Pray for China

This past weekend, we learned about the spiritual climate in China and the oppression of minority people groups. ENCOUNTER has “adopted” both the Bouyei people of China and the [...]

“You and I are like flickers of candlelight, holding out our hope against the night.” Sometimes we feel discouraged or frustrated with our position in life. Maybe we doubt that God can really use [...]

Tender Life Maternity Home provides safe housing and support services for pregnant women who are on the streets and dealing with addiction. For you to fully understand the ministry of Tender [...]

After months of searching and praying, we’ve invited Bill Heydorn to join our team as Pastor of Community Life. Bill is married to Michelle and they have three kids; Mackenzie, Cooper, and [...]

At ENCOUNTER we meet in small groups so that we can get to know each other at a heart level and grow deeper in our relationships with Christ. This weekend 333 of you signed up for a group. 99 of [...]

Kiva is an international nonprofit, founded in 2005 and based in San Francisco, with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Kiva celebrates and supports people looking [...]

When you hear the name “Lighthouse” you think of a tall light guiding ships to safely to shore. At Lighthouse for Women and Children, run by Ventura County Rescue Mission, that’s what this [...]

On December 27, a team of 10 went to Urbana, a 5-day student missions conference sponsored by InterVarsity.  It happens every three years in St. Louis (it used to be held in Urbana, IL). Julie [...]

You never know where God is going to lead you. That is certainly true for former missionary Patti Downs. Patti and her husband Dale work at The City Center on Thompson Blvd in mid-town Ventura. [...]

Kelly Hanighen-Lynch shares with ENCOUNTER the importance of deep friendship, especially during difficult circumstances