Rachel Herskowitz has attended and served at Ventura Missionary for many years. More importantly, she has followed Christ for many years! How has she managed to have a faith that sticks?

We recently asked Rachel some questions about her faith and experiences in life. One question we asked was, "What was the best advice you have ever received?" She said, "Stick with the Lord!" As we learned more about Rachel's journey with Jesus, it's clear that she took this advice to heart, and that intentionality has resulted in decades of faith that has held fast through the joys and heartaches along the way.

From a young age, Rachel stuck to biblical principles. As a teen, Rachel chose God's way in one particular situation, and later someone told her that they had became a Christian because of how she had responded.

One of the biggest challenges Rachel has ever faced took place years later when her husband left her. She turned to the Lord for help and comfort. She read the Psalms and 1 Corinthians 13 (known as the love chapter), studying them over and over. She says these passages truly gave her peace and direction.

Rachel hasn't just turned to God when she needs help. Her relationship with Him has been a lifestyle. She has prioritized the rhythms of prayer and reading the Word of God every morning during her breakfast.

Single parenting was also a part of Rachel's story. When asked, what encouragement she would give to single parents, she said, "With the Lord, you are never truly alone. Even though it may not seem like it, you always have the Lord to guide you." And she says that when your child is struggling, the best answer is always prayer. "It seems trite, but is also very true."

We also asked Rachel, "What is one of your favorite attributes about God and why?"...to which she replied, "How can I possibly choose just one? He has become my constant companion and friend for most of my life." She says that God has done everything from helping her find a lost hair clip, to finding a place to live, to rescuing her from stepping on the open mouth of a venomous snake!

Thank you, Rachel, for showing us what it looks like to walk with Jesus. It's people like you who encourage the next generation to follow in His footsteps, to affix their eyes on Him, the Author and Perfecter of a faith that sticks!

On August 25, our Elders and Pastors prayed over and commissioned Marci Worthy as a licensed Pastor through the Missionary denomination! Pastor Doug also shared an encouragement to Marci out of 1 Peter 5:2-4 about shepherding God’s flock.

Marci has already been ministering to our church family and community in so many ways, modeling a life that follows Jesus, teaching us from God’s Word, praying for us, and so much more, so it's not surprising that her calling to be a pastor began long before this summer Sunday in 2024. Below is a message from Marci about her new role at Ventura Missionary and how God led here:

Wow! It is such an honor to be a pastor at Ventura Missionary Church. I serve alongside a fantastic group of people who love the Lord and are passionate about what they do. Together, we are continually growing and learning as we shepherd, teach, serve, and care for the people at church, in our community, and around the world. I am blown away that God has called me to partner with Him in sharing the love of Jesus with so many people.

I remember after college, when I was working for a communications company in Santa Barbara, I began asking God if there was a way that I could make a living reading His Word, writing my thoughts, and talking about it. I didn’t think a career like that existed, and I couldn’t even imagine what that would be. 

Well, over the next 25 years, through leadership opportunities, small group dynamics, biblical classes, writing, speaking and life experiences…God continued to grow my faith in Him and my knowledge of His Word. People began to tell me that I should become a pastor, or that I already was a pastor, or that God’s anointing was on me, but it wasn’t something that I was pursuing. God continued to use prophecy from many people, prayers proclaimed over me, affirmation, and opportunities to encourage me…and a shift began in my heart. It was a stirring in my soul that I can’t deny was from the Holy Spirit. This shift led me to complete formal education to become an official pastor. I took three years of classes through our denomination and really enjoyed them. I have realized that God has gifted and prepared me for such a time as this, and I am really excited for this next chapter of my life.

 I so completely believe that life with God is better. Jesus is the reason we live, breathe, create, and have the capacity to love others. He makes living an exciting adventure of faith, trust, compassion, and joy and through all the ups and the downs, God is faithful. Sharing these truths is my favorite part of ministry. My prayer is that I can help as many people as possible to know the reality of God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, and compassion in their lives.

Just last Sunday, the same day I was being initiated as a pastor, a young man in our church accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. During the message, I felt the need to say that if anyone in the room did not have a relationship with Jesus yet…that they could come receive prayer and begin a life-changing relationship with Jesus today. This young man did. Thank you, Jesus! A brand-new beginning for him…and for me.

We look forward to seeing how God continues to use Marci to live and share the transforming love of Jesus as a Pastor of Ventura Missionary Church, helping people to grow closer to God and more like Jesus.

Lynn Bova is one of the Elders at Ventura Missionary Church. She has lived in Ventura since the third grade. In fact, she still lives in her childhood home!

Lynn first heard about Jesus from next-door neighbors who hosted a “Five Day Club” during the summer. Even at that early age, she was able to see Jesus as the bridge from this world of pain and loss into the life of light, hope, and eternity.

Lynn has found peace and hope through Proverbs 3:5-6 which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” This passage reminds Lynn that it is only the Lord who can heal our wounds and save the lost, and He is trustworthy.

One thing Lynn would tell a new believer in Christ is that not only are our sins forgiven through Him, but God has so many wonderful gifts for us. We can find peace and hope even in the midst of difficult situations, because He cares for us!

As an empty-nester, Lynn loves to walk and hike, cook, garden, and visit with her parents. We are so grateful for her leadership at Ventura Missionary.

Editor's Note: Lynn is pictured with her husband, Joe, and her six adult children.

Last year Montana Wiggins found herself becoming depressed. She had stopped participating in youth activities at church and felt herself drifting away from Jesus, so she decided to step back onto the path of her faith journey.

After returning to youth group, she also signed up for the Winter Retreat opportunity in January of 2023. What a weekend! The messages, connections with friends and leaders, and the whole experience helped to re-center Montana on what matters most.

