Too often the task earns the attention over those most important to you. Spend uninterrupted time with one so precious to you in a place where the everyday seems so far away.

Matthew Cork, Speaker

Matthew obtained his undergraduate degree from Azusa Pacific University in Communications and Music. Matthew also earned a Masters degree in Pastoral Studies from Azusa Pacific University with an emphasis in Church Development. Matthew has served in a number of key roles over his many years at Friends Church, including: Worship Pastor, Executive Pastor and the position he currently holds, Lead Pastor. Matthew's focus since 2003 has been on the renewal of Friends church. He has a strong pastor's heart that has led him to be a key part of transitioning a church in crisis. In 2007, on a trip to India, Matthew saw firsthand the plight of the Dalit people and the impact education can have on improving their lives. While in India, Matthew was able to see God's vision shape his own life as well as the overall vision of Friends Church. Since then, Friends Church has launched a new vision called Global Freedom and has been instrumental in building a large number of Education Centers throughout India. Matthew is also in the process of writing a book about his own life experiences as a leader and the renewal of Friends Church through Global Freedom. In addition to his local church experience he is also a professional musician and national recording artist. Under his leadership, BASIX recorded five albums and traveled throughout the United States and world. Matthew lives in Yorba Linda with his wife Mardi and their three children: Nolan, Sophie and Ella. Mardi was born and raised in Perth, Australia and graduated from Azusa Pacific University. Mardi is an accomplished vocalist having performed in Phantom of the Opera at the Ford Center, Vancouver, Canada.

Michelle Bloom, Musician

Michelle Bloom started her songwriting career as a senior at Azusa Pacific University when she composed a variation of a song based on Isaiah 40. The soaring three-part counterpoint quickly became a favorite of the APU choir and chapel bands. The song has remained a source of strength and hope for students and the university for 20 years. As Forest Home’s Music Mama for 6 summers, her songs “Jumping Bean” and “The Wow Song” and “I Spy” were sung thousands and thousands of times. Her recording of these classics sold out and she is still frequently asked “When will they come out on CD?” Michelle went on to be the Artist-in-Residence at Westmont College, entrusted with over 40 chapels and then lead several years of Senior Chapel at Azusa Pacific University. She is currently working on her 5th recording called “Fields of Attention” a collection of river hymns and poem/songs that meet the growing cultural need to come together as communities and practice slowing down. She has been invited by authors Dr. Dan Siegel of UCLA and Jon Kabat-Zinn of Harvard to present at conferences that address the practice of being in the present moment, cultivating mindfulness and compassion. She returns to Forest Home with a new version of Psalm 23. Michelle lives with her family, husband Scott Nelson and son, Sawyer in Pasadena, CA.