ReJoice Ministries offers programs to help those who are hurting

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers UNITED FRONT- Pastors Fran Richards, left, and Lonnie Kumar lead services at ReJoice Ministries Church in Simi Valley.

ReJoice Ministries Church
5924 E. Los Angeles Ave.
Simi Valley
(805) 584-1161
Pastor Fran Richards
Assistant Pastor Lonnie Kumar
Founded: 1993
Size of congregation: 40-50
Denomination: Pentecostal
Service: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
Foundation of beliefs:
We believe that Jesus Christ is
the son of God and that He
died on the cross for us. We
believe in healing.
Fun fact: There's an annual
Christmas banquet, and
members sing carols in church
and go to nursing homes.
During the year, the congrega
tion holds potlucks and
participates in skits.
Musicians often accompany
the Sunday services.

Questions of faith

(answered by Richards):

What is the purpose of life?

The purposeful plan for our lives is to hook up with our Savior, and that will give us peace because this is a stressed-out world.

What must humankind do to get into heaven?

A man or woman has to be born again- that is scriptural.

What is your belief in heaven or hell?

We believe that heaven is a place because it says it in the Word. Also, hell is a place. Many people don't believe that today.

How important is it that congregation members get involved in the community? What kind of things do you do?

There's a lot of hurting people. They need a helping hand, and many fall back on the church. We have programs in our church to feed the homeless and help those who are abused or have addictions.

Does your church believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible, or are we free to draw our own meanings from those writings?

We believe strictly the Word of God. However, I believe there are translations of the Bible that are not correct.

What is the church's view on gay rights and abortion?

I believe gays have a lifestyle that is not scriptural, but we love the person anyway. I'm against abortion, unless there is a dire medical need.

Women's role in the church?

I don't believe God's looking at gender. He called Mary Magdalene and the Virgin Mary . . . many women were called in the Bible. It says in the Word that God will call upon his maidservants in the last days and his menservants.

What do you think about the trend turning "Merry Christmas" to "Happy Holiday"?

If someone says "Happy Holiday," I say "Merry Christmas" right back. Christmass is what Christmas is all about. We have a cake for Jesus and sing "Happy Birthday." I don't believe in patronizing stores who change to "holiday."