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Erika is ‘walking into the light’ after years of darkness
She is excitedly welcoming Jesus into her life While her life didn’t go the traditional route, Erika was more or less “the responsible one” for most of her young life. She grew up in San Luis Obispo in a “dysfunctional family, so everything that comes with that,” Erika said, “verbal abuse, physical, visitation fights, substance…
Erik is in it for ‘the long run’ and committed to change
After 5 months in the Mission’s Life Recovery Program, he has a relationship with God for the first time Last year, while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, Erik decided he wanted to drive from his home in San Jose to Tijuana. “I hadn’t slept for days,” he said. “I was hearing voices. I…
Derrick leaves ‘hustler’ lifestyle behind, becomes the father God called him to be
Continuing our 2024 focus on “Engagement,” we follow Derrick as he re-engages with family, work, and church. On Sunday mornings you can find program graduate Derrick and his son Isaiah at the Church for the Nations in downtown Oxnard. This was Derrick’s childhood church, and he is overjoyed being back there and seeing his son’s…
Program gives Delphina time to heal from years of abuse
She’s recognizing generational trauma and patterns “It’s kind of a long story,” Delphina says when asked about her upbringing. She explains her mother was “really into drugs and partying” and often cheated on her partner. Delphina and her sisters were the products of these affairs. “We all had his last name, but he never treated…
Women look to local pantries to help stay afloat
LaTashia LaTashia became a single parent shortly after giving birth to her now 6-year-old daughter. LaTashia’s income from her job at that time was barely enough to pay the rent, bills and daycare. “I prayed for help, but because of my pride, I never thought about getting food from the food pantry ministry of the…
Monica’s stress eased after finding La Voz pantry
She and her husband are able to stay on top of bills with this food supplement Monica started visiting the pantry at La Voz Sylmar Seventh-Day Adventist Church about six months ago when her hours were cut at work. She was so worried about how they would make it, how she could continue helping her…
Danna and Bill feel “special” after getting help from Lighthouse pantry
Danna and Bill live near Lighthouse of San Fernando Valley church. They are seniors and retired, and have found themselves falling short financially. Bill also recently underwent heart surgery. A neighbor told them about the food pantry held every Friday at the Lighthouse, and they came to visit. They are so happy to be able…
Covarrubias family has one less worry during these hard times
Juanita and Salvador have three kids and live on one income Salvador and Juanita Covarrubias have three children and were struggling financially, depending on Salvador’s income alone. “It’s hard and many people have lost jobs,” said Juanita. “A few months ago I started to look for a food bank or a place that could provide…
Brent finds his calling
This month, Brent celebrates six years of sobriety Brent started drinking at just 8 years old. At 11, his stepfather kicked him out of the house after Brent reported him for physical abuse. “I went to school and couldn’t always hide the bruises,” Brent said. “One day my teacher asked, and I told them it…
Crystal overcomes mental hurdles, finds peace in the Lord
She has plans for Bible College, motivational speaking, and pastoring Crystal can’t pinpoint exactly when, as a child, she started to experience depression. But it’s been something that has been a part of her memories for as long as she can remember. “I grew up in a really quiet household,” she said. “There were a…
John hears of pantry, finds more than food
“The beginning of my experience with the Kingdom Pantry actually didn’t start at Reseda United Methodist Church at all,” John said. “It began with me meeting a man named Scott at Denny’s here in Reseda. “Scott was clearly friendly and began sharing with me about his church, his love for Jesus and about the Wednesday…
Saul deepens relationship with God, finds love, purpose at Mission
ENGLISH SPANISH SAUL DEEPENS RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, FINDS LOVE, PURPOSE AT MISSION February 16, 2024 | Sascha-Eden Preston He’s restoring his bonds with his children Saul had a relatively quiet childhood growing up in San Diego with his siblings and both parents. He graduated high school and then ITT Tech. At 19, he had his…
