Our team arrived safely in Newark last night.
THANK YOU for praying! We certainly felt and appreciated all of them.
Hope you had a chance to see our service today. If not, check out our website after Noon on Tuesday.
We're excited about what God is doing in our hearts and pray that the Holy Spirit continues to help us as we live on mission.
Blessings,
Pastor Arlena
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Come On, Bro!
I'm not really sure where we picked up that phrase (maybe our friend Michael Beckmann) but we say it a lot. Well, Mark says it every couple of minutes but we had many "Come on, Bro!" moments today.
They guys walked around helping the Discipleship Program guys pick up trash & pack up recycling. The ladies cleaned, washed windows, and made beds in the Emancipated Youth Home that opens on Monday, August 25.
Our afternoon was spent on Skid Row, handing out hot dogs to those in the Volunteers of America shelter and handing out flyers to people on the street. Many of us had conversations with several different people who call Skid Row home.
We just got in this evening from walking several blocks of Skid Row, handing out food, water & cookies. Again, lots of conversations and opportunities to pray with people.
Come on Sunday to hear our team share just a few amazing stories from this week.
Thanks for praying! We leave LAX tomorrow morning; so keep praying!
Love you guys & see you Sunday!
Pastor Arlena
They guys walked around helping the Discipleship Program guys pick up trash & pack up recycling. The ladies cleaned, washed windows, and made beds in the Emancipated Youth Home that opens on Monday, August 25.
Our afternoon was spent on Skid Row, handing out hot dogs to those in the Volunteers of America shelter and handing out flyers to people on the street. Many of us had conversations with several different people who call Skid Row home.
We just got in this evening from walking several blocks of Skid Row, handing out food, water & cookies. Again, lots of conversations and opportunities to pray with people.
Come on Sunday to hear our team share just a few amazing stories from this week.
Thanks for praying! We leave LAX tomorrow morning; so keep praying!
Love you guys & see you Sunday!
Pastor Arlena
Prayer Focus - Saturday, August 23, 2014
Focus Topic: Protection and Changed Lives
Focus Scripture: "And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to Himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to Him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And He gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, Come back to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Focus Team Members: Entire team & Kingsway Church
Prayer: Lord, once again we ask that You watch over our team as they travel. Bring them home safely and smoothly. We look forward to hearing from them tomorrow in our weekend services. We pray right now that just as You have changed their lives this week, our lives would be changed as well. As we listen to their stories and rejoice in all that You've done this past week, let it touch our hearts and renew our passion for living on mission. Help us to say, "Yes!" to being Your ambassadors to our loved ones and our community. You are making Your appeal through us. May we live our lives to help as many people as possible find and follow You. For Jesus' sake we pray, amen!
Focus Scripture: "And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to Himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to Him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And He gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, Come back to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Focus Team Members: Entire team & Kingsway Church
Prayer: Lord, once again we ask that You watch over our team as they travel. Bring them home safely and smoothly. We look forward to hearing from them tomorrow in our weekend services. We pray right now that just as You have changed their lives this week, our lives would be changed as well. As we listen to their stories and rejoice in all that You've done this past week, let it touch our hearts and renew our passion for living on mission. Help us to say, "Yes!" to being Your ambassadors to our loved ones and our community. You are making Your appeal through us. May we live our lives to help as many people as possible find and follow You. For Jesus' sake we pray, amen!
Friday, August 22, 2014
Prayer Focus - Friday, August 22, 2014
Focus Topic: Lasting Fruit
Focus Scripture: "This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God's wonderful grace." - Colossians 1:6
Focus Team Members: Amanda Shedaker, Ashlee Shourds, & Denisha Warren
Prayer: Jesus, we've given our all. We've served, surrendered, and stepped out of our comfort levels - not for our glory or the applause of people - but for Your glory; so that Your Name would be known among all we have met. We ask that what we've done will bear lasting fruit. People who have committed their lives - may they continue to walk in a passionate, dynamic and life-long relationship with You. If we have simply planted the seed of the Gospel in someone's heart, send others to water and help that seed to grow into genuine faith. Thank You for Amanda, Ashlee and Denisha and for all that they've contributed to the team this week. Provide for them exactly what they need for this day. We will give You all of the praise; in Jesus' Name, amen!
