Cisco Velasco
Associate Pastor
Ministries: Missions, Facilities
As a young kid, I loved skateboarding and hanging out in parking lots, where I befriended an older group of kids. Through those friendships, I started using drugs. Growing up in a small town, we had to create our own fun. At 13, I thought doing drugs was the coolest thing ever. Yet, through junior high and high school, I envisioned attending college and becoming a successful architect. During this time, I was expelled from school, arrested many times, went to juvenile hall, and almost ended up in the CA Division of Juvenile Justice. It never crossed my mind my dream was slipping away; I was so blind.
Finally, for the first time, I could not envision a successful life or a future. I destroyed all my relationships with family and friends due to the influence of drugs. Shortly after turning 18, I was allowed the choice of rehab over jail. The only place that would take me was a Christian program. Although I grew up, I rarely attended church and didn't know anything about God. I hated being there and was determined to do my time and get back to my life. But one day, while in small groups, the pastor shared about Jesus and the two thieves on the cross. Something clicked in my heart. I knew I needed Jesus, and I prayed and asked Him to come into my heart. I can't say I felt I had received Jesus that day; instead, I felt He accepted me.