Pastor Tony Birge

Pastor Tony was born and raised in Paola, Kansas. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior when he was 9 years old. While he was still at Paola High School, he surrendered to full-time Christian service. After graduating from high school, he went to Baptist Bible College (BBC) in Springfield, MO. While attending BBC, he met Valerie Metts on a missions trip to the Phillipines in 1985. They married in August of 1986. In December of 1987, they had their first son, Stephen. In 1988, Tony graduated from BBC with a Bachelors Degree in Bible & Missions. In June of 1990, their whole family moved to Anaheim, California to serve a two year internship at Victory Baptist Church under then pastor, Dr. Robert Knutson. In 1992, Valerie gave birth to twin boys, Michael & Timothy. In 1997, Tony graduated from Keller Graduate School of Management with a Masters Degree in Business Management. In October of 1998, Dr. Knutson retired and the church asked Tony Birge to become their pastor.

Pastor Tony's favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

You can check out Pastor T's Blog by clicking (Here). 

School Principal - Valerie Birge

Valerie Birge, MA

Mrs. Birge is Pastor Tony’s wife. They have three boys, Stephen (19), Michael, and Timothy (15). Mrs. Birge is the principal of Victory Christian School , and also coordinates the ROSE Ladies Ministry at Victory. ROSE is an acronym for Renewing Our Spiritual Essence.

The daughter of Stan and Wilda Metts, Valerie was a Missionary Kid when her parents were Missionaries to Ethiopia, Africa. When a communistic government took over, her family was required to leave the country. The Metts family came to California and lived in West Covina for 6 months, then moved to Connecticut to plant churches in New England. After graduating from high school, Valerie went to Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO, where she completed the missions program and graduated in 1988. While at BBC she went on a Missions Trip to the Philippines. On this trip, she met Pastor Tony and one year later they were married. After graduating, they were seeking a church to serve an Internship. Dr. Knutson called to ask if they would come to CA to Victory while Tony was on a cabinet installation job and out of contact. Dr. K said they had a Missionary coming through Springfield the next day with a ½ empty truck and if she could get packed, it would save a lot of money in shipping. She immediately began packing and even drained the water-bed by the time Tony got home.  She thought the worst that could happen would be for Tony to say they weren’t going and she would have to unpack. They moved to CA in June of 1990. She took a position as the 4^th grade teacher, and Tony became a teacher/maintenance man/youth pastor/Missions Intern. Stephen was 2 ½ when they came. They decided to have another child before going on deputation as missionaries to Romania. At 5 months she found out that the baby was actually two babies! They were born 3 months premature and had many complications which needed medical attention. They were in NICU for 75 days. Michael had a grade 4 brain bleed at 3 weeks and the Dr.’s said normally they would suggest unplugging life support, but since Michael was doing so well, they had decided to let him continue. They said normally a grade 4 bleed causes severe handicaps and Michael would be in a wheelchair his whole life. Today, Mike is doing great! He has partial paralysis on his left side, but he runs and plays and is a huge blessing!

In 1998, Pastor Tony accepted the pastorate of Victory Baptist Church. When the position of Principal of Victory Christian School came open in 2001, Mrs. Birge accepted the job, and enrolled in California Baptist University for their Masters Degree in Administration of a Faith Based School. She completed the program in the spring of 2005.

Her favorite verse is Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

Her favorite Chapter is Ps. 70. No matter what circumstances life brings, true peace comes from knowing that God loves you and your loved ones more than you ever could, and trusting His Word that he is working all things together for our good, and according to His perfect plan. We may not know until eternity the plan that He has, but trusting that He is a good God, and is in total control at all times brings comfort, peace and joy to life.

Business Manager - Josh Mallipudi

Josh Mallipudi is the Business Manager and resident Tech and Media guy at Victory.  He was born and raised in Orange County, California.  Josh accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at the age of nine during a Sunday School lesson.  While attending college, Josh came on staff at Victory in 1997.  He graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 2000 with a degree in Business and Management.

Josh met Vicki when she moved to California from Springfield, MO. to teach in the school.  They were married in July 2003.  Josh and Vicki volunteer in the youth ministry.

Josh’s favorite bible verses are :

• Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
•  Joshua 1:16 - Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go." ;-)

Music Minister - Chris Taguinod

Chris C. Taguinod came from the Philippines in January of 1993. He came to know Christ after graduating from  high school in 1978. While looking for a school to pursue a career, God impressed in his heart His call to the ministry. That same year, Chris responded to God’s call and attended International Baptist Theological College, Manila, Philippines and graduated in 1982. After graduating from College, he worked as full time Music Director of the main church, the International Baptist Church, Manila Philippines and at the same time a Faculty member of the school he graduated from. From 1984 to 1993, he served as a missionary sent by International Baptist Missionary Fellowship, Decatur, Georgia to promote the school and it’s ministry in different churches in the U.S.

In January of 1993, the Lord opened the door for him and he was offered a position as part-time music director at California Heights Baptist church in Long Beach, CA. After seeking God’s will and direction, he accepted the position. That same month his family migrated to the U.S.

In August of 2001, the Lord opened another door of opportunity when Victory Baptist Church offered him a full-time position as Music Minister. For years he prayed to God that He would lead him to a church where he could serve God on a full-time basis and Victory Baptist Church was an answer to that prayer.

He is married to Noemi Garcia and God blessed them with 3 children. Andrea Leigh, 16, Peter Justin 14, and the newest addition, Kirsten Naomi, 3 years old.

Youth Pastor - Neb Milbourn

Neb has been attending Victory since he was two years old. After high school Neb began to work with Jr. High ministries. After our last youth pastor moved on to work in San Francisco in 2000, Neb took over the position of youth pastor. He has a Bachelors of Science degree in Christian Ministry from HOPE University and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Azusa Pacific University.

Neb is married to Elizabeth Milbourn, whom he met in the youth department when he was in Jr. High. They have three kids, Neb Caleb, Moses the Rock, & Aaron Nathaniel.

Neb is also the CEO of Reaching India For Christ, an organization that helps build churches and fund national pastors in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India.

Preschool Director - Marilyn Milbourn