Evangelism in the Laurel:
Victory Outreach

by Madeline Smith Moore

The simple fa?ade and furnishings of the old movie-theater building at 3814 MacArthur Blvd. belies the energy and warmth one finds within. Just inside the foyer, a large portrait of Pastor Larry Vigil and his wife Sylvia greets visitors. Animated conversation draws one to the office of LaDonna Orange, Women's Home Director, who enthusiastically provides a wealth of information about this organization. In a nutshell, Victory Outreach goes into communities worldwide, offering hope to displaced people stuck in lifestyles of drug addiction, alcoholism, gang affiliation, abuse, and prostitution. The ministry describes its guiding principles as "the 3 C's Community, Cause, and Corporate and the 5 E's Evangelism, Exaltation, Establishing, Envisioning, and Equipping."

Victory Outreach Ministries International was founded in 1967 by Pastor Sonny Arguinzoni, who, years before, was "delivered through Jesus Christ out of drug addiction and gangs." Thereafter, he moved to East L.A., where he married Julie, subsequently opening their home to people from similar backgrounds. Since then the vision of Victory Outreach has established over five hundred ministries on six continents, including this one in July 1985.

Here in Oakland, Victory Outreach not only offers church services but also aims its message to people in trouble. Christian Recovery Homes are accessible to both men and women who decide to change their lives. Families are restored, motivation is provided to continue education, and work ethics are developed. "G.A.N.G." (God's Anointed Now Generation) presents young people between the ages of 10 and 30 an opportunity to engage in fellowships, events, and retreats. "KIDZ G.A.N.G." provides a variety of activities on church days and after school for children from infancy to school age. Meetings also address the problems of older adults and newcomers. Accredited college courses are offered through the Victory Education Training Institute, including a High School Diploma program, Computers, and Administration, as well as Systematic Theology and Church History. One of their ministries is called Twilight Treasures, a program wherein, at least once a week, the women go out to the most dangerous streets of Oakland in the middle of the night to offer hope to troubled denizens.

Since Victory Outreach receives no government funding, they remain tax exempt and free to combine their religious beliefs with their work in the community. Their work in other countries, such as Indonesia, El Salvador, Philippines, and Nigeria, is financed in part by Victory Outreach members, who faithfully give one dollar a day or $50 a month through an effort called "United We Can." Northern and Southern California branches hold an annual "Run4Hope," local businesses sponsoring individuals who participate in the 5K/10K walk/run. In return, these businesses receive advertisement on the frequently visited Victory Outreach Web site, www.victoryoutreach.org, as well as a tax writeoff. A food giveaway is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays for those in need. At their Christmas-tree sale, more than 900 trees were sold at market value. On February 20 they will hold a Crab Feed (see Metro Calendar).

Victory Outreach exists to inspire and instill within all people the desire to fulfill their potential in life with dignity, belonging, and destiny.