Kingdom Causes Bellflower

Christmas Store Recap

2012-01-19T15:10:00.000-08:00

I began working on our annual Christmas store this past September, in partnership with Rosewood Church. The Christmas store provides a way for less fortunate families to purchase Christmas gifts for their children. I held 5 neighborhood meetings in which I informed people of how one would go about registering, registered families, and provided them with final details for our Christmas store.

The concept of the Christmas store is beautiful; fortunate Bellflower residents donate gifts to our store; we price the donated gifts at a very low price (over 90% reduction). We then invite our registered neighbors to Christmas shop for their kids. For many of the families the gifts they purchased at our store will be all they can offer their kids. What’s so cool is that they parents are able to stand proud, knowing that what little they could present to their kids THEY purchased with their hard earned money.

I was a very busy, popular guy at our Kingdom Causes office! Every day I received calls regarding the Christmas store. I was beginning to feel overwhelmed with all the various phone calls, until I received a phone call that would encourage and motivate me to continue working hard.

“Hi I was told to call this number and ask for Edgar,” she said. “I was told there was a Christmas store and I was wondering if I could still register my three kids.” I was sad to inform the lady that the registration deadline had long past, but she was more than welcome to show up at the end and if we had any left over toys she would be more than welcome to purchase toys for her children. My answer seemed to carry the weight of gold, she was so thankful and excited at the possibility that she’d be able to shop for her kids.

I provided her with all the information needed. “Just to let you know we began registering people for our Christmas store in November,” I told her. “Those pre-registered are able to shop first before those that weren’t registered on time. I suggest next year you register early that way you’re guaranteed toys for your kids.”

“Thanks but we normally don’t do this, it’s just that my husband recently lost his job and if wasn’t for this we wouldn’t be able to give our kids anything for Christmas. Thank you so much, you don’t know how much this means to my husband and I.”

What a difference was being made in the lives of this and many families, I only wish I could catch a glimpse of the feelings and emotions that were going on in the hearts of the parents. What an awesome event to share in the restoration of our neighbor’s dignity! From the bottom of my heart I want to thank all those who donated toys and/or their time in making this event possible.

-Edgar Guzman, KCB Community Development Intern

(picture is of volunteer Christina McConnell of Child Evangelism Fellowship and the Bellflower Chamber of Commerce)

“…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:31

A home in time for the holidays...

2011-12-22T16:24:00.000-08:00

One of the Case Workers in our Homeless Prevention and Rapid rehousing program shared this story with me today and I wanted to share it with you.

Last week I met with an applicantfor our Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP). He is asingle parent and has been homeless with his 12 year old daughter for the pastsix months. After teaching at a nearby high school for four years, he was laidoff last spring and was forced to move out of his apartment in Bellflower.Since then he has been staying wherever he can, sleeping in a different placealmost every night. In the fall, he started as a substitute teacher at acharter school and has been working consistently all semester. However, it hasbeen difficult at times for him to get to work and get his daughter to schoolbecause they don’t have a car.

As we sat in our meeting he sharedwith me the stress and worry that has been a constant part of his life for thepast six months. He said it was difficult for him to explain to his daughterwhy they had to be moving around so much and why she might have to walk a longway to school on days when they didn’t have enough money to take the bus. Healso shared about his passion for educating. He has been a high school teacherand basketball coach for many years and it was easy to see how much he loveswhat he does. We went over a budget together to figure out what amount of rentwould be affordable for him in a normal month. He asked me if I thought hecould be moved into a new place before the end of the week so he and hisdaughter could have their own place for Christmas. I told him that it woulddepend on whether he could find a place within his price range and gettingapproved quickly enough. On Monday he called me back. He had found a woman whowas renting a room in her house and was willing to let him and his daughtermove in as soon as possible.

