OUR HISTORY

The ILWU Iron Sharpens Iron Fellowship was started at the beginning of 2018 by 5 longshoreman: Venus Bombback, Jesse (Ungie) Lopez, Josh (Young Blood) Flores, Christian (C Dog) Abito, and Michael Cobos to bring the word of God to the waterfront. 

Through the grace of God the 5 were given permission to use the ILWU Local 13 Memorial Hall to host its lunch time bible study. 

Bible studies included messages from local pastors and testimonies from some of the members of our union. 

The next step in our fellowship was change in our leadership.

As some leaders were called to walk another path in their journey. Pastor Henry Pollard Jr., Pastor Horst Hillike, David and Gina Samperio, Noemi Flores amongst others were called to help Iron Sharpens Iron continue in its mission to share God’s word on the waterfront.

As we continued to love on people and share God’s word, we started to partner with other churches, invite union leadership, hold baptisms and welcome neighbors outside of our longshore community. God’s growth was visible in Iron Sharpens Iron numbers. 

In 2020, the world-wide pandemic restricted people from gathering, but God’s word getting out couldn’t be stopped. So Pastor Roman Brink Sr. and Pastor Horst Hileke began to Steer the Ship, Iron Sharpens Iron continued broadcasting and sharing His word to people at parks, in the back of businesses and restaurants, even when it was only two or three people broadcasting.  

God raised up individuals like Pastor Roman, including many pastors and guest speakers, to keep His word going for over a year and a half with no stable or consistent place to meet. 

As regulations for the pandemic loosened, we were allowed back to the ILWU Local 13 Memorial Hall to continue the Iron Sharpens Iron Fellowship. Pastor Roman Brin kSr, Minister Henry Pollard Jr and David Samperio took over the leadership role. Gina Samperio took over the food ministry and Mrs Venus Bomback became our prayer partner and prayer warrior!!

However, due to scheduling conflicts with other groups using the Hall and our desire to have a steady home, our return was short lived. Through God’s favor and provision, He opened up the doors of a dependable-safe home as He guided us to our next step...

Through our worship leader Pastor Horst Hillike and Lead Pastor Jerry Cesario God blessed Iron Sharpens Iron by allowing us to continue His word at their home church, Calvary Chapel San Pedro (CCSP). Appropriately nicknamed “The Anchor”, God continued His word through our fellowship at CCSP, a secure-steady location where His message was shared.

As we were “anchored” at CCSP, Pastor Jerry and Pastor Horst, blessed Iron Sharpens Iron by not only sharing their home but also blessed us with their time, resources, pastors and prayers. 

Leadership with Pastor Roman Brink Sr, Minister Henry Pollard Jr. David and Gina Samperio, Mrs. Venus Bomback and Pastor Horst Hileke and Pastor Aaron Lopez we continue to seek God's guidence with every situation. 

On the waterfront, just as visiting ships are temporarily anchored but eventually return to their home ports, God directed our next step…

With our leadership team in place, the ministry is taking off. Led by Pastor Roman Brink Sr and Brothers David Samperio and wife Gina Samperio, Pastor Horst Hileke, Mrs. Venus Bomback and adding Brothers Danny Gilbertson and Kevin Salaiz we are bringing Jesus back to the waterfront. Many doors have opened and God is moving!! Please continue to walk with us and bring Jesus to the waterfront. God Bless the ILWU and God Bless you!