Our History
Apostle Rolando Gonzalez
1938 - 2004
Apostle Rolando Gonzalez
1938 - 2004
The Guardian of our Holy Doctrine in Modern Times, The Ombudsman of God's Holy Church:
The Journey of Faith: Rolando Gonzalez's Path from Cuba to California
Rolando Gonzalez Washington was born on March 12, 1938. In 1956, he married the young Margoth Cabrera, born on February 9, 1936, in Havana, Cuba.
In 1960, they learned of the Church and were baptized five years later in 1965. Furthermore, they dedicated their lives to the Lord in 1967 and three years later Rolando Gonzalez reached the rank of Evangelist.
In 1970, the then Evangelist Rolando, his wife, and children, made their way to the state of California with a burning desire to initiate and establish the work of God in that place.
With only 75 dollars in his pocket, a 68′ Chevy truck, a gallon of milk and some clothes, he embarked in the arduous task of establishing the Lord’s ministry. The Lord began helping them in glorious ways, building a precious and beautiful work in California.
A Life of Faith, Ministry, and Doctrinal Defense
In 1979, Gonzalez was appointed as Bishop for his loyalty and faith in God.
Both he and his wife continued with the Lord’s ministry winning hundreds of missionaries, spreading His Word in Mexico, Central America, South America, Europe, and the Caribbean, obeying Jesus’ command: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Ghost…”
They also created along the way various rehabilitation centers in several parts of the world. In addition, they started a program of Christian canteens for low-income persons, School of Disciples, and general Christian orientation.
In 1991, there was a major turning point for the Church. The Church was tested in its most valuable possession: its Doctrine. Bishop Gonzalez stood fast and like Elijah against the 450 false prophets in biblical times, he defended the Church’s doctrine with the sword of the Holy Spirit.
The Discipleship taught by our founder Ernest William Sellers (better known as Daddy John), God’s Second Commandment, and the Lord’s Holy Day were primary focal causes to not bow to the dictates of men. Nevertheless, the Lord’s work continued against all odds and opposition.
The Apostolic Legacy of Rolando Gonzalez
On a bright, sunny day in the city of Bell Gardens, California, in the celebration of the Meeting of Anointed on August 26, 1993, by testimony and grace of God, Gonzalez was appointed to the highest rank of Apostle.
The year 1996 highlighted one of the many blessings in the Apostle Gonzalez ministry. On May, the beautiful city of Covina, CA, was officially inaugurated as the new headquarters of the Church.
The new temple was circled by the people of God seven times, with our Apostle and high ranking officials leading the way with the Ark of the Covenant. It concluded with the thanksgiving and prayers to God for this great blessing.
Furthermore, the Apostle continued giving the testimony of the power of God and of his Word until the end. The creation of the many programs were a direct result of the collection of donations.
All was made with the desire of teaching the love of God, living a more Christian life and becoming better citizens. Moreover, his name is considered to be among Christ’s Apostles and one of the greatest men seen in our times.
Farewell to a Great Man of God
On the 10th day of December 2004, the servant of God, the Apostle Rolando G. Washington slept in the Lord. He was a man of many qualities and virtues, a truthful warrior and defender of our Church doctrine. He was a Moses in our modern times and a Paul in the doctrine. He was buried as a warrior of faith.
He was 66 years old when he passed. Never lost its force, in all the signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in the midst of his servants in all the earth and all that strenuous hand…And all the other facts are they not written in the Book of Life?
With the testimony of God among His people, for the Divine support and the approval of the Holy Spirit. For the love of Jesus Christ and our beloved Director, this year with the help of God we will be more faithful to our church leadership.