History of Mfh
ABOUT US
My Friend’s House was founded in 1971 through aggressive evangelism efforts in East Los Angeles as part of the historic “Jesus Movement” of the 1960’s and ‘70’s. Pastor Jim and Yolie Ortiz, as street evangelists, reached out to bi-lingual/bi-cultural Latino young people and families with the Gospel of Jesus. A congregation was formed and soon the name “My Friend’s House” was chosen because many discovered Christ Jesus “a friend that sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24). The congregation relocated into the Whittier area in 1975. Over the years My Friend’s House has remained very active in evangelistic outreach, family building and
strengthening, and community development efforts - all Kingdom building objectives. Pastor Jim and Yolie celebrated 50 years of ministry in 2021 with a continuing vision for the future. Excitement continues to be generated through the congregation to see how God uses this fellowship of believers to have impact and influence in the local community in partnership with others for the Glory of God. The church is known for its energetic and impacting worship; strong, practical, and bible centered teaching; effective discipleship ministry to children, youth, and families; and its community centered evangelism and social outreach efforts.
My Friend’s House AG MISSION STATEMENT
Our Mission:
To Reach
We are focused on fulfilling the Great Commission Matthew 28:19
To Restore
We are committed to the Great Commandment Matthew 22:36
To Renew
We equip people for Great Purpose to serve one Lord, one Spirit, as one Body
I Corinthians 12:12-13
To Release
We emphasize the Great Commitment to impact, influence, and impart God’s grace and mercy to a lost and dying world. Acts 1:8
MFH Church is an Assemblies of God congregation and ascribes to the AG Statement of Fundamental Truths which states, “The Foundation of our Faith, Preaching, and Teaching is that Jesus is our Savior & Lord, Healer, Baptizer, and Soon Coming King!
For a more developed description of our doctrinal beliefs please click the following link https://ag.org/Beliefs/Statement-of-Fundamental-Truths
Our Leadership
Senior Pastor Jim Ortiz
Reverend James Ortiz, “Pastor Jim”, is an Ordained Minister, and the Senior Pastor of My Friend’s House Church. He along with his wife of 52 years, Yolie Ortiz, have led the congregation for more than 50 years. Pastor Jim has been a leader and mentor to couples and individuals whose ministries extend throughout the United States and across the world as missionaries, pastors, evangelists, college professors, and university administrators. As well as his weekly leadership and preaching to the congregation of more than 300 parishioners. He has held ministerial credentials with the General Council of the Assemblies of God since 1969, and with the Assemblies of God International Fellowship since 2008. Pastor Jim is passionate about ministry in the local community of Whittier, CA to which God has placed him. Over the years he has been instrumental in various economic and community developments, community outreach programs, and has received numerous recognitions for his contributions to the welfare and enrichment of the citizens of Los Angeles County and his impact and influence upon the communities his congregation serves. He is also the founder and President of the Whittier Area
Evangelical Ministerial Alliance (WAEMA), a partnership of 35+ congregations who, since 1979, have accepted the responsibility of bringing a prophetic voice and being spiritual overseers to this community to address spiritual, social, economic, educational, and community/political issues of this region. Pastor Jim and Yolie Ortiz have been married since 1970 and are the proud parents of three adult children and eleven grandchildren. Obeying the call of God on his life since the age of 15, Pastor Jim remains steadfast in his purpose and vision to see those who are far from God brought into life, purpose, and relationship with Jesus Christ.
