In 1964, a seed of faith was planted in Vista, California. This seed would blossom into the Buena Vista Baptist Church. The church wasn’t content with just building its own sanctuary. It looked to the future. It saw a growing community north of town. Buena Vista Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor B. Wade McKinley, decided to act. They had surplus funds from their own building project. Pastor McKinley declared, “Let’s buy some land to build a mission on the north side of town.” For $20,000, over four acres of land were purchased on the corner of Highland and Maryland. In 1965, this land became the home of North Vista Baptist Church, a mission of Buena Vista Baptist Church. This new church would later become known as Lifeway Baptist Church. Buena Vista Baptist Church’s vision extended beyond Vista. They aimed to impact the wider community, San Diego County, and even the world. They focused on sharing the Gospel and making a difference in people’s lives. Lifeway Baptist Church continued this mission. They became known for their lively Vacation Bible School and the annual Living Nativity. This depicted the Christmas story for the community. For fifty years, Buena Vista Baptist Church and Lifeway Baptist Church have sown seeds of faith. They’ve witnessed the transformative power of the Gospel in their neighborhood and beyond. Their legacy continues to inspire. They remind us of the potential for growth and impact when a community acts on its faith.
Sweetwater River
From high in the Cuyamaca Mountains, the Sweetwater River begins its journey. It’s a 55-mile trek to the Pacific, a