Our History

Desert Stream Fellowship was founded by members Gabriel and Thereza De La O. Along with several families, they started having Bible Studies in a School Gymnasium in La Quinta, CA. After a few months, Rev. Philip Raya and family joined the small group as Pastor of the newly formed church. Within a week, the church had its first Baptism. The church hosted many guests throughout the first few years and promoted various community activities. 

In March 2019, Evangelist Eli Hernandez prophesied a coming revival for the small church. Among his words, he prophesied that the church would receive God's supernatural grace and provision. He stated that Desert Stream Fellowship (DSF) would reap many years of prayer that had been declared over the region.

In 2020, COVID-19 forced the church to stop meeting at the School Gymnasium. We continued to operate through a live stream platform. Pastor Raya's kitchen was converted to a small studio for 7 months. Despite this, members continued to give and connect faithfully.

In October 2020, we rented our first building, a storefront in Indio, CA. We grew to approximately 60 members within a short time period. We received our official Non-Profit incorporated status and officially became part of the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI). We also received North American Mission status.

In March 2022, we occupied a 12,000-square-foot building in Palm Desert. The Lord continued to add to the church with many Baptisms and Miracles. We hosted a myriad of Evangelists, Missionaries, and Ministering Pastors. We had our first Vacation Bible School (VBS), American Sign Language (ASL) group, Spanish Service, Children's Ministry, and Prison Ministry.

In July 2025, we officially moved into a new, beautiful building off the I-10 freeway in Palm Desert, CA.

Over the years, our church has witnessed many lives transformed, miraculous healings, supernatural deliverances, and ministries launched. We are proud that many of our young people have developed music, audio, visual, administrative, and teaching ministries. 

Community engagement has been an intergral part of our mission. We have partnered with the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, Martha's Village, and the Sinatra Center for food and toy drives. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, our church blessed front line workers at JFK Hospital with gifts of appreciation.

If you visit our church today, you will find kind individuals, sound Biblical preaching, and an exuberant, Spirit-filled worship experience. However, our foundation is Prayer and Fasting. You will feel at home at one of our Cross Connection Groups or at one of the many youth activities. 

We are grateful to everyone who has helped our church's journey through service and donation. God's grace has sustained us and supernaturally opened amazing doors. We look forward to continuing our mission of expanding God's Kingdom!