𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗣𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘: The Unshakable Faith of Venice’s Street Pastor

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Venice Beach, March 27, 2025 — On Thursday morning, Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz encountered a familiar face along the Ocean Front Walk: Pastor Johnny, known in the local community as the “Shepherd of Venice.” A fixture of the Venice Beach landscape for the past five years, Pastor Johnny shared insight into his daily routine, spiritual mission, and personal journey of faith. “I’ve lived in my car for six years — just me and Jesus,” he said, reflecting on his commitment to street ministry. “I wake up around 1 a.m., shower by 1:30, and begin praying by 2. I try to pray until 8.” Dressed sharply in a black suit, patterned tie, and a matching black fedora, Johnny offered warm greetings as he emphasized his purpose: to "seek and save the lost,” referencing Jesus’ words. “There’s a lot of people out here who need a doctor — not a physical one, but a spiritual one. That’s why I’m here.” The self-described former “Guido from Jersey” spoke candidly about his transformation. Raised Catholic, he recalled an early spiritual awakening at age seven, during his first Holy Communion. “The priest said, ‘Do you know why you were created?’ Then he said, ‘Because God loves you.’ And in that moment, everything changed.” Johnny explained that the experience led to a deep, lasting connection with Jesus. “It wasn’t something I heard with my ears — it was with my spirit. I felt love, real love, for the first time. That’s when I became born again.” Passionate and driven, Johnny expressed frustration at what he sees as a lack of purpose among many Californians. “Work isn’t work when you love what you do,” he said. “I’m consumed with this calling. I don’t have time for entertainment — I’m here to tell people that God not only loves them but wants to empower them.” During the impromptu conversation, he also shared a glimpse of his past — including time spent wrestling and boxing in high school — and lightheartedly joked about once being on his school’s chess team. “I was on the sixth board — the last one,” he said, laughing. As the two parted ways, Johnny offered a final note: “I bully demons,” referencing an inside joke known among locals familiar with his street ministry. “It’s not about hate — it’s about casting out what doesn’t belong.” For many in Venice Beach, Pastor Johnny remains a constant — a voice of faith on the boardwalk, navigating homelessness, hardship, and hope with unwavering conviction.