I want to share my incredible journey from a life entangled in crime and incarceration to one filled with faith and redemption. It’s a testament to the profound power of change, and It all began at the age of 11.

I started down a troubled path that led me into the criminal Justice system, and it felt like my life was spiraling out of control. Out of my 17 years in the system, I spent 14 behind bars. It all started in juvenile hall, and from there, I moved through camps and the California Youth Authority. My battle with addiction was unrelenting, and I felt trapped in a never-ending cycle of despair. I desperately longed for a way out. Then, one fateful day, everything changed. I walked into an Apostolic church, not knowing that it would mark the turning point in my life. There, I encountered the life-transforming Word. I experienced a miraculous deliverance from addiction, and I was granted a sound mind. It was as If God had given me a chance at a fresh start. Filled with newfound faith and a deep desire for change, I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and was baptized in Jesus Christ’s name. This transformative experience occurred 11 years ago and has since defined the person I have become. Looking back on my journey, I can’t help but wonder how different my life might have been if I had encountered God’s love and grace earlier. Today, I firmly believe in the truth and the extraordinary power of God’s Word.

My story is a testament to the impact organizations like SoCal District Prisoner Ministry can have on people’s lives. Through faith, support, and a commitment to change, I am living proof that transformation is possible. Join us In our mission to bring hope, redemption, and a fresh start to those in need. Together, we can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.

“I was in prison and you came to me” – Matthew 25:36

Gabe De La O

During my time at Chuckawalla, I was able to minister to men in all yards and service attendance ranged from 7 brothers to over 20 each service. One special Feast of Tabernacles service was permitted on October 6, 2023, in which our church was able to send 4 additional volunteers, which included our Pastor Philip Raya, Sis Olga Raya, Sis Thereza DeLaO, and Bro Andrew Tapia. Our team ministered to a group of over 20 men from all four yards.

On June 13, 2023, I began prison ministry at Ironwood State Prison. I’ll never forget the first time I walked into A Yard Chapel, I was immediately met by a group of about 16 men hungry for God who immediately asked me if I could baptize in Jesus’ name! I responded with “Absolutely, that is the only way I baptize!” It took several months while attending once-a-month services, and we were finally allowed by prison staff to make it happen. I was able to baptize 4 souls in the precious name of Jesus on November 14, 2023. I was told by the A Yard brothers that the last time they had baptisms in Jesus name on that yard was in 2016. They had not received an Apostolic Religious Volunteer since then.

I continue to reach Ironwood State Prison and pray to extend ministry to additional yards. The men on A Yard are hungry, some already have the Holy Ghost, and others continue to seek it every time we get together and on their own when they meet as a group weekly.

On April 12, 2024, my wife and I attended services at SoCal’s only women’s Prison in which we ministered to 38 women who were in attendance. God moved in a special way and we pray an open door will continue at that new preaching point as my wife and I minister there together. My wife shared a testimony about our oldest son who was lost in drugs but how God delivered him, sent him to Bible College, and now he’s a preacher of this Gospel. The women were so appreciative of us joining them and speaking faith into their lives.

We continue the work of the Lord, being launched from our church in Palm Desert, CA. This prison and soon-to-be jail ministry has been named “Impact Ministries” because we intend to make a Kingdom Impact in these prisons and jails! I am working with a group of men at our local church, Desert Stream Fellowship, to be cleared to start ministering at our local jail in Indio, CA. I have met with the Religious Coordinator Officer at our local jail and we are working to be able to minister to these men soon. I am also being cleared to start prison ministry services at Calipatria State Prison soon. Calipatria is considered a level 4 yard, which has the most dangerous inmates here in Southern California but I believe there is also a great hunger for God at that prison and I will be entering that prison soon to share this Gospel.

Antonio Juarez

I grew up in the streets of Santa Ana—abandoned, broken, and addicted. By 12, I was in a gang. At 14, I lost my dad, was diagnosed with cancer, and declared a ward of the court. I spent most of my life incarcerated, bound by addiction, pain, and hopelessness.

At one of my lowest points, facing a life sentence, I was alone, forgotten—and ready to take my own life. But that night, someone sent me a Bible. And when I opened it, the first verse I saw was Psalm 27:10: “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” I wept. I felt something I hadn’t felt in years—hope.

That day began a transformation. Not overnight—but real. I gave my life to Jesus. I began studying His Word. And God began putting people in my life, like Sister Rosemary and later my uncle, who reminded me of the promise David made to Jonathan—just like I was being remembered.