I went yesterday to see the roomand do an inspection on the house. It is in a nice neighborhood in Long Beachand was in great condition. My client was standing in the front yard waitingfor me with a big smile on his face and he gave me a hug as soon as I walkedup. He was ecstatic about the possibility of having a home for his daughterbefore Christmas. I spoke with the owner of the house as I was doing theinspection. She was very sweet and said that my client and his daughter wouldbe able to share the living room, dining room, kitchen and refrigerator withher and her two daughters. My client was excited to hear that she has adaughter around the same age as his. After going over the lease agreement, Iwas able to give the owner of the house a check for the full amount of thedeposit and the first month’s rent. As the property owner made copies in theother room I talked with my client. He said that he had just told his daughtera few weeks ago that they wouldn’t be able to have a Christmas this yearbecause he wasn’t sure if they would have a place to stay. He started to cry ashe told me how thankful he was for our program and that he would be able tohave Christmas with his daughter in their new home. He was excited that thehouse already had Christmas lights up and a big tree in the living room. As Ileft yesterday I felt so blessed to be a part of my client’s story. He is asingle father, an educator, a coach, and a person of peace and joy. Because ofthe HPRP program, he is now able to have a place to call home, just in time forthe holidays.

Power vs. Grace -- Reflections on helping Floyd get into detox

2011-12-08T09:29:00.001-08:00

On Monday received a call from "Pink," one of our homeless neighbors who struggles with debilitating alcoholism that has put him on the streets for the last 10 years. He had "reached bottom" and wanted help getting his life back. I love calls like this one. These are the moments we pray for and the desperate cries for help that I believe God hears and answers.

At KCB we don't have resources or capacity to help someone "dry-out," so we partner with a detox facility about 20 miles down the road. The ride was a roller-coaster for him. Wavering from extreme nausea at the thought of the hours of painful detox to come, to euphoria, singing along to his nick-name sake Pink Floyd playing on the radio; Pink was hopeful about the change he was seeking.

When we arrived at the facility we headed to the intake office where we were met by the three volunteer committee members who would be making the final decision on whether Pink would be allowed into their facility or not. They sat him in a chair close to the window and emphatically opened it, letting the cold winter-evening air in. They then positioned themselves across the room, standing arms folded, clearly conducting some sort of assessment. No words were exchanged at first, just awkward silence. Finding the cold too much to bear, Pink turned to close the window.

"Don't close that window. You stink!", said Bill* roughly.
"Excuse me?" Pink retorted, not sure that he had heard his accuser correctly.
"People who don't pay attention to their hygiene tend to have a smell about them." Bill explained, "the window helps the rest of us get some cross-ventilation."

This made Pink justifiably upset and I sat awkwardly silent. Was this really happening? After that awkward and unwelcoming opening, Bill led in with...

"So, what do you want? Why are you here?"
Pink, still ruffled by the rude opening, responded with, "Well, I want to get cleaned up and then get back out there."
"Wrong answer. That's not what we do here. You may as well leave right now. You're wasting our time."
"Oh Pink! What were you thinking?" I thought to myself. I knew he didn't really mean what he said, he just has a tough time imagining a future for himself. He's used to thinking ahead only as far as his next drink.

When Bill's retort sets in, it makes Pink justifiably angry and he stands to drunkenly defend himself but it's already too late, the committee has deemed him a "waste of time".

As we walk back to the car for our long ride home I called Kim, our Homeless Outreach Coordinator, to share the bad news with her.

"Wait a few minutes" she said, "let me call them and see what I can do."

God has done an amazing work of restoration in Kim's own life and she can talk to former addicts in a way that I simply cannot. So Pink and I wait. We wait. We pray. He yells a few curses at the house off in the distance and I silently harbor cynical thoughts about former addicts.

And then Kim calls back. She's made a way where there was no way... they'll take him, IF he'll apologize.

"Can you do that?" I asked Pink. "Do you want to get better so bad that you will apologize even when the other guy is in the wrong? Can you forgive him?"
"I think so." Pink humbly responded, demonstrating the depth of his desire to change.
"Let's go... God help us!" I pray as we head back into the office.

