There are times in life when being out of place is just fine. Take three winter-weary fellows from the northern reaches of the mid-west and fly them to the balmy pacific coast of Southern California for three days of spiritual encouragement and equipping. Sounds like a good combination, huh? The founder of Victory Academy, Pastor Steve Schroeder from near Chicago, met up with our present director, Mark Massey and Dan Raught at O’Hare airport to travel to the Shepherd’s Conference at the site of Grace Community Church and Master’s Seminary in Sun Valley, California.

Three days were packed with hearing messages and workshops focused on the truth of the gospel and how that gospel is the key to the ministry we do. It is the gospel truth that we speak into the lives of Victory students every day. It is this life-changing message that changes lives and produces real change in young men’s lives. We were challenged regarding our role of being sanctifying agents in the lives of the sheep we lead. What a great privilege to be in the business of seeing God change people even as He is changing us.

​It was a special joy for Mark and Dan to enjoy this quality time with Steve Schroeder, who God used over thirty years ago to put action to the vision to establish a home setting in which to help young men to function in their own home setting in a way that reflects the reality and effects of the Gospel. At that time, it was known as Victory Homes. While many things have changed through the years, our commitment to the sufficiency of the truth of God’s Word and our commitment to helping families has never wavered.  We came home from the balmy western shore thankful for the opportunity and energized to work for the Lord with His truth and in His power.