In February 1995, a small group from the Central Spanish church decided to step out in faith to form a new church community with a vision to bring the gospel to Central Los Angeles.
Carlos Ramirez, who pastored the Central Spanish church at the time, led the church plant. The new congregation, originally named South Central, was first located near MLK Blvd in South Los Angeles. During the congregation’s formative years, the name and location changed several times. After about a year and a half at the first location, the lease expired, and the congregation worshiped in rented spaces for a few years. At some point, the name changed to Central Dos, paying homage to their mother church Central Spanish. Despite these challenges, members remained faithful to God and were not discouraged. In time, the congregation purchased its own church building in East Los Angeles and settled on the name El Shaddai Spanish church.
At the anniversary celebration this spring, El Shaddai Spanish church honored those founding members who answered God’s call to serve long ago. The celebratory weekend began Sabbath with a worship service that included special recognition of members and a sermon from Ramirez and concluded with potluck and an afternoon program. Sunday evening, members held a benefit concert at Vallejo Drive church to raise funds for a new piano and platform remodel.
“Looking back over these 30 years, we honor the vision of Pastor Carlos Ramirez, who planted the seed of this mission, and all the founding members who helped it grow,” said Sandy Valiente, a founding member of El Shaddai Spanish. “El Shaddai remains a living testimony of God’s faithfulness, and we joyfully move forward into the future with gratitude, unity, and a renewed sense of purpose.”
