Jonathan and Amy Holden have responded to God's call to take on the cause of the fatherless. Amy shares their story below.Foster care was always something we wanted to do. When Jonathan and I were fir...  Read More

Consider it pure joy…Sharon Archer is one of those people who exemplifies this encouragement from James 1:2 no matter what it is. One would never know from talking to her on any given day that she has...  Read More

When Dawn Hogan walked into an Easter service at Ventura Missionary Church in April of 2017, she met the resurrected Christ, and she has never been the same. Those who knew her then attest to that fac...  Read More

Those who know Jay Licata would be surprised to learn that before he was saved – before he decided to follow Jesus – he didn’t manage anger well. In fact, he describes his anger as explosive. He says ...  Read More

Gentleness is often confused with weakness. However, this fruit of the Holy Spirit of God is anything but weak. It involves the inner strength to temper a response, even in the midst of a stressful or...  Read More

Faithfulness. It seems to be such a rare quality in today’s world. Compromise abounds, resulting in broken promises, broken commitments, and broken relationships. But amazingly, God produces the fruit...  Read More

Have you ever had one of those days when you’re in the middle of a task and one thing after another disrupts your ability to finish? Greg Campbell is the Assistant Facilities Manager at Ventura Missio...  Read More

Kindness is defined as being warmhearted, sympathetic, having an inclination to do kind and charitable acts. When you talk to Marilyn Mansi, you can’t help but notice a heart brimming with kindness an...  Read More

Most of us are drawn toward the attributes the Bible calls “fruit of the Spirit.” When we read Galatians 5:22-23 to learn what the Spirit of God produces in us, we think, “Wow, abiding in Christ means...  Read More

Anxiety, fear, depression, anger, and confusion marked Keri Loughlin’s life for thirty years before she met Jesus. “God’s peace transformed me.” She said. “As I walk with God, I have unlimited peace.”...  Read More

Joy. We know it when we see it. What is it about those who are genuinely joyful? The ones with big, "legit" smiles and hearty pats on the back to greet us - those with life-giving words of encourageme...  Read More

Quick! Who is one of the most Spirit-filled people you know? Now, who is one of the most loving? For many at Ventura Missionary Church, preschool teacher, Anita Miller’s name comes to mind as an answe...  Read More