Focus Scripture: "This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God's wonderful grace." - Colossians 1:6
Focus Team Members: Amanda Shedaker, Ashlee Shourds, & Denisha Warren
Prayer: Jesus, we've given our all. We've served, surrendered, and stepped out of our comfort levels - not for our glory or the applause of people - but for Your glory; so that Your Name would be known among all we have met. We ask that what we've done will bear lasting fruit. People who have committed their lives - may they continue to walk in a passionate, dynamic and life-long relationship with You. If we have simply planted the seed of the Gospel in someone's heart, send others to water and help that seed to grow into genuine faith. Thank You for Amanda, Ashlee and Denisha and for all that they've contributed to the team this week. Provide for them exactly what they need for this day. We will give You all of the praise; in Jesus' Name, amen!
Mark Sang Jesus Loves the Little Children - Sort've
Day 4 at the Dream Center was filled with new adventures.
In the morning, a crew of three (me, Linda and my mom, Barb) work up at 5:15 to serve in the kitchen. For Linda and me, this was our second time and we enjoyed working alongside the women in the discipleship programs, level 1 and level 2. There's something about the order and precision of serving food for over 300+ people; plus, prepping for other meals.
The rest of our team loaded one of the Food Trucks and traveled to a unique site (an alley between two buildings) to distribute food and pray with people. Check out the pictures of our team working hard and praying with people.
In the afternoon, Amanda, Sheila and Ivette worked at the His Hands Extended Thrift Store. Ivette described the joy of a little girl (a regular shopper at the thrift store) who arrived and excitedly asked, "How many? How many?" Apparently, every week - depending on whats available - whoever comes to shop is given an number representing how many items they can take. Today's number was five. Five free things; and the kids got a toy. What an amazing ministry!
In the morning, a crew of three (me, Linda and my mom, Barb) work up at 5:15 to serve in the kitchen. For Linda and me, this was our second time and we enjoyed working alongside the women in the discipleship programs, level 1 and level 2. There's something about the order and precision of serving food for over 300+ people; plus, prepping for other meals.
The rest of our team loaded one of the Food Trucks and traveled to a unique site (an alley between two buildings) to distribute food and pray with people. Check out the pictures of our team working hard and praying with people.
In the afternoon, Amanda, Sheila and Ivette worked at the His Hands Extended Thrift Store. Ivette described the joy of a little girl (a regular shopper at the thrift store) who arrived and excitedly asked, "How many? How many?" Apparently, every week - depending on whats available - whoever comes to shop is given an number representing how many items they can take. Today's number was five. Five free things; and the kids got a toy. What an amazing ministry!
The rest of the team traveled to South Central L.A. (Compton) to participate in Kidz Jam. The actual location of the event every week is the largest housing projects west of the Mississippi River, Nickerson Gardens. This ministry is essentially a sidewalk Sunday School. We handed out flyers, inviting kids to come. Then, whatever kids gathered at the playground, we hung out, played games, and just encouraged and loved them. FYI…Ashlee took one for the team by volunteering for the game and ended up getting soaked (see picture below). When the whistle blew, all the kids sat on a blue tarp (and some of us big kids did too) for games and a Bible study. Sarah, our outreach leader, gave every child an opportunity to accept Jesus as Lord and we were so excited to see may hands raised.
Probably one of the highlights of our Kidz Jam experience was Mark having to sing for a game (essentially Musical Chairs, only instead of fighting over chairs, the participants passed around a wet sponge). He had to sing several different songs for the game and at one point, stumbled over the words to "Jesus Loves the Little Children." We think he said, "Jesus loves the kids…or, um…children." He was pretty much making up lyrics as he sang and we're not sure what key he was singing in, but he gave it his all and represented Kingsway well (although, we decided that Joey probably won't invite him to be on the Worship Arts Team anytime soon).
Thanks to everyone who has left comments (or sent them via text). You've all been so supportive while we've been out here. Keep praying! Tomorrow is a BIG DAY! We're going to be on Skid Row in the afternoon and in the evening.
Plan to join us on Sunday so you can hear all the stories of what God has done though us for the sake of helping others find and follow Jesus.
Love you all! Pastor Arlena
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Prayer Focus - Thursday, August 21, 2014
Focus Topic: Divine Appointments
Focus Scripture: "Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ." - 1 Corinthians 9:19
Focus Team Members: Mark Knoedler, Peter McDermott
Prayer: Father, direct every step that we take today. You know who we will meet and have an opportunity to serve. Use our service - whatever it is - to bring many people to Christ. Allow, by Your great mercy and grace, our deeds to bring glory to Your Name. And, in doing so, may others find a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We pray for Mark and Peter today, trusting that You will use them to share Your love and Your truth with the people they meet. Thank You, Father, for drawing people to You; thank You for causing us to cross paths with people whose hearts are prepared to receive You. For Your glory we pray, amen.
