Meet The Pastor
Founder and Pastor Reuben Sauceda
Hi, I'm Reuben Sauceda, Senior Pastor of Piru Community Church. I grew up in Piru and I am the third generation of a large family who lived in this community. I like to say I’m “homegrown PIE’ROO”. I attended the only school in town, Piru Elementary which was alot of my family and friends that resided in the community. I graduated from Fillmore High School in 1985.
As a young boy I played baseball in the alleys, rode the rapids down from Lake Piru to the Santa Clara River, and hunted cottontails in the dikes. I loved getting chased by Mrs. Newhall’s great danes at the Piru Mansion. What a rush! I’d hop on my bike and zoom down the hill from the Cross. The original cross was put there by my late uncle Louis Torres Sr. when JFK was assassinated. This landmark remains and is visible as you enter Piru from the 126. I loved to play with all my friends and Piru was our playground! From the school to the park, from the lake to the dump, we played!
I have so many memories of the great people of my town who will forever be known for their big hearts, good laughs, and their willingness to always be of help, because that was PIRU! That’s what you do if you’re from Piru! You help each other. The older men from Piru would go beyond saying hello, they took the time to talk with me and at times offered advice that I will always cherish.
Even after the Northridge earthquake, when we had no power for a few days, I remember everyone gathered outdoors to barbeque. It was like one big family reunion out there.
After "chasing the wind" for many years, Jesus Christ set me free to fight the good fight of faith! The call to serve Piru came after I was hit head on in a car accident on Highway126. Bedridden with a shattered femur and fractured ribs, I found myself back at my parent’s home in Piru. One day during my recovery I was sitting in my wheelchair having a wonderful pity party asking God “How could you let this happen to me?” I began to complain, and that moment I looked out into the street and saw a few of the youth walking by and then I looked up towards town and there was about 9 more youth lined up, holding up the wall at the laundry mat . The spirit of God then spoke to me saying "Feed my sheep."
In 2007, I stepped out in faith and started a bible study at the Piru Community Center with my wife Maria. Nine years later, and some bible studies at the community center, homes, and the Piru Café, we are back to stay and see God move in Piru. We want to see God change lives and bring help and healing to the people of Piru. We want God’s word to reach those who need the Good News!
We welcome you to come as you are and grow with us.
Come taste and see that the Lord is good!!!!!!