Pastor’s Tony’s Reading List: “Total Forgiveness”Born and raised in the steel town of
Gary, Indiana, Tony lived life “his own way” Monday through Saturday. However, Sundays
were different because that was the day he would go to church. And even though he attended
church, Tony had no idea what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
An exceptional student and athlete, after graduation, Tony was offered an academic
scholarship to Indiana State University and a baseball scholarship to Southern University
in Louisiana. Tony chose academics and attended Indiana State. This decision would change
the course of his life forever!
The Transformation After his first year in college, Tony decided to marry his high school sweetheart, Jenise,
and join the United States Marine Corps. After boot camp, instead of starting a life with
his new bride, Tony received military orders to be stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Going to
this foreign land was more than an overseas adventure because it was here that he made a
life-changing God commitment. He thrived in this newfound relationship and began learning
about the Bible. It was in Okinawa that the Lord revealed to Tony that one day he would
become a pastor.
The Call When Tony returned to the states, he continued in his walk with the Lord and became an
assistant pastor with a local church. Still in the Marine Corps and stationed at Camp
Pendleton, in San Mateo, Tony had a 70 mile round trip commute. He would use this time to
learn more about the Bible by tuning in to Calvary Chapel’s radio station, KWAVE. Over
time, Tony grew increasingly interested in the “new” teaching style of Calvary Chapel and
began attending Calvary Chapel Vista.
When Tony’s enlistment in the Marine Corps ended, he was asked by Pastor Brian Brodersen
to join his pastoral staff. After a few years at Calvary Chapel Vista, Tony began thinking
about the idea of pastoring a church. But where would it be? Only God would know!
The Work Joey Buran, who, at the time pastored Calvary Chapel Hampton Roads, would periodically
call Tony to tell him about the ministry opportunities in Virginia. Even though Tony had
never been to the East Coast, he decided to visit Virginia. After much prayer, Tony knew
for certain that Newport News, Virginia was the place that God would have him to be a
pastor.
In September 1994, Tony, Jenise, and their three children, Erin, Tony Jr., and Eric, made
the trek from Vista, California to Newport News, Virginia. October 1994 marks the date
that Calvary Chapel Newport News was established.
Today, Calvary Chapel Newport News is a multi-cultural fellowship with members from over
30 countries represented. More than 2,500 people call Calvary Chapel Newport News home and
are inspired by Tony’s simplistic, yet life-changing teaching style. A sought after Bible
teacher, he often travels around the country to preach the Gospel message. His radio
program, “The Word Made Plain,” is heard daily by millions.
Though Tony didn’t know it, God directed his life from the very beginning. For example,
KWAVE, the radio station that Tony listened to as a young marine during his long commute
to work, now airs his weekly messages!
Until He Comes The desire of Tony’s heart is to see the community of Newport News and the Hampton Roads
area transformed by continuing to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ. Tony continues to
heed the call by passionately studying God’s Word, prayerfully seeking the Lord’s
direction for His church, and vigorously pouring love into the lives of the people God
leads his way – persevering until He comes!