At The Cross Oceanside was birthed in January, of 2014, with no affiliation to any denomination. At the cross quickly became known as the church that truly walked by faith and trusting God on the vision and purpose He laid before His church. With no man-made religion, legalistic denominational attachment, the church was built on biblical principles and God’s purpose for His church since the start of church history. At The Cross relied solely on following the journey God had for His church. From the beginning, God has been faithful to His church.
At The Cross had its first-ever church service at Oceanside High School on Sunday February 2, 2014. This in itself was a miracle. During that time churches were not permitted to hold any services or rent space on school property. But God always makes a way… Pastor Adam, an Alumni of Oceanside High school, class of 1980, was involved in sports during his school years, which God used to give Pastor Adam favor when searching for a place of worship.
Pastor Adam was officially ordained by the Elders of “At The Cross Oceanside church”, to be the Senior Pastor, January of 2014. So who is Pastor Adam? Pastor Adam Riojas began his journey as a pastor in 1992, when he got ordained as an inmate pastor at Calipatria State Prison. He was incarcerated for a crime he did not commit and spent 13 years and 8 months in prison before the California Innocence Project got him released in 2004. Adam was one of Justin Brooks first clients released through their California Innocence project located in San Diego, California. Check out, Adam Riojas first interview’s conducted by KUSI News and 10 News on the days following his release.
Throughout the years Adam’s story has captivated many as it is an amazing story of survival, of hope, of faith, of redemption… and one man’s struggle to forgive the ultimate betrayal. The California Innocence project has worked relentlessly over the years to initiate law that helps innocent men and women get justice for being victims of a failed system.
California innocence project
What man meant for evil, God meant it for good. God allowed the tragedy of him being wrongfully incarcerated to draw him close to Him and to fully trust in the plan God had for his life. God had a plan not to hurt him but to prosper him, to love and nourish him. Pastor Adam’s testimony shows us that we have to trust God even when it seems impossible to get through something. Persevere and God will show you the way. Trusting God on your journey and knowing He, the creator of the universe has you and knows you by name because you are His.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43.1
Pastor Adam, has served as the outreach pastor at Calvary Chapel Oceanside from 2006-December 2013. During this time he met and married his wife Cleta in 2010. Along the journey that God laid before them, they pioneered At The Cross Oceanside church. From the birth of the church, Pastor Adam continues to serve as Senior Pastor. Together with their two daughters, Bella and Talia they are a family passionate about ministry and being servants of the Most High God.
At The Cross held church services for two years at Oceanside High school and became a blessing to the community. Building relationships with the Police department, city officials, mayor, and serving the Oceanside community. Summer of 2014, we began our outreach, which we liked to call our Summer nights at the beach on Thursday nights! Along with our church family, we would BBQ, worship, and preach to reach and evangelize the lost and the hurting. Many precious souls were touched by the loving hand of God.
During this time God opened the door for At the cross to build a relationship with Teen challenge. Pastor Paul and his wife Melissa were alumnus of Teen Challenge Bible college, which brought the connection to get homeless and many into this drug rehabilitation. Pastor Adam quickly became great friends with Herlindo, who is the Teen challenge Director of the San Diego Headquarters. And so it began, Pastor Adam would take many men who were ready and willing to start a new life with God to Teen challenge…
January of 2016, At The Cross found their church home building located at 2112 South El Camino Real Oceanside, CA 92054. This home gave At The cross the opportunity to reach more people and At The cross family grew!
AT The CRoss became a place where connections were made and church became family
Pastor Dave took our worship ministry to new heights as he coached many new and great talented men and women. He is a retired Athletic Director and English teacher of Oceanside High school but remains as the varsity baseball coach.
Pastor Chris began his journey with At The Cross in 2014 when services were at Oceanside High school. Several years later he started his internship with At The Cross. Just as recent as January of 2021, he became ordained as a Pastor bringing his gifts and talents to further strengthen the body of believers here.
Elder Gordon and his wife Deaconess, Alice have been the spiritual backbone of this church. With no praise from man but God himself. Their wisdom and leadership have been a blessing to body of Christ.
Our focus has been to continue to build our children’s ministry. As we believe investing and disciplining this generation of children is God’s priority for His church. We have been blessed with teachers that truly have a heart for children and understand this ministry is the most important ministry here, At The Cross! God is raising mighty little warriors to be the generation that is on fire for the Lord. Brave and courageous for King Jesus!
We are the church that truly walks on water and keeps our eyes focused on God. Faith over fear has been our church motto as we continue to venture into uncharted waters during this time in our world’s history. Scripture says,
“I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27
God has truly been faithful to His church and given a clear vision for At The Cross Oceanside. As we begin the construction of our building expansion, we are excited to see God bless His church with His glory.
We are blessed for many who have prayed and fasted with us throughout the journey of pioneering At the cross oceanside church. We are looking forward to many more years, as God leads His church. Our prayer as a church family is that The Lord continue to bless and protect us along the journey He has laid before His church.
