--devil and his co-hosts will always use against you.

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Does it speak volumes that our second phone call when in crisis is to our pastor? Thank you for always being there for us during the most challenging times in our lives (of which there have been too many). More importantly, thank you for the leadership you brought to the creation and adoption of our church’s welcoming and affirming statement. We hope that this will be a long lasting legacy of your tenure as our lead pastor. While we will miss your leadership in church, we are excited to see how God will continue to use your gifts. Be well. - Jeff & Stefani.

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Pastor Chris, we are so fortunate to have had you as our lead pastor for the past 13 years.  There are many occasions that come to mind, but perhaps the most significant for me was your loving and kind presence during the  dying process of my father-in-law, Yacoub Nashed.  We were so calmed   by your sweet and accepting presence at that critical time.  This is but one example of your capacity to *be* with us during times of hardship, loss, and pain.  We thank you deeply for being our "present" pastor. . . .
With Love,
Gary & Suha

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Pastor Chris, I remember as a young pastor hearing of your call to lead the La Sierra Church. I celebrated God's opening a door for you to use your gifts. It also gave me courage to continue in my calling. Through the years I would hear you open the Bible and share, and again I was blessed. I pray that the blessings you so richly shared will go with you. May God be with you, Heather Crews

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Pastor Chris, I remember as a young pastor hearing of your call to lead the La Sierra Church. I celebrated God's opening a door for you to use your gifts. It also gave me courage to continue in my calling. Through the years I would hear you open the Bible and share, and again I was blessed. I pray that the blessings you so richly shared will go with you. May God be with you, Heather Crews

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Pastor Chris Oberg, thank you for the opportunity of. Working in the Lords Vineyard. We will missed you, thanks for all the blessings you brought to us by the presentation of God’s word. The Lord guide you in the new decision you made to help the less fortunate, the poor, orphans.

Our prayers, Love and blessings to you and your family.

Nito B., Patricia L. And Nito A. Gil

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Dear Pastor Chris,

I am happy you are following this calling, but I wish I had known about you before. A few months ago I heard one of your sermons and I was drawn in with Bible in hand. Your stories, humor, authenticity, and vulnerability hooked me. I am home taking care of of my parents and so happy I could watch on Utube when I had a. chance to sit down. You have no idea how you have impacted my journey. I wish you strength, peace, and joy as you navigate through your new adventure. Thank you for all you are, and for sharing that with me.

Susan Chacon

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Thank you for being there for us!

Reginald Ackerman

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Please tell Chris what her years of leadership and service at the church have meant to me. she is truly a gift from God. may peace, joy, strength, and courage follow her in all her endeavors.

Blessings, Ginger Hanks Harwood

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Over the past 20 years, we have watched your ministry grow and develop along ever more interesting lines.  In that time you have shared in a number of passages in our lives; visiting in hospitals and pre-procedure prayer sessions as well.

We look forward to seeing what your new direction will be and where it will take you.

Blessings, and “be well”!
Fred and Kim Davis

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There must be something unique and special about the leader of a church community where one finds the space and support to be doctrinally authentic rather than denominationally dogmatic.
Pastor Chris, it is two years since I came within the sphere of your preaching/teaching, but it has been for me a deep breath of theological fresh air that has invigorated my commitment to stay surrendered to the Holy Spirit and His power to make fruitful, in blessing others, the faith, hope and love that He has planted in my heart. You have been and continue to be an example of one of the ways that fruit is manifested.
My prayer is that God's grace and Holy Spirit continue to guide and empower you in the next phase of your ministry.
Stay blessed.
Robert innocent

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Dear Pastor Chris,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the inestimable support you personally, and through the instrumentality of the church, gave to me, Eddie, Robert and Melinda through out the years especially after the death of my husband, Ed.
May God's grace and wisdom of His Spirit continue to attend you in your new ministry.
Love you,
Linda Henry

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Dear Chris, I am grateful for you.  From our very first conversation, I found that you brought to your ministry an intellectual vigor, a deep sense of care, and a passion for helping each of us ask the most important questions.  Your embrace of the university’s students, faculty and staff deeply impacted our work on campus, and helped nourish our own commitments.  You were quick to remind us of our history—and, in the process, challenge us to always find a way to do better.  Your willingness to work on key projects that were important to the mission of the university and its belief in inclusion guided us to a more faithful picture of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

As our pastor, whenever you stood in front of our university community, we listened and we found encouragement in your thoughtful investment in the biblical story.  I always looked forward to standing beside you at key university events as I knew we would be invigorated by your words.  Your love for students transformed our congregation as we invited these young adults into our homes for lunch—and, in the process, grew in our understanding of one another.

