Homeless in California

San Diego Alum Helps Nourish Bodies and Souls
by Rachel Smith C’97

Bethel’s vision for students to live out biblical truth in daily life is exemplified by Bethel Seminary San Diego alum Steve Bassett. Bassett's deep faith and passion to share God’s word kindled a desire for seminary training that led him to San Diego and Bethel; while there, he juggled his studies with volunteer ministry to the homeless. His training and experience are being put to good use now at the Bread of Life Rescue Mission in Oceanside, Calif., a 4,000-square-foot facility that offers dinner and a warm bed to between 50 and 80 homeless people every Sunday through Wednesday.

Basset embodies Christ’s mercy and humble service, compassionately nourishing both hungry bodies and starving spirits. “Our goal is not just to feed and shelter people, but also to bring the gospel to them and get them back into the workforce,” he declares. Basset’s passion for service took root years ago when his church participated in Angel Tree, a ministry outreach to prisoners and their families. “Several other people and I started writing to inmates,” Basset says, “and I grew very concerned about the lost people in these places.”

This concern prompted Bassett to volunteer for five years at Butte County Jail in Oroville, Calif. He trained other volunteers, and in time their ministry expanded to many northern California prisons. The ministry blossomed when Bassett and other team members looked ahead to when the inmates would leave their prison cells. The volunteers established homes for inmates after their prison terms were over and founded a church to minister to the inmates and their families.

Seminary staff, faculty, and fellow students rallied behind Bassett's work at the mission. Fellow students brought food collected by their churches and volunteered to serve. Kent Eaton, associate dean and professor of pastoral ministry, brought his family to participate. “The prayer and support that I have received from the professors and students has just been incredible,” Bassett says. He has the full support of his family as well: Raylene, his wife, works side-by-side with him as meals coordinator for Bread of Life.

Bassett intends to involve Bethel Seminary San Diego students more fully in the joys and trials of homeless ministry, planning an internship program where students serve at the shelter on a regular basis. As volunteers, students lead worship and serve food, an experience that develops empathy for fellow human beings as well as insights into a cross-cultural world. “I want to give students an opportunity for hands-on involvement that will help broaden their sense of what ministry truly is,” Basset explains.

Under Bassett's leadership, Bread of Life Mission plans to seek a new, more permanent site. Counting on increased financial aid from donors, Bassett hopes to expand services to include bathing facilities and to offer shelter seven nights a week. “After being at Bethel and starting Bread of Life, we have only just begun God’s work,” he says. “I look forward to all the years of life with Raylene and our ministry.”