"Abide" High School Servants
Derek Limon
Derek was born in Whittier, California and raised in Pico Rivera for a majority of his childhood. Growing up in a single mom's home, he was one of four kids and was introduced to Jesus at a very young age in the Children's Ministry at Calvary Chapel Montebello. It was here that his foundation and love for Jesus flourished before hitting his teens and fully turning his back on the Lord and going after the love and acceptance of the world.
After moving with his dad and a whole new family in Ontario at the age of 12, he began to indulge in a secret violent drug and alcohol lifestyle. It would not be long before he hit his 20's and his world would be violently shaken by the death of his best friend. Derek's life continued to spiral downhill after that but it led him to a deep conviction by his need for Jesus or spending his eternity in hell. It was then that he obeyed that still small voice speaking to him and returned to his foundation set as child. Derek would then recommit his life to Christ.
Derek loves the youth and sharing his relationship with Jesus with others. He loves and spends his free time with his beautiful wife Lynsie and handsome son Jaxon as well as eating, listening to music especially the 11six clique (world's best hip hop group). Hit him up when you see him around.
After moving with his dad and a whole new family in Ontario at the age of 12, he began to indulge in a secret violent drug and alcohol lifestyle. It would not be long before he hit his 20's and his world would be violently shaken by the death of his best friend. Derek's life continued to spiral downhill after that but it led him to a deep conviction by his need for Jesus or spending his eternity in hell. It was then that he obeyed that still small voice speaking to him and returned to his foundation set as child. Derek would then recommit his life to Christ.
Derek loves the youth and sharing his relationship with Jesus with others. He loves and spends his free time with his beautiful wife Lynsie and handsome son Jaxon as well as eating, listening to music especially the 11six clique (world's best hip hop group). Hit him up when you see him around.
Gilbert De La Rosa
My name is Gilbert De La Rosa or some people may know me by my secret double agent code name "Munky" ;P . I serve in the High school here at CCM and I love every moment of it, once being in a rebellious stage in my life I know first hand what the grace of God can do to ones life. I love to share that with these young adults not just by my words by but by my actions as well, I'm a human just like them and I go through the same things any other 28 year old would go through but I love that fact that Gods directing my steps and they could see first hand what He can do with a knucklehead like me.
Ps.. Don't tell anybody I gave you my secret double agent code name.
Chris Hoffman
My name Christopher Hoffman but you can call me Chris or even Hoffman (I turn my head to both names). I was born and raised in Boyle Heights, until I moved to Paramount in 2016 with my beautiful wife Eloina (I totally scored). I have 8 brothers and sisters and was born into a broken family. I went to Roosevelt High School and by the grace of God obtained higher edumacation in social work. I love giving back to the community and I love working with crazy kids. I grew up in a legalistic church and slowly but surely I began to neglect my relationship with God. I realized I could never be satisfied in the world and in 2014 I rededicated my life to Christ.
BTW me and Jesus share birthdays, I love chocolate, concerts, adventure, Peruvian food, and my grandmas beans.. did I mention I LOVE chocolate! Ill be serving 2nd service so if you see me around please say hi, and you'll probably get “What up tho!” :)
Richard Jones
Hi, everybody. My name is Richard Jones and I like to party. Now I party for the Lord. I have been serving in the High School Ministry since January 2019.
God blessed me with my beautiful wife April and my daughter Autumn. I used to own a pizza place and now I work in sales. I am currently enrolled in my master's program for psychology. I’ve learned we have a heart problem, not a mind problem.
I remember telling God internally when I was a youth (at youth service) that I would come back to him after I was done sinning. What a huge mistake!! Turning my back on God led me further away from God and further away from my purpose. When I became born again my heart was filled with fire for the Lord and I was given new eyes. I promised God I would do his will and spread the Good News. God’s guidance led me to youth ministry.
I am the biggest kid. I love playing sports with students. My favorite is Jesus (aka. Horse) because even if you lose you get Jesus. I love sharing Jesus with everyone. I love high-fives. I love encouraging, guiding, and listening to the youth.
Currently my favorite scripture is “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28
God blessed me with my beautiful wife April and my daughter Autumn. I used to own a pizza place and now I work in sales. I am currently enrolled in my master's program for psychology. I’ve learned we have a heart problem, not a mind problem.
I remember telling God internally when I was a youth (at youth service) that I would come back to him after I was done sinning. What a huge mistake!! Turning my back on God led me further away from God and further away from my purpose. When I became born again my heart was filled with fire for the Lord and I was given new eyes. I promised God I would do his will and spread the Good News. God’s guidance led me to youth ministry.
I am the biggest kid. I love playing sports with students. My favorite is Jesus (aka. Horse) because even if you lose you get Jesus. I love sharing Jesus with everyone. I love high-fives. I love encouraging, guiding, and listening to the youth.
