New Challenge Ministries Leader Laura Hernandez Called to Serve: Spotlight for National Volunteer Week

First Lady Laura Hernandez goes out into the mission field seven days a week. She grew up with a keen understanding of what it means to lead and serve.

Hernandez has two passions — food and community activism, and at the intersection of both is where she and her husband, Pastor John, came together to co-create New Challenge Ministries, Inc., a multipurpose 501(c)(3) organization located in Torrance.

She balances her life as a first lady with her role as Director of Finance and Operations, where she leads the charge to provide improved access to healthy food for low-income residents.

Hernandez has dedicated over three decades to the Los Angeles County community with an unwavering commitment to providing services to the underserved and marginalized, contributing significantly through her wide range of influence as a gentle spirit.

Hernandez has a big role as the first lady of the ministry. But in her own words, her job title is “Servant for the people.” Veteran Los Angeles journalist Germany Kent spoke with Hernandez about her life and her work at the largest food pantry in the South Bay of Los Angeles County.

Hernandez says that she is “Called to Serve.” She is welcoming and engaging. She is kind and anointed. She is a quiet force making every effort to make a difference.

Laura and her son Justin at New Challenge Ministries, Inc. in Torrance (photo by Germany Kent)

Hernandez says they have served millions of people. According to the organization’s website, they serve a wide range of individuals and served over three million people in 2024.

“We preach the Word, feed the hungry, and minister to our local underserved community,” Hernandez said. “At New Challenge, we are a family of people who love God and seek to serve him.”

She doesn’t want anybody to leave their property without knowing that God loves them. “One of the things I love and get excited about is knowing that we are making a difference, for such a time as this,” she says.

“It’s been difficult for a lot of families, especially with the rising costs of food, so to know that we can help in some way to assist families so that they are not overwhelmed, is where we can have an impact. Not being able to put food on the table is a scary thing,” Hernandez said.

“It is my prayer that we can end or help to significantly reduce food insecurities in our area.”

Hernandez says they have a homeless outreach and provide services to those who may have fallen on hard times, or may be out of work temporarily. “We welcome them, we pray with them. We do what we can to try to help people get back on their feet, helping them to emotionally regulate and secure housing,” she said.

We want them to know God’s for you, we’re for you,” Hernandez said. She has also been a beacon of inspiration dedicated to uplifting displaced, runaway, and abandoned youth.

A huge part of their mission is a clothing pantry called the “Blessing Room,” where clothes and household goods are donated, and individuals and families are able to come and select items at little or no cost. Hernandez says, “We’re so thankful to all who contribute to the Blessing Room, helping to provide necessary items such as clothing, shoes, blankets, baby items, and personal hygiene supplies to help those who may be in need of necessity items.”

“We call it the Blessing Room because it really is a blessing for the community, either to be on the receiving end of giving, which is a blessing to be able to give, or the end of receiving, which is a blessing. It’s a boomerang of blessings,” Hernandez said. With a generous heart, the mother and grandmother has devoted countless hours in service to the church and community wherever her assistance has been needed.

Hernandez is guided by her faith. “I try to remain steadfast and abounding in labor,” she said.

“We must give Him our entire life, and we must live only for Him daily,” she says.

Herandez also partners with organizations to advocate for ways to provide holistic support and resources.

With a passion for bridging the gap between the marketplace and ministry, she impacts lives daily through her role at New Challenge Ministries.

Laura and some of her volunteers at New Challenge Ministries, Inc. food pantry (photo by Germany Kent)

Known for her ability to recognize potential, Hernandez empowers leaders and delegates leadership responsibilities to those who are willing to learn, which underscores her dedication to inspiring others to live purposefully.

“A keystone in my heart’s mission is to guide others towards deeper, more personal connection with God, impactful outreach and service to others,” Hernandez said.

With a background in organizational management, working in leadership for other businesses, and providing leadership and managing data infrastructure, she is well able and considers her most important assignment and blessing to champion efforts for New Challenge Ministries.

I am favored for this assignment. I want to be intentional with a clear sense of urgency and responsibility,” Hernandez says.

“I also believe I need to set an example.”

Hernandez’s career is a testament to her deep-rooted faith and dedication to community service. Her dynamic gift of bringing people together in mutual alliance for humanity has allowed her to be a leader not only in the faith community but as a full partner in social change.

“We are overflowing with thankfulness for the support we have received,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez says no experience is necessary to volunteer with the organization, only a willing heart to serve.

“Join us in helping the underserved, to provide hope and greet new people,” she said. “We’re always looking for helpers. Thank you for your consideration and interest in volunteering.”

This National Volunteer Week, we salute Laura Hernandez with New Challenge Ministries, Inc., for her dedication and many years of service to Los Angeles County.

If you are interested in volunteering and supporting the ministry, visit them online at:

https://newchallengeministries.org

National Volunteer Week, April 20 – 26, 2025, is an annual celebration that honors the profound impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to address society’s greatest challenges, build stronger communities, and transform the world.