327 E. Palmdale Blvd. Suite B, Palmdale, CA 93550
17 years old - since 10/2/2002
The R.I.C. History
By the grace of God Relationships In Christ was born on October 2, 2002. Here is how it all started.
Minister Daren L. Banks was called by God to Pastor on April 15, 2002. Minister Banks finally got together enough courage to let his Pastor, William J. Smith of Saints Tabernacle in Los Angeles, CA know the news (it took him 2 whole months to tell Pastor Smith). He was shocked and relieved to hear Pastor Smith say, "I knew this day would come".
On October 2, 2002, Bible Study was started in the home of Pastor Daren L. and First Lady Sheron L. Banks (in the kitchen) at 36807 Benedict Ct., Palmdale, California. Bible Study was every Wednesday at 7:30 pm.
On Sunday, December 22, 2002, the Lord blessed Relationships In Christ to have our first Worship Service. We started with 12 members. As time went on, we started to grow with members, a choir and visitors. Therefore, we had to venture out using both the kitchen and the living room to hold our Worship Services. We also had a sign hung on the garage door to let the world know that the Word of God is being preached here!
On February 23, 2003, God moved our church from Pastor and First Lady Banks' home to 38125 6th St. E. in Palmdale, California. There, many souls were saved, demons were cast out and many couples went from shacking to marriage, healings were manifested, etc -- God blessed abundantly!
In the year 2006, The Lord blessed RIC with a 12 passenger van. We began to pick up many people 2-3 times each week to come and learn about our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.
In the middle of 2008, the Lord told Pastor Banks to leave the 6th St location, which was 1,250 sq.ft., as God was going to enlarge our territory!
In October, 2008, the Lord touched Pastor Rob Enos of Greater Works Christian Center in Lancaster, California to offer RIC an opportunity to share their 6,000 sq.ft. edifice. That entire year through 2009 was one big blessing for our Ministry!
Just before the end of 2009, the Lord then moved upon Pastor Sean Manzano of Rushing Wind in Lancaster, California to offer RIC an opportunity to come and share their over 5,000 sq.ft. edifice. We worshiped and served there for 2 years and our services were truly awesome! The Lord was clearly preparing our minds for the great work He has in store for us.
In March, 2012, RIC was blessed with our current location which is 2,500 sq.ft. at 327 E. Palmdale Blvd. (in both suites A & B), Palmdale, CA 93550. The Lord immediately informed our Pastor that this edifice is just a stepping stone for a much larger edifice that He has for the RIC Ministry.
In June, 2012, Pastor Banks was ordained into the Church Of God In Christ to serve in the 2nd Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction led by General Board member, Bishop George D. McKinney. We are truly honored to serve and be a part of the United In Love District where the Superintendent is none other than our Pastor's father in the Gospel, Dr. William J. Smith of Saint's Tabernacle COGIC in Los Angeles, California.
In 2017, the Lord continued to bless our church with 2 ordained Missionary Evangelists in Kimberly Montgomery and Victoria Turner. Then in 2019, the Lord blessed our church again with 2 ordained Elders in Demery Windom and Dominic Montgomery.
Relationships In Christ COGIC is blessed to be used by God to be a beacon of light in a dark world. We are committed to faithfully serving in our community and beyond. RIC is involved in outreach ministries such as providing free food, clothing and counseling to those in need. We visit those who are sick and those who are in prison. We also visit the elderly as well as those in convalescent homes. We faithfully dispatch the S.W.A.T.T. (Soul Winning All The Time) team 2 times each month to knock on doors all over the community to let people know Jesus lives and the time for salvation is NOW.
The Almighty God has brought us this far and we know the best is yet to come! Relationships In Christ COGIC is a Bible teaching and a Bible preaching ministry. Our doors are open for whosoever will to come on in and dine! We love God and we love you!