The good news is that they did take him in and he is on the way to becoming healthy. More good news is that God answered his cry for help and provided and advocate by way of his servant, Kim, who was uniquely able to minister justice and mercy because of God's transformation in her.

Upon reflection, I've realized a few things. I realize that I sat in silence while the powerful intake volunteer, the one who held the keys to Pink's first step, treated him with disrespect and disdain. I was silent in the face of oppression. Lord, help me be prepared so that the next time I witness injustice I will stand up and defend the oppressed immediately. Then after thinking about it further, I recognized myself in Bill, the powerful intake volunteer. Working with broken people daily has created in me a fair amount of unhealthy cynicism. Some days I forget to have faith and hope that God can change people. Some days I sit in the seat of judgement, dolling out mercy at my own whim and based on my past experiences with others.

So, I pray that God will be merciful with ME. I pray that he will create in me a heart of flesh and not a heart of stone and that I will extend to others (the oppressed and the oppressors) the same mercy and grace God has shown me.

*name changed

GSI's beginning

2011-12-05T13:46:00.000-08:00

Driving with an employee to our 12th lawn care property of the day in a freshly washed Chevy Astro Van with sprawling decals promoting “Good Soil Industries”, I couldn’t help but smile remembering how far we’ve come in the last three years.

Good Soil began with a question at our homeless outreach breakfast, “what if, in addition to showing up for a pancake breakfast, our homeless neighbors could show up for a day work?” So with naïve ambition and a vision of what could be, we began working to make that vision a reality. We bought a 1989 Chevy family van complete with wood-paneling and shag carpet. We received donated yard equipment that our well-intentioned donors hadn’t used since shag carpet was cool, and convinced six friends to let us do their gardening.
Our journey began humbly. There wasn’t enough money to pay for employees, so Ryan and later myself began mowing lawns alone. One of my first days on the job, I was driving along making a left turn onto Artesia Blvd from Palo Verde, when the edger rolled across the gas-stained carpet into the side door and the entire door came off and landed in the intersection, creating a yard sale of the Good Soil equipment and the wood-paneled door.

We knew if Good Soil were to take hold of the vision, it needed to mature from this Mickey Mouse beginning. Soon after, God began opening doors of opportunity and through the generosity of God’s people we acquired a truck, new equipment, and a larger route.
I love to look back and remember where we’ve come from; to see how God has remained faithful in bringing His vision to reality. We’re still in the middle of our humble beginnings and there are still moments when the doors seem to come off, but the past reminds me that God has an adventure for us and He has been good.

Together we helped 35 people stay off the streets last month!

2011-12-02T16:13:00.001-08:00

I am again so blessed to report that thanks to the direct investment of Calvary Bellflower and First Bellflower CRC we've been able to tangibly bless several families in our community this month that would have been homeless during the holidays.

Thanks again brothers and sisters... let's keep working together to love our neighbors at the point of their need!

Here's one of their stories:

C. V. –Bellflower Neighbor

Last month, a woman came into the Community Center in desperate need ofhousing. This woman had been in a domestic violence relationship for the pastthree years. As of a year ago, she was able to gain the strength to leave thisrelationship, which in turn left her homeless. When she left this relationshipshe lost all of her belongings including her home, furniture, clothes, her carand some of her family and friends. All she has had for the past year are theclothes on her back. Sadly, she would sleep in friends’ cars, motels and onpark benches. Fortunately, we were able to house thiswoman locally. Our Program would not have been able tohelp this individual get off the streets and into a safe place to live withoutthe finical assistance and prayers that we have received from Bell One andCalvary Baptist. Now that this individual is stably housed, she is able tofocus on healing from the pain she has endured during her lifetime. She hasattending bible study and support groups through local churches and is excitedto gain a network of safe friends in the Bellflower community.

