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Local Reach
Jim serves in Sebastopol, California, primarily working in Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa is a mix of suburban and rural areas with many low-income neighborhoods where gang activity is on the rise. It is a liberal and largely unchurched area, with a high cost of living contributing to financial struggles for many residents. The community has a significant Hispanic population, and many students in local schools are Hispanic.
One specific need Jim sees in the community is reaching youth involved in gang activity. The three main reasons youth join gangs are the need for community, protection, and excitement. Jim's program aims to address these needs by providing a place where youth can connect and feel part of a community, where they can feel safe, and where they can experience exciting activities like camping, hiking, and other explorative events.
Additionally, Jim believes that a faith-based program can uniquely provide:
- Sense of Purpose: Without belief in God, life can seem purposeless. God gives us purpose and meaning.
- Unconditional Love: No one is guaranteed love on this earth, but with God, we are unconditionally loved. Youth need to know that no matter what crimes or mistakes they make, God loves them.
- Hope for the Future: Belief in a future hope is essential. Regardless of life’s challenges, we can look to the future, knowing we will eventually be in a better place.
- Accountability for Actions: Without accountability, people often make poor decisions. Youth who commit crimes might repeat their actions, thinking they won’t get caught. Belief in God instills the understanding that all actions are seen and will be held accountable, even if not caught on earth.
Jim has extensive experience working with various groups, including large, small, multi-ethnic, and families from diverse economic backgrounds. His target group is at-risk youth and their families in Sonoma County, including those involved with gangs, drugs, domestic abuse, isolation, or other issues hindering their potential. Jim also reaches out to those in the foster system and Juvenile Hall. Some programs Jim believes will help include:
- Life Skills Training
- Spiritual Advising and Bible Studies
- Faith-Based Afterschool Programs
- Social Activities and Events
Jim hopes these efforts will meet the spiritual and practical needs of at-risk youth and families, helping them turn their lives around and toward Christ.
Jim became a missionary candidate with InFaith in 2024. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from William Jessup University (formerly San Jose Christian College) and was ordained in 2004 at Spring Valley Bible Church in Milpitas, CA. Over the past 32 years, he has worked with teens in various programs. His experiences include:
- Developing an after-school teen center that hosted up to 200 teens
- Leading a team of approximately 20 adult volunteers
- Training adults in mentoring and small group leadership
- Creating Bible and Life Skills Curriculum
- Teaching groups of 5 to 800 people
- Organizing multi-generational mission trips and events
Jim is thankful for the Lord’s provision of these experiences, which have expanded his capacity to fulfill his calling to reach at-risk youth and make a lasting impact in the area he serves.