Javier Castro was born and raised in Madera, Ca. Although his parents were devoted to a local church, Javier, as a teen, was associated with gang members and drug dealers. Through God’s grace, many years of prayer by his family and loved ones, and the fact that Javier saw for himself the destruction of friends and family through gangs and drugs, Javier transformed into the Man of God he is today.

Javier recently has received his degree from ISOM (International School of Ministry). He has now been married for over 15 years. He and his wife have two beautiful children. Not only is he successful with his marriage and family, Javier is also a well established business man with a strong moral compass. These morals and ethics are not only visible to those who know him, but also to those from other countries as well. Pastor Javier wants to share what God has done in his life for the past 13 years. He also desires to continue to reinforce and help build the city in which he was born and in which he is raising his two children.

Robert joined New Hope Madera because, “I recognized the need in the community of Madera for an organization that turns people from a destructive lifestyle to one of positive significance.”  Robert adds, “I was impressed with the success of Hope Now Fresno and wanted to see the results replicated in Madera.”

Having known Brent, there are several other things that we believe he may have wanted to share with you. We believe that Brent would thank each of you for giving him the opportunity to serve Christ through your prayers and financial support of New Hope. We believe this man was greeted by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords with a big hug and an exuberant “Well done!” How can we be so sure? After His resurrection, Jesus returned to earth to speak to his disciples and followers. He gave them, as well as those who would eventually follow Him, the following final discourse:

“Go therefore and make disciples (followers of Christ) of all the nations…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:17.

New Hope gave Brent the opportunity to teach young men how to follow God. In addition, by helping to provide them jobs, these men could better follow Christ with “honest” money.

As the Board, we founded New Hope Madera believing that it is God’s ministry, not ours. Nothing has changed. We have been meeting diligently to seek God’s direction for the future. Please join us in prayer as we search for the right person to lead New Hope in Brent’s stead.

Finally, we would like to THANK the Harlow family for sharing Brent with us. His gift of service to this ministry would not have been possible without your support.

Sincerely and in God’s Love,

The Board of Directors for New Hope Madera

Ted Pistoresi, Robert Poythress, Ernie LiCalsi,

Sara Arthurs, Joanne Brazil, Linda Brewer,

Frances McCullough, Max Rodriguez

Any remembrances may be made to New Hope Madera in care of

Valley West Christian Center, 101 W. Adell, Madera, CA 93638

Bruce joined New Hope Madera because he believes strongly in the mission and philosophy of the organization.  He says, “We’re moving young men from the tax rolls, to the payrolls.”

Joanne’s reason for joining the New Hope Madera Board of Directors was just that. She says, “I wanted to support an organization that gave gang members an alternative to their gang life style and to make a difference in our community.”

Before Joanne retired, she worked as a Coordinator of Children & Youth Mental Health Services in Madera County. While involved with the Children’s Mental Health Services Joanne saw an increase in gang activity and after meeting many of these young men she realized that they felt they had no way out. Joanne says, “I watched a program in Fresno called Hope For Youth be successful in working with these young men and wanted to begin this type of program in Madera.”