Life can often take an unexpected turn for the worse, and sometimes, we are not entirely responsible for the situations we find ourselves in. But we believe there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
During the darkest moments of our lives, there are angels in human form that exist. These are people who go out of their way to help those in need when we feel helpless and alone. They provide comfort, love, guidance, food, shelter and resources when we need it the most.
For those of us facing recovery, know that life can be better, and there are people here to help us on Earth. These angels in human form might be friends, family, or even strangers who cross our paths at the right moment to help us get through the storm.
So, remember, as you face the difficulties that come your way, there is hope, and there are people who care. Whether it's a friend, a volunteer, or a health professional these angles in human form come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: a desire to help you heal and find your way forward.
For many years, the Rev. Darlene Watley desired to make a tangible difference in the lives of people, particularly those who affected by substance abuse, homelessness and mental illness. As a person in recovery, she had first-hand experience in surviving a disease that can swallow your life, destroy your outlook and drown you in depression. But, thanks to the help of others, she turned her life around and wanted to help others achieve that same stability. In 2002, Rev. Darlene Watley decided to transform her dream into reality by starting Chosen Gospel Recovery Inc. Over 20 years later, the 501C3 nonprofit is changing lives all around South Los Angeles. Chosen Gospel Recovery Ministry offers person-to-person outreach to the homeless and addicted, transitional housing for women and children, and spiritual enlightenment to the lost and confused. The group’s educational component provides various skill-building training in communication, conflict resolution and eliminating risky behavior.
Describing her fulfillment since founding the ministry, Rev. Darlene Watley declared, “It’s a desire of mine to give back to my community and this is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life besides giving birth to my five daughters. To serve others is the most rewarding thing I could have ever accomplished.”
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Rev. Darlene Watley, who also serves as pastor of Faithful Zion First Fruits Ministry, another program is their foster home and daycare operated by Tami Poindexter. With the help of this program women are reunited with their children. Chosen Gospel Recovery, the Ruby's houses obtains DCFS cases and help them get closed.
The goal is to educate and empower women to understand things, like risky behavior that caused their homelessness. The program helps build skills and work with the women hand-in-hand.
The housing divisions are named Ruby’s House I, II and III, after a woman with the same name who Rev. Darlene Watley said “took me in during my darkest hour, loved me with the love of Christ and pointed me in the direction of recovery. My program is designed with my experiences with her.”
Music is another arm of Chosen Gospel Recovery. Singing chosen gospel recovery songs in a variety of styles, Rev. Darlene Watley and group members regularly appear at churches and social events around Southern California. Also every October, they are featured performers on the Wave stage at the Taste of Soul, L.A.’s largest family festival. “The music ministry where we are able to open up the portals of people’s soul to minister to them through songs, many of them that we’ve written and vocally arranged ourselves,” said Rev. Darlene Watley, who added that Chosen Gospel Recovery released a CD of their music.
In addition, spiritual nourishment takes place via Faithful Zion First Fruits Sunday worship services and weekly Bible Study and prayer meeting. Choir rehearsal and liturgical dance practice also occur during the week.
“Our members are people that were non-believers, out of the church, from different religions, different cultures, bound up by drugs and alcohol, suffering from mental illness – all of the people that society says are throwaways and they were stigmatized by that. But they’re up in here praising God and serving one another. That’s what God wants us to do,” she shared.
To keep all the ministry programs operating, Rev. Darlene Watley credits the assistance of her co-pastor, the Rev. Carolyn “Cookie” Brown, and Faithful Zion First Fruits ministerial team who share their talents and expertise in several capacities. As for funding, Chosen Gospel Recovery organizes fundraisers as well as accepts financial donations and contributions of items like furniture, blankets, towels and toiletries. Sponsorship and mentorship is available to aid youth and college students.
“This ministry is the Great Commission in full effect. This is what the Bible tells us to do,” said Rev. Darlene Watley.“Our statement of faith is based on Acts 2:42-47. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellow-shipped to the breaking of bread and prayer. That’s what we really practice here.” Chosen Gospel Recovery Ministry For information or to volunteer or donate, call (323) 244-6902.
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Faith Rudder
CEO of Dola / Fashion Designer / Artist Management / Writer
Faith Rudder is a 48 year old self-taught Swimwear Designer from Los Angeles, California. Faith has been designing for over 16 years and her brand is Dhakmani.
Dhakmani represents the beauty of being a woman and embracing who you are and what God has created within you. Dhakmani promotes having a healthy mind and healthy body.
As a teenager Faith loved styling for her friends, enabling them to feel confident in their young skins.
Faith is proud to say that she carried that love for style and beauty over to her handbag creation. Whether it's swimwear or handbags, style and beauty are two things that she truly enjoys bringing to people's lives. Because her products are designed with each person's unique individuality in mind, she loves to create pieces that can truly help you feel confident and empowered, no matter your age.
Faith is a former Sr. Account Coordinator for UPS Supply Chain Solutions. In 2008, Faith decided to resign from UPS and take the risk of starting her own Clothing brand and that is where the journey began.
Faith received Designer of the year award from the Carson Black Chamber of Commerce in 2014. Faith is the founder of Designers of Los Angeles, an organization for upcoming Fashion Designers. (www.designersoflosangeles.com)
Contact Faith Rudder at faithrudder@ruddercccs.com or 1-562-240-9538
Great article Faith