The Oasis
JULY 2016
STYLE AND A SMILE
Three years ago, I had surgery to remove a tumor on
my liver. I drew close to God during that dark time of
my life. I began to think about my life and priorities;
I began to see things differently. We often take life for
granted until tragedy hits us or someone we love. I decided I wanted to help others. A friend and I traveled to
a mission in Los Angeles to bring food and clothing to
some of the people on Skid Row. I found that I was not
afraid during those encounters and that I truly enjoyed
the opportunity to help.
When we returned from Skid Row, I looked online
and found the Victor Valley Rescue Mission. I began
volunteering at the pantry hosted by Calvary Chapel
preparing food baskets and I volunteered serving meals.
I began to think about how I could contribute with my
training and skills as a hairdresser. I talked to mission
staff and began to come to the shower program to cut
hair for the homeless who came for a shower, snacks,
and conversation.
At the mission shower program, I set up a table outside
and bring my haircutting equipment. Guests sit down
and we talk while I cut hair. I listen a lot as the guests
share about their lives and families, their struggles and
plans. I do not preach to the guests, but I pray as they
talk and ask God to address those needs and touch their
hearts. It is never a chore or a job to cut hair, it is a
passion to serve people. When it is something you are
meant to do, it’s easy. I often bring along a fellow stylist, Anthony, and we are able to serve more guests and
bring a sense of worth and dignity to them through our
gifts.
It is awesome to see God at work through the Victor
Valley Rescue Mission. I have a special appreciation for
this program and I love the people here. I have a deep
compassion for people working to change. I have
witnessed my brother and ex-husband struggle with
addiction. It means a lot to work alongside guests and
graduates who have made that choice to allow transformation to take place in their lives. It is heartbreaking to see those who have stumbled but I continue to
hope, believe, and sow seeds in broken lives desperate
for change. ~ Holly
SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE
“Life happens the way it is supposed to, when we don’t
interfere.” This simple statement has become a powerful guiding principle for both Marcos and Judy over the
years. Both individually and together, they have enjoyed
cooking, so about five years ago, they began searching
for a way to use their talents to help folks in the High
One of the wonderful food creations we all look
forward to every Wednesday!
Desert. After reading newspaper articles on the work
Victor Valley Rescue Mission was doing, Judy decided
this was the place for them. The obstacle they faced was
time and physical ability, as both felt they wouldn’t be
able to stand for long periods of time to serve those in
need.
Their solution came through a simple phone call and a
question, “If we were to cook a meal, would you be able
to use it to feed someone?” Because of this one phone
call and the desire to provide delicious meals for people,
Wednesdays have become our favorite day of the week!
Our volunteers and staff eagerly anticipate the amazing culinary creations that will fuel them as they serve
our community. The one thing more amazing than their
food is Marcos and Judy’s seemingly boundless love for
people. They truly have become an integral piece of our
family.
Marcos and Judy.... The CHEFS extraordinaire.
Marcos and Judy are an inspiration to those who might
think, “What can I do to help?” Instead of dwelling on
the obstacles, they paved a way to getting involved by
the simple act of sharing their desire and asking how
it could fit into the mission’s work. We are grateful for
them and so many others whose hearts beat with compassion for our community!
If you are looking for a way to serve the community, we would love to help. Please call the mission at
760-955-5958 to ask about our many opportunities here in the Victor Valley.
For mor e ne ws l og on t o w w w. v v r e s c u e m i s s i o n . o r g
15572 7th Street, Victorville, CA 92394 • (760) 955-5958