Focus Scripture: "Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ." - 1 Corinthians 9:19
Focus Team Members: Mark Knoedler, Peter McDermott
Prayer: Father, direct every step that we take today. You know who we will meet and have an opportunity to serve. Use our service - whatever it is - to bring many people to Christ. Allow, by Your great mercy and grace, our deeds to bring glory to Your Name. And, in doing so, may others find a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We pray for Mark and Peter today, trusting that You will use them to share Your love and Your truth with the people they meet. Thank You, Father, for drawing people to You; thank You for causing us to cross paths with people whose hearts are prepared to receive You. For Your glory we pray, amen.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
A Full Day
Our second full day at the Dream Center saw our team split up into several smaller teams to work with various ministries.
First, me, Linda & Ashlee were up and at 'em before 6am to do the morning shift in the kitchen. We worked alongside first year disciple students (women), helping to serve breakfast and prep food for upcoming meals. We cracked eggs, sliced & plated desserts, made hoagies (well, the West Coast version), and cleaned several pounds of fruit. Because of our assignment in the kitchen, we also spent an hour at the Food Bank, handing out food to @150 people. I commented to the people I served with that I was surprised at the number of elderly who were in line and how sharply dressed some of them were. I guess those in need don't always "look" like the people in need that we imagine.
Next, the remaining ladies trekked over to Angeles Temple to clean the Kidz Dream Zone. All I know is that the outreach leader was super impressed with the speed and tenaciousness of our team. They busted it and got all the work done in about an hour. That left time for them to walk around Echo Park, which until a few years ago wasn't even open. They met some USC students who needed a ride to the Dream Center, so they made room in the van.
The gentlemen all worked at the Dream Center this morning. They were on a Construction Team, which included some painting, cleaning and from the groans I'm hearing from Bill & Mark, lugging furniture up and down several flights of stairs.
The afternoon found half of our team working with Project Prevention. This is the ministry that the Dream Center provides to families to keep their children out of foster care. Over 50% of the children in foster care are there, not because of neglect or abuse but because their parents are lacking what the state deems as necessary for proper care. In some cases, that's food, furniture or even infant supplies. The Dream Center work with these families to supply the needed items that will keep the kids OUT of the foster system. So, Ashlee, Kelly, Barb, Amanda, Sheila, Denisha, Sammy, and Peter had a chance to deliver a sofa to a family in need. They also worked in the recycling area sorting through bottles and cans in order to raise funds for Project Prevention. They raised $55.13; praise the Lord.
The other half of the team stayed at the Dream Center to paint rooms for the DC Leadership School. The leadership school is all about training young leaders in discovering their God-given gifts and abilities, while building in them a strong foundation of Godly character and servant leadership.
Bill, Elaine, me, Mark, Ivette, Leslie & Linda inhaled paint fumes, took turns on the rollers and trimmed our hearts out - busting out three rooms in a little over two hours.
Tonight we are resting…well, sort've. Our friend, Michael Beckmann, is sharing at our team devotions tonight. Plus, we'll connect with a good friend of the Fast's and ours, Dana Scannell.
I'm going to post pictures later. Keep an eye out for them. And, remember us in your prayers! They are felt - all the way out here and even though we are three hours behind.
Love all of you! Pastor Arlena
First, me, Linda & Ashlee were up and at 'em before 6am to do the morning shift in the kitchen. We worked alongside first year disciple students (women), helping to serve breakfast and prep food for upcoming meals. We cracked eggs, sliced & plated desserts, made hoagies (well, the West Coast version), and cleaned several pounds of fruit. Because of our assignment in the kitchen, we also spent an hour at the Food Bank, handing out food to @150 people. I commented to the people I served with that I was surprised at the number of elderly who were in line and how sharply dressed some of them were. I guess those in need don't always "look" like the people in need that we imagine.
Next, the remaining ladies trekked over to Angeles Temple to clean the Kidz Dream Zone. All I know is that the outreach leader was super impressed with the speed and tenaciousness of our team. They busted it and got all the work done in about an hour. That left time for them to walk around Echo Park, which until a few years ago wasn't even open. They met some USC students who needed a ride to the Dream Center, so they made room in the van.
The gentlemen all worked at the Dream Center this morning. They were on a Construction Team, which included some painting, cleaning and from the groans I'm hearing from Bill & Mark, lugging furniture up and down several flights of stairs.
