"Exemplify" Jr High Servants
Leo Yanez
Hello, I’m Leo and I grew up in Echo Park. When I was 7 years old, I was part of history when I saw “Star Wars” first premiere in 1977 at the Mann’s Chinese Theater, in Hollywood. (How cool was that! I know haaaa!) By this I guess you figured out I am one of “the older guys” in the Jr. High Ministry (but, not as old as Moses in the O.T., lol). However by the Grace of God my heart is still very young. I grew up in a single parent home plagued by domestic violence, alcoholism & poverty. Growing up during my rebellious (B.C. years), Jesus taught me many life lessons, which helps me in this ministry. I obtained my degree in Criminal Justice from CSLA in 1995. I have been working with “delinquent kids” in my job for 18 years now. I’ve worked the juvenile halls, juvenile camps and still trying to save as many of our “at risk youth” from the Satan who aims to seek and destroy them.
On October 27, 2013 me my wife and two daughter Alyssa & Valerie walked away from Catholicism and gave our lives to Jesus Christ. In March 2015, the Holy Spirit tugged at my heart like Saul on the road to Damascus,
and I started serving with this Ministry. You can find me during Sunday’s Jr. High first service with my daughter
Valerie. I love spending time in the Word, with my family, Christian Concerts, backpacking the Sierra’s, fishing, pastries (I'm just keeping it real!), and just being a big kid at heart. In a nut shell, I am just a simple sinner saved by grace. “Let your Dreams be bigger than your Fears, your Actions louder than your Words, & your Faith in JESUS CHRIST Stronger than your Feelings.” Love you guys very much. May God continue to bless you and keep you.
Hello, I’m Leo and I grew up in Echo Park. When I was 7 years old, I was part of history when I saw “Star Wars” first premiere in 1977 at the Mann’s Chinese Theater, in Hollywood. (How cool was that! I know haaaa!) By this I guess you figured out I am one of “the older guys” in the Jr. High Ministry (but, not as old as Moses in the O.T., lol). However by the Grace of God my heart is still very young. I grew up in a single parent home plagued by domestic violence, alcoholism & poverty. Growing up during my rebellious (B.C. years), Jesus taught me many life lessons, which helps me in this ministry. I obtained my degree in Criminal Justice from CSLA in 1995. I have been working with “delinquent kids” in my job for 18 years now. I’ve worked the juvenile halls, juvenile camps and still trying to save as many of our “at risk youth” from the Satan who aims to seek and destroy them.
On October 27, 2013 me my wife and two daughter Alyssa & Valerie walked away from Catholicism and gave our lives to Jesus Christ. In March 2015, the Holy Spirit tugged at my heart like Saul on the road to Damascus,
and I started serving with this Ministry. You can find me during Sunday’s Jr. High first service with my daughter
Valerie. I love spending time in the Word, with my family, Christian Concerts, backpacking the Sierra’s, fishing, pastries (I'm just keeping it real!), and just being a big kid at heart. In a nut shell, I am just a simple sinner saved by grace. “Let your Dreams be bigger than your Fears, your Actions louder than your Words, & your Faith in JESUS CHRIST Stronger than your Feelings.” Love you guys very much. May God continue to bless you and keep you.
Johnny "Monty" Montelongo
Hello Everyone! My name is Johnny, but you'll hear many people call me "Monty". I have been faithfully serving in the Junior High ministry for 8 years. What lead me to serve in Junior High was this strong desire to give back to the Lord after all he has done in my life, and what better way than to serve the amazing youth. During my time serving in Junior High, I would have to say the biggest blessing has been the ability to witness students grow and become adults who love Jesus!
A scripture that has been a blessing in my life is Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."; truly the Lord has set me free of oppression.
A little fun fact about me, you'll catch me dancing all throughout the day!
My 2019 prayer for Junior High is that I am able to grow as a godly leader to continue to point the kids to Jesus.
Hello Everyone! My name is Johnny, but you'll hear many people call me "Monty". I have been faithfully serving in the Junior High ministry for 8 years. What lead me to serve in Junior High was this strong desire to give back to the Lord after all he has done in my life, and what better way than to serve the amazing youth. During my time serving in Junior High, I would have to say the biggest blessing has been the ability to witness students grow and become adults who love Jesus!
A scripture that has been a blessing in my life is Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."; truly the Lord has set me free of oppression.
A little fun fact about me, you'll catch me dancing all throughout the day!
My 2019 prayer for Junior High is that I am able to grow as a godly leader to continue to point the kids to Jesus.
