Pastor Raphael's Bio

Marc Stephen Raphael, Sr., is the third of four children born to Wesley and Carol “Dolly” Raphael. He was born in Los Angeles, raised in Lynwood, and graduated from Lynwood High School. Upon graduation, Marc attended the University of California, Los Angeles completing many of his undergraduate courses there. After accepting a call to ministry, he enrolled at Pacific Union College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology.

Marc accepted a call to pastor Imani Praise Fellowship in August 2005. Prior to this conference call, Marc served on a stipend basis in the capacity of pastor for eight years at the High Desert Church, an SDA group in Victorville, CA. During this period he served seven years as a fulltime teacher in the Public School System and one year in the Adventist School System.

Marc is married to Rhonda Raphael (formerly Jones) from Los Angeles . They have six children: Chris (27), Patric (23), Marc (19), Maya (16), Micah (14), and Zion (10). They also have three grandchildren: Justus (8), Chris II (6), and Anaiah (3).

Marc enjoys praise dancing, roller skating, swimming and writing. He has authored over a dozen plays and composed over 200 songs. He has recently completed three children’s book manuscripts, “God’s Master Plan,” “The Positive Prince and the Negative Princess,” and “Pinnie Naminnie.”

Marc is grateful to serve in the gospel ministry and hopes to help others find their place in God’s work.