Tribute to David Hino
Our beloved founding pastor, David Hino, went to be with his Lord on November 16, 2024.
As a long-time colleague and friend and original member of our church, I am deeply thankful for the life and ministry of David Hino.
When I think of David, I am reminded of three of his oft-repeated sayings.
The first saying is, “We’ve never done that before!” David accepted all of us just the way we are. He gave us the freedom to simply exercise our gifts and do what the Holy Spirit prompted us to do or say … no matter how unusual or crazy it seemed.
The second saying is, “The worst thing that can happen is that we fail.” For David, ministry was not about conducting a well-rehearsed program or following a set of universally-accepted guidelines. It was all about being obedient to the Holy Spirit and not being afraid to try. If things did not go as we expected, David encouraged us to learn from the experience and then try again.
The third saying is, “Ask the Lord (ATL).” Many times, when we get an impression or prompting or message from God, we just blurt it out, release it or share it directly with the person we think it is meant for. David reminded us that we first need to ask God whether we should share what we received, wait for his timing or simply keep it to ourselves.
All these reveal David’s open-hearted acceptance of others, his courage and willingness to do what God asked him to do, his humility and total dependence upon God.
(Written at the time of David’s passing by Jon Honda)
Dan & Gay Zambrano
Co-Lead Pastors
Dan and Gay Zambrano love to speak and teach on the truth of God’s word and His creation. Both are ordained ministers and love teaching and preaching the Word of God to people of ALL AGES. They have worked with students from 4th & 5th graders, through High School, College, and beyond! They have given talks at several Creation Science Groups as well as for Youth Groups, Small Groups and Sunday worship services.
Dan has a B.S. in Marine Biology from California State University Long Beach and is a Licensed Registered Veterinary Technician. He has worked at Cabrillo Aquarium, the Los Angeles Harbor Department, California State Fish & Game Department, and the Los Angeles Zoo before partnering with Gay in their mobile veterinary practice. Dan is also a certified speaker for the IAC (International Association for Creation).
Gay is a veterinarian and graduate of the Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine. She partners with Dan in their mobile veterinary practice that has served the Long Beach / West Orange County area since 1991, specializing in small and exotic animals. Gay has also been an Adjunct Professor at Bethesda University, teaching Life Science and Earth Science from a young earth biblical creation perspective.
Dan and Gay helped support our church’s initial Saturday Night worship services when they began in January 2007 at the Light & Life North church (where Dan and Gay led the Midweek Bible Study ministry). Over the years, Dan and Gay continued to support and be involved in various ministries at The Light, especially during the pandemic years. This included leading several weekly Bible studies and special interest courses.
As David Hino’s health began to fail, Dan and Gay were brought on as Teaching Pastors, sharing weekly speaking responsibilities with David (Jon Honda would later join the speaking rotation). This has continued since David’s passing in November 2024. In November 2025, the church’s Leadership Board appointed Dan and Gay as Co-Lead Pastors.
Taina Bueno Ciago
Worship Pastor
Taina has had oversight in leading worship teams, directing adult Gospel and children’s choirs, and instructing others in vocal and piano for over 30 years in the Long Beach and surrounding areas. She is a worshiper first and her heart’s desire is to draw others to God’s throne of grace through worship and music.
Having a father as a professional pianist inspired Taina in learning and performing music at an early age and her life has been dedicated to music. Her variety of musical styles was formed in her 20s when she became a professional musician touring with various groups playing R&B, rock, hip-hop, pop, and folk.
As a gifted musician, singer and songwriter, Taina expresses her love for God and effectively leads others into a deeper experience of worship.
Taina’s love for God also extends toward people and she possesses an “enthusiastic” openness in welcoming others to use their gifts and talents for God’s glory. Her passion is investing in others to further their relationship with God through a lifestyle of worship and music.
Taina served as the worship leader at our very first service and continued to lead worship once or twice a month for many years. She then became our full-time Worship Leader in January 2020. In appreciation of her many years of dedicated service, the Leadership Board appointed Taina as Worship Pastor this past November.
Taina is also an active aerobics instructor. In her personal time, Taina enjoys quiet times with Jesus and time with her family and friends, especially at the beach and on nature walks.
Leadership Board
The Light Christian Fellowship Leadership Board members: Sharon Hino, Jon Honda, Dan Zambrano, Gay Zambrano, Taina Bueno Ciago, Mark Lum (left to right).