Making A Difference That Matters
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Trevor overcomes addiction, becomes house manager at Mission
He’s also working on his college degree Moe was loose again. The 500-pound black bear had made it past two electric fence barriers to escape and now the staff at the zoo was attempting to get him safely back to where he belonged. Trevor and others on ATVs had corralled Moe near the gate and…
Meet RMA VC Chaplain Reed Gibson
In 2022, Reed Gibson joined the RMA Ventura County team as a chaplain. After 20 years as an engineer, Reed decided to focus more on his heart for ministry and community. Reed uses his prior experience as a youth pastor to now “live his dream” of full-time ministry. He’s also excited to share his love…
Susan is planning to ‘take God with her’
In 2003, Susan and her then-9-year-old daughter, Paula, were thrilled with the opportunity to move in with Susan’s son in Oxnard. Susan loved that she would be closer to her older children, and she was excited to explore an area she’d never been before. However, shortly after relocating, her son’s landlord told them they could…
3 years post-graduation and cancer-free, ‘Life is good,’ Brian says
Entering the program on his own accord was crucial to his success Brian got his cancer diagnosis in June of last year. After troubling results on a routine screen, further tests showed that he had prostate cancer. “My heart sank when I got the news in the doctor’s office,” he recalled, “but as soon as…
Nonprofit grows from Lighthouse volunteerism
HER Life Journey continues to bless women While Elena Rosas, a successful hairstylist in Ventura County, was thriving in her industry and growing her business, she remained unfulfilled, and began praying to God to reveal her true purpose. She wanted to find ways to use the talent and gifts the Lord had given her, and…
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…
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…
Director’s Note
This year we will center our goals around the following theme: Engage Have you ever found yourself at a social function only to realize that you don’t know anyone? For some, this is no big deal-you’re the naturally gregarious type who thrives on working the room, telling great stories and leaving with 20 new life-long…
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…
Director’s Note
It’s a wonderful time of year! We hope you are enjoying this holiday season and pray you have a beautiful Christmas with your family. Here at the Lighthouse, after the celebrations have quieted, we will be preparing to take a stand. January is National Human Trafficking Awareness month, and Rescue Mission Alliance Ventura County will…
Jose and Samara grow in God’s love together
Both have graduated from the Mission’s programs Jose and Samara feel incredibly blessed. They’re engaged. While they currently live separately, they each enjoy the security of stable housing. They both have jobs they love-Samara is a Ministry Resident at the Lighthouse and Jose assists with volunteer coordination and outreach efforts at Rescue Mission Alliance Ventura…