Montana began praying and felt a peace and joy she hadn’t felt in quite a while and the depression and gloom just melted away. God was opening her mind to pursue more in life. She knew a deep relationship with Jesus was the answer and she wanted to find ways to not just grab it and hold onto it for herself, but to spread that good news to others.

In Montana’s hunt for opportunities, she found Youth With A Mission and signed up for their Discipleship Training School (DTS).  She is excited to get more education in the Bible, broaden her understanding of spiritual truths, and deepen her personal relationship with Jesus so that she is able to more authentically share the hope of Christ. She says, “You can’t share what you don’t know.”

Montana leaves for DTS at the end of September. The training is three months long. A portion of her learning will be on public speaking, something her dad has always encouraged her toward, but there will also be other elements, including outreach opportunities, folded in. Each day will include classroom time and a few hours of hands-on service.

Following the training Montana will be assigned to a country somewhere in the world for another three months. When asked if she has any say about where that will be, Montana responded, “We can request a continent, which is not even guaranteed, but it’s okay because every place needs help. God moves things around and you have to go with the unexpected.” She does, however, feel drawn to Africa.

When asked what excites her about this new venture, Montana says that she is looking forward to being among a wide range of people, learning about stories that are far different from hers. But what she is most excited about is “Falling into a deeper relationship with God personally.”

When Montana speaks, there is a gentle yet powerful eloquence about her that makes her an effective preacher already. She continues, “Peace drove me to help other people. I want to help them find what I have.”

It seems our girl already has her “feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace!” (Ephesians 6:15) Part of that gospel, that good news, Montana says is that “when you fully give your life to God, it is the only way to truly be yourself and the only way to feel complete.” Amen, Montana!

When you give to Missions and Outreach at Ventura Missionary, you are partnering with us to help send and support people like Montana to bring the gospel of peace into the world around us. If you would like to partner financially with Montana directly, click on her gofundme page.

When you ask Ellie Crist how God is working in her life, the words just flow! There is a wholehearted excitement about how God has been leading her. The passion that God has been depositing in her heart to serve God and serve others is obvious.

Ellie began attending Ventura Missionary Church in middle school and says that she mainly “floated” through youth group in the beginning. But in eighth grade, Ellie approached Amy Holden (who would eventually become our Student Ministries Director for a season) and asked how she could help. Amy gave her a role to check in and welcome students as they arrived at youth group, and Ellie quickly realized that she enjoyed serving people and helping them get connected.

A few years later, Ellie began to lead a small group of middle school girls. She has now led small groups in Student Ministries for four years, and almost three of those years have been with the same girls. Ellie loves the deeper connections she’s been able to make with girls by investing in their lives over time. And little by little, God has continued to nurture a deeper desire in Ellie to serve God and love people as a Christian – “little Christ” in this world.

In high school, Ellie also developed a yearning to learn Spanish. She not only discovered she was gifted with languages, she was also inspired by a teacher that shared stories about people groups who were marginalized, mistreated, and sometimes outright abused in various cultures around the globe. This knowledge was stirring a desire in Ellie to get plugged into the bigger world with God’s love. At Ventura Missionary, the students are already exposed to God’s love, and Ellie wanted to begin going into places that didn’t have that blessing.

Now attending California State University Channel Islands, Ellie is majoring in Global and International Studies. She is learning so much about cultural patterns, political science, environmental and social realities and how they all blend together and impact societies, and ultimately, people. This is further solidifying the inward tugging toward outward service. However, the initial shifting of her mindset and “heartset” to serve internationally was interrupted by Covid when global mission trips – and even local outreach - opportunities came to a complete halt.

Throughout the pandemic, God continued to fan the flame of Ellie’s desire to take her heart of service cross-culturally. She continued to talk to her parents about how God was working in her and kept looking for ways she could step into that growing passion, but there appeared to be no outlet to put this passion into action.

Finally, the pandemic began to get further into the rearview mirror, and then seemingly out of nowhere, Pastor Doug mentioned in a sermon that he was taking a team to Mexico. The church hadn’t engaged in missions since the coronavirus outbreak began. Ellie knew God’s Spirit was telling her to ask about this opportunity. After the service, she stood in line to talk to Pastor Doug and asked if there might be a spot for her on the team. He said, “Yes!” So, three years after God began prompting her toward serving internationally, she was able to go to Mexico for a weekend of beautiful ministry.

Detail after timely detail unfolded on the trip. As Ellie participated in ministry, it felt so right, and she knew she had just taken another step onto where God’s path is leading. She was able to connect with people at Door of Faith Orphanage and with Rene and Cristina Matus, our missionaries in Mexico, to learn about opportunities that will help her lean even more into God’s plan for her. And, because our current Student Ministry Pastor, Parkher Murphy, was also on the trip, Ellie and Parkher were able to experience the ministries at the same time and begin to plan ways to engage our students in future global missions and local outreach opportunities. Ellie is developing a program for students to do just that called, “Help Out and Hang Out” and the youth department is beginning to implement it. Ellie’s Eighth Grade small group recently put together 20 bags filled with practical items for the homeless community in Ventura. They included notes to those who would receive the bags and the girls prayed for them as well. The very next day, these 20 bags went directly to the hands of those who needed these items most! Ellie loves having the opportunity to inspire and introduce students to do what she did that totally changed her life.

When asked what else she would like to say to those reading her story, Ellie said, “Listen to what God is saying to you, pray about it to discern how God is calling you, and be open to how God is leading you.” Amen, Ellie!

Brooklyn Grant is a young adult who grew up at Ventura Missionary and is now attending Grand Canyon University, a Christian university in Arizona. Brooklyn’s grandparents are John and Kathy Walker, and she has a lot to say about the influence they have had on her life.

