A Pioneering Leader in Inner-City Ministry Passes at 85
The Christian community is mourning the loss of a visionary leader, Sonny Arguinzoni Sr., who dedicated his life to transforming lives through faith and compassion. As the founder of Victory Outreach, Arguinzoni’s monumental impact on communities both in the U.S. and abroad remains unparalleled.
The announcement of Arguinzoni’s passing was shared on the Victory Outreach Chino’s Facebook page, his primary congregation, indicating that he died on Monday at the age of 85.
“Sonny wasn’t just a man; he was a movement,” the church noted, highlighting his profound commitment to his faith and his ability to inspire millions worldwide. His dedication led to the transformation of countless lives and uplifted many communities.
The lasting influence of Arguinzoni is evident in the global reach of Victory Outreach, an organization he established in 1967 alongside his wife. The ministry now encompasses roughly 700 churches in 33 countries, focusing on aiding those in urban areas. More information about the ministry can be found on their website.
Arguinzoni’s journey from the streets of Brooklyn, New York, where he once engaged in gang activities and struggled with addiction, to becoming a devout Christian leader is a testament to his transformative vision. His early challenges fueled his drive to create spaces for healing and hope in inner-city environments.
The Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, paid tribute to Arguinzoni on his X account, referring to him as the “Godfather of inner city ministry.” Rodriguez celebrated Arguinzoni as a “man of God that led countless lives into the hands of the redeeming Savior.”
In 1989, leadership of the Victory Outreach Chino congregation was passed to Arguinzoni’s son, Sonny Arguinzoni Jr. The congregation moved to its current location in Chino, California, in 2007, continuing the legacy of service and faith established by its founder.
“Since 1967, we have helped thousands of people take control of their lives. From our simple beginning, we have grown into an international organization, carrying the hope and message of Jesus Christ to the four corners of the earth,” said the church in a statement.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
