I am from Transilvania, Romania; raised by my Mother, who was Hungarian. So I consider myself to be Hungarian. I was raised to fear the Word of God by my Grandmother, but once I got to attend school I was forced by the ruling Communist Government to abandon my religion or face persecution. I joined the military and I was given the opportunity to travel with the Alpine Ski team to Innsbruck, Austria, where I decided not to return to my Country and to apply for asylum and immigrate to the States. I arrived in the United States on July 4th, 1980. I started working as a mechanic, and later as a manager for tire companies in Anaheim, Ca. I started stealing my Grandfather’s liquor, and smoking at the age of 9. I was stressing out more and more at work and started drinking heavy; even getting drunk during business hours. I lost my job, my family, my son denied me as his Father, not letting me see my granddaughters anymore. I succumbed to alcohol, smoking, and pornography; and all this led me to lose everything I had, and to become homeless. This was where I cried out to God, asking for His help. A friend of mine, seeing me the way I was, told me to seek help and took me to Calvary Chapel Open Door, in Anaheim. Pastor Roger gave me shelter and hope, sending me to U-Turn For Christ. I arrived here September 18th, 2007, where I found God again; where I gave my heart and life to Him. I was amazed at what God has done for me, so I decided to join the ministry full time. I am now taking care of the ministry vehicles, and overseeing / supervising on the Ranch. I can’t thank God enough for what He is doing in my life here at U-Turn For Christ. God, You are awesome, and thank You for saving me, and for the opportunity to be Your humble servant.

Romeo Girba

I started using speed when I was 12 years old. I started getting kicked out of school for drugs, fighting, being involved in gang activity, and other things. Eventually I just stopped going to school. Living on my own since I was 14 years old, I was completely lost in my addiction, in and out of jail, with no sense of direction. I met Thomas when I was 18 years old, both of us living on the streets of Orange County California. Little did I know that God was using him to bring me here to U-Turn For Christ. We both completed first and second phase of the ministry, and were married here. We both still serve in this beautiful ministry. I am an assistant overseer for the Women’s Ranch, and my husband serves as an usher at Calvary Chapel Romoland. I can’t thank God enough for what He has done in our lives, blessing us with a beautiful son, Thomas Jr., and a wonderful family, U-Turn For Christ. Thank You Jesus!

Crystal Mendez