River of Life Church House of Restoration
Get to Know Us Better

Get to Know Us Better

River of Life Church House of Restoration is a Bible-based, Christ-Centric Ministry plant that teaches Biblical principles to parishioners and models a 21st Century Ministry in a Post Modern Society. Our flavor of Worship is Pentecostal however, we create an atmosphere through our Worship Experience that makes healing and deliverance available to all who bask in the very presence of God. Join us for one of our Worship Experiences.

We are located at 2149 North Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95838.

Our Pastor

Bishop Clifton Edwards Jr. planted his first church, Antelope Valley Christian Outreach, which later became the City of Zion International Ministries of Lancaster, CA. Clifton Edwards Jr. is the son of Bishop Emeritus Clifton Edwards Sr., who founded and pastored the Gospel of Christ Apostolic Church in Los Angeles, CA. Pastor Edwards was faithful to his father's ministry for over 20 years. He was a gifted musician, composer, and songwriter. He was brought to national acclaim through the late great Mattie Moss Clark, who recorded several hit songs such as “I Don’t Want To Be Lost” (1985), “Shine On” (1986), and “By Faith” (1987). Bishop Edwards wrote a song performed by the Men of Standard & Kirk Franklin entitled “Latter Rain” in 2009. His latest musical offering can be found on the Spotify App & C.D Baby.com, Preachers Music Group.

He has also authored a book entitled; “Jealousy Is Crueler Than The Grave”/ Exlibris Publisher.

River of Life Church House of Restoration

Bishop Edwards has been married for 41 years to Tracie Edwards, who is a wonderful wife and partner in ministry. He has two amazing children, Lamar (Mars) Edwards, who is a Music Producer for secular Artist such as Faith Evans, T.I., The Game, Snoop Dogg, Usher and Jay-Z, to name a few. His daughter Jasmine Edwards is an ORU Graduate, worked at The Potters House, T.D. Jakes Ministries, and later worked directly for Sheryl Brady Ministries.

River of Life Church House of Restoration
River of Life Church House of Restoration

Our Vision

Model:
Manifest the love and life of Christ to a dark world
 
Mentor:
Teaching Biblical principles for successful living and spiritual fulfillment.
 
Mission:
To convert lost souls by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our History

In July 1991, then Minister Clifton Edwards, Jr. was ordained as a Pastor and sent out by his pastor/father to pastor in the Antelope Valley. Thus, in August 1991, the Antelope Valley Christian Outreach Church was birthed as services were held in the Ramada Inn in Lancaster. The Church grew as Pastor and Lady Tracie Edwards, along with their family began to evangelize and win souls to Christ. From this meager beginning, God directed our pastor in every move he would ensue towards the building of God’s kingdom as well as elevating his servant for his faithfulness and hard work. On October 2, 2000 Bishop Edwards was elevated to the position of District Overseer of the Antelope Valley Covenant District of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship. In July 2005, Overseer Clifton Edwards, Jr. accepted the call Andrea the responsibility of leading pastors as he provided mentor ship and a covering for his spiritual sons. During this time, he changed the name of the ministry to City of Zion, International. Also in that same year on September 9, Overseer Clifton Edwards, Jr. was elevated to the Episcopacy. 
After pastoring in the Antelope Valley for over 20 years, in 2011 Bishop and Lady Edwards relocated to Jacksonville, Florida when his wife’s job transferred. With the liturgical calling upon their lives, everywhere they found themselves they would minister and touch lives with the commission of leading souls to Christ. After three years, in 2014, they transitioned back to California as the appointed pastor of the Greater Glory Deliverance Center by Chief Apostle Anthony Willis. Unfortunately, the church elected to dissolve by September 2014. Bishop Edwards trudged forward with a few members that were entrusted to his charge, reorganized and established the City of Zion Ministries of Sacramento, California.
 
Bishop Edwards was soon considered for the pastor of Christ Temple Community Church in Yuba City where the founder, Pastor Major Terry, pastored for over 40 years. After much prayer it was the unanimous vote of the members and the Lord’s will that Bishop Edwards become the new Pastor of the church. After laboring four years in Yuba City, Bishop Edwards suggested relocating the church to Sacramento, since the majority of the members resided in the city and sought greater opportunity to evangelize. He began to share a building with Pastor Michael Peavy of the Purpose Church and held their first services on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018 with the new name of River of Life House of Restoration.
River of Life Church House of Restoration