SENIOR PASTOR
Rev. Misael Zaragoza & First Lady Sis. Becky Zaragoza

Thought of the Month
February 2008

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up”. Galatians 6:9

 “I believe that when God sees someone who does not quit, he looks down and says, “There is someone I can use.”

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 served two tours in Vietnam under the US Navy as a Navy Seal specializing in Amphibious Warfare. 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.