Our Story...
After ministry training, in the fall of 2003 while sitting on his porch with his pastor, Daren Dilts was asked to pray about starting an Independent, Fundamental, Bible-believing, Baptist Church in Big Bear, California. After spending much time in prayer, he realized that God had opened a door for him to reach his home town for Christ. Shortly after that, in the Spring of 2004, the Dilts family moved to Big Bear and started knocking doors right away to spread the word. On April 4th, 2004, Evergreen Baptist Church had their first service in the Dilts' home. There was a handful of great people there, and God was already proving himself faithful. Before long, Evergreen started having services at the Senior Center, and shortly after that, God opened the door for us to rent a building of our own. God blessed, the church grew, and many lives where touched through Evergreen Baptist Church.
In 2005, while in the Army stationed at Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, God started burdening the heart of Aaron Richert to take the Gospel back to his home town of Big Bear, CA. After he was discharged from the Army in 2006, Aaron and his wife, Karrie headed back to Big Bear and immediately joined Evergreen Baptist Church. In January of 2007, Aaron Richert became the Assistant Pastor and began training under Pastor Dilts' leadership. In the winter of 2008, the church voted to move to the current property at 1351 Midway Blvd. in Big Bear City. As Evergreen was approaching its 5 year anniversary, God began calling Pastor Dilts to the mission field. Shortly after, in March of 2009, he surrendered to go to South Africa. The announcement was made on our anniversary Sunday. There were many mixed feelings and emotions; excitement for the new chapter in our pastor's life, but sadness in letting him go. As we were going into our Anniversary Conference in the first week of April, God began to do a great work. The church body grew closer and stronger than ever before. There were many questions as to who the next pastor would be, but during the men's breakfast in June, Pastor Dilts suggested to the men that they make Aaron Richert the next pastor. The men were all in agreement. On Sunday, July 5th, 2009, the church voted unanimously to make Aaron Richert the next pastor. On September 1st, 2009, Aaron Richert assumed the pastorate of Evergreen Baptist Church. There is much anticipation that God is going to take Evergreen Baptist Church to new heights. We are excited to see what the future holds!
So Where Is Pastor Dilts?
Pastor Daren Dilts and his family are now on deputation to raise support to go to South Africa. After their survey trip in July, they are confident of their calling and anxious to get the where God is leading. Their sending church is Mountain View Baptist Church of Hesperia, CA. Please keep the Dilts family (Daren, Dana, Autumn, Jessica, Travis, Jacob, and Rebecca) in your prayers. To follow their ministry on their website, click here.