Brooklyn has so many memories with her grandparents including their fun times at Lake Tahoe as a family – vacations planned by John and Kathy. They have been going on these trips together every summer since Brooklyn was born and it is one of her favorite things to do. She says, “They are really special memories that I will always hold close.” Brooklyn says that these trips are also one of the reasons she has learned the importance of family and spending time with the people you love.

Brooklyn also appreciates the wisdom she has gleaned from her grandparents’ life experiences. She says, “They have helped me make future life decisions.” Last summer, Brooklyn and her grandpa had the opportunity to carpool to work together. She says she gained so much wisdom during that one-on-one time with him. She says, “My grandparents always give the best advice!”

The influence of her grandparents has been spiritual, as well. Brooklyn says, “My grandparents have expressed the importance of having a good relationship with Jesus and have modeled that for the family. I desire a close relationship with Jesus, and my grandparents encourage and support me in my faith.” She continues, “My grandma often sends me inspirational messages that have been helpful as I navigate life and college. She always reminds me that God is faithful and trustworthy. She encourages me to share my love for Jesus with others.”

When asked about something Brooklyn enjoys about who her grandparents are, she says, “My grandma loves shopping, and that is something we do together when I am home. We also both share the love for some of the same clothing brands, which is fun.”  She adds, “Something funny about my grandpa is that he always knows someone whenever we go out. When we go out to dinner, he is always the last to the table because he runs into someone he knows. He is really connected to the community.”

Brooklyn’s story reminds us how important it is to intentionally disciple the next generation at every opportunity. We never know the impact we are having on those around us, including our grandchildren. John and Kathy, thank you for modeling a wise way to live for us, as well!

Editor’s Note:  Brooklyn is pictured on the left with her brother, grandparents, and parents. It is easy to see how much fun they all have together!

Several decades ago, the lives of two couples in our church family intersected. What followed is an inspiring story of deep friendship and inspiration. It’s a story that demonstrates the value of having people in your life who are further down the path. What began as an arranged connection has unfolded into a long-term blessing.  

John and Marci Worthy became engaged in 1996. In order to be married at their church, they were required to be part of a new premarital program that included attending ten counseling sessions, reading two books, and meeting ten times with a couple that they didn’t know at the time. The marriage mentor couple turned out to be Ray and Merilyn Abernathy.  

To the younger couple, the church’s expectations seemed too time consuming, expensive, and logistically difficult (Marci lived in San Luis Obispo, John lived in Santa Barbara, and the Abernathy’s and the church were in Ventura). But Marci says, “From the very first meeting, we bonded so easily with the Abernathy’s and have had a very special relationship ever since. They have a humor, grace and beauty in their relationship that is hard to describe. They are the most compassionate people I have ever known. Merilyn embodies an elegance blended with humility and kindness that is so attractive. Ray is strong and sensitive mixed with the perfect combination of humor and sincerity.”

When they began mentoring John and Marci, the Abernathy’s laughed at their statement that “life will be so much easier once we’re married.” In the weeks (and eventually years) that followed, Ray and Merilyn have shared principles from their own experiences that didn’t promise an “easy” relationship but did illustrate profound guideposts for a good and healthy one.

Marci says this about the bond they share with Ray and Merilyn, “God’s love and wisdom connected us. Over the years, we have maintained a close friendship, had many deep conversations, prayed together, enjoyed many dinners, and shared the ups and downs, and joys and pains of life.  We adore them.”

We wanted to know more about some of that wealth of wisdom the Worthy’s have gleaned from the Abernathy’s, so we recently asked Ray and Merilyn if they would answer the following questions:

What would you say to younger couples about marriage?

CHOOSE EACH OTHER DAILY!  In fairy tales…and Hallmark movies, the story ends with “and they lived happily ever after” message.  We remember a speaker at a marriage course saying, “We are sinners.  We get married.  Now there are two sinners living in the same house.  What makes us think that will lead to happy-ever-after?” That impacted us greatly and led us to CHOOSE daily to recommit our love for each other. Did we feel the love every day these 44 years? [Merilyn notes, “Many days, I don’t even like myself!”]

REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT WHEN YOU FELL IN LOVE AND THOSE TIMES WHEN YOU'VE BEEN CLOSE.  Frame and keep pictures around of those special moments. Not just the wedding. In one of our favorites, we are digging ditches, in rain, in Oregon. We were exhausted, covered in mud…and trying to lay the electrical wires. Way out of our comfort zone…but in it TOGETHER.

GO ON DATES!  Especially during the rough times. When “all our money was tied up in bills,” as Ray used to say, we would pack a picnic and head to a park or the beach…or drive to Santa Barbara, walk State Street, and have an ice cream cone at McDonald’s.

What practices have strengthened your relationship?

MAKING DAILY DEVOTIONS TOGETHER A PRIORITY:  YES…there is time IF we make it!  For us, it has been first thing in the morning. Our first devotional was a daily reading from Oswald Chambers’ book, MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. Next was MOMENTS TOGETHER For COUPLES by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. This year, we are again reading through the Bible. We listen to THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR plan by Nicky Gumbel.  

CHOOSING TO KEEP LEARNING ABOUT MARRIAGE.  Take advantage of classes, retreats, literature. Most of us studied harder for our drivers’ license than we did for marriage.

BEING PART OF A CHURCH FAMILY.  We have learned, grown, and experienced so much from the relationships GOD has orchestrated. We have been amazed at the people The LORD has used to impact, transform, and teach us.

What part has God played in your marriage?

The word MAJOR isn’t big enough. God’s fingerprints are all over our marriage. We are the testimony of HIS power to take two very different, broken people and make something wonderful.  

Visualize the cross. Now visualize a man and woman at the foot of the Cross. That’s the “secret” of our marriage. Us at the feet of Jesus. Two unworthy people in deep need of HIS love, mercy, wisdom, and forgiveness. This TRIANGLE is the key. The closer each of us gets to Jesus, the stronger our marriage is.

