THE JOURNEY

Adam Riojas was born and raised in Oceanside, California, making him a true native “Osider.” His lifelong roots in this coastal city have given him a deep understanding of the community and a passion to see it thrive spiritually, culturally, and generationally. Today, he continues to serve the same city he grew up in, dedicating his life to preaching the Gospel, strengthening families, and raising up the next generation in truth and faith.

At the age of 10, Adam’s father left the family, leaving his mother to raise three children on her own. Determined to provide for her family, she worked three jobs to make ends meet. As the oldest child, Adam stepped into a greater role at home, helping his mother manage responsibilities and supporting his younger siblings during a very challenging season.

These early experiences helped shape Adam’s resilience and sense of responsibility from a young age—lessons that would later influence the direction of his life and calling.

Without the guidance of a father figure during those formative years, Adam found direction and purpose through sports. Athletics became an outlet where he could channel his energy, discipline, and determination. It quickly became clear that Adam possessed natural athletic ability, and he began to stand out among his peers.

By the end of his 8th grade year, Adam had broken nearly every track record at Jefferson Middle School in Oceanside. Among his achievements, he ran the fastest recorded mile in the school’s history—4:52, a record that still stands today. His success in athletics placed him in the spotlight at a young age and opened doors that would shape the next chapter of his life.

As a student at Oceanside High School, Adam excelled in athletics and quickly distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete. During his freshman year, he earned recognition as the team’s top defensive back in football, lettering in the sport and establishing himself as a standout competitor.

Adam also demonstrated exceptional talent in soccer, where he helped lead his team to a league championship as a freshman, earning a varsity letter as well. In addition, he competed in track and field, lettering in the sport during his freshman year and further showcasing his speed and athletic ability.

During his time at Oceanside High School, Adam was influenced by dedicated mentors and coaches, including Dave Barrett, whose leadership and guidance played an important role in shaping Adam’s discipline, competitive spirit, and commitment both on and off the field.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Adam set out for Hawaii, determined to build a new life and pursue a career in real estate. With ambition and a desire to create opportunities for himself, he began working toward establishing his path as a real estate agent while navigating the challenges of living and working on his own.

Adam later endured the hardship of being wrongfully incarcerated for a crime he did not commit, spending 13 years and 8 months in prison. During that time, what could have been the darkest chapter of his life ultimately became part of the powerful story of redemption and purpose that would follow.

Adam Riojas’ journey into pastoral ministry began while he was incarcerated at Calipatria State Prison, where he was ordained as an inmate pastor. Even within prison walls, Adam answered the call to serve, ministering to those around him and sharing the hope of the Gospel. During this time, he witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit move through the prison, bringing transformation to thousands of lives as men encountered faith, repentance, and new purpose in Christ.

Adam was one of Justin Brooks first clients released through their California Innocence project located in San Diego, California. 

What man intended for evil, God used for good. Through the hardship of being wrongfully incarcerated, God drew Adam closer to Him and taught him to fully trust in the plan He had for his life. What seemed like a tragedy became part of a greater purpose.

The Bible reminds us that God’s plans are not to harm us, but to give us hope and a future. Adam’s story is a powerful testimony that even in the darkest seasons, God is still at work. His life encourages others to trust God through the impossible, persevere through trials, and believe that the Lord will guide the path forward.

When we place our trust in God, we remember that He is the Creator of the universe, yet He knows each of us personally and calls us by name. Adam’s journey stands as a reminder that God can redeem any circumstance and use it for His greater purpose.

During his incarceration, Adam completed twelve intensive vocational programs, gaining extensive hands-on training across multiple skilled trades. These programs required years of dedication, discipline, and practical application, equipping him with a wide range of technical abilities and problem-solving skills.

Through this training, Adam developed valuable experience in areas such as construction, maintenance, repair work, and facility operations. The skills he acquired prepared him to step directly into the construction industry upon his release, giving him the practical knowledge and confidence to work with his hands and build a sustainable livelihood.

Each program combined classroom instruction with real-world application, similar to the structured training found in technical institutes, apprenticeship programs, and professional trade certifications. Completing twelve vocational certifications represents a significant accomplishment that required perseverance, commitment, and mastery of multiple skill sets.

Beyond the technical skills he gained, this season also became part of Adam’s personal and spiritual transformation. The discipline required to complete these programs, along with his growing faith, helped shape the character, work ethic, and resilience that would guide the next chapter of his life.

Adam spent seven years serving as the Outreach Pastor at a local church, where he worked closely with the community, helping meet practical needs while sharing the message of faith, hope, and transformation.

Pastor Adam met his wife, Cleta, while they were both serving in ministry at their respective home churches. What began as an unexpected meeting soon became clear to them as a divine appointment orchestrated by God. Their connection first grew into a meaningful friendship centered on faith and a shared heart for ministry.

During this season of friendship, Adam and Cleta committed themselves to prayer and fasting, seeking God’s guidance for their lives. As they continued to seek the Lord, they both received confirmation that God was leading them into the next step of their journey—courtship.

Throughout their courtship, Adam and Cleta remained devoted to prayer, asking the Lord to reveal His perfect will for their future. After much prayer and spiritual discernment, they felt the Lord leading them to unite in holy matrimony.

Today, they have been blessed with two beautiful daughters, Bella and Talia, and share their home with their beloved dogs, Joy, their Golden Retriever, and Rex, their German Shepherd.

Adam Riojas is the Founder and Senior Pastor of At The Cross Oceanside. The church was birthed in January 2014 as an independent, non-denominational ministry with a vision to faithfully follow God’s calling and proclaim the truth of His Word.

From the very beginning, At The Cross became known as a church committed to walking by faith and trusting God for the vision and purpose He placed before the ministry. What began as a step of faith soon grew into a vibrant community centered on worship, teaching, and outreach.

The church held its first-ever Sunday service on February 2, 2014, at Oceanside High School, marking the beginning of a ministry devoted to serving the people of Oceanside and beyond.

In January 2016, At The Cross found its church home at 2112 South El Camino Real in Oceanside, California. This new location provided a permanent place for the congregation to gather, worship, and grow together. With a dedicated home for the ministry, At The Cross was able to expand its outreach and impact, and the church family continued to grow as more people in the community came to be part of what God was doing.

Pastor Adam Riojas is currently completing the “Freedom with Adam Riojas” Study Bible.

While the writing of this project is underway, it represents years of Pastor Adam’s biblical study, teaching, and ministry experience poured into one resource designed to help believers understand and apply the Word of God with clarity and conviction.

If you would like to be part of this journey, we invite you to stand with us through prayer and financial support. Every contribution—large or small—helps bring this vision to completion and expand its reach.

The mission is to place these Study Bibles into prisons, churches, ministries, and communities across California and throughout the United States, helping bring the truth of God’s Word to those seeking hope, freedom, and spiritual growth.

Thank you for partnering with us in spreading the Gospel and equipping others through the power of Scripture.

Estimated completion: 2026