Photos: At the Jesus Burgers house, grilling at a higher power

Yvette Johnson, center, and other students worship at the Jesus Burger House. In a community that’s seen its share of violence, the house offers a spiritual haven.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Ketchup and mustard are used to decorate hamburger buns with crosses and hearts at the Jesus Burger House.   (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Students prepare burgers at the house, which was leased in 2002. The nondenominational Isla Vista Church was founded that same year.   (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Students eat and mingle at the Jesus Burgers house. The median age of Isla Vista’s 24,500 residents is about 21, according to census figures.   (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Students pray at the Jesus Burgers house. The unincorporated 1.9-square-mile area is home mostly to UC Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara City College students, many living in cramped apartments.   (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Two students embrace at a Friday night service at Isla Vista Church. “People are hurting, and what we see is a manifestation of that in excessive partying, drugs and sex,” said its pastor, Jason Lomelino.   (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Smoke from the hamburger grill fills the air on a recent night at the Jesus Burgers house.   (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Students walk past the Jesus Burgers house. For years, Jason Lomelino’s Isla Vista Church has preached the word of God to revelers. He knows it’s a tall order in an area famous for its drinking, drug use and promiscuity.   (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)