[Can’t you just hear the mic drop?!]

Launching into the 2022 Christmas season, Ventura Missionary Preschool families joined others in the community to build Can-Christmas Trees in downtown Ventura. The canned goods were donated to FoodShare to resource our hungry friends and neighbors.

Preschool Director, Laurie Pido's heart behind the project is not only benefitting those who are in need, but also providing an opportunity for parents to model generosity to their kids. However, young Constantine, one of our preschool students became the one who modeled a giving heart to the rest of us. Taking this project to heart, he hit up neighbors and local stores to ask them to contribute. All in all, he collected 420 of the cans brought in by our preschool families! We’re so proud of Constantine for demonstrating to us what it means to share the love of Jesus in our community.

Debbie Howery’s work as a security guard ensures the safety of those who frequent the business where she is employed.  But Debbie brings far more than safety to the people she serves.

If you are acquainted with Debbie, you know first-hand that she is a bundle of joy that lights up any environment she is a part of. Debbie is ever on the lookout for ways to be a blessing to others. Her job is not just a paycheck, it is an opportunity to share the love of Jesus.

Recently, two ladies called out to Debbie at work, “You’re Debbie, aren’t you?”  Not recognizing the ladies, Debbie asked how they knew who she was. They answered that they were related to a man to whom Debbie had given a scarf.  They said, “We just want you to know, he loves it, and wears it every day!”

Debbie had given the scarf to the man because he had often joked with Debbie when she was working on various projects to pass the time when things were slow. He would say, “Is that for me?”  So, Debbie decided to make him a scarf. She had no idea that scarf had been so meaningful to him. When the conversation between the three new friends died down, Debbie apologized to those waiting to get into the building for the delay. A gentleman piped up, “That’s okay, I’m just waiting in the line for the free scarves!”

A few days later, a man leaving the building shared with Debbie that he had just been diagnosed with stage four cancer, and Debbie took the opportunity to pray with the individual right then and there. No one else was around at the time who would need her attention, and she attributes God for crafting that pause to make it possible for her to come alongside a fellow human being who had just received very difficult news.

And the blessings go both ways. Debbie is not only fulfilled in her heart because of the opportunities she notices and acts on to bless others, she has received tangible blessings herself. Recently a man gifted her with a pink flashlight, which just happens to be her favorite color. And it’s not just any flashlight, it is one that has features that will add to her safety on the job. Debbie says, “It was so sweet of him to look out for my safety when that is my job to do for others.”

These three stories are from just one week of Debbie’s life on the job as a security guard. Perhaps Debbie’s role would be better defined as security guard/security blanket because she brings warmth, compassion, and love to those she comes in contact with each and every shift. 

We are so excited to welcome Clara Cutbill to the Family Life team at Ventura Missionary Church. She will be serving as our new Children's Ministry Director.

Clara already has experience serving in children's ministry, managing over 100 volunteers each week, and over 500 volunteers at Vacation Bible School each year.  She has a Master's degree from Fuller Seminary.

Clara is excited to serve the children and families at Ventura Missionary. She loves that children have such pure hearts for Jesus and believes that they are the heartbeat of every church. Someone once told her that children are human beings, not human becomings and deserve to be treated as such. She says it is so important to invest in children, not only because they need to know Jesus, but because they will be the ones reaching the next generation for Christ.

Family Life Pastor, Brian Rayburn, sat down with Clara recently (access the interview video here), and she had some fun things to share. She has an adorable pug named Blanche that has her own Instagram account (@ladyblancethepug). Blanche is even featured as Miss April in an upcoming pug calendar.  

In addition to spending time with Blanche, Clara enjoys watching the L.A. Kings, hiking, and almost any creative outlet such as photography, painting, and cross stitch.

Welcome, Clara, and thank you for answering the call to share the transforming love of Jesus with children at Ventura Missionary!

When Jesus walked the earth, He had this way of seeing people – seeing beyond the obvious challenges they faced and ministering to their hearts. Those in our community who are under-resourced have very real practical needs, especially in the current economic climate. Ventura Missionary Church’s volunteers for Family to Family go beyond providing a hot meal for the hungry every month, they serve it up with love, compassion and warm conversation.

Family to Family is a local, all volunteer organization that has been feeding and helping others in Ventura since 1983. They offer hot, nutritious meals to those who come to the West End kitchen. Ventura Missionary Church adopted the fourth Monday of each month decades ago, serving the community on the Avenue rain or shine.

Lori Franco has been spearheading volunteer efforts, and has roughly ten consistent volunteers, who faithfully serve those who come for a meal. Lee is someone who recently returned to the Ventura area, and he didn't waste any time jumping in. He is a "regular!" Carrie has been volunteering since January, saying that her own mom's heart for those in need was a huge influence in her desire to help the homeless. Carrie's children often come to help, following the legacy of service that has been passed down through generations. Bernice has been a faithful servant with Family to Family for over 5 years! She says this is just one way that she is able to serve the community and the Lord. A Ventura Missionary local outreach partner, Casa de Vida, has been helping with this effort, too!

Volunteers currently make 100 burritos, pairing them with salad, and chips and salsa. They graciously serve drinks to those eating in the dining hall, and many volunteers love to sit and have conversations with those who are eating, making sure they not only eat a hot meal that day, but that they feel loved, valued, and seen. As guests leave, they are greeted at the door with a smile and heartfelt goodbye.

If you are interested in partnering with Ventura Missionary Church to serve meals with Family to Family, visit the Outreach page on our website or contact Lori Franco.

It is obvious when you first begin to talk to Ron and Mary-Ellen Dolbier that they enjoy their small group at Ventura Missionary Church. A few years back, Ron heard Marci Worthy talking from the front on a Sunday morning about how meaningful it is to be part of a group. After the service, he approached the Groups Table in the lobby to talk to Marci about taking that step. To his surprise, Marci asked if he might like to lead a group, and in true Ron-fashion, he said, “I can try that.” And he has been facilitating a group ever since.