Several years ago, following a church board meeting, you invited me to join you for a visit to one of our university members whose spouse had just died.  It was a masterclass in how to deeply embrace the most difficult moments of our lives; it was, indeed, an unforgettable and holy experience.  Today, I stand amazed by all of the lives you have cared for—the way in which you have attended to so many in moments of great joy and deep despair.

Chris, I am excited for you and this new moment in your life.  You have worked tirelessly to bring attention, shelter, and care for our neighbors without homes.  Your passion for loving the underserved will have significant impact in the local community.  And, knowing you, the impact will stretch far beyond our borders.

Thank you Chris.  And thank you Kerby, Amanda and Alisa. I will remain grateful for the way in which each of you opened your arms and hearts.

Randal Wisbey

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Dear Pastor Chris,
I knew about you before even becoming a member of LSU. And you are the reason I wanted to be a member of LSU. Thank you for loving on us Biswas girls throughout all these years. Thank you for being present at BOTH of my surgeries and praying over me, Thank you for the text messages of support when we lost our puppy and you prayed for our family, Thank you for for calling and encouraging me when I was recovering from Covid, Thank you for sending the card when we had to say goodbye to our pet, Thank you for making and showing what church can be and keeping it real! Thank you for the hard and messy sermon discussions and the most beautiful ones too! Thank you for making LSU feel like home even before I officially came here. God bless the next journey chapters and I still want you to come over for a meal! Love you--you'll be my Pastor always! Arlene Biswas

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Dear Chris,

I don't know if you'll remember this story about my Chris--it goes clear back to when you were our children's pastor. I can't remember the point of the children's story that Sabbath, but you complained that you got hungry during church, so you had brought your Sabbath lunch to eat during the sermon. You munched on a couple of goodies surrounded by equally hungry children and finished up your story, whereupon my Chris leaned in and said, "You forgot to eat your apple." It was picked up by the mike. Our services were still being broadcast on KSGN, and a friend heard the moment, and laughed, as we all did.

You made the kids happy then, and you made us happy as a congregation then and now. You have also always been there supporting my kids, understanding them and loving them, both Chris and Libby, and I knew I could send them to you if needed, to discuss issues that you three have in common (as you know). You have been a blessing to our family, and by staying local, you will continue to make our family happy.

(And you know my non-SDA step-dad always wanted you to go to Spencerville Church.)

Blessings, Kathy and the Arct family

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I was 18 years old when we met. I can’t really even remember that girl anymore. But that same girl is so thankful that you have been the one loving her home all these years. Thank you for serving the people that taught me what church can be. You have done so much amazingness from this platform! Thank you. Thank you for being brilliant and thoughtful and doing it while a mom! After a midlife reboot, as a LSU grad! The list of your accomplishment is very long. I wasn’t there to see the glory of it all. But in my minds eye I know it all was. And I know you will continue to weave beautiful community and call people into deeper ways of being, in this new reimagining, because this glory is within you. To me you always be Mama Christy. I wish I could give back the card you gave me in 1999. A voyager setting off stands before two paths: one marked “your path” the other marked “no longer an option.” I know you’ve got this, even as the path is unknown. Enjoy the adventure!!! I love you lady! Linds

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“Hallelujah is a cry on purpose. It understands our deepest pains.” This is just one quote from you that is so startling clear and meaningful. Thank you for being such a great example for all of the women in ministry as you follow the Spirit's call. Much Love, Jenny Tillay

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Chris, you have been pastor to four generations of our family. You were a friend and coworker with my mother, Alice, when you first came as children’s pastor. She spoke so fondly of you. You helped “send her off” when she finally left us at almost 101 years. During the many years that Roxie and I have been part of the Community Services team, we have felt and appreciated your exceptional support of those ministries. You visited my wife in the hospital. When our son-in-law, Sebastian, left this earth too soon, you were there. You were a comfort to his wife, Brenda and his son Gabriel, our daughter and grandson.As a life-long Adventist member and church worker, we have seen pastors come and go. We get used to it. We always wonder what the next pastor will be like. Will he or she be a good preacher, likeable, friendly, supportive? And church life goes on. This time, it seems different. You are all of those things, but you have been more. You have been the first pastor in our experience who has been a real visionary leader. You have encouraged us to be a true light in our community, to serve the less accepted and less fortunate among us. And, yes, from the pulpit, you have moved us as you always speak from your heart. You have changed us and you will never be forgotten.