Currently my favorite scripture is “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28
April Jones
My name is April Jones. I was born in Mexico City and raised in Downey California since I was two years old.I have been serving in high school ministry since March of 2019.I love the beach, sunflowers, anything sparkly or pink and iced coffee with sprinkles.
I am an encourager of life, A cheerleader for the school of Jesus, a gentle strong shoulder to lean on, a wife to my high school sweetheart & an adventurous mom to my tiny sassy best friend.
In the midst of my own young cancer storm, I found the Lord. I hung on to his promises and by his grace made it through every hard day. I quickly learned that my purpose was to serve him and be an example of his love and mercy.There isn’t a day that I take for granted since having been gifted a new set of eyes from my experience.
I love making a difference in my community and love sharing how amazing Jesus is.
I hang on to these two verses the most: Phillipians 4:13 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
I am an encourager of life, A cheerleader for the school of Jesus, a gentle strong shoulder to lean on, a wife to my high school sweetheart & an adventurous mom to my tiny sassy best friend.
In the midst of my own young cancer storm, I found the Lord. I hung on to his promises and by his grace made it through every hard day. I quickly learned that my purpose was to serve him and be an example of his love and mercy.There isn’t a day that I take for granted since having been gifted a new set of eyes from my experience.
I love making a difference in my community and love sharing how amazing Jesus is.
I hang on to these two verses the most: Phillipians 4:13 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
Clarissa Perez
Hi everyone my name is Clarissa Perez. I was raised in CCM which is now called The Ark Montebello. When I was in middle school through high school, I started to drift away from God. I started to focus on what I wanted for myself and not what God wanted for me. Although, I wasn't a "bad kid" I wasn't walking and having the fellowship I knew God wanted me to have with Him. I would only call on Him when things weren't going my way. Once I graduated from Schurr High School in 2011, I rededicated my life to God and it hasn't been the same since. I know what it's like to want to fit in at a young age, as well as take part in what society tell us is okay.
Since walking with the Lord, and growing in him day by day, I felt called to serve in Jr High ministry and have been serving since October 2016. I love connecting with the youth and building relationships, playing volleyball, being outdoors, watching movies, and going on adventures. If you see me, please come say hello.
Since walking with the Lord, and growing in him day by day, I felt called to serve in Jr High ministry and have been serving since October 2016. I love connecting with the youth and building relationships, playing volleyball, being outdoors, watching movies, and going on adventures. If you see me, please come say hello.
Dan Acevedo
Hey guys my name is Daniel and iv been serving Here at The Ark for a little bit over a year now. I started in the bookstore and transitioned over to the H.S ministry shortly after. I love Apologetics and my heart is to shed light onto the craziness of our secular culture.The friendships I have developed with the kids & leaders have been the biggest blessing serving with our youth.
My Favorite Scripture is (Phil 4:13) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me because it provides me courage to face the greatest challenges in my life.
One of my favorite things to do is to be out on the surf, I tell people all the time "I love water so much that I even like washing dishes" :)
My prayer and Hope for our kids is that they'll be armed to stand firm in their faith as they encounter the challenges they'll be presented with as they pursue higher education in there next season of life.
I serve 2nd service so if you see me around come say what up.
My Favorite Scripture is (Phil 4:13) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me because it provides me courage to face the greatest challenges in my life.
One of my favorite things to do is to be out on the surf, I tell people all the time "I love water so much that I even like washing dishes" :)
My prayer and Hope for our kids is that they'll be armed to stand firm in their faith as they encounter the challenges they'll be presented with as they pursue higher education in there next season of life.
I serve 2nd service so if you see me around come say what up.
Ana Gonzalez
Hi everyone my name is Anamartin Gonzalez, but you can totally call me Ana! I was born and raised in Boyle Heights and I have been serving in High School ministry since February 2020 (what a year, am I right?!). I love French Fries, Sunsets, and Donuts. One of my biggest prayers when I started to attend the Ark, was for the Lord to use me for a purpose greater than myself. Through so much prayer, I felt the Lord tugging at my heart to serve in High School Ministry.
It has truly been a blessing of getting to know our youth. But, if I am being completely honest, I truly love hearing the way many of our youth talk about Jesus. I am excited to see how our Lord will continue to move within every youth that enters and leaves our doors. My deepest prayer is that youth who is with us and leaves us, continues to encounter the love and mercy of God.
One of my favorite scriptures is Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” This was my verse, I held onto when I first started my Christian walk.
A silly fact about me is that I am sucker for a good and “PhUNNY” pun.
It has truly been a blessing of getting to know our youth. But, if I am being completely honest, I truly love hearing the way many of our youth talk about Jesus. I am excited to see how our Lord will continue to move within every youth that enters and leaves our doors. My deepest prayer is that youth who is with us and leaves us, continues to encounter the love and mercy of God.
One of my favorite scriptures is Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” This was my verse, I held onto when I first started my Christian walk.
A silly fact about me is that I am sucker for a good and “PhUNNY” pun.