Priscilla Godinez
Hello! My name is Priscilla Marie Godinez and I am 18 years old. I have been serving in the junior high ministry for about 3 months now, but I've made The Ark Montebello my home church since I was 4 years old. Having the opportunity to serve straight out of high school has been a tremendous blessing. It wasn't so long ago that I was in the very shoes of the kids I now serve. The Lord blessed my walk in my teen years by providing God-fearing leaders to reach out to me and truly make an everlasting impact. Those very leaders encouraged me during a time I felt so alone and pushed my need to be closer to Jesus. The desire to give back all that and more to my junior high kids, is what keeps me coming to church with an open heart and open arms. That is exactly what has been the biggest blessing in serving the youth. I am able to build and develop relationships with the kids, love on them, and ensure they know they will always have someone to talk to. Plus, it's the cherry on top to be surrounded by the group of leaders we have in youth ministry that simply become a second family.
A favorite scripture of mine would is Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding". This scripture has stuck close to my heart my whole life. I even have a purity ring with that scripture engraved on it. It allows me to stay motivated in my walk.
Silly facts about me: I love turtles and when I was 2 years old, I was able to put my whole foot in my mouth!
One thing I’m praying for in 2019 is the continued commitment of all youth leaders to show these kids that they will always be loved.
Hello! My name is Priscilla Marie Godinez and I am 18 years old. I have been serving in the junior high ministry for about 3 months now, but I've made The Ark Montebello my home church since I was 4 years old. Having the opportunity to serve straight out of high school has been a tremendous blessing. It wasn't so long ago that I was in the very shoes of the kids I now serve. The Lord blessed my walk in my teen years by providing God-fearing leaders to reach out to me and truly make an everlasting impact. Those very leaders encouraged me during a time I felt so alone and pushed my need to be closer to Jesus. The desire to give back all that and more to my junior high kids, is what keeps me coming to church with an open heart and open arms. That is exactly what has been the biggest blessing in serving the youth. I am able to build and develop relationships with the kids, love on them, and ensure they know they will always have someone to talk to. Plus, it's the cherry on top to be surrounded by the group of leaders we have in youth ministry that simply become a second family.
A favorite scripture of mine would is Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding". This scripture has stuck close to my heart my whole life. I even have a purity ring with that scripture engraved on it. It allows me to stay motivated in my walk.
Silly facts about me: I love turtles and when I was 2 years old, I was able to put my whole foot in my mouth!
One thing I’m praying for in 2019 is the continued commitment of all youth leaders to show these kids that they will always be loved.
Cory Stigen
My name is Corey Stigen and I have been serving in the junior high ministry since December 2017. Before fully committing to serve in Junior High, God had used other Junior High leaders to consistently encourage me to join. After some thought and the persistence of those youth leaders, I finally took up an offer to help out with the New Year's Eve Lock-In. My first opportunity would spark that fire to serve and I've been serving in junior high ever since!
I will have to say that one of the biggest blessings in serving the youth is realizing that God will and has used me along with other leaders to impact and influence the lives of these kids; their growth, their faith, and their walk in Christ. It is so awesome to have those moments where that impact is seen, even the little ones.
A verse that I have clung onto a lot, especially in my early walk is: 1 John 2:15-17
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."
As a young Christian I was someone who held onto the world and the desires of it. This verse helped me to see that while holding on to the world, I was also standing on the wrong side which was something I needed to be freed from. I had to surrender my old dreams and desires and learn to desire the things of God and in that I found freedom.
A silly fact about me is that I am dull and not useful... (Haha that was the auto-correct) A silly fact about me is that I am full of not-so-useful information that I learn from reading Wikipedia all the time.
My prayer for youth ministry in 2019, is for the leaders and the youth to bond and grow together, that the youth will make strong gains in their relationship with Jesus, and in twenty years into the future, I'll be able to see them living the life God has purposed for them.
My name is Corey Stigen and I have been serving in the junior high ministry since December 2017. Before fully committing to serve in Junior High, God had used other Junior High leaders to consistently encourage me to join. After some thought and the persistence of those youth leaders, I finally took up an offer to help out with the New Year's Eve Lock-In. My first opportunity would spark that fire to serve and I've been serving in junior high ever since!
I will have to say that one of the biggest blessings in serving the youth is realizing that God will and has used me along with other leaders to impact and influence the lives of these kids; their growth, their faith, and their walk in Christ. It is so awesome to have those moments where that impact is seen, even the little ones.
A verse that I have clung onto a lot, especially in my early walk is: 1 John 2:15-17
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."
As a young Christian I was someone who held onto the world and the desires of it. This verse helped me to see that while holding on to the world, I was also standing on the wrong side which was something I needed to be freed from. I had to surrender my old dreams and desires and learn to desire the things of God and in that I found freedom.