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Chris, you have been pastor to four generations of our family. You were a friend and coworker with my mother, Alice, when you first came as children’s pastor. She spoke so fondly of you. You helped “send her off” when she finally left us at almost 101 years. During the many years that Roxie and I have been part of the Community Services team, we have felt and appreciated your exceptional support of those ministries. You visited my wife in the hospital. When our son-in-law, Sebastian, left this earth too soon, you were there. You were a comfort to his wife, Brenda and his son Gabriel, our daughter and grandson.As a life-long Adventist member and church worker, we have seen pastors come and go. We get used to it. We always wonder what the next pastor will be like. Will he or she be a good preacher, likeable, friendly, supportive? And church life goes on. This time, it seems different. You are all of those things, but you have been more. You have been the first pastor in our experience who has been a real visionary leader. You have encouraged us to be a true light in our community, to serve the less accepted and less fortunate among us. And, yes, from the pulpit, you have moved us as you always speak from your heart. You have changed us and you will never be forgotten.

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Thank you, Pastor Chris, for your caring in our community and leading at our church. You and your team have been a blessing to me and never more so than when we have shared a brief conversation and a hug.

I particularly remember when you joined me sitting on the grass in front of the office complex where I was pulling out weeds while waiting for our appointment. It made me feel accepted and loved when we could talk right there.

Love, prayers, and blessings go with you as you transition.

In appreciation,
Sylvia Clarke

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Thank you Pastor Chris for being the most fantastic pastor I have known. (beside my husband of course).  Your sermons are very in touch with the needs of our time, and bring the comfort and peace of Jesus to our souls. May God bless you in your future endeavors, as you seek to help those in need. In Christian Love, Betty & John Champlin

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Thank you Pastor Chris for being the most fantastic pastor I have known. (beside my husband of course).  Your sermons are very in touch with the needs of our time, and bring the comfort and peace of Jesus to our souls. May God bless you in your future endeavors, as you seek to help those in need. In Christian Love, Betty & John Champlin

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Thanks for blessing me, Pastor Chris. I told you some years ago that you have a permanent place on my prayer list. It's PERMANENT!
There are several statements you have made in your sermons that I have in Notes and will always cherish. Here are two: "Justice means that all people thrive. It means that the weak get help." and "Heaven will always be in favour of the hurting."
Be Blest. Be Well.

L. Allan Martin
The beret-wearing black guy.

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Dear Pastor Chris. You have done so many things for our church and the community that we hardly know where to start. We are grateful that you supported the liturgical church both my your presence as the pastoral host on occasion and with your homilies. Your instituted seasonal services for the Easter season and for the Christmas season. You recruited to your pastoral staff excellent people who have served it We members well. We attended some of the delicious dinners that you and the pastors prepared for the seniors at Christmas time. You know that the time comes for us all when we need to move on and we wish you well in your next adventure. We have always sensed that you are truly a spiritual person and on a spiritual journey. May your be blessed as you continue this journey. Bob and Kathleen Dunn

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Chris has been a constant presence in my life as a Seventh-day Adventist. A favorite early memory was from my interview with the pastors as I applied for the position of church administrative assistant. Chris's final question to me was "Have you ever heard of haystacks?" (Keep in mind I was a very fresh member of the church at the time.) I responded quite honestly that I did not, to which she replied with a giggle "You will." Her words from that moment on have guided me on my path with the church and conference. I refer not only to her sermons. Chris's keen sense of knowing when to address an issue and how to address it is infallible. This skill, along with her many other talents, will surely lead her to great success on this new path. My heart feels the weight of sadness as she departs, but more than that it bursts with the pride as she embarks on this journey with our community with courage and determination. Thank you, Chris, for the example you set for us all in this world.

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Pastor Chris in her academic regalia for La Sierra University Convocation 2019.

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Pastor Chris: Thank you for being a most excellent pastor to the academic community. I am blessed by your demonstrated value of education and value of practical love. You are never separate from the community and always a reminder to do better as a community. Thank you for being a beacon.

