A
fourth generation Apostolic, Senior Pastor Zaragoza was baptized on August 16,
1964. He began his ministry in 1967 in the Border City of San Ysidro,
California. He received his ministerial credentials and ordination from the
Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus. He received a BA in Theology
from LATS (Latin American Theological Seminar). He has served the Assembly in
various capacities such as National Director for the Men's Ministry, National
Sunday school Director, Foreign and Home Missions Promoter, and National
Education Promoter. Prior to becoming Senior Pastor of the Christian Center of
National City on December 21, 1999, he served as Assistant Pastor for both the
First Church in San Diego and Otay Apostolic Church, and as General Church
Treasurer for the San Ysidro Apostolic Church. In addition to his pastoral
responsibilities, he and his lovely wife, Becky, served as Directors of the
Southern California District Junior Camp for two years between 1981 and 1983. He
retired from General Dynamics as a Manager in the Missile Warfare department
after a lucrative career that spanned 29 years.
Senior Pastor Zaragoza delights in seeing individuals serving God and desiring
to be in God's presence surrounded by like-minded believers. He encourages
everyone to serve God above all and "all" that you ask of HIM will be given unto
you. He strives to be a faithful servant, a good husband and father, and an
"excellent" grandfather. He passionately believes that aside from a spiritual
life in Christ, obtaining a formal education should be a top priority. He stands
by one of his favorite and famous quotes: "The road to success is always under
construction." read more
Our Senior Pastor shares in a common vision to build a dynamic "mega-church"
that provides ministries for every need of the church. [The Christian Center of
National City became the first church in the Apostolic Assembly to give birth to
a fully accredited Charter School that is operated by apostolic members]. He
aspires to see the Christian Center of National City taking it to an
international level and becoming a blessing to believers across Latin America.
His objective is to see members share their respective ministries, passions,
testimonies, and talents with other congregations. His mission statement is the
church's mission statement; to bring people together, grow them up together, and
send them out together all for the glory of God. One of Pastor's favorite
verses: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John
3:16)."
First Lady Becky Zaragoza was baptized on August 16, 1959. Her ministry began at
a very young age having been raised in church. Throughout the years she has
served in the Youth Ministry, as President and Secretary of the Ladies'
Ministry, and alongside her husband as Directors of the Southern California
District Junior Camp. She received her BA in Early Childhood Education from
National University and her Teacher Credential shortly after. After 35 years of
being an influential educator for the San Ysidro School District, she retired in
June 2004 and now enjoys supporting her husband's ministry full-time as well as
their grandchildren. She has always yearned of becoming a Pastor's wife because
she has a sincere desire for helping people. With great enthusiasm she motivates
and provides counseling to the women of God, and is always available to assist
in every need of the church. Sis. Becky says, "Helping people get close to God
is the real meaning and the greatest joy of being a Christian."
Senior Pastor Zaragoza and Sis. Becky have three grown children Edward Daniel,
Annette Liz, Sandra Lee and five handsome grandsons Edward Daniel II, Jeremy,
Braydon, Rylan, and Landon.