After the faithful retirement of Pastor Clyde Cooper, the Lord graciously led Vista to call Thomas Karrer as Lead Pastor in September 2021. Thomas, along with his wife Solé and their sons—Nicholas, Gideon, Judah, and Hezekiah—came to Vista having previously labored in the joy & challenge of planting a Spanish-speaking church in Vancouver, Washington. From the very beginning, it was evident that God was writing a story far bigger than any of them could have imagined.
God's Evident Grace
On their second weekend at Vista, a small but memorable moment captured both the need and the opportunity before them: the Karrer boys were the only children in the Kids Ministry, as the only other two kids who had been in there had just graduated into Youth Group. What could have felt discouraging instead became a catalyst for faith! As a family, they brought this before the Lord in prayer, asking Him to raise up and bring more families with children into the life of the church. In a beautiful and immediate display of God’s kindness, He answered that prayer the very next week by bringing two new families with children. And He has not stopped.
What we are witnessing is not merely numerical growth, but a deepening spiritual vitality. The Word of God is being preached, lives are being changed, and Christ is being treasured more and more among His people. There's a growing sense of unity, purpose, and joy as the body is built up in love. Our greater vision is that God would continue to use Vista not only to grow, but to go—to raise up leaders, send out workers, and plant new churches for the advance of His gospel locally and globally. To God be the glory for all that He has done, is doing, and will do!