The afternoon found half of our team working with Project Prevention. This is the ministry that the Dream Center provides to families to keep their children out of foster care. Over 50% of the children in foster care are there, not because of neglect or abuse but because their parents are lacking what the state deems as necessary for proper care. In some cases, that's food, furniture or even infant supplies. The Dream Center work with these families to supply the needed items that will keep the kids OUT of the foster system. So, Ashlee, Kelly, Barb, Amanda, Sheila, Denisha, Sammy, and Peter had a chance to deliver a sofa to a family in need. They also worked in the recycling area sorting through bottles and cans in order to raise funds for Project Prevention. They raised $55.13; praise the Lord.
The other half of the team stayed at the Dream Center to paint rooms for the DC Leadership School. The leadership school is all about training young leaders in discovering their God-given gifts and abilities, while building in them a strong foundation of Godly character and servant leadership.
Bill, Elaine, me, Mark, Ivette, Leslie & Linda inhaled paint fumes, took turns on the rollers and trimmed our hearts out - busting out three rooms in a little over two hours.
Tonight we are resting…well, sort've. Our friend, Michael Beckmann, is sharing at our team devotions tonight. Plus, we'll connect with a good friend of the Fast's and ours, Dana Scannell.
I'm going to post pictures later. Keep an eye out for them. And, remember us in your prayers! They are felt - all the way out here and even though we are three hours behind.
Love all of you! Pastor Arlena
Prayer Focus - Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Focus Topic: Focused Mind
Focus Scripture: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne." - Hebrews 12:1-2
Focus Team Members: Leslie Serrano, Sheila Shedaker
Prayer: Holy Spirit, focus our minds today. Help us to know that we are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses; friends, family and a whole church community that is praying for us today. Let's keep our eyes on Jesus as we minister. We pray that our focus on Jesus will spill over into every encounter we have; every person we serve. May they experience the Jesus in us, so that they will come to know the Jesus in us. We lift up Leslie and Sheila and ask that You would fill their minds with peace, hope, and the ability to endure whatever the day holds. We confess our need and trust in You this day. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Focus Scripture: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne." - Hebrews 12:1-2
Focus Team Members: Leslie Serrano, Sheila Shedaker
Prayer: Holy Spirit, focus our minds today. Help us to know that we are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses; friends, family and a whole church community that is praying for us today. Let's keep our eyes on Jesus as we minister. We pray that our focus on Jesus will spill over into every encounter we have; every person we serve. May they experience the Jesus in us, so that they will come to know the Jesus in us. We lift up Leslie and Sheila and ask that You would fill their minds with peace, hope, and the ability to endure whatever the day holds. We confess our need and trust in You this day. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Where Dreams For Many Come True
Today at the Dream Center we started our week of assignments.
We began our day getting a tour of the Dream Center. Trying to get our minds around everything that this ministry does is a tad impossible but I'll do my best to share a few things with you.
We began our day getting a tour of the Dream Center. Trying to get our minds around everything that this ministry does is a tad impossible but I'll do my best to share a few things with you.
- We saw the Food Trucks that take food to over 30 different sites every week.
- We toured the fitness gym, basketball gym and studio that is open to the community.
- We walked through the Food Bank, which is the largest non-profit food bank in L.A. County.
- We glimpsed the His Hands Extended Thrift Store, opened every Thursday where the community can shop for clothing and hygiene products.
Genuinely, our hearts were overwhelmed with the volume of need and the aggressiveness with which this ministry endeavors to address those needs, in the Name of Jesus.
This morning, we walked the neighborhood picking up trash check out the before and after pictures of one of the places we worked) and hearing the testimonies of three of the men in the discipleship program. Whether raised in privilege of a North Hollywood home or homeless from Long Island Beach, these men were radically changed by the Gospel (and, are being changed). An unexpected opportunity to bless someone happened while we were picking up trash. A woman with a flat tire broke down right where we were cleaning. Bill, Mark and others helped her put on the spare and get her on her way.
This afternoon, we got to go out with the Food Truck to two locations in the city. We unloaded the trucks, stacked the food, bagged the food, and handed it out. Many of our team had the opportunity to pray for people with needs. Each place we were met by wonderful people who appreciated our venture into their gang-infested neighborhoods to give away (yes, I said give away) much needed food. Not sure how to describe the sense of meeting the practical needs for whom Jesus died. It's hard to beat a day like that.
