L. J. Thomas, Emeritus
Emeritus L.J. Thomas has been licensed and ordained to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ since 1976, and has been pastor of Mt. Moriah Christian Church since 1978 to 2020. Emeritus L.J. Thomas has received his theological training from Liberty Baptist Institute, Lynchburg, Virginia and has completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Sharp Hospital. Emeritus L.J. Thomas was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he received his formal education; he is a former Marine, Vietnam Veteran and a Mira Mesa resident. Emeritus L.J. Thomas is celebrating marriage to Novia and has five adult children, He is community oriented and has served on many community and civic organizations.
Rev. Cheryl Cooley
Executive Pastor Cheryl A. McCree Cooley is a native of San Diego California, who grew up in the Linda Vista Community. She attended local area schools and graduated from Stephen Watts Kearny High School. She went on to pursue an education at United States International University, Immanuel Bible College, and Springfield College, Massachusetts. She has earned a Certificate in Biblical Studies, a degree in Christian Education, a degree in Human Services with emphasis in Counseling, and she is a Board-Certified Human Services Practitioner. Retired after 42 years of service in public education.
In 1967, Pastor Cooley was baptized at Second Baptist Church in Linda Vista. She has served in various offices and ministries through the years. Choir, Usher Board, Sunday School Teacher, Minister Children’s Church, Minister of Christian Education, Women’s Ministry Director, Adult Bible study teacher to name a few in addition to speaking engagements throughout the San Diego community.
Pastor Cooley was licensed to preach the Gospel by Immanuel Bible College-Rev. Joyce Vaughn, President; licensed as Associate Minister at Body of Christ Community Church-Pastor Gary Bishop; and ordained for Pastoral Ministry under the tutelage of the late Dr. Alonzo Cooper, Pastor of University Avenue Baptist Church.
A member of Mt Moriah Christian Church (MMCC) since 2013, Pastor Emeritus L.J. Thomas, recognizing the anointing and calling on her life, invited her to join the MMCC Ministerial team. In November 2020 Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Gerald W. Brown appointed her Executive Pastor of MMCC.
She is supported in her ministry by her husband Deacon Rufus Cooley, and their 6 biological and God given children: Tanzola, Nichelle, Nathaniel, Micah, Kendra, and Adam. Between them these 6 gifts from God have blessed them with 14 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild(as of 2021).
Pastor Cooley’s ultimate desire is to help others fully understand the love of God and his word. “...seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
Rev. Glaiza Champion
Glaiza Macabali Champion finished her Bachelors in Theology Major in Missions at FEBIAS College of Bible in the Philippines. She then moved to Busan, South Korea to finish her Masters in Divinity at Kosin University.
She served as a missionary for Messiah International Light of the Earth Church, Philippines for about year before moving to South Korea. In South Korea, while she was studying, she also served in the children’s ministry as well as the pulpit ministry in various churches as part of her training. She was also a pre-school teacher for a year and half in Cambodia.
She was born in the Philippines, grew up in Brunei, and spent a majority of her time moving from different countries in Asia. She moved to America in 2017, to be married to her husband, Michael Champion and to be closer to her family – the Macabalis – who already moved to America some years earlier.. She currently serves in the media ministry of Mount Moriah Christian Church.
Rev. Jun Macabali
Rev Jun Macabali is happily married for 30 years to Girlie, they have two grown up kids Jana and Jemuel. He is a civil engineer by profession and had a celebrated career for more than 32 years in Brunei Darussalam. He was ordained Minister of the Gospel on September 2005 in Messiah International Light of the Earth church and since then been the Associate Pastor. He is also the Chairman of the Church Council, was the Music Director and was the Head of the Hospital Visitation ministry. Together with his family he migrated in the U.S. on January 2013. He first served as a Deacon in Harmony Baptist Church in San Diego until he found a new home church in Mt. Moriah Christian Church and is being considered to work as a Minister. Currently he is working in Dexcom San Diego.
Rev. Dr. Eugene H. Marzette
Rev. Dr. Eugene H. Marzette, an ordained minister, received his education at California State University Fresno, his Master of Divinity and Doctorate degrees from Friends International Christian University in 1976. He became an associate minister under watch care since 2015 serving on a number of Ministries including Evangelism Team leader. He is a longtime faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church in Los Angeles where he became an associate minister in 1986. Dr. Marzette serves as the community relations Liaison for the Los Angeles Police Clergy whose primary purpose is to organize communities to eradicate gang violence, and as a board member representing Trinity Baptist Church on The Jefferson Park Improvement Project. Dr. Marzette is also Co-Chairperson of Trinity’s Board of Christian Education.
Dea. Rufus Cooley
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord : the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.(Psalms 34:1-3 KJV)
God has truly bless me and my family, that’s why Psalms 34:1-3, has great meaning in my life. My work for The Lord has been very consistent, He is first in my life in all that I do.
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I was called by The Lord in 1991 to become a Deacon and was Ordained in 1994 as I am presently serving. His acts of love has shown me what it is to be a Christian Servant according to Acts 6:1-8, I Timothy 3:8-13, and Romans16:1-2. Married and Love The Lord.
Dea. Sharon Sauls-Portis
Deacon Sharon L. Sauls-Portis, born in San Diego, CA, comes from a family of 10 children. Deacon Sharon graduated from Mira Mesa Highschool, and graduated from Maric College as a Medical Assisant. "I was called by God out of the darkness into the marvelous light. I love winning souls for the Kingdom of Heaven. If it hadn't been for His grace and mercy where would I be? Lost!"
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"I have been a part of Mt. Moriah Christian Church since I was 12 years old, under Pastor LJ Thomas. I am a Wife, Mother of 5 children, Grandmother to 6 grandchildren."
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Throughout the years, Deacon Sharon has dedicated her time to the choir, has served as an Usher, and has now been appointed by Rev. Dr. Gerald Brown to lead the Children's Ministry and be a part of the Women's Ministry. "As an active Deacon at Mt. Moriah, I am proud to be a part of God's plan. One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 3:13- 14.
Dea. Lee McKnight McQuilla
In 1979, Deacon McKnight relocated from Boston Massachusetts with her husband and four children. She united with Mt. Moriah Christian Church in 1979. Deacon McKnight has served several years as Church Finance officer, Usher Board President, President of the Women’s Ministry, President of Pastor’s Aide, Nursery Director, Chair of Diaconate Board, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasure.
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She presently serves as Vice Chair of the Deacon Board and Director of Children’s Church.
Deacon McKnight is currently employed as a Mental Health Counselor for the County of San Diego. She has four children and many grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
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Lee is committed to working with children and helping them to learn the Word.
One of her favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:11.
Julian Woodard
Julian Woodard, 46 years of age, Graduated from Fontana A.B. Miller High school in 1994. He joined the U.S. Army in 1998 and served seven years.
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Graduated from American Intercontinental University March 2012 - June 2014 (AIU) with a Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice and Master of Business Administration.
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He is a Certified Chaplain, Grace School of Ministry Jan 09, 2021 and has been the Food Bank Director at Mt. Moriah Christian Church since 2020.
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Deacon Woodard has been married for 6 years and has 3 children; one boy and two girls. Their family has lived in San Diego since 2009.