Monica first helped run the shower program with the Mission’s late Outreach Coordinator Mike Meyer.

Monica will now help lead community outreach events at the Mission

After a deep hurt, Monica encountered Mike Meyer, the Mission’s late outreach coordinator. She knew him from previous involvement in the community and upon seeing her, Mike said, “You know you need to be at the Rescue Mission. I have a job for you.”

“Mike believed in me and brought me in, and ministry flowed from there,” Monica said. “I felt accepted and safe at the Mission and, thus, was able to resume my ministry calling to the unsheltered.”

For over a year Monica served, and co-supervised with Mike, the weekly Wednesday Shower Program. She became, and remains, an integral part of the Event Outreach Team called the “Red Aprons.” Her son, Jacob, serves with her and many friends.

Monica rejoices that the Mission’s purpose and services so align with what God has laid on her heart to pursue. What fuels her soul is seeing long term outcomes for those she has encountered over the years.

Manny is an unsheltered individual in Old Town Victorville who Monica first encountered in 2016. For eight years she cultivated a friendship with him through the various outreach organizations and ministries she has partnered with. Last year Manny entered a sober living facility. He is now in recovery. Monica’s contacts and diligence facilitated his placement.

Al met Monica upon entering a temporary shelter. He asked for a name tag with a big “A” and a little “l.” Monica got it reversed and Al told her that they “would not be friends.” Monica had a burden on her heart and prayed for Al. He came into our Life Recovery Program six years ago and upon graduation, with Monica’s assistance, began the process of obtaining housing. Three years ago, with the help of the Mission and partner organizations, Al moved into his own place. And the person he calls “sister” is Monica.

This is the lane where Monica feels called. Her mission statement is “To continue in discernment of knowing  when to be available to minister to those in need of shelter that God calls me to.” She bases this on Hebrews 13:2: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.”

This purpose has also been her comfort when those she has befriended have passed way. Stephen was considering shelter when he decided to do one last dose of drugs. The fentanyl within took his life. This elevated her resolve to bring the Gospel of Christ and shelter/assistance opportunities to those we serve.

For her this reinforced that our neighbors and friends are worthy of the love and the success that comes through restoration based on a relationship with Christ. Relationship building through outreach and services allows Mission staff to be available and assist when someone is ready for recovery and shelter.

Monica is humble when talking about this ministry that is an integral part of who she is in Jesus’ name and power. Those of us who have had the joy of ministering alongside her know her impact has been powerful on the community, and many have come into a relationship with Christ because of her efforts in His name.

Monica is now filling in some of the gaps left in Mike’s absence. She will be representing the Mission at community events and will be building a team to minister alongside her. She will continue to serve the Mission as a trusted volunteer. Mike, you did have a job for her, she accepted, and the Lord gave the increase.