At the first location we visited, we got to pray for a woman suffering many things. We gathered around her and Peter led us in prayer. We are believing God to bring great healing into her life.
Tonight, it's Family Night at the Dream Center so the men have a service here on the campus; the women will travel to Angeles Temple for their service.
Keep the prayers coming. Share your thoughts and comments with us. We'd love to hear from home.
Love you guys! Pastor Arlena
At the first location we visited, we got to pray for a woman suffering many things. We gathered around her and Peter led us in prayer. We are believing God to bring great healing into her life.
Tonight, it's Family Night at the Dream Center so the men have a service here on the campus; the women will travel to Angeles Temple for their service.
Keep the prayers coming. Share your thoughts and comments with us. We'd love to hear from home.
Love you guys! Pastor Arlena
Prayer Focus - Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Focus Topic: Humble Hands
Focus Scripture: "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you are working for the Lord rather than for people." - Colossians 3:23
Focus Team Members: Ivette Garcia, James Logan
Prayer: Jesus, each of us can only what You've asked us to do. So, here are our hands. We humbly offer them to You. We ask that You use them to offer kindness, grace and love to everyone we meet. As we load food trucks, carry supplies, and hand out sack lunches, may our hands bring the hope of the Gospel to every man, woman and child we meet. Let us not underestimate the power of a smile, a hug, or a handshake. We pray that Ivette & James, especially today, experience the joy of offering themselves to be used by You. Thank You, God, for the privilege of serving You. Amen.
Focus Scripture: "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you are working for the Lord rather than for people." - Colossians 3:23
Focus Team Members: Ivette Garcia, James Logan
Prayer: Jesus, each of us can only what You've asked us to do. So, here are our hands. We humbly offer them to You. We ask that You use them to offer kindness, grace and love to everyone we meet. As we load food trucks, carry supplies, and hand out sack lunches, may our hands bring the hope of the Gospel to every man, woman and child we meet. Let us not underestimate the power of a smile, a hug, or a handshake. We pray that Ivette & James, especially today, experience the joy of offering themselves to be used by You. Thank You, God, for the privilege of serving You. Amen.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Hollywood & Hearts for the Lost
Today, our team got up early for a unique assignment. We were privileged to meet with an individual who has followed Christ for many years while working in the film industry. As an actor, writer, and studio executive, our (new) friend Bill shared about how God is working in Hollywood, drawing many people to Him. [Pictures of our time with Bill are below.]
We learned today that there are 4,000+ followers of Christ in Hollywood, who have a great burden to be salt and light in their workplace - just like we do. We had the opportunity to hear about his involvement with the feature film, The End of the Spear (Bill wrote the screenplay & worked as one of it's producers). Bill also serves on the Board of Directors for Mastermedia International, a ministry endeavoring to facilitate relationships between media leaders and the Christian community. Click here to read about them.
I think what amazed us all was the obvious truth that God is at work in our world, helping people find and follow Jesus. Whether they live in Cherry Hill, El Salvador, Hollywood or Skid Row, people need Jesus. He's the truth that we are endeavoring to proclaim, whatever we do. I think I can say that we were reminded that this week - and all of our lives - should be focused on partnering with God in His redemptive work in our world. I can't imagine a better way to tee up our week than the time we spent with Bill.
Of course, with our resident foodie, Sam Chon, we tracked down (with the help of Ricardo, another new friend) a legit taco stand near the Dream Center. Once again, delicious burritos, tacos (including cow's tongue), and quesadillas were had by all.
After lunch, we made our way to the Dream Center where we got settled into our rooms and attended an orientation with the Dream Center staff. We are serving among 120+ volunteers at the Dream Center this week. Bill & Elaine reviewed with us our schedule and we are super excited because we're going to help in the kitchen, on Skid Row, with the food trucks and much, much more. We wrapped up our evening by having a time of sharing (a devotional by Peter McDermott) and a time of prayer.
Tomorrow is our first day with our respective assignments. Continue to pray for us! We need the Holy Spirit to help us in EVERYTHING we do.
Take a few moments to write a comment to the blog. I know it would mean so much to everyone!
Love you guys! Pastor Arlena
We learned today that there are 4,000+ followers of Christ in Hollywood, who have a great burden to be salt and light in their workplace - just like we do. We had the opportunity to hear about his involvement with the feature film, The End of the Spear (Bill wrote the screenplay & worked as one of it's producers). Bill also serves on the Board of Directors for Mastermedia International, a ministry endeavoring to facilitate relationships between media leaders and the Christian community. Click here to read about them.
