Belong Week: Gloria’s Story
Gloria first stepped into Kingdom Causes Bellflower (KCB) with both a heavy heart and a past-due light bill. She’d heard about our programs from a neighbor who’d received help in the past, but Gloria carried a little more than just financial strain. Grief had shadowed her for months. Her boyfriend Jamie died of a heart attack, her mother passed away, her nephew was murdered, and her stepson was lost, all within six months. “I felt like I had nobody,” Gloria said with her voice laced with pain. “I had family.. nieces, nephews, kids, grandkids.. but I was alone. Fake friends everywhere. Nobody checked on me.”
Living on Social Security at her Bellflower apartment, Gloria felt disconnected, haunted by a life full of trauma: She started doing angel dust at the young age of 15, began attempts at her own life at 13, got involved with crack cocaine at 23, and just about every type of abuse you can think of since she was a young girl. That abuse that left scars both inside and out. “I hung out with bad people just to feel part of something, but I was self-destructive. I needed to be. I couldn’t think about my own life. I needed to escape every day.” Yet, somehow, she clung to the little faith she had inside, usually praying Jeremiah 29:11, trusting that even through all of the pain and loss, God had plans for her.
After years of substance and alcohol abuse, Gloria ended up in and out of the hospital. But again, somehow, every time she would make it through. Doctors were at a loss for words every time, often telling her she didn’t belong here anymore. After the realization that her environment was playing a big part in her decision making, Gloria decided she needed a change of scenery, and ended up moving out of California to Texas, where she was seeking a fresh start.
Things in Texas slowly became better for her, but 7 years ago, God put it on her heart to come back to California. She didn’t quite understand why, but she trusted Him, and did. When she got back to California, a lot of things hadn’t changed with her old friends, but Gloria was in the midst of a spiritual awakening and transformation that enabled her to not turn back to those things. That’s when she met Jesus, and knew that He called her out of that life. Speaking on that time, she said it was so painful, but it was worth it because she got to know God.
Now free from negative habits and open to receiving the Spirit, Gloria pressed forward. But reality began creeping back in when she started being taken advantage of by people in the church. Gloria recounts having a lot of church hurt, but also realizes that it was more so “people hurt,” and in December 2024, she asked God, “Is there anybody out there that’s really after Your heart?”
That question led her to KCB in an act that can only be described as divine intervention. Gloria had a regular dentist appointment somewhere local, and while she was walking up to the doors, she saw a pice of paper laying on the ground. It was a flyer for a Bible study. At that point in time, she had no idea where it would lead her.
When Gloria got to KCB for her light bill appointment, she saw advertisements on our walls for that same study. The flyer she found randomly, was our flyer! “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I was looking for a Bible study close by, and here it was. God worked it out! Not just the bill, but real community.”
During that appointment, I (Javvy — also known to Gloria as “Joshua,” because she loves to give everyone a nickname! Lol), listened as she poured out her story. While we were talking about her situation, I felt the need to start ministering to her. Being a faith based non profit, that’s something I really enjoy about where I work—having the freedom to allow the Holy Spirit to move freely and voice things without the pressure of traditional workplaces where its all business and no personal touch. I value people because they were all created by God and are all loved by God, and I work in a place where that can be shown naturally. These appointments usually take 20 minutes or so.. but we spoke for at least an hour that day. After sharing the gospel and a bit about my own story, I sat by her side as she cried and cried, overwhelmed by peace and the Lord. “No animosity, no judgment,” Gloria says. “I felt accepted.” That’s when I brought back up the Bible study flyer and invited her to come by. She was so happy to have found a study and excitingly agreed.
That KCB Bible study? It became her anchor. “It’s like I’m a little kid again! I love learning,” she said. “God reminded me of what He already told me throughout my whole life. I got my focus back, my clarity.” Besides me, Gloria wanted to be sure she also shouted out Sam (“Emmanuel”) and Valerie (“Boss Lady”), for being people she loves being around and talking to.
Now, Gloria’s hope is restored. She dreams of going to Bible college and reviving her women’s ministry, which she calls a “loving station for broken women,” inspired by her own healing from childhood and adulthood trauma. “God set me free,” she said, quoting Isaiah 61 and 2 Timothy 3:6-8. To those feeling alone, she offers, “If you want your hope back, I know a place. KCB isn’t a gimmick. You’ll be blessed. And I’m gonna tell everybody.”
As I reflect on her story, I know that she is a blessing. Her story is a tragic but also tremendous display of God’s mercy and grace. Gloria is one of those people that is always concerned with making sure others are good over herself. She’s prayed for neighbors in the Community Center, KCB and GSI staff, even my wife. Her wisdom and humor light up our Bible studies, and I feel very fortunate to have been able to be a positive part of her journey.
Gloria, if you’re reading this, you are loved! And we’ll see you next Thursday for Bible Study! (And you too—it’s open to anybody)
Gloria’s journey shows belonging means being heard, valued, and free to bring your gifts to the table, for the common good of all of God’s people.
To donors and volunteers, she says, “Keep supporting KCB. It’s changing lives like mine.”
If you are as touched by Gloria’s story as I am, consider joining us in building community and continuing to redirect the lives of people just like her, towards Him, at kcbellflower.org/give .. You can make a general donation, or even a specific one to the “Love Thy Neighbor” Fund, which is used to directly impact people like Gloria’s immediate needs by adding “LTNF” on the giving note.
Until next time…