Ministry Focus
In 2003 Ron was appointed by Missions Door to serve as Chaplain at Hope Again in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles. Hope Again exists to fill the gap in social services in poverty-stricken areas through comprehensive case management. As Chaplain at Hope Again, Ron directs the spiritual aspects of the center, which include one-on-one counseling and pastoral care, teaching and discipleship, and coordinating Bible studies and worship services. Ron says, "L.A.'s urban poor and disenfranchised need to get connected to Jesus Christ, to a community of believers, and to the resources that will help them become self-sufficient and productive members of society. This mission field is right on our doorsteps."
Faith Story
Growing up in south Los Angeles, Ron saw firsthand the problems that plague today's city dwellers. A short-term mission experience in Japan during college sparked his interest in missions. Ron says, "I returned home with a new zeal to study and eventually return to Japan."
Ron is thankful for Christian parents who supported and encouraged his desire to serve the Lord wherever he might be called.
Deeyonne grew up in Rock Springs and Cheyenne, Wyoming. While a student at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, she accepted Christ and quickly became involved with a Christian group at the university.
She left school two years later to work in Denver as a counselor for developmentally-disabled adults. During her time in Denver she recalls telling the Lord, "Any time, any place, I will serve you." Little did she know that "any place" would be Japan.
Education
B.A. in East Asian Studies. M.Div. from Denver Seminary
WAYS TO SUPPORT
Ron and Deeyonne by making a financial donation using a Credit Card or by Direct Debit (ACH).
Learn more about where this ministry happens
In colorful communities and along scenic highways, diverse people and landscapes span coast to coast
Iconic American traditions include Thanksgiving dinner, jazz music and the Super Bowl. They meld with eclectic examples of multicultural heritage: numerous local Chinatowns, family-owned taquerias and even cowboy boots, which originated among the nomadic Huns of eastern Europe.
The nation's landscape shows just as many contrasts — sandy beaches and rocky coastlines, open plains and vast deserts, rugged mountains and winding canyons, and abundant rivers and lakes.
The ideals of life and liberty that founded the United States have made the country one of the world's most prosperous, though not without dark chapters and present troubles. Crime, discrimination and ethics violations make regular headlines, and many people live below the national poverty level.
Families view education as essential to the pursuit of happiness, if not also a path to wealth and power for the most ambitious. Yet Americans also demonstrate a charitable spirit of generosity toward neighbors and nations in need.
Freedom of religion grants opportunity for all faiths, but Christianity holds particular influence in country's history and daily life.
Your participation with Missions Door supports ministry in the United States among college students, including many international students, in collaboration local churches. It also enables social outreach, church planting and leadership development in a wide variety of communities — among Native Americans and other cultural groups, and in urban and suburban settings where growing and changing demographics create new opportunities for the Gospel.
Cultural Snapshot
Aside from the Native American, Native Hawaiian and Native Alaskan populations, nearly all Americans and their ancestors immigrated to the United States.
Faith Fact
In a 2013 survey, 56% of Americans said that religion played a "very important role in their lives” — a larger number than any other wealthy nation.
Country Profile
Population: 320 million
Major Religions: 47% Protestant, 23% unaffiliated, 21% Catholic, 6% other
Languages: 82% English, 11% Spanish, various others
Literacy: 99%
Poverty: 16%
Ministry service area:
City
Ministry location:
California, United States