I think what amazed us all was the obvious truth that God is at work in our world, helping people find and follow Jesus. Whether they live in Cherry Hill, El Salvador, Hollywood or Skid Row, people need Jesus. He's the truth that we are endeavoring to proclaim, whatever we do. I think I can say that we were reminded that this week - and all of our lives - should be focused on partnering with God in His redemptive work in our world. I can't imagine a better way to tee up our week than the time we spent with Bill.
Of course, with our resident foodie, Sam Chon, we tracked down (with the help of Ricardo, another new friend) a legit taco stand near the Dream Center. Once again, delicious burritos, tacos (including cow's tongue), and quesadillas were had by all.
After lunch, we made our way to the Dream Center where we got settled into our rooms and attended an orientation with the Dream Center staff. We are serving among 120+ volunteers at the Dream Center this week. Bill & Elaine reviewed with us our schedule and we are super excited because we're going to help in the kitchen, on Skid Row, with the food trucks and much, much more. We wrapped up our evening by having a time of sharing (a devotional by Peter McDermott) and a time of prayer.
Tomorrow is our first day with our respective assignments. Continue to pray for us! We need the Holy Spirit to help us in EVERYTHING we do.
Take a few moments to write a comment to the blog. I know it would mean so much to everyone!
Love you guys! Pastor Arlena
Down & Out in Beverly Hills
Today has been an amazing day. Because of the schedule of the Dream Center, we got our day off at the beginning of our trip, instead of at the end. A little unusual, but unusual is a great way to describe this day.
First, we attended church at Angeles Temple, pastored by Matthew Barnett, founder of the Dream Center. You'll see a picture of all of us in front of the church, taken before services started. I think everyone would agree that we were blessed to worship in an environment similar to ours at Kingsway. Powerful, God-centered worship. Gripping testimonies of Jesus changing lives (including a homeless mother of four who shared about how Angeles Temple helped her get her life back and introduced her to Jesus). Engaging, applicable message from Pastor Barnett. Many in our team went forward for a time of prayer (see picture below).
Second, we trekked to In-and-Out Burger for what I think is an amazing burger. Serious props to Kelly and Mark who are driving our vans for navigating a tiny parking lot.
Third, we took a driving tour of Hollywood - making our way down the Sunset Strip. Then, we drove down Rodeo Drive and beautiful Beverly Hills. As we began to make our way to Santa Monica, we encountered the unusual as our van broke down in Beverly Hills (hence, the title of this post). God was with us as we were able to pull over to the side of the road and the rental company provided a replacement vehicle within an hour. I think the pictures speak for themselves about the fun we had with this little adventure.
Finally, we made it to beautiful Santa Monica Pier. The ocean, sightseeing, good food and a wonderful time of prayer as a team capped off our unusual day. [A little bit more unusual was discovered: Amanda's love of snakes]
Keep praying for us. Tomorrow we check into the Dream Center and begin our week of serving L.A. We couldn't' be here without you!
Love & blessings, Pastor Arlena
First, we attended church at Angeles Temple, pastored by Matthew Barnett, founder of the Dream Center. You'll see a picture of all of us in front of the church, taken before services started. I think everyone would agree that we were blessed to worship in an environment similar to ours at Kingsway. Powerful, God-centered worship. Gripping testimonies of Jesus changing lives (including a homeless mother of four who shared about how Angeles Temple helped her get her life back and introduced her to Jesus). Engaging, applicable message from Pastor Barnett. Many in our team went forward for a time of prayer (see picture below).
Second, we trekked to In-and-Out Burger for what I think is an amazing burger. Serious props to Kelly and Mark who are driving our vans for navigating a tiny parking lot.
Third, we took a driving tour of Hollywood - making our way down the Sunset Strip. Then, we drove down Rodeo Drive and beautiful Beverly Hills. As we began to make our way to Santa Monica, we encountered the unusual as our van broke down in Beverly Hills (hence, the title of this post). God was with us as we were able to pull over to the side of the road and the rental company provided a replacement vehicle within an hour. I think the pictures speak for themselves about the fun we had with this little adventure.
Finally, we made it to beautiful Santa Monica Pier. The ocean, sightseeing, good food and a wonderful time of prayer as a team capped off our unusual day. [A little bit more unusual was discovered: Amanda's love of snakes]
Keep praying for us. Tomorrow we check into the Dream Center and begin our week of serving L.A. We couldn't' be here without you!
Love & blessings, Pastor Arlena
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