Who We Are
Michael and Norma Letinsky
Michael has a Ph.D. in Biology and was a Professor at the UCLA School of Medicine for 22 years. When he met the Lord in 1977, he began to seriously study the Bible and pursue spiritual growth. He has extensive experience in education, teaching and training, administration, computer technology, and leadership. After serving in several churches in lay leadership positions, as an elder, and as a key leader in two church plants, he was called into full-time ministry in 1997. He served as Pastor of Spiritual Growth at Sonrise Christian Fellowship in Simi Valley, California for over 5 years. In this position he developed and taught many Bible courses and training classes, with an emphasis on the practical application of God’s Word. He developed and oversaw an extensive and successful Small Groups Ministry, a Christian Adult Education Program, a multifaceted Prayer ministry, and diverse ministry teams. Michael has also written several successful courses for the International Bible Institute. He is a gifted coach and mentor, with a gentle manner that allows for trust and openness.
Norma has also been a committed believer for more than 25 years. She has a Master’s degree in Education, and is currently on the faculty at Moorpark College. She has many years of experience teaching both secular classes and biblical topics. In the past, she has served the Lord as a children’s Sunday school teacher from grades preschool through junior high, directed the church elementary education program, and conducted teacher training. While at Sonrise Christian Fellowship, she co-led the Small Groups Ministry, oversaw prayer ministries (which included facilitating the National Day of Prayer, and writing a weekly e-mail prayer bulletin distributed to over 200 households), taught Bible classes and workshops, led several small groups, and was an elder and women’s ministry speaker and facilitator. She and Michael often teach as a team.
Michael and Norma share the same passion to encourage and enable people to become true disciples of Jesus Christ, and recognize and be released in their giftings and callings. They are partners in ministry and enjoy teaching and serving together. Having both come from Jewish backgrounds prior to receiving Christ, and having lived, worked, studied, and traveled extensively in Israel, Michael and Norma often bring a fresh Hebraic perspective to their teaching. Their teachings are practical and thoroughly biblical; their style is warm, engaging, and transparent. Their greatest joy is bringing people into a deeper relationship with the Living God. They have been married for over 30 years, and have two sons and a daughter-in-law who all love the Lord.