Pastors Bernie and Janice Samples came to Barstow, CA in 2005 after pastoring in Indiana from 1991-2005, to assume the responsibility of the pastorate as Senior Pastors of Hi Desert Word Center. Recently, they turned the Sr. Pastor position over to their son and his wife, Revs. David and Katie Samples. They currently remain in the role of Oversight Pastors.

In August of 2025 the Holy Ghost revealed to Pastor Janice, “I want a large Word church in Helendale.” Immediately, she went to prayer, and she and Pastor Bernie answered the call. Later in the month of August, the Holy Ghost said, “Take your staff and move on!” In other words, move on and into this new work. He wasn’t talking about a “staff” of people, He was talking about a “rod and staff” like Moses had.

The Lord called them to pioneer a NEW work in Helendale, CA, not a church plant or other Hi Desert Word Center campus. In church lingo, “pioneer” means no one is sending people, no one is supporting financially. Church “plants” are when a larger church sends people and monthly finances to “plant” a church in a new region. The Lord has instructed them to establish Victorious Living Christian Church with nothing but faith in the Lord that He will send the people and the finances so the church can flourish and grow!

The Samples are parents of 8 children – all adults and married with children of their own – 26 grandchildren in all – so far! They have a heart for children, and Children’s Ministry is very important to them! Children will be taught the Word of God on their level in a powerful way. Children who use the faith they received by writing Romans 10:17 on their hearts to boldly step out in faith to pray for anyone in need!

Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.”

Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please God …”.