Update: The Court of Appeal granted our emergency request on August 7, 2026, ordering demolition halted. Read the latest.
Demolition activity began at the Ambassador on August 6, 2026. Brett recorded this update on site because we wanted our friends, partners, and supporters to hear it from us first.
We bought this building because it is a deeply significant part of Lake Elsinore’s history. Franklin Heald, the founder of our city, built it in 1887. For twelve years we have carried the vision to see it restored as a residential discipleship center, a place of healing, transformation, and hope. Since acquiring it, we have worked hard to be good stewards of it and to meet every requirement set out for moving forward with restoration.
In March 2024, the City Council overturned the project’s CEQA exemption and required additional studies, and we have been unable to reach a resolution with the City since. This year the City filed a demolition complaint against us in Riverside County Superior Court, and on July 21 the court granted the City’s request. Our legal team believes strongly that there are significant issues for the Court of Appeal to consider. We are appealing, along with an urgent request that any demolition be halted until the appeal can be fully heard.
When we arrived at the property that morning, workers were on the roof removing tiles.
How to pray
More than anything, we’re asking you to join us in prayer. Pray for the peace and well-being of our beautiful city. Pray for protection over our team, our people, and our properties. And pray specifically that the court grants our request to stop any demolition until the appeal can be heard.
This is an intense moment for all of us, and honestly heartbreaking. We are not shaken in our faith. We believe God is faithful and mighty to save, and we trust Him completely. We are praying this building is preserved and that we will still see restoration and redemption come to life in it. Even if the physical building is lost, our calling is not. God has called us to be ambassadors in this city, and that mission doesn’t change.
Stand with us. Pray boldly, keep believing, and let’s stay grounded in humility and honor while we do it. We love you, and we’ll keep you updated as things unfold. The full timeline is on our press page.