A silly fact about me is that I am dull and not useful... (Haha that was the auto-correct) A silly fact about me is that I am full of not-so-useful information that I learn from reading Wikipedia all the time.
My prayer for youth ministry in 2019, is for the leaders and the youth to bond and grow together, that the youth will make strong gains in their relationship with Jesus, and in twenty years into the future, I'll be able to see them living the life God has purposed for them.
Kathleen Pineda
Hello! My name is Kathleen and I have been serving in Junior High ministry since July 2017. Previously I was serving at The Community Cafe, but I felt the Lord tugging at my heart to move on to something else. After some consideration, I finally decided to speak to Pastor Derek concerning if Junior High needed any servants. It would be in that conversation where he would reveal the Lord prompted him to ask me if I would be willing to serve. That was all the confirmation I needed.
During my time here at Exemplify, the biggest blessing has been the privilege of getting to know our youth. I believe every teen that walks through those doors has something so special and amazing about them and God Plans to use them in a mighty way. It reminds me to reflect back at a time when I was looking for validation and found comfort in Luke 12:7 "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." This is a reminder for me to encourage our youth of Who truly Loves them with an Everlasting Love.
Quick Quirk: I will dance anywhere, anytime. Coffee isn't always needed but definitely preferred.
Going into 2019, I'm full of excitement to see how the Lord is going to move within Junior High and my prayer is that every student encounters Jesus so personally and so beautifully.
Hello! My name is Kathleen and I have been serving in Junior High ministry since July 2017. Previously I was serving at The Community Cafe, but I felt the Lord tugging at my heart to move on to something else. After some consideration, I finally decided to speak to Pastor Derek concerning if Junior High needed any servants. It would be in that conversation where he would reveal the Lord prompted him to ask me if I would be willing to serve. That was all the confirmation I needed.
During my time here at Exemplify, the biggest blessing has been the privilege of getting to know our youth. I believe every teen that walks through those doors has something so special and amazing about them and God Plans to use them in a mighty way. It reminds me to reflect back at a time when I was looking for validation and found comfort in Luke 12:7 "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." This is a reminder for me to encourage our youth of Who truly Loves them with an Everlasting Love.
Quick Quirk: I will dance anywhere, anytime. Coffee isn't always needed but definitely preferred.
Going into 2019, I'm full of excitement to see how the Lord is going to move within Junior High and my prayer is that every student encounters Jesus so personally and so beautifully.
Jay Nieto
Hi my name is Jay and I have been serving in the Junior High ministry since February of 2018. When I first moved back from college, I spent some time seeking fellowship and in that time, the Lord lead me to amazing friends that just so happened to be serving in Junior High. I hung out with them quite often, which I believe lead them to ask me if I would be willing to volunteer and serve alongside them; I've enjoyed it ever since. I love that middle schoolers are at the age where they like to have fun, but can also engage in mature conversations regarding their faith.
Growing up in middle school, I was fortunate to be surrounded by good influences like my own youth leaders, which encourages me to give the same to the youth I serve. A tremendous blessing has been the great privilege to be a brother and a teacher to the youth. All in all, I love to serve!
David wrote in Psalm 139 that God is omnipresent and omniscient, “for you formed my inward parts and knitted me in my mothers womb. I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are your works; my soul knows so very well.” (Ps 139 13-14) I have repeated this verse to myself in every adversity. The simple reminder that God knows me all too well, that He would never leave me nor forsake me and with Him residing in my soul, I can't envision myself with failure.
Some awesome Jay stats: Since 18, I’ve only lost twice in a game of pool; I invented Carpool Karaoke long before James Corden; and I have absolutely no shame in dancing in any given setting.
For 2019, I’m praying that these kids invest their time with God and will make long lasting friendships through this ministry.
Hi my name is Jay and I have been serving in the Junior High ministry since February of 2018. When I first moved back from college, I spent some time seeking fellowship and in that time, the Lord lead me to amazing friends that just so happened to be serving in Junior High. I hung out with them quite often, which I believe lead them to ask me if I would be willing to volunteer and serve alongside them; I've enjoyed it ever since. I love that middle schoolers are at the age where they like to have fun, but can also engage in mature conversations regarding their faith.
Growing up in middle school, I was fortunate to be surrounded by good influences like my own youth leaders, which encourages me to give the same to the youth I serve. A tremendous blessing has been the great privilege to be a brother and a teacher to the youth. All in all, I love to serve!
David wrote in Psalm 139 that God is omnipresent and omniscient, “for you formed my inward parts and knitted me in my mothers womb. I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are your works; my soul knows so very well.” (Ps 139 13-14) I have repeated this verse to myself in every adversity. The simple reminder that God knows me all too well, that He would never leave me nor forsake me and with Him residing in my soul, I can't envision myself with failure.
