Ruben & Margarita Martinez, Senior & Founding Pastors
Ruben & Margarita were married in 1973. In 1985 Pastor Ruben asked God for healing for his mom who was dying. He promised God that if He healed her he would follow Him for the rest of his life. His mother was healed, saved and lived another 20 years. Today Pastor Ruben and his wife continue to serve God. God gave Pastor Ruben a mission that motivates him to tell others about the salvation of Christ, His love and the abundance of life. In 1996, Pastors Ruben and Margarita were moved to start Christ Is Salvation Church. They started Christ Is Salvation Church after having pastored since 1990, and both having attended King’s College and Seminary in Van Nuys, California.
They both still serve together as full time senior pastors without receiving a salary. They both find it critical for people to learn and know the biblical truths of God’s love, “Who I am in Christ”, and God's sovereignty. Their vision and mission are to advance God’s Kingdom while reaching the entire Coachella Valley and the world for Christ.
Together they have seen the mission of the Gospel and the promises of God fulfilled. They have ministered to thousands of people who in term have received Jesus and many forms of healing. They have ordained 9 Pastors and have fathered 8 churches within the Coachella Valley. They have sponsored numerous churches, shelter homes and orphanages in the United States and in Mexico. Furthermore, they continue to sponsor many to attend Bible School so that the advancement of God's Kingdom can continue to progress even when their time on earth is over. It is of uttermost importance to them to train and raise new leaders for Christ.
Raymond & Anell Cano, Associate Pastors
Raymond and Anell were married in 1999 and are blessed to have 3 beautiful children. Pastor Raymond gave his life to the Lord in 1995 and soon after was immersed in the biblical truths at the King’s College and Seminary. The Lord lead him to lead the youth ministry in 1999, and since then he and his family have been involved in all areas of ministry at Christ Is Salvation Church.
Pastor Raymond graduated from Biola University in 2006 with a B.S. in Organizational Leadership. He then graduated in 2015 with a Master of Divinity degree from the King’s College and Seminary. In 2012 he founded Christos Bible Institute, a division of Christ Is Salvation Church. He currently serves as a U.S. Army Reserve Chaplain.
Anell has studied at the Kings College & Seminary and together they serve as ministry partners. Raymond and Anell are called and dedicated to communicate the message of Christ to all, their desire is that all will know the truth about God’s love, and His Empowering Spirit, so that all may trust Him and confide in His eternal promises.
Dimas & Elizabeth Cruz, Associate Pastors
Dimas and Elizabeth Cruz have been married for 28 years. Together they have four Children. They both gave their life for the service of Jesus. Pastor Dimas is one of the music leaders at Christ Is Salvation Church and he has also founded a Christian Music Group known as Vencedores. His wife and life partner Elizabeth is the Spanish Usher's leader and is and assistant for the Ladies Spanish Ministry. All of their family is passionately and actively involved in advancing the Kingdom of God. Both of them have received bible studies at Christos Bible Institute. Christos Bible Institute is an institutional member of the Association for Theological Hispanic Education (AETH).
Cheyla Higareda, Youth Pastor
Cheyla Higareda is our current youth pastor she gave her life to Jesus at the age of 16 years old and has been serving as youth pastor for 7 years. Cheyla Graduated from the University of California, Riverside in 2016 and received her B.S. in Political Science and International Relations. At this point in her life she decided that she wished to pursue the Lord more intently and profoundly. Therefore, she attended and graduated in 2019 from The King's University with a Master in Practical Theology with an Emphasis in Messianic Jewish Studies.
She currently serves in various areas of ministry at Christ Is Salvation Church, but she is most passionate about teaching youth about the rich biblical truths that reside in the bible, so that they may come to know their true "Identity" and "Worth" through God's Word and Love.