Archived Stories

Ventura County Rescue Mission

The first time I drank, I was only 13 or 14. All through high school, I hung out with the party crowd and the drinking progressed. I would try whatever was available, but my drug of choice was alcohol. After high school, I was drinking every day. I stopped the hard-core drugs around 2006, but kept on drinking.

In July of '08, I finally realized I needed real help. I went through the Salvation Army program. While I was there, my girlfriend got pregnant. My mom had given me one more chance and let me stay with her, but put me out when I started drinking again. Then my girlfriend decided she had enough. I straightened up for a while and was working as a client supervisor for a rehab program in Port Hueneme in January of 2010. Depression over not being with my daughter sent me back to drinking. I tried the Salvation Army again, but walked out on Christmas day. I broke in to my mom's house. She was really hurt and told me I had to leave. My brother had said, "You've screwed up for the last time. Mom and I are done; we can't help you anymore." I realized everyone was sick and tired of my games. I spent several nights sleeping in my car, found my last paycheck, and spent the next few days trying todrink myself to death. I thought of slitting my wrists. Thinking of my daughter saved me. I couldn't let her grow up without a father.

I remembered my mom and stepdad had pointed out the guys from the rescue mission when I went to church with them. So I called. I already know this time is different. I know I hit rock bottom and I will never drink again. When I was drinking, it never seemed life threatening. I always thought drinking was fun. The last time was miserable. I really believed I would die if I continued. My mom has always been there for me, even when she had to put her foot down. She didn't want to be the one to enable me, but she never shut the door on our relationship. I see her every week at church now. I know she is so much happier with me here. She says, "At least now I can sleep because I know you are safe."

I was first introduced to the Lighthouse shelter four years ago when I was asked to adopt a family for Christmas. I received a wish list for four children and a mother. The things they asked for were just normal needs of items for every day living. It just broke my heart that all they wanted was a coat, shoes, socks, and under garments. I became interested in the families right away. So, the next year, I volunteered to organize the whole Christmas list for four of the houses. I started learning more about the way the shelter funds itself. I was especially surprised to learn that they are not run by the government. They get their funds through a thrift shop, radio show, the local churches, and private donations such as mine. I love this!

I also learned the women go through an extensive program to rehabilitate them back into society and become self sufficient. This is a wonderful positive program of support and love for these women who need a safe place to live. At the same time, they learn about themselves, protect their children, and thrive as they work to be a better person. They have devoted themselves to God and service to one another. It's so beautiful to watch them grow into beautiful people and families. I have gotten to know some of the women and watched them graduate the program. It's been such a joy to be part of this organization. I hope to continue helping the Lighthouse and donate as much as I can.

San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission

No age is too young to be involved in serving the hungry or homeless for the community. This was true for 13-year-old Jared Blair who creatively promoted the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission at his bar mitzvah. This Jewish celebration is to welcome a young boy to manhood, and part of that is assuming responsibilities that are fitting for a young man.

As Jared sent out invitations to his friends, he included a request for them to bring packaged food items for the rescue mission. Jared wrote, "to mark this occasion… I wanted to find something that would make a real difference in the lives of people in my community that are struggling to make ends meet each day. I have chosen to collect and cook food for those who are not getting enough to eat. I have chosen this because I want to be a chef when I grow up and I want to help people who are hungry. I want to help people who must live in shelters or on the street and beg for food each day."

Jared didn't stop there. He wrote letters to the local supermarkets asking them to donate canned and dry foods. The response was overwhelming. Jared's friends donated enough food to fill their family car and the grocery stores gave gift cards toward the purchase of whatever was needed. Jared knew that this food would be used for the mission's Rescue SOS (Survival Outreach Services), which feeds the chronically homeless, poor, and hungry in the San Fernando Valley as well as the homeless mothers, fathers, and children who are staying at the shelter. Each day of the week, Rescue SOS creatively plans and prepares meals to feed over 500 people at 6 locations throughout the Valley. Jared was excited to be a part of this process. He continues to be involved with the mission through volunteering in the kitchen and recruiting his Boy Scout Troop to help with special projects. He hopes to stay connected as the mission grows and increases their services toward those in need.