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Pastor Chris; many years ago you followed the Spirit and it lead you to us.  How amazing is it that God saw our need, and your need, and put us together!  I know I have personally grown and deepened in my relationship with Jesus specifically because of you.  Simply put, I know and love Jesus so much more because you have shared so much of yourself and your understanding of God with us.  Now, you are following your heart again.  And your heart follows the Spirit.  Where would Jesus walk, what would He do tomorrow if He were here in the 92505?  Well, He is here, isn’t He? The crisis in front of us every day, the people who are ignored and minimalized, those are His heart, His children.  Thank you for following your heart Chris and sharing that journey with us.
-Monte McKinstry

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The perfect memory came up in our photo feed today. Thank you for your service and leadership all these years. You’re family and we want only the best for you!! We love you!!

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It has been a great blessing for me to be part of the La Sierra church under Pastor Chris' Jesus centered and progressive ministry.

I am relieved to hear you will be tackling the serious problem of homelessness of foster kids and yet still be part of our spiritual family.

You and your compassionate ministry have presented to me a Jesus I am eager to follow and to love, and for this I thank you!

With much Grace and Blessings to you and your family,

--eugene borg

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Chris,
Thanks for the memories and the friendship.  May you continue to be led by the Spirit into your next calling.
Deb Metcalfe

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Hi Pastor Chris, this is Eugene Joseph. I have admired you and Kerby over the years from way back in 1984 when Kerby and I started graduate school at LLU. Your transition into the preaching ministry was both inspiring and hopeful to me. Your sermons have touched me deeply; your homiletics and hermeneurics kept us coming back for more as we learned afresh about our Savior Jesus Christ. Your ministry (and all that entailed) amidst passive-aggressive resistance from some in our highest to local ecclesiastical  organization, have deeply impacted many souls for Christ. Now that you move on to your next phase of ministry, we pray that God, through his Holy Spirit, guides you and your family, including your beautiful daughters,  as He has promised to do.  Let me know if I can be of help in any way as you move forward. Thank you, and may God continue to use your unique skills in a way that only He can.   Blessings and peace to you and yours!

--Eugene Joseph

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Dear Chris, I imagine you are receiving hundreds of messages by now! But here is one more.
We are sad you are stepping down from your leadership position. You really meant a lot to us, and specially to me, since this is probably the first time in my life I attended regularly to church voluntarily, and I really enjoyed every moment of it. I called this church "home", and I felt somehow the "peace that surpasses all understanding" in several occasions while you were preaching. Thank you!  Whatever you decide to do from now on, you will be successful because you are the kind of people that shines, a rare condition in times like the times we are living. You have a different kind of leadership, unusual, with the capacity of convince others with a smile, and it really works. Once again, thank you for everything and I hope you find happiness in your new journey! Our family wishes you the best, and remember "Life is a journey, enjoy the ride" God bless you and keep you! Javier

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Thank you for the wonderful 18 years you have given to our church.  Your beautiful smile has always brighten the day.  The kindness and compassion you showed to our family at a very critical time will never be forgotten.  Best wishes and have fun in your new journey!!!!

Lizette

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I have many gems from pastor Chris! Here is one example to ponder anew from April 2020 (early in the pandemic)… “The opposite of faith is not doubt, it’s fear! The opposite of faith is not doubt, it’s certainty! The opposite of faith is not doubt, it’s control. The opposite of faith is not doubt, it’s self-sufficiency!”

Rob Thomas

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Pastor Chris,
Thank you for serving the church for so many years. May God be with you as you start a new chapter of your life.
-Natalie Brooks

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I arrived at La Sierra as a Sophomore, just after 9/11 (we were in South Dakota when it happened, driving across the country from my home in Michigan). My first time attending church, I saw a “Chris Oberg” was preaching. It shocked me to see that Pastor Chris is a “she” (and delighted me, having only seen one other female pastor). When she saw my name up to preach at First Service, she called to pray with me.

Her continued mentorship, the prayers together and conversations have marked significant decision points in my journey of following Jesus.

Over the past two years I’ve had the joy of working on Pastor Chris’ team. Her collaborative leadership style, intuition and wisdom, care for team members, depth with the text, and love of the congregation will continue to inspire me.

Pastor Chris, we’re going to miss you as our Lead Pastor, as well as your presence and voice in denominational leadership. But I’m grateful you will still be with us here at La Sierra, and I can’t wait to see how the Spirit continues to use your voice and work in our community.

Expect more calls!

Love, Raewyn Orlich