However, explained the Rev. Seong Kim of the Heart of Christ Korean Church in Victorville, communication between churches hasn't always been the best.

That might be changing through a new effort to bring church leaders together.

Spearheaded by the Rev. Kim, whose own 20-member congregation meets at the Victorville United Methodist Church on La Paz, the minister's fellowship meets regularly for worship and discussion.

"My concern," said the Rev. Kim, "is not only on what happens Sundays, but how we can change the world."

Last month, the Rev. Kim and his wife, Sunny, opened a new Korean language school, classes are on Saturday mornings in the Methodist Church's Wesley Room. The couple hopes the school, with 10 Korean-American students, will help keep their culture alive, foster greater appreciation for Korean culture in youth and attract non-Koreans as well.

Whether residents are Korean-Americans, or part of the broader community, said the pastor, they must realize the High Desert's future depends on their ability to care for each other.

"I think people shouldn't concern themselves as much with the big projects like the airport or the express trains," Rev. Kim said.

Instead, people need to ask "'How are you going to impact the community today? How are you going to support it?'"