James' Story

We here at KCB are not saviors. We don’t have all the answers. We’re not heroes. Rather, we are one of the many vessels through which the Lord pours his love on the city of Bellflower and our neighbors in need. Just as God seeks to be in loving relationship with his children, we center our services around relationships with our neighbors, listening to their needs and helping them as best we can. Often, KCB is only one piece in an ongoing story of redemption in an individual’s life. In some cases, we get to continue the relationship with a client for many years and are blessed to see the ongoing growth and guidance of the Lord in that client’s journey. 

James grew up in an unstable situation in Paramount. His father wasn’t on the scene, but James was still able to complete college and eventually joined the military. Just before being deployed during Operation Desert Storm, James got in some trouble with military authorities and was sent back to the States to serve time in a federal prison. Eventually, James wound up back in California, living in his van with his dog and out of a job during the Covid-19 pandemic. After his van broke down in a very dangerous area, James was near to giving up. He felt like he had no purpose, no direction, nothing to do day after day. He had lost touch with many past relationships. He went to various shelters, but never felt safe enough to sleep soundly. He had ideas, ambitions, and things he wanted to accomplish, but felt limited by his need to find basic necessities like a place to sleep and food to eat. “I didn’t think I was ever going to get out of it,” he said, “just getting deeper and deeper.”

In May 2020, Javvy, a KCB staff member, met James while doing homeless outreach. It was a blisteringly hot day, and James was selling sodas to make a little money. He immediately felt a connection with Javvy due to their mutual experiences serving in the military, and because of that connection, James finally felt like he was understood. He began feeling some motivation to do the work that would help him get out of the cycle he found himself in. While working in the outreach program, there were many ups and downs, but Javvy never gave up on him, and continuously worked at stacking small goals on top of each other. Having someone in his corner helped James learn to accept the mistakes that were made in the past and begin moving forward in a different direction. Speaking on James’ case, Javvy said, “I always knew James had it in him. He just needed a little push from someone who walked in his shoes and understood some of the unique challenges that go along with serving. He’ll often say that I saved his life, but I take no credit for that. It was evident from the start that God used me to show James the love of Jesus, and I know for certain that He is the one who saved him. I’m looking forward to seeing what God has in store for James, and I’ll always be extremely grateful to have been able to be a part of his journey.”

After being in the outreach program for some time, James was able to receive assistance from KCB’s housing navigation services. The biggest hurdle in finding James permanent housing was producing legal evidence that he was a veteran. Though it took almost a year, KCB staff was finally able to confirm James’ veteran status and find him a place to live. When he was told that they would be going to look at a potential housing unit, James couldn’t believe his ears. KCB paid $2000 for the first down payment on the apartment using a Councils of Governments (COG) fund, and also spent $1000 buying appliances and furniture so that James would be comfortable. After some time in his new home, James finally felt like he had a safe and secure place to relax and rest. 

Today, James continues to build his life back and get the resources he needs. He is able to give back, and helps an older gentleman who is currently homeless. He’s working on a book for children, and stays connected with KCB through the Community Center. Most recently, KCB was able to assist James with some clothing for a meeting with his daughter and a gift card using our “Love Thy Neighbor” Fund, which is a fund we created made possible by people in the community who have a heart to love by way of monetary donations. James is especially grateful for Javvy, with whom he has found a supportive mentor. In all of these ways, we see the hand of God in James’ life, guiding him toward a life of renewal and thriving. Please pray that he is able to obtain a military upgrade from the government, which would entitle him to certain medical benefits like hearing aids. Also pray that the first steps of reconciliation with his three children would grow into restored, loving relationships. James’ story inspires us and causes us to glorify God for His ongoing work of redemption in Bellflower and beyond. When asked what he would want people to take away from his story, James answered, “Don’t give up hope. There really are people out there who care.” So, readers of this blog, we encourage you–be a person who cares. Whatever that looks like for your context and your resources, you can be encouraged by James’ story to go out and be agents for change, in your community and the world.