Some awesome Jay stats: Since 18, I’ve only lost twice in a game of pool; I invented Carpool Karaoke long before James Corden; and I have absolutely no shame in dancing in any given setting.
For 2019, I’m praying that these kids invest their time with God and will make long lasting friendships through this ministry.
Julio Rosales
My name is Julio Rosales. I am a 1994 baby, so I am currently 24 years old. I graduated from California State University of Long Beach on December 2016. I have a B.A. in Psychology. Although I may possibly have slightly—and I do mean slightly—more knowledge than the “average Joe” on a few topics (due to my years in college), I will be the first one to tell you that I may not be as smart as you think someone with a B.A. should be. To be honest, I do not feel as though I am that smart. There may even be grammatical and punctual errors in this bio. If there is any form of wisdom that comes out of my mouth, I do believe it is God. Not only do I say that because the Bible tells us that God is the source to all wisdom, but also because I would rate my own knowledge and intelligence as that of an “average Joe,” if that. I have had the pleasure of serving in year high for about 4 years now. I won’t lie, sometimes the kids can frustrate me, but I find it extremely fulfilling when I am able to witness them starting to take their walks seriously. I know that some of these Jr. Highers know more about the Bible than I do, so it excites me to think about how much more they will grow and how God will use them, if they continue to stay loyal and obedient to His calling.
My name is Julio Rosales. I am a 1994 baby, so I am currently 24 years old. I graduated from California State University of Long Beach on December 2016. I have a B.A. in Psychology. Although I may possibly have slightly—and I do mean slightly—more knowledge than the “average Joe” on a few topics (due to my years in college), I will be the first one to tell you that I may not be as smart as you think someone with a B.A. should be. To be honest, I do not feel as though I am that smart. There may even be grammatical and punctual errors in this bio. If there is any form of wisdom that comes out of my mouth, I do believe it is God. Not only do I say that because the Bible tells us that God is the source to all wisdom, but also because I would rate my own knowledge and intelligence as that of an “average Joe,” if that. I have had the pleasure of serving in year high for about 4 years now. I won’t lie, sometimes the kids can frustrate me, but I find it extremely fulfilling when I am able to witness them starting to take their walks seriously. I know that some of these Jr. Highers know more about the Bible than I do, so it excites me to think about how much more they will grow and how God will use them, if they continue to stay loyal and obedient to His calling.
Bethany Castillo
Hi there! My name is Bethany Castillo, I am 24 years old, and am currently working on my bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Development at Cal State Fullerton. I have been attending The Ark Montebello for 24 years, and have had a personal relationship with God since my sophomore year of high school (so for about 9 years now). I have served in the children's ministry since I graduated high school, and have served in the Jr. High ministry since October of 2016. I LOVE serving your kids, and I look forward to meeting and getting to know every single one of them.
Hi there! My name is Bethany Castillo, I am 24 years old, and am currently working on my bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Development at Cal State Fullerton. I have been attending The Ark Montebello for 24 years, and have had a personal relationship with God since my sophomore year of high school (so for about 9 years now). I have served in the children's ministry since I graduated high school, and have served in the Jr. High ministry since October of 2016. I LOVE serving your kids, and I look forward to meeting and getting to know every single one of them.
Erick De Santiago
Hello everyone, my name is Erick De Santiago. I was born in Boyle heights and raised in many parts of East Los Angeles because my family and I moved frequently. I'm fairly new to servanthood and enjoy every minute of it. At first, I started serving in the Parking Ministry and then God lead me to the Jr. High Ministry. I Enjoy being around the youth and try my very best to be a positive role model to them. Children at this age need someone to listen to them and relate to them which is something that I didn't have growing up. I do my best to listen to the youth and give them advice based on scripture. I love making people laugh, enjoy sports and music. I have been given the privilege to serve with many other great leaders at The Ark that inspire me. So please stop by and say hello!
Hello everyone, my name is Erick De Santiago. I was born in Boyle heights and raised in many parts of East Los Angeles because my family and I moved frequently. I'm fairly new to servanthood and enjoy every minute of it. At first, I started serving in the Parking Ministry and then God lead me to the Jr. High Ministry. I Enjoy being around the youth and try my very best to be a positive role model to them. Children at this age need someone to listen to them and relate to them which is something that I didn't have growing up. I do my best to listen to the youth and give them advice based on scripture. I love making people laugh, enjoy sports and music. I have been given the privilege to serve with many other great leaders at The Ark that inspire me. So please stop by and say hello!
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 the 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.
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 the 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.