Mary-Ellen is a fitting partner for team Dolbier. She handles all the details for the group. But the couple also shares the responsibilities with others, too. Over time, Dave and Jan Schmutte have become co-facilitators, while others like to bring various snacks to share.

Lively conversation fills the weekly gatherings, as they share life together. Ron enjoys hearing about the trips the group members take – the wide variety of places they go and unique things they do and see are so fun to hear about.

Mary-Ellen says that one of the biggest values of the group experience is getting to know each other on a deeper level. They rejoice together about the good things, but they also learn about the challenges their friends are facing. They pray for each other and consistently check back to see how things are going.

Another meaningful benefit has been to learn the history and stories of each of the group members. Some of the participants have roots and experiences in other countries that define how they view current events in the news. Hearing from these members broadens the understanding of those who haven’t had these kinds of experiences. And it’s inspiring to see what God has accomplished over the years in each individual on their own unique faith journey.

God is also impacting hearts through His Word within the group. Ron says the different perspectives that are shared are often things he hadn’t thought of. Walking through the discussion questions each week is one of his favorite parts of being in the group. He says that some are quieter than others, but everybody contributes to the conversation. And it is really special to have a front row seat when people light up about what God is doing in their lives.

The group isn’t only concerned about their own needs and prayer requests. They periodically do projects to minister to those in the community. One time they were given the names and ages of kids in our local school district who were in need, and they enjoyed choosing and providing some clothes for these children. They have also collected items for Gabriel’s House, a transitional home in Oxnard.

Elizabeth Sylvester, Groups Coordinator at Ventura Missionary loves working with the Dolbier’s. She appreciates their consistent willingness to try new things. She is also impressed by their faithfulness. The group was unable to meet during COVID, and when it re-launched, very few came back at first. (Ron and Mary-Ellen laughingly share that one week it was just the two of them.) But Ron and Mary-Ellen persevered, invited new members to join and welcomed back others. They participated in leadership training through Ventura Missionary’s “Elevate” events and invited their new co-leaders, the Schmutte’s, to join them. Now 26 people are becoming close friends (Maybe it isn’t really a “small” group anymore!), and the group is thriving again.

Ron says that gathering with this group of people is his “mid-week boost.” Maybe that’s why when asked each time a new study at the church comes along, “Would you like to continue?” Ron says, “We can do that!”

Cathy Coultrup has always had a heart for children. The first time she volunteered at Ventura Missionary Church, she was involved in the planning and implementation of Vacation Bible School. She continued volunteering for various roles in children's ministries over the next few years, and in 1996, she was offered a staff position as Children's Ministry Assistant.  Two years later, when Frances Blankenbaker retired, Cathy assumed the role of Children's Ministry Director and has been serving our kids and families ever since.

Now, after 26 years on staff, it's Cathy's turn to retire. When asked what she has enjoyed most about serving as the Children's Ministry Director, Cathy says, "My heart for children has always been about relationships - children having relationships with other children on Sunday mornings, children having relationships with their KidZone leaders, and ultimately, children having a relationship with Jesus."

Cathy says that Vacation Bible School (VBS) has also been fun each summer. She loves the energy and smiles that permeate VBS weeks. She also loves the added bonus that what we do for kids impacts adults as well! She describes two examples: "After hearing her child singing songs about Jesus at home, one VBS mom decided she needed to find out more about Him and began coming to church!" Another example involved a childcare worker who decided to stay for the opening program when she dropped off the kids she was caring for at VBS. Cathy says, "While we were singing about the theme for the year, 'God has a plan for me,' this lady realized God had a plan for her! She went on to attend and serve at Ventura Missionary for many years."

We can only imagine all the other stories God has been writing throughout Cathy's tenure here. Though she will miss the meaningful ministry to children and families she has experienced, Cathy is looking forward to her new season of retirement. As she was seeking God about this transition, Cathy was led to Luke 10:42, a verse that describes Jesus' words to a another busy lady named Martha. In the passage, Jesus applauds Martha's sister's choice to sit at His feet. Cathy knew God was saying to her that it is time to spend more time at the feet of her Savior.

But Cathy says, "I do have several home projects that need to be done. And, I will also be able to spend more time with my children, grandchildren, and friends, and more time walking my dog, cooking, and reading," She was quick to add, "Ventura Missionary is my church family, so I will continue to attend and serve here."

We are grateful for the many years that Cathy has invested in children, families, volunteers, and co-workers at Ventura Missionary Church. Hundreds and hundreds of lives have been impacted by her love, compassion, expertise, and faithful leadership. Enjoy the next chapter of God's story in your life, Cathy!

Watch Tammy's story on YouTube.

In Exodus 34:6-7, God describes Himself as rakhum (the Hebrew word for compassionate). It's a word that describes the deep emotion a mother has for her child. God goes on to say that He is hanun (the Hebrew word for gracious). It's an action word that conveys extending favor or giving gifts, even to those who don't deserve them. God goes beyond feeling badly about all that is not right in the world. He is moved to the point of action. The greatest example of this is that He sent Jesus to die the death that we deserved so that we could be restored to right relationship with Him.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to respond to the world around us with that same kind of compassion and grace.

When Tammy Morrell heard about child trafficking, she didn't just feel badly about the situation, she began to partner with Zoe International to do something about it. Human trafficking is the fastest growing, largest criminal enterprise in the world. The revenue for this is $150 billion a year.  40.3 million people are enslaved for the purpose of trafficking, and 26% of those are children.  Tammy says, "It's just horror. It's something that we have to fight against. We have to end this atrocity. It's growing every day. And it's happening in our own backyards."