Valley Food Bank

One of the most reliable tests of knowing whether an egg is fresh or stale is, to drop it in a glass of water. If it sinks, it is fresh, but if it floats, then it is an old egg. Old eggs have more gases in them, which aid in buoyancy. As the egg begins to stale, air enters through its shell and gets trapped inside. The older the egg, the more the gas. Thus, an old egg can easily float in water. But, did you know, that you can make a fresh egg float in water as well. We were given a science lesson by our trusted and faithful volunteer, Gabriel.

Egg has a density higher than water. Therefore, it sinks in water (except when it is stale.) Since, it is not possible to lower the density of an egg; we must increase the density of the water. Although, the task sounds complex, it's a simple science experiment and the vital ingredient required for this project is easily available in your kitchen…common salt! Fill half a glass with tap water and add a tablespoon of common salt. Stir the water, so that salt dissolves completely. Drop the egg and watch the reaction. The egg jerks a little, spins and then, voila it floats!

Our friend Gabriel has been volunteering at the Valley Food Bank since November 2009. When not at work, Gabriel can be found in the warehouse unloading the trucks and assisting with sorting and preparing food boxes for pantry pick-up. Gabriel is involved in a variety of activities at his church, an all-valley interfaith weekly men's prayer meeting, and a food pantry ministry that distributes food to the needy here in the Valley.

Gab, as we endearingly call him, has two children – a daughter 14 years old and a son 10 years old. So his days are full of activities, but he faithfully serves at the food bank. His testimony is an inspiration to all, having been challenged to carouse about with older cousins and neighborhood guys, but ultimately choose to surrender his life and serve God and others in need.

Gab has a charismatic manner, makes friends easily, and cheerfully helps each of the pantries as they come for food. What does our saltwater and egg experiment have to do with Gabriel? He is the salt to our warehouse operation that lifts others up when they become a bit stale and helps them to float above the demands of the day. Thanks for the lift Gab!

Central Coast Rescue Mission 

Jay came to us last year after what I would describe as decades of careless living. His carelessness brought him behind the bars of jail with the nagging question in his mind, "What's the point of living anyway?" "Would have," "Could have," and "Should have," are of no help in life – even if you are a really nice guy like Jay is. Now that he is in the mission recovery program, Jay is beginning to see that life is worth living, so long as he is willing to keep giving his life to God and to serving others. Because Jay is Serve-Safe certified, he has been the mission's key food-service person while the mission has grown its outreach ministry from 60 meals a week to almost 250 meals a week.

Jay is a very kind guy and he's an avid reader. He's picking up some side work on the weekends to address some dental work. He also loves to visit his mother and his brother after church on Sunday. For the first time in his adult life, Jay is not consumed by fear and depression. He has a peace about his life today and sees God opening up several options, including serving as one of the mission's interns and developing his food service skills. It really is a joy to be able to see a great change in men's lives. Thank you for providing refuge, recovery, and restoration to those who are seeking a new start.

Victor Valley Rescue Mission

My name is Ramon Bueno and I've been a participant in the Life Recovery Program for almost nine months. My story began five years ago on the streets of Los Angeles. I was only 18 when I began to experiment with crack cocaine, alcohol, marijuana, and methamphetamines. Soon after, these substances began to control my life and I found myself homeless and lifeless for three years. Following this three year experience, I checked into a oneyear Christian program. During my time at this program, I discovered major integrity issues and illegal activity led by the pastor. I had to make the very difficult decision to leave the program four days before my graduation. For the next three months, I went back into alcohol and methamphetamine abuse. I thank God for my friend that knew a current participant in the Life Recovery Program at the mission. She got the contact information for the program manager, John Schmidt. I called him and entered into the greatest season of my life.

The "gifts of love" that the donors and supporters of Victor Valley Rescue Mission give helped make my story of restoration a reality. I'm excited about completing my graduation this time in 19 days. I'm ready to live a Christcentered, balanced life!