Our Pastors
Sr. Pastor
Rev. Darren D. Thomas
Pastor Darren D. Thomas, founder and shepherd of New Vision Christian Ministries International, is a humble, passionate, and purpose-driven leader. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, he accepted his call to ministry at age 14 and began preaching across the Eastern U.S. with boldness and conviction.
After high school, he moved to Oceanside, California, joining Oceanside Gospel Lighthouse under Pastor Carol A. Riggins. Over 18 years, he served in every area of ministry—from youth and choir to outreach and event planning—always with joy and excellence. His ministry extended beyond church walls, reaching prisons, military bases, and the streets, wherever God opened doors.
Ordained through multiple associations, Pastor Thomas became known throughout San Diego and beyond for his unwavering commitment to the Kingdom. In 2002, alongside Pastor Curtis Maloy, he co-founded New Vision Christian Ministries International. What began with 15 members in a mobile home park quickly grew, moving to Vista Entertainment Center and expanding its impact across the region.
While serving as a full-time Deputy Sheriff in Vista, Pastor Thomas led New Vision in outreach efforts that included housing the homeless, feeding families, supporting single parents, funding rehab programs, and awarding scholarships. His dedication helped launch initiatives like the Curtis Maloy Memorial Scholarship, Feeding the 5000, and international missions to Mexico, Africa, and Brazil.
After retiring from law enforcement in 2011, Pastor Thomas became a full-time pastor. He was honored with the 2013 Prestige “Preacher of the Year” Award and the NAACP Blue and Gold “Religious Service” Award for his outstanding community service. He continues to be a sought-after speaker across the country and remains deeply committed to supporting his congregation—often traveling to celebrate milestones and offer personal encouragement.
Known for his powerful preaching and apostolic anointing, Pastor Thomas brings healing, restoration, and transformation wherever he ministers. His life reflects the scripture he often declares: “For the vision is yet for an appointed time… though it tarries, wait for it; it will surely come.” He is a true man of God—bearing good fruit and leading with integrity, compassion, and faith.
2025 Update: Today, Pastor Thomas continues to faithfully lead the flock at New Vision Christian Ministries International. As the Lord prepares to guide the ministry into its own permanent facility, Pastor Thomas and the congregation remain steadfast, serving wholeheartedly in their temporary location. His unwavering faith and leadership continue to inspire and uplift all who walk alongside him.
Asst. Pastor
Rev. Jesse & Rev. Beverly Ortiz
Pastor Jesse Ortiz, is the Assistant Pastor of New Vision Christian Ministries Int'l under Sr. Pastor Darren D. Thomas. Pastor Jesse was born and raised in Oceanside, California. He began serving the Lord as a teenager and as a young adult he served as the Youth Pastor at Oceanside Gospel Lighthouse for over 9 years. During this time he ministered to the youth throughout North County. It was during this time that the Lord called him to form a Non Profit Community youth program called S.T.A.N.D. (Showing Teens A New Direction). This youth program reached out to teens throughout the community to serve them in tutoring, project assistance, career counseling and more.
In 2002 the Lord called him to serve at New Vision Christian Ministries Int’l. At New Vision he has served as the Minister of Church Operations; helping to establish and grow the church and securing the structure of the ministry by working closely with the Sr. Pastor. In 2005 he became an ordained
minister under New Vision Christian Ministries and in January 2016 he was established as New Visions first ever Assistant Pastor.
Pastor Jesse is happily married to the beautiful Minister Beverly Ortiz who also serves in the Ministry. Minister Beverly brings her ministry of reaching the lost and ministry of song to this dynamic duo! Beverly and their children are part of the foundation of New Vision, each contributing to the Ministry specific to their calling. Together the Ortiz Family is dedicated to helping the congregation grow to meet the needs of all people. Pastor Jesse stands by the scripture that declares “God is not a respecter of person” and that "with God, all things are possible".
Associate Pastor
Reverend Paris Burnett was born on March 15th, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late James and Alice Reese. She transitioned to Oceanside, California in September 1975 and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior in May of 1976. She began teaching in the Sunday School Department of Jesus Way Tabernacle located in Oceanside. In 1983 God led Reverend Paris and her 3 children to join Oceanside Gospel Lighthouse (OGL) under the leadership of Pastor Carol A. Riggins. During the years, she served faithfully in multiple positions. Reverend Burnett taught the word of God to a wide spectrum of people, from those in their early stages of childhood to maturing teenagers, and even to those in adulthood. Reverend Burnett served as the Sunday School Superintendent at OGL and also as the Choir Director for many years. In 1992 Paris Burnett received her Minister’s License and continued preaching the word of God’s in her local assembly and on the streets of Oceanside, in Camp Pendleton Brig to imprisoned soldiers, at the local the YMCA, and throughout San
Rev. Paris Burnett
Diego County. In 2002, God led Reverend Burnett to labor with Pastor Darren Thomas and Pastor Curtis Maloy as they founded New Vision Christian Ministries International (NVCMI). She was one of the first 15 members to serve in their ministry. Since the conception of NVCMI Reverend Paris has served actively in different areas of the Ministry. She held positions such as the Choir Director, Praise and Worship leader, Minister and overseer of the Women’s Department, Board member and Church Treasurer. Currently she is the Pastor of Church Operations for New Vision Christian Ministries international.
Reverend Paris loves the Lord and believes there is nothing too hard for God to do. The scripture she stands on is, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13.