Recently, Zoe International opened a new facility on the outskirts of Santa Clarita to house some of the children who have been rescued out of slavery. They are providing an environment filled with the love and joy of Jesus to bring about restoration, and to equip the children to move beyond their past experiences and find their true identity in Christ. It's a beautiful 50-acre space that is filled with opportunities to grow and heal. A project that is dear to Tammy's heart is the plans to build a barn and fill it with horses, and puppies, and other animals that the girls can care for.

Ventura Missionary is beginning a partnership with Zoe by bringing awareness, praying, and offering ways to support this meaningful ministry to young girls who have been impacted by child trafficking. We will also be helping to raise the funds necessary to build the barn. To learn more about how you can be a part of ending this tragedy in the world, contact us.

Watch April's story on YouTube.

April Baysinger decided to go through Rooted, a 10-week discipleship experience at Ventura Missionary, because of the changes she saw in her husband when he went through Rooted. Even though they had been married for eighteen years, April says their marriage began to connect on a level it never had before.

April anticipated that her Rooted group would include people that she knew already since she had been a part of Ventura Missionary for so long, but amazingly she didn't know anyone in her group.  They were all so different, she couldn't imagine that they would have connected any other way, and yet that group became "her core." She says, "They were there for me at a time when I definitely needed them."  

April was nervous about participating in the night of prayer that Rooted offers.  She wondered how that would look, and how long they were going to pray. She had never been one to pray out loud. She was intimidated by the eloquent prayer of others, including her husband. She says, "The verbiage he uses is wonderful. I could sit and listen to him all day." April had never really carved out the time to pray. She's a busy mom and she works from home. The prayer prompts that Rooted provided helped her begin and maintain a prayer rhythm that she still continues. She also learned that prayer doesn't have to be verbal. She has found that writing her prayers is meaningful and sustainable.

April says, "If you are feeling the nudge to be a part of Rooted, there's a reason. Rooted opens up doors, it opens up possibilities, it opens up your heart, and opens up new friendships."

Rooted takes place twice a year. For more details or to register for the next Rooted, visit our Rooted webpage.

Rene and Cristina Matus are Ventura Missionary Church missionaries, serving in Mexico through Love in Action Partners. One of the events that has been significant in their ministry over the years is an annual "APV" camp where they share God's beautiful design for abstinence and purity, and ultimately the value every individual has in Christ. In early August 2021, they hosted their seventeenth girls camp! (They have hosted boys' camps as well.)  

Cristina shares, "God's sweet and comforting presence was there and His joy filled the campsite…It was amazing! 220 girls attended, a wonderful team of volunteers was there to serve, and 38 accepted Christ into their hearts for the first time."

Among those who participated in the camp were girls from two orphanages, and some girls who are deaf. In addition, some girls who had never left the mountains where they live traveled by bus to be a part of the weekend.

We were able to sit down with Rene and Cristina and hear about some of the stories from this year's camp.
 
One story involved a girl who shared with Cristina that in 2020 during the Coronavirus pandemic, her mom had run across the digital version of the camp and they had watched it together. Cristina said at the time, they wanted to provide some form of the camp, but due to all the restrictions, a virtual camp was the only opportunity they could offer.  They didn't know if a seemingly impersonal way of sharing the content of APV would have any effect on people's lives. But this teen and her mom had gotten so much out of the two-hour event through a computer screen, they were determined to sign up for the in-person camp this year.

The APV camps have been shown to have a lasting impact in many lives. Selene, a young woman who was a participant a few years ago would attest to that truth. She was so inspired through her experience, she later returned to volunteer with her mom. And, right before this year's camp, Rene and Cristina were able to attend Selene's wedding. Selene actually timed her wedding and honeymoon around when camp took place so that she could again serve as a volunteer and help other young women learn to put Christ at the center all their relationships the way she had learned to do.
 
To partner financially with our missionaries, like the Matus family, note "Missions and Outreach" on your check, bill pay through your bank, or online gift.

Ventura Missionary Church is excited to announce that Brian Rayburn is joining our staff team as Family Life Pastor on August 16, 2021! Brian will lead the excellent team members already serving in our children and youth ministries.

Brian has spent the past twenty years creating environments where children, teens, and adults can experience God. A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with his Masters in Theology, Brian has practiced family ministry in many contexts.

When asked what he is looking forward to in his new role, Brian’s response is enthusiastic, to say the least. His desire is to partner with parents and families in the spiritual development of their kids and teens. He believes it is extremely important to minister to the whole family. As their chief advocate on the staff team, he is excited about the opportunity to coach, encourage, and equip families in every season of their child’s faith journey. Brian is committed to keeping “one eye” on the family while working with the children and youth teams to plan strategies to effectively minister to the kids themselves.
 
Research shows that young adults are most likely to continue growing in their faith and remain in the church when they have had at least five spiritual mentors during their school age years. Brian says the most important mentors are parents, and that means that at least three other mentors are needed to establish and nurture healthy spiritual growth. Brian believes the church not only can be available for mentoring, but it can also equip parents to have relevant conversations as our culture steers and pulls our youth away from biblical truth. The church can also come alongside parents who are wounded or otherwise struggling so that they can be more fruitful in their efforts to disciple their children.  

Brian knows first-hand the value of spiritual mentoring because youth leaders shepherded him in meaningful ways and played a key role during critical moments of crisis in his own life. His experiences motivate him to invest in children, youth, and families.

Brian also looks forward to partnering with our school and preschool to invite students and families into the great story of Jesus in every area of their lives. He wants them to be able to discern and live out all that God is calling them to in their academic and spiritual pursuits.
 
Brian and his wife, Megan, have been married for thirteen wonderful years. The Rayburn’s have two children: their son Pax, who is two-years old, and their daughter Mac, who is seven-months old. In their spare time, they enjoy hiking, and traveling.

