A one room building was constructed in 1957 and both school and worship services were held there. The church averaged between 35 and 100 people over the next 35 years. During that time a 200 seat sanctuary was built and the school was expanded. In 1991 God called Larry & Deb Walkemeyer to pastor a group of 80 anglo Christians who were ready to do something great for God.

With changes in worship music under Craig and Mary Durst leadership and changes in many areas of ministry the church began to grow rapidly. Walls were knocked out to accomodate the growing numbers. One of passions was to become a multi-ethnic church. At worship services now over 20 different language groups are present.

In 1999 God called Light & Life to be a "River Church"...rather than relocating into larger facilities we were to stay put and plant churches. In 1999 our first church was planted. Since then many churches have been planted. At the same time we began working in Ethiopia.

In 2006 we purchased a building for a Community Center as God called us to prioritize the poor as we continued to planting churches. At LLCF we believe the best years are just ahead. We have received awards from the City of Long Beach for helping change one of the most violent streets in the city.

Light & Life has grown to 800 in attendance, as well as planted multiple churches locally, nationally and globally.