Our Pastor
Born into a family of believers, Larry Eugene Sauls Jr. was surrounded by a strong Christian influence from an early age. With his mother serving as a praise and worship leader and his father as a minister, Larry's upbringing firmly rooted him in the faith. One of his brothers even became a pastor.
Larry's musical abilities were recognized at a young age, and he began playing drums and piano at nine years old at True Bible Tabernacle in Vista, California, under the guidance of his pastor, Bishop Matthew A. Bride Jr. He continued to cultivate his talents during summers spent at Friendly Church of God In Christ in Oceanside, California, under the leadership of Pastor Thomas E. Hammonds.
However, as a teenager, Larry found himself struggling and embarking on a path of street gangs and violence. This eventually led to a prison term due to his involvement in gang activity. But it was during his time in prison that Larry experienced a life-changing encounter with God and surrendered his life to the ministry at the age of 24.
Accepting his first ministry position as the praise and worship leader and Minister of Music at Mending Broken Vessel Ministries at Hosanna Chapel in Santa Maria, California, Larry's gifts were further developed. Two years later, he was licensed and installed as the assistant pastor of Mending Broken Vessels, and he received official ordination to pastoral ministry by the grace of God.
In August 2011, Larry married his wife, Elizabeth Mae Sauls, a dedicated veterinary technician. Together, they have six children and five grandchildren. Larry is currently studying theology at Angelo Bible College to deepen his understanding of the Word.
In January 2014, Pastor Sauls answered God's call to start Atmosphere of Faith Christian Church in Vista, California. Guided by the vision of creating an atmosphere where people can believe God for the impossible, Pastor Sauls and 1st Lady Sauls have submitted AOFCC under the covering of Bishop Matthew A. Bride Jr., the senior pastor of Grace Nation Christian Church.
Pastor Sauls is not only a dynamic teacher of the gospel, but also a passionate advocate for underserved Christian churches. As the General Overseer of Multicultural Christian Network, he assists these churches in fulfilling their mission. Additionally, he serves as the Program Supervisor for the Resilience Community Mentorship Program, providing guidance to justice-involved youths who are documented gang members on high-risk probation in North San Diego County. Pastor Sauls also acts as a Faith-based chaplain with Project In-Reach, visiting, praying for, and encouraging inmates with mental health and/or substance abuse issues in the Vista Jail Facility. He continues to support them upon their release, ensuring their transition to mental health facilities or sober living homes goes smoothly.
Pastor Larry Sauls Jr. is a dedicated minister, mentor, and servant of God, striving to bring hope, healing, and the transformative power of the Gospel to individuals and communities in need.