Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
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After Half a Lifetime Behind Bars, Joseph Chooses God
Joseph grew up in a broken family in San Bernardino. “I didn’t have a father around. My mother was there, but not really there. We didn’t have any money. I started running the streets when I was 8 years old. I learned what to do to survive.” Joseph remembers the first time he did drugs.…
Mission Celebrates 10 Years With Pastor John at the Helm of the Program
Pastor John Schmidt, program manager, hit a big milestone recently: In December, he celebrated 10 years at the mission. “When I started, there were 25 guys at the ranch (the mission’s former location), and it was just me. I was the only staff member,” John said. “It’s been wonderful. We have such a great staff—they…
2018: A Look Back At A Joyous And Successful Year
We have seen the goodness of the Lord here at the mission this last year. The outpouring of goodwill and generosity to the Mission is humbling. We have learned to wait and see what the Lord has in store for us as He lays out His plan for what has been provided through so many…
Mario Turns Away From Life Of Violence And Drugs, Embraces God
As a child in Orange County, Mario grew up wanting for nothing. “We were always spoiled as kids,” he said. “But when we got to junior high school-age, I remember asking for more stuff, and then my dad and my uncle started handing out drugs for us to sell. They told us it was time…
Bill’s Boots on the Ground – January 2019
The holidays have come and gone and the new year is here! 2018 was incredible; we served so many people with your help—thank you. But now, most of us are asking what will we do differently this year? What resolutions will you make for this new year? What will your personal goals be? For the…
Brian Finds A ‘Restful Heart’ At The Mission
Brian and his future wife moved up to Oregon after high school. He went to culinary school, they got married, bought a house, and had two little girls. They were very active in their local church; Brian became a small group leader and got involved with student ministry. “I became a part of the leadership…
Linda’s Commitment To Service Continues To Fulfill Her Life
After a career of nursing and much of her free time dedicated to volunteerism, Linda was no stranger to serving her community. But her current post at the mission, she says, has been the most fulfilling. “The Lord sent me here,” Linda said. “It’s been the most amazing thing for me personally.” Through a workers…
Bill’s Boots on the Ground – December
I have witnessed so many things that have moved me. I often say, “I don’t want to ever not be in awe of God!” One story stands out when I think of some of the amazing acts that have moved me to tears and admiration for God: I received a phone call in the late…
Gilbert Breaks Cycle, Is No Longer Content With Life On The Streets
Before coming to the mission, Gilbert had been living on the streets for four years. He had spent most of his life staying with family members, and eventually, he had nowhere to go. “I felt like I didn’t do anything to put myself in this situation, but I still wanted to get myself out of…
Sean Rises Above His Pain, Dedicates His Time To Others
Sean has struggled with heartbreak in his life, but his solution to staying positive is to give his pain to God, and give back to the community. Sean has been partially paralyzed on his left side since birth. He has a 17-year-old son who he hasn’t seen since he was 1. “His mother was sick…
Reuben Tries to Shed the Shame He Carries From His Addiction
Reuben remembers having his first drink when he was just 9 years old. “I was at a party—it was my dad and his friends. And someone handed me a beer,” he said. In high school, Reuben started drinking a bit more, and when he turned 21, it turned into most weekends. Now 27, Reuben is…
Brandon Aims to Leave the Streets, Gangs, Drugs Behind for Good
At 32, Brandon has been on the streets for more than half of his life. He left his house for good at just 13. “My mom’s boyfriends used to beat me up, so I took off,” he said. “When I was 10, I got my head put through a wall. I didn’t want to be…
