Just one week before the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, another kind of earthquake occurred in Los Angeles that gave birth to the Azusa Street revival. Ten years later, with the United States on the brink of entering the first world war and fear on the rampage, a young couple arrived in Los Angeles to begin ministry and became convinced of the need to train people whose lives were being transformed by this experience of Spirit empowerment. Harold and Huldah Needham had no resources except a divine promise—“This is a vine of My Own planting.” A wealthy widow donated a 15-room house in the summer of 1920, and Vanguard University was born. In a world full of fear, a world that had been shaken by natural disasters, a world whose economy was devastated by war, a young California couple took a huge step of faith.
Fast forward to 2009 and we see a world again shaken by natural disasters, economic collapse, and wars. The new Board of Trustees of Vanguard University has reaffirmed that Vanguard remains faithful to its unique Pentecostal heritage with renewed commitment to the creative work of the Holy Spirit. The Board, along with the entire Vanguard community, is again taking a huge step of faith in the face of what some would call insurmountable odds—believing that God will again provide miraculously.
Into this moment steps a donor with a passion to see Vanguard renewed so that it can continue to equip men and women for Spirit-empowered service. And Vanguard receives the first million-dollar gift dedicated to debt relief with the challenge to match the first half by Christmas.
This is an amazing opportunity to multiply your gift and help the University.
To contribute or learn more visit www.vanguard.edu/challenge or mail your check to:
Office of University Advancement/Challenge Gift
Vanguard University
55 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Thank you for taking part in the challenge before the end of the year.