We’re grateful that Brian will be joining our mission to live and share the transforming love of Jesus in this next season of ministry.

"Come near to God and He will come near to you..." James 4:8

Drawing near to the heart of God brings about an indescribable building of one's own heart in life-changing ways. Austin White would affirm this truth because he has experienced it first-hand.

In January of 2020, two months before COVID -19 invaded every fabric of our world, Austin chose to begin reading the Bible daily. Over the months that followed, Austin began to experience new compassion for people. The reality that there were so many in the world who's destiny was eternal separation from the God who loves them, stirred him to do something about it. He grew passionate about the need to make sure others know that God wants so much to have a relationship with them that He died in their place. Austin didn't think it was enough to write a check to someone who was doing something about this, God's Word was leading him to be that person doing something.

By June of 2020, Austin was looking into ministries that could equip him to effectively share the vital message of the gospel. He discovered Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and began to explore options of where to go for his training. Through a series of circumstances, he decided on Northern Ireland. This was an interesting fingerprint of God because Austin and a friend had planned to go to Ireland before the pandemic's restrictions made that impossible. Now, he would be going to the same place but for very different reasons.

Ventura Missionary Church helped to support Austin's first step of obedience, and off he went to the other side of the world. This particular opportunity wasn't at all what Austin anticipated, but it did end up being exactly what he needed to prepare him for where God was leading him. Throughout the trip, God continued to build Austin's heart and reinforced the call to do something.

Back in Ventura now, Austin is brimming with excitement about the path unfolding ahead of him. He believes his next step is to participate in another training through YWAM, potentially leading him to a more long-term mission to a place where sharing about faith is very limited, and consequently all-the-more needed.

Submitted to the One who steers the path toward what is best, Austin recognizes that what he sees ahead may be adjusted along the way. However, he is ready to take the next step and to get on board wherever his "Pilot" wants to take him. After all, he is learning more and more about the heart of God and knows he can trust Him. And, Austin is grateful that he gets to cooperate with God to show others how to draw near to His transforming love.

Editor's Note:  Austin has now been accepted to a next level school through YWAM where is learning how to reach the unreached with the transforming love of Jesus.

To financially partner with those like Austin who are serving locally and globally to share the love of Christ, choose the "Global Missions and Local Outreach" option through our online giving.

We are so excited to introduce our new missionaries, Tia and Yanger, and their son Samuel. They are living and sharing the love of Jesus in Nagaland, Northeast India. Check out their video greeting to you, their new church family, on YouTube.

You or your small group can adopt missionaries like Tia and Yanger by looking for ways to come along side them, investing time, extending encouragement, praying, and giving. There are cards on the Missions and Outreach wall of our inner lobby with more details about each of our local and global partners. To see more of our global missionaries, visit our global missions page.
 
In additional to your regular monthly giving, you can specifically partner with global missionaries and community outreach ministries by noting Missions and Outreach on your bill pay through your bank, your online gift, or your check.

Watch Jay's story on YouTube. 

Even though Jay and his wife were "seasoned believers," they took the step to participate in Rooted, a discipleship experience offered at Ventura Missionary Church. Jay says he was blessed by the inciteful sharing that took place their group - that people shared things that he had never thought of.  Check out Jay's story in the video above.

Rooted is a ten-week journey that helps people not only connect with others, but also with God and their purpose. Those who are exploring faith, new to faith, and who have been following Jesus for a long time have all had rich experiences in Rooted. Rooted takes place twice a year. If you have yet to go through Rooted, that is your next step at Ventura Missionary. For details and registration, visit our Rooted webpage.

Watch Nina's story on YouTube.

Nina Nozzi grew up in the church and has participated in quite a number of Bible studies and small groups during her spiritual journey, but for some reason Rooted sounded really special and unique. Because it was ten-weeks, she thought that it would cover a wide variety of topics. She decided to give it a try.

Nina says that throughout the whole ten weeks, the leaders facilitated a super comfortable environment - a place to feel safe and grow in your faith.

Nina's favorite part of Rooted was getting to know people and building new relationships. She had been attending Ventura Missionary for nine months, and Rooted helped her to meet new people, including people her age, people who had been going to the church longer, and leaders who guided her through some "stuff."
 
Part of Rooted involves hearing the stories of others in your Rooted group. Nina says this component was great because of the different perspectives and outlooks. It was an opportunity to hear how others viewed God and how they navigated different life seasons.  She says, "It is important to see other people's life experiences so that I can be more teachable and can learn more and grow deeper. Hearing everyone's testimony was a huge bonding time."

Nina went through Rooted during COVID. In spite the restrictions brought on by that reality, Nina's Rooted group was able to participate in a serve experience at the City Center, a transitional home in Ventura. She says, "It was a really beautiful night. We got to sit down with some ladies and just share a meal with them and hear what's going on in their life." She continues, "COVID brought up a few challenges, but it was still nice to just sit with people, and even though you have masks and you're a little bit further apart, you can still talk to people and get to know them."

About half-way through Rooted, the group participates in something called, "strongholds," which can sound intimidating, and maybe even a bit weird, but Nina describes it as a powerful experience. She says, "Everyone gets the opportunity to share something that they feel they've been struggling with or something that has been hanging onto them, and they just need to release it to God. Everyone prays over each other. Our group felt light as a feather afterwards. We felt like a burden had been lifted off of us."
 
Nina is still reaping the benefits of her journey through Rooted. She says her prayer life has deepened. Once mellow and kind of shallow, it has become a meaningful time of being able to share anything with God throughout her day. She also says that she has developed some great, solid friendships.

Nina says, "I would definitely say to sign up for Rooted, because it's a great opportunity to expand your community, and reveal more of your purpose in life and in your faith. If someone was hesitant, I would say, 'Just step out and do something out of your comfort zone, and consider the bright and good things that can come out of it.'"

