Key Takeaways
- Sonny Arguinzoni, who overcame addiction to found Victory Outreach International, transforming lives globally, has passed away.
- From gang member to faith leader, Arguinzoni established a ministry that grew to 700 churches across 33 countries.
- His legacy of redemption and hope continues to inspire communities worldwide through faith-based outreach.
The evangelical world is mourning the loss of Pastor Sonny Arguinzoni, the visionary founder of Victory Outreach International, who passed away at age 85.
Arguinzoni, a pioneer in faith-based outreach, dedicated his life to transforming communities plagued by crime, addiction, and despair through the power of the Gospel.
A Life Transformed By Faith
Born in 1939 in New York City to a family of Italian descent, Arguinzoni’s early years were marked by hardship and struggle.
Raised in Brooklyn, he became entangled with the local Viceroy gang and developed an addiction to heroin and other drugs.
His life took a dramatic turn in 1960 when he encountered Nicky Cruz at Teen Challenge in Brooklyn.
That meeting became the catalyst for his spiritual transformation, and he soon embraced Christianity, setting him on a path that would change countless lives.
The Birth Of Victory Outreach
After attending the Latin American Bible College, Arguinzoni met and married Julie, his lifelong partner in faith and ministry.
The couple moved to Los Angeles, where they began ministering to gang members and drug addicts in the Aliso Village area.
In 1967, they established Victory Outreach in a tiny Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles building.
The ministry grew steadily, reaching beyond California and eventually expanding across the United States.
By the 1980s, Victory Outreach experienced explosive growth, leading to international expansion throughout the 1990s and beyond.
Today, the ministry boasts over 700 churches in more than 33 countries, continuing Arguinzoni’s mission to reach the lost and broken with the message of hope.
A Legacy Of Transformation
The announcement of Arguinzoni’s passing was made through Victory Outreach’s official page, stating:
“Dear Victory Outreach family, yesterday at the age of 85, God called our beloved founder Sonny Arguinzoni Sr. home to heaven. Sonny wasn’t just a man; he was a movement. His unwavering faith and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ inspired millions around the world. Through his vision and leadership, countless lives were transformed, and entire communities were uplifted. Sonny’s legacy is one of hope, compassion, and relentless dedication. The impact he has made globally is immeasurable, and his love will echo through the hearts of many for generations to come. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.”
Via Facebook
The statement also requested time for Julie Arguinzoni and their family to grieve and reflect on his remarkable life and legacy while thanking supporters for their continued prayers.
Arguinzoni’s son, Ryan Arguinzoni Kuklinski, shared an emotional tribute, writing:
“My desire is to make you proud on Earth and in Heaven. My Father, My Pastor, My Coach, My Mentor, My Leader. I’m honored to be your son. Serving you has forever changed my life. Thank you for envisioning, believing, and entrusting my life. Your Legacy Lives on. 1 Timothy 4:7—I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. You finished the race. Love you Forever. Until we meet again. Thank you to all those praying for my family and I. We covet your prayers.”
Via Facebook
Continuing The Mission
Though Arguinzoni has passed, his mission remains alive in the thousands of people he mentored and the communities he transformed.
Victory Outreach continues to stand as a beacon of hope for individuals battling addiction, gang involvement, and hardship.
His faith and commitment to service leave an enduring impact that will continue for generations to come.