Myths of the Social Enterprise

2011-11-10T19:40:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest investors in the social enterprise movement spreading across the non-profit world is a group called REDF. As experts in the field, they put together a list of the top 5 myths encountered for social enterprises. If you have 5 minutes, here are lessons anyone considering social entrepreneurship should read.

5 Myths of Social Enterprises
http://www.fastcompany.com/social/myths.html

You probably noticed one main theme: the mission, not the money, is the driver of a social enterprise.

I received a note from one of our participants yesterday, “Hey Joel I just wanted to let you know I appreciate the chance that you have given me, and I won’t let you down”. This is from a man who has shown up early every day, done everything I asked, and done it with a smile. I couldn't have been more proud of the work he has been doing. But these are the opportunities the marketplace too often misses because he hasn't passed the standard background check.

So as you consider if social entrepreneurship is right for you, realize that the road may be more difficult than advertised, but the payout comes with a much deeper and satisfying reward.

Two local churches help 25 homeless families in October: A few of their stories

2011-11-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

Bell One

Last month, Bell One and Calvary Church in Bellflower committed $100,000 ($10K from Calvary and $90K from BellOne) in bridge funding to ensure that our homeless prevention work can continue despite funding complications for our grant from the State of California. This past month, their investment helped us to keep 17 families frombecoming homeless and helped move 8 families into housing from the streets.

Here are the stories of a few of those families:

C.B. – Lakewood Neighbor

Theclient is 8 months pregnant and her husband has been incarcerated for last 6months. She is a single mother of 2 and soon to be 3. She ispart-time employed and receiving government assistance for her children.

The clientcalled at the beginning of October and explained that she was homeless and hadspent a night out on the streets with her children. Her mother took herin for a few weeks until the landlord took notice of the overcrowded unit andwarned the client’s mother that she was breaching the lease by having morepeople than indicated on the lease living in the unit. The propertymanager threatened to evict the client’s mother if she didn’t move out.

Calvary Church

With thehelp of our program, and the churches' investment, she and her children were ableto find a unit that she could afford. With her limited income, she didn’t haveenough for the move in costs so the program provided the family with the movein assistance and now she and her 2 children are housed in a sustainable environment. Case Managers are currently working with her to budget for when she has thebaby and to help her sustain her place until she is ready to go back towork. We are estimating this neighbor will need help for about 2-3months.

O.T. –Lakewood Neighbor

The clientis currently caring for her two siblings. She is working full-time at aphone store and is not earning enough of an income to fully sustain herself andher siblings. When she enrolled in the program, she had gotten behind onher rent and was on the verge of becoming homeless. The program has helped her for 3 months and during thattime, she found employment that provided higher pay and now her household issustainable. She requires no more financial assistance.

K.P –Bellflower Neighbor

Thanks tothe help from the churches', the homeless prevention program was able to assist ahomeless woman with a home to call her own. This woman became homeless when shewas kicked out of her prior residence due to the inability to pay her rent. Shewas homeless in Bellflower for the past seven months sleeping in her car andshowering at friend’s houses when available. Although she works full-time, shewas not able to save enough funds to afford the move-in costs for an apartment.With the efforts of both the churches and the homeless prevention program, we wereable to house this woman in an apartment in Bellflower. The total move-in costsSecurity Deposit and first month’s rent came to $1,875. Without the churches’ investment the program would not have been able to finically assist with thiswoman’s situation. She is now able to have a place to shower, prepare meals andmost importantly she mentioned a place to lay her head at night.

Bringing it to the Table

2011-10-26T13:53:00.003-07:00

Food has this magical property. I’m convinced of it. Somehow it can make the most different of people come together in community. Jesus used this tactic, and I consider Him to be quite smart. Well, I got to enjoy the magic of a meal recently when I went over to a Bellflower neighbor’s home. Every Tuesday, Adam and I head over to