Debbie Walker is the beloved wife of our Senior Pastor, Marty Walker. She would be considered the “quiet one” of the two, although upon closer examination you would learn she has quite a sense of humor. Along with this quietness, is an inner strength that has been developed with years of marriage, many which have been spent partnering together in full-time ministry. She has, in quietness and strength, spent those same years raising their four beautiful children, Amanda, Victoria, Isaac and Abigail. They are truly her passion and joy. Though Debbie home-schooled all of their children to certain levels, with all but Abigail (who now attends Santa Clarita Christian School) now graduated, Debbie has more opportunities to partner with Pastor Marty in ministry. Since January 2002, she has been leading the women’s ministries at The Sanctuary, Girls Like Me. She has discovered a passion and desire to see women build relationships with one another and live out their faith “together” – not as “Lone Ranger” Christians. When she’s not with her two grandchildren or planning for the next Girls Like Me event, you might find her at Starbuck’s with a good friend sipping coffee and chatting… or just on the beach enjoying the beautiful ocean.

Growing up in Burbank, California, Lisa was surrounded by love of the arts and anything creative. Her family’s extensive traveling around the world was the seed of global perspective and love of travel that shapes her life now. Lisa first learned about God when a neighbor took her to church in the fourth grade. Yet, it wasn’t until the summer of her junior year in high school that she accepted Christ’s love and grace as her own. Since then she has been involved in children’s, youth, women’s and missions ministries. Currently she works with our UTURN youth ministry. In 1987, Lisa was married to her husband Rich. Rich works at a clinic in Lancaster as a nurse practitioner. He has a huge heart for missions, a love for solitude and the outdoors. They have two boys in college and one in high school. With their boys getting older, family time is much harder to come by. Yet, when they do all connect it is usually over good food, traveling, watching a movie or being outdoors. Lisa earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and has worked as a freelance graphic artist for 25 years. She loves photography, bike riding, rollerblading, skiing and snowboarding. Kayaking has also become a favorite for her and Rich to do together.

Betty Jean was born in Bishop, California and grew up on 40 acres just outside Independence, California. Her parents adopted two children as they were told they would not be able to have children of their own. Surprise! In their 40’s along came one of their own – Betty Jean! After graduating from Owens Valley High School, she attended Mt. San Antonio College (Walnut, CA) receiving a degree in Legal Secretarial Science and a certificate in floral design. Betty Jean then moved to Hollywood where she attended Bryan College of Court Reporting (Los Angeles) and began working for a Beverly Hills law firm. After two years of court reporting school she trained as a paralegal with that firm with hopes of becoming an attorney. During this time, Betty Jean met her husband, Mark, who took her to Hollywood Presbyterian Church for their first date. Though she decided not to pursue the law degree, she worked for the same law firm for 17 years as a paralegal and office manager. After the Northridge earthquake, Betty Jean retired from the field of law. Though she grew up in a Methodist church, Betty Jean stopped attending church during college. Of course, after meeting husband Mark, that all changed. After moving to the San Fernando Valley and attending a couple different churches over the years, the Donaldson’s visited a “new one.” On the recommendation of a youth pastor at the Northridge Foursquare Church, Betty Jean, Mark, and Liz paid a visit to The Sanctuary to meet this “awesome youth pastor” there, Pastor Marty. After more than three months of prayer, deliberation, and confirmation, the Donaldsons made The Sanctuary their home in September of 1992. Betty Jean began serving as the designer of the children’s classroom bulletin boards and has now served in various capacities including Nursery Worker, Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study Leader, Women’s Ministry Leadership Team Member, Christmas Decorator, Wedding Coordinator, Church Council Member and Interim Children’s Ministry Director. Whew! This lady has done it all . . . including joining The Sanctuary staff in 2004 as Director of Children’s Ministries, assisting Pastor Julie as she leads children’s ministries.

Mike is a man who likes to see things done right! As the Facilities Custodian of The Sanctuary, it is his responsibility to make sure our campus and offices display our commitment to excellence in serving God and our community. Born in Santa Monica, California, Mike eventually found his way to the Santa Clarita Valley. During the early years of marriage, Mike worked as a carpenter with a private contractor. In 1991, he took the opportunity to work as a Senior General Maintenance Worker at The LA County Sheriff’s Department’s Peter Pitchess Detention Facility (Castaic, CA), where he served for 12 years! In late 2003, Mike made a significant life change, accepting the offer to join the team at The Sanctuary, bringing with him a vast experience and knowledge of carpentry, construction and maintenance. The decision was not tough, given that it would mean working at the church that he and his family had been calling “home” since 1998. In addition to making his career at The Sanctuary, Mike truly has a servant’s heart! He has served, and continues to serve, his church family in variety of ways, including leading in our UTURN youth ministries, building sets for productions presented by Between The Lines, our drama ministry, and just helping out wherever he is needed.