Rev. Richard Assad - Founding Pastor
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Dr. Richard Assad was born in Boston’s South End, a poor yet racially and ethnically rich neighborhood. He learned early that poverty; prejudice and unfounded hatred knew no ethnic or racial boundaries. After fighting through a "misspent " adolescence complete with gangsters as role models, Richard decided to study Psychology at the University of Massachusetts, then went on to Suffolk University for his Masters and completing the journey by receiving his Doctorate at Boston University. For eight years Dr. Assad taught and counseled in the Boston area before moving to California with his seventeen-year-old daughter Jessica.

In 1985 he moved to Los Angeles to try his hand at acting and directing (a creative outlet he still enjoys). In 1987 Richard had what the Church calls "a Pauline experience". He knew that God had touched him. Many hours of personal study, seminars, and back to school -- Seminary this time -- Claremont School of Theology finally prepared Dr. Assad to answer "THE CALL" into the ministry. Not just any ministry but a ministry that would focus on the power of God through His people! "People are the language of God" is a quote from an old forgotten Rabbi, and Jesus says, "For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother." (Matthew 12:50) So it is that the ministry of Sonshine Christian Church is focused on the abilities of its people to shine the Light of God.

In 1992 Richard met his partner not only in life but also in ministry. Kathleen (Katie) McAllister Assad, a Loyola Marymount graduate, is the unsung strength behind the upfront Dr.Assad. She counsels and reminds Richard of his duties and his direction! All that he does, of any value, has been accomplished with her support.

Together, they have given birth to Sonshine Christian Church and also to their beautiful daughter Victoria, and at this writing, another "delight" is on the way -- due August 30, 2001.

God truly can change lives and the life of Dr. Richard M. Assad is a testimony of God’s benevolent and forgiving nature.

A Message from the Pastor
In a world where individuality and self-gratification reign as the supreme and ultimate goals, we at Sonshine Christian Church believe in the example of Jesus Christ. From his example we understand that true personal growth can only be achieved by being routed in loving service of our fellow human beings. In essence true personal growth is spiritual growth. And spiritual growth can only be developed by selfless expressions of love for one another. The church must be, not only spiritually based, but it must also embrace its civic responsibilities. Therefore, the ministry of Sonshine Christian Church focuses on proactive practical community service. We do indeed feed the hungry, are involved with the homeless, and look to embrace all our brothers and sisters no matter what their social and economic position may be. This is a difficult ministry in a society that was born out of the concepts of freedom and individuality. But we know through the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ that true freedom and true spiritual growth comes from ones ability to show more love for his brother or sister than for himself. We center our ministry on the practice of these sayings of Jesus: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another."

John 13:34
"And do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among your shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted."

Matthew 12:10-12
May the Spirit of Christ forever grow abundantly in your heart,

Rev. Richard M. Assad (Founding Pastor)

Click here to access article published in The Signal, "Service comes in all forms" by Dr. Richard M. Assad.