Brief History of Emanuel Church, Sacramento

The Romanian Pentecostal Church in Sacramento started its activity with the settlement of the first romanian pentecostal families in this area. Early on the meetings took place in rented facilities such as diferent American Churches and even Community Centers.

In 1984 a few families decided to assemble in order to worship the Lord in the way of romanian pentecostals, in the romanian language, and the responsibility of pastor for this church was given to brother Ioan Ciuriuc.

A meeting place was made available by the New Life CC church, by the generosity of pastor James Duncan. In 1987 the brethren decided that it would be better for them to own a church sanctuary, and in February of that year the church was registered as a non-profit organization under the name of First Romanian Apostolic Church. Over the years, various groups from this church opened other churches throughout the Sacramento area.

Also in 1987 came the purchase of a lot of land on Fell street, over by the I-80 freeway, lot where in January of 1992, with the Lord's help the first phase of construction began - building a house of worship.

This building of 1650 sq. ft. was consecrated in September of 1992. The children carried on their activities in a trailer next to the church building. In 1993 by God's grace and with the efforts of the church members another lot of land of approximately an acre was purchased next to the existing property. The church building capacity having began to be insufficient led in 1994 to the decision to start a project for a new Sanctuary. Meanwhile phase II consisting of Sunday School classes (1200 sq. ft.) was completed, with commencement of classes in 1996. This allowed the kids to have modern classroom conditions for spending blessed time learning the Word of the Lord in romanian and english, enjoying songs, prayer and various practical activities. In the fall of 1998 borther Ioan Ciuriuc, the founding pastor of the church relinquished the position of senior pastor of the church, and was replaced by pastor Emil Ianchiş, and later by brother George Raţiu. This period of time was not lacking of problems and some families went to other churches.

By the blessing of God, in the year 2002 all the properties of the Church, were paid off freeing us of debt. God helped us to reorganize and continue His work for the Glory of His Name.

The administrative leadership did not lose sight of the new project and again the idea to start construction was pursued. The plans had been prepared, the will to start was there but financially it was impossible... humanly speaking. The brotherly collaboration with other churches in the US were strengthened being part of family of the Romanina Pentecostal Union of the US and Canada. Following a visit from a delegation of the church leaders to Phoenix and being encouraged by the work that the brothers in Arizona were building, the starting date for construction activities was set after receiving the support of the brother in Arizona under the leadership of pastor Cornel Avram, the president of the Pentecostal Union.

From November 13, 2003, when construction activities started until August 19, 2006, there was a lot of hard work, with devotion and love for God. The families of the church offered themselves to the work of the Lord and a fresh wind began to bring enthusiasm and attraction toward this labor even from members of other churches who we appreciate in the Lord.

In 2003, brother Alin Bob was elected to the spiritual leadership of the Church, to fulfull the post of church leader, and in August 2004, Daniel Hiticaş and John Lup were ordained to the office of deacons.

Later the Pastoral Board composed of pastors Alin Bob, Augustin Costea, and four deacons Daniel Hiticaş, Adi Paval, John Lup and Nicu Taftă, was formed. In 2004, besides the brass band, and choir, an orchestra was added, and in 2005 a youth choir.

Because of the grace of God which brought stability and spiritual growth, the number of members grew, reaching until 2006 approximately 200, not including almost 100 children and adolescent youth. The old sanctuary capacity became insufficient for sunday night service. The effort of this community intensified markedly through the giving and participation in the construction work, preparation of meals for the workers, and sustaining this work in prayer, thus attracting God's blessing on this place and even toward others in Romania or other places. The activity of Emanuel Church was structured by Departments:

• Evangelism department
• Fellowship department
• Music department
• Youth department
• Sunday school department
• Bible education department
• Missions and assistance department

Things went favorably, not without hardships but God always got us through, allowing us to consecrate to the Lord the New Sanctuary on August 20, 2006. The inaugural event was followed by services of Evangelism and Water Baptism. Looking back we can affirm with conviction "Eben Ezer", God has helped us thus far. EMANUEL - God is with us!