He’s also helping others in the program find purpose

As a combat veteran who spent 14 years in the Marine Corp Infantry, RMA VC’s new Ministry Resident Robert has many stories of close calls.

On a recent night, while taking a break from working with volunteers, Robert recounted the time when he and his platoon were pinned down by enemy fire in the desert of Kuwait. “It was only the second day of Desert Storm and shortly after making the landing in Kuwait our Amtrack (Amphibious Assault Vehicle) broke down. We soon found ourselves taking fire from all sides. We circled around our vehicle and fought for two hours and managed to repel the enemy. We all survived but a couple were wounded and had to be lifted out by helicopter.”

Robert paused for a moment then continued, “I realized after that how precious life was and I was determined to do anything to stay alive.”

After leaving the Marines, Robert struggled with PTSD and was self-medicating with alcohol. He worked in the construction industry for 10 years but eventually his drinking led to a failed marriage and Robert found himself here in 2014.

After graduating from the Life Recovery Program, Robert worked as a long-distance truck driver but the isolation of the job led to a relapse. “I was by myself too much with nothing to do but battle my thoughts and to numb myself with alcohol,” Robert recalled. “I had managed to graduate from the program, but something was still missing in the way I was living my life.”

After continuing this way for several more years, Robert’s stepmom suggested that he return to the Rescue Mission, and in September of 2023, he found himself back in the program. “I was determined this time to find whatever I had missed the last time here,” said Robert.

“Right away I started reading my Bible and listening to what the chaplains and counselors were saying.” Robert credits the Genesis Process with helping him to make real and lasting changes.

“The first time I had to write out my story, with all of its dark episodes, I was blown away. I was finally able to fill in the gaps that had been out of my conscious awareness and I felt like I at last was beginning to have some understanding.” Robert continued, “I now have the tools to stay sober and on track.”

Nearing the end of the program and still not sure about his future, Robert was asked to consider being the Assistant Volunteer Coordinator. “I hadn’t really thought about staying on here until I was asked,” Robert said, “but this was tailor made for me. I really see God’s hand at work in this.”

Working with volunteers has taught Robert the value of service, selflessness, and community. “And I met my mentor who is a volunteer here and I attend weekly men’s Bible studies with him at Calvary Ventura.”

Being a Ministry Resident means that Robert is in one of our enhanced programs. In addition to ministry, programs include culinary arts, construction, security, and retail operations. Chaplain Luke, who oversees the enhanced programs, explained the purpose and goal of the Ministry Resident Program:

“We are preparing the men for a future in Ministry, whether at a Rescue Mission, a church or parachurch organization, or any place with an emphasis on Christian Ministry. We do this by fostering their continued growth in Christ through discipleship and classes at the Blue Letter Bible Institute. This is in conjunction with hands-on, daily experience working with our residents, staff, and those in the greater community we serve.”

Robert is excited about where his life is headed. “I am in the best place I could be. I never dreamed that Ministry would be a possibility for me, but that is the path that God has laid out for me. Whether it’s working with the volunteers, the men in our program, going on outreach, or taking Bible classes, I am being guided to a better future.”

Thinking back on his time in combat, Robert now sees that the urge to stay alive no matter what was driven by fear and not the motivation to serve others. “It’s different now. Life is still precious, of course, but now I know it’s because it’s a gift from God and we are meant to use it in service, worship, and love.”