At In His Presence Church you will find that our leadership team is unlike any other. Pastor Mel Ayres moved to southern California in 1977, where he had a successful acting career for 10 years. He met his wife Pastor Desiree Ayres, in an acting class. She eventually went on to become one of Hollywood’s most successful stuntwoman. After marrying in 1983, continuing to find favor in their careers, they began to feel the call of God to leave the Entertainment Industry, and launch out into ministry.

Pastor Mel and Desiree Ayres started In His Presence Church in Studio City in 1992, with only 30 people in attendance. From there, God continued to move in their lives and propel their ministry forward. On April 20th, 2003 In His Presence Church moved to its current location in Woodland Hills. 

After much prayer and fasting, the pastors knew their vision of spreading the word of God across the nation was a top priority. They encourage and mentor pastors and leaders not only in the Los Angeles area but throughout the world. 

"Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law." Proverbs 29:18 NKJV

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In 2000, Pastor Mel and Desiree successfully planted three churches in India. A couple of years after that they supported and sent out Pastors Michael and Carol Hart to Thailand to start ZOE International - this organization brings the love and hope of Jesus Christ to children who have been victimized through human trafficking. With the love and help of their congregation they still support this organization today.

Zoe International: https://gozoe.org/

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