Awaken Church founders Jurgen and Leanne Matthesius have built their evangelical ministry around Jesus, but with an emphasis on miracles, speaking in tongues while advocating political activism and “prosperity theology” – a belief that God will reward faith with wealth on earth. The pastors enhance those themes with attractive young ministers, lively Christian music and […]
Dennis Wagner
Dennis Wagner is a veteran journalist who earned a Pulitzer Prize while working for USA Today and The Arizona Republic. His career started with a job at the former Coronado Journal 46 years ago. He can be reached by email or at 602-228-6805.
Posted inNews
Awaken Church: A service of music, miracles and tithes
The Coronado News, as part of a multi-part examination into the politically active church and the culture war playing out in Coronado, visited an Awaken service at the invitation of its pastors.
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Awaken Church gets unholy reception in Coronado
The desire to plant an Awaken Church campus in Coronado has churned up a First Amendment dispute, with freedom of speech, assembly and religion all involved.
Posted inInvestigations
Promises, Promises: Will Mexico keep its bargain to fix sewage crisis?
The U.S. has pledged at least $330 million for the Tijuana sewage crisis, but U.S. officials are concerned whether Mexico keep its funding promises?
Posted inInvestigations
Promises, Promises: Dysfunction seemingly at the core of Tijuana sewage mess
Public outrage over Tijuana wastewater woes has triggered political rhetoric, studies, protests, and broken promises – only to end with sewage into the ocean.
Posted inInvestigations
Promises, Promises: Tijuana sewage crisis sickens tens of thousands
The Tijuana sewage crisis has sickened tens of thousands and hospitalized Imperial Beach teacher and surfer Josh Hill. Part 3 of The Coronado News investigation.
Posted inInvestigations
Promises, Promises: Bitter feuding, wasted money and treaty violations equals no solution
Decades of bitter feuding, wasted money and treaty violations have prevented sustainable solutions to the Tijuana sewage crisis. Part 2 of The Coronado News investigative series.
Posted inInvestigations
Promises, Promises: Tijuana’s sewage crisis continues to pollute Pacific Ocean, Coronado
Broken promises for decades by U.S. and Mexico to fix Tijuana’s sewage problem has resulted in millions of gallons of raw sewage to flow into Pacific Ocean, Coronado, other beaches.