Rooted Discipleship Experience takes place twice a year. For details and to register, visit our Rooted webpage.

Jay Licata facilitates a small group at Ventura Missionary Church. One of the members of this group works at St. John's Hospital in Oxnard and has often shared with the group about the tremendous pressure the healthcare workers have been under during the Coronavirus pandemic. The hospital staff has been showing up for work day after day, and month after month despite the ongoing fatigue and stress they face. Most of them have been working 12-16 hour shifts, five-six days a week due to COVID-19. Some of them have had COVID themselves. They love on their patients and show compassion for each one. They laugh when their patients get to go home, and they cry when their patients don't survive the disease. They have not become numb to the fact that they are dealing with people - someone's mom, or aunt, or wife, or grandfather, or brother, or friend.

The small group decided that they wanted to do something to show these men and women that God sees them, and God loves them. So, they hand-delivered a meal to the healthcare workers and also delivered additional food to bless the hospital itself. The staff was so excited and very appreciative of the meal.
 
The group was grateful for the opportunity to care for those who are so selflessly caring for others. It is a privilege to extend God's love as 1 Peter 4:10 describes, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." The smiles behind the masks on the nurses faces sparkled right through their eyes - evidence that God's love and grace and provision are meant to be shared!

Kevin Baysinger and Phil Sylvester lead a group of high school guys at Ventura Missionary.  We recently shared about how they blessed a coffee shop and the Ventura Police Department. Kevin told us about another way the high schoolers were able to bless a local business because of  the generosity of God’s people – this time a gym.
 
The day before the group of guys ALREADY planned to stop by to surprise the gym owner with a check, she sent an email to all her gym members, saying that because they’ve had to move most everything outside, some items had become damaged and needed replacement. 
God’s timing is so perfect, because the blessing will be able to fund the repair and/or replacement of this equipment.

The gym owner was extremely grateful to the group for the gift and asked that they also extend thanks to the church for their generosity. We’re grateful for opportunities like this to show our community that God sees them and loves them.  

Alexia was a single parent and homeless. After struggling for some time, she entered a program at Lighthouse. The ministry and its efforts to provide Christian discipleship, education, life skills development, vocational training, and transitional housing completely transformed Alexia's life, which also resulted in a profound impact on her family.

Alexia's son, J.J.'s own words say it best. J.J. spoke at his mom's graduation from the program:
"Hello everyone, my name is JJ. I was born on September 23rd to my mom Alexia and my dad Noe who separated when I was fairly young. I remember the confusion of living with my aunt and uncle and only being able to see my mom a few hours a week. But as Paul tells the church in 1 Corinthians 14:40 “But all things should be done decently and in order.”

Growing up my life has been anything but orderly. After a year my mom got custody of me. I remember my mom was always there but she would always have friends over or something going on to where she wouldn’t fully pay attention to me. But when it would just be her and me, it was the best moments together I could ever ask for. We would look up random facts, we would have awesome times together—and let me just say—my mom made some awesome forts!

By the time I was 8 years old I had attended six different schools because of how much we would move. In Proverbs 24:33-34 it says “A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.” We lived in this house that I called the broken house for a while until I began staying with my grandma. I remember always asking my mom “Where are you going to sleep tonight?”

Then my mom got into a program where I was able to go live with her. We stayed there for a few months then my mom told me we were moving into a different program. I thought to myself “Great, here we go moving again,” but in Psalms 23:1 it says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

We came home to the Lighthouse and I began to feel happy, safe and most importantly, I knew without a doubt that I was loved. The Lighthouse changed everything. Now I can live a nice life with my family and because of this program I was able to get baptized and become closer to God. This program made me know God and as it says in Philippians 4:13 “For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
 
Alexia was gifted a car following her graduation. She was able to get an apartment and have a fresh start.

Dave and Dawn Hogan already had a heart for the Lighthouse ministry. Recently they contacted Lighthouse because their small group at Ventura Missionary was trying to discern someone to bless as a serve experience. After hearing Alexia's story, the group decided to surprise Alexia with a check to cover her car insurance for the first few months. The Hogan's had the honor of presenting the check to Alexia. Dawn says, "Alexia cried and thanked us profusely, and kept thanking God and saying over and over, 'God is good!'"

But the story doesn't end here. Because of the way the love of Jesus has transformed her life through the ministry of Lighthouse and blessings from people like those in the Hogan's small group, Alexia wants to give back. She plans to enter the Internship Program at Lighthouse so that she can help others in the ways she has been helped. What a beautiful manner to "Bless it Forward," Alexia!

Power is a commodity that we all have. Our abilities give us power, our intelligence gives us power. Our time, our position, our resources all give us power.  We can either choose to use our power to serve ourselves or to serve others. The men and women in law enforcement choose to use the power entrusted to them to serve our communities. What a blessing it is to be protected by those who sacrifice for us on a daily basis.

Recently, one of our high school guys small groups received some significant resources. They prayed and collaborated to discern who they would bless with the resources that had been entrusted to them. They identified a family, two local businesses and some of our First Responders at Ventura Police Department.

As the group of guys delivered the financial blessings to the family and businesses, the response of the recipients was impactful. Small Group leader, Phil Sylvester, says, "We saw so much gratefulness and could feel the love from each one. There were tears shed, and endless smiles! Some people could not imagine that this was even happening. As they opened the envelope with the gift, their eyes got big and tears came down." One recipient, a coffee shop owner, expressed that she will now be able to bless her employees and continue to stay open another month.

The guys small group also provided lunch for Ventura Police Department. They wanted to show the officers that their community cares for and values them. The police team felt so much appreciation and support because the youth had thought of them and took the time to bring them a meal. We're proud of the way our students are sharing the love of Jesus, using the power of resources to bless others in the world around them.