Youth pastor dies suddenly at 42

Deepa Bharath

Brett Janzen, High School Youth Pastor at the Newport Mesa Christian

Center, died suddenly on Saturday. He was 42.

Mr. Janzen, an Irvine resident, had been involved in youth

ministry for the last 20 years, said Tony Miller, Junior High Pastor

at the Costa Mesa church.

“He had a passion for what he did,” he said. “We’re all still in

shock here.”

He was loved and respected by the students as well as his peers,

Miller said.

“He was a man of integrity and character,” he said. “He was a

wonderful role-model to the students and everything he did revolved

around building relationships, caring for people and bringing them

closer to God.”

Despite his demise, Mr. Janzen continues to be a tremendous source

of inspiration, Miller said.

“He was a wonderful example of Christ to everyone that came across

him,” he said. “He has changed countless lives during his years of

ministry.”

Mr. Janzen is survived by his wife Lynette and his daughter

Brooke.

A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Saturday at the

Newport Mesa Christian Center at 2599 Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa.

Donations may be sent to the Brett Janzen Memorial Fund, care of

Newport Mesa Christian Center.