​​​​Steve Schembri​

I was born and grew up in Phoenix, AZ during the era when it had just two freeways and driving out to 100th Avenue only meant two things, we were on our way to an airshow at Luke, or we were on our way California.  I remember the explosive growth during the 90's--I used to run to the construction site of the 51 freeway from Shadow Mountain High School during sports practices.  I was blessed to be raised in the Valley in a Christian home, attending Tatum Boulevard Church of Christ every Sunday with my family, and returning Sunday evening for Youth Group.  God grabbed me at an early age--not for any other reason than He wanted me and was calling me to something far greater than I would be capable of on my own.  As a boy, I didn't know where He was leading me, but I knew I needed to follow Him.  So, just months shy of my twelfth birthday, I decided to make my faith my own and was baptized by my dad in the pool of my childhood home.  I have sought Him, or more accurate would be to say He has shown me grace since then--as I have walked confidently in faith at times, and other times felt like I was wandering, as I let my pride and selfishness cloud my vision.  Nonetheless, God called me to full-time ministry during my senior year of high school.  This led to my decision to attend Hope in Fullerton, CA.  My four years at Hope were amazing--it was where I really committed to life-long ministry.  Since then, God has used numerous experiences to mold me into the man I am today.  I met my wife, Sarah, through mutual church friends.  We share a desire to serve and a passion for the Church.  I want to be an example to families and my peers so that they can see and experience the best life possible--a life dedicated to following Christ.  I have come to learn; however, that it is in our weakness, and in overcoming adversity, that God teaches us, grows our faith, and makes us stronger.  I have learned that good leadership comes from an attitude of service.  I continue learning to listen and wait for God's whisper rather than expecting a pillar of fire.  He also patiently reveals the areas I am not trusting Him.  I am on a life-long adventure with Jesus--grateful for both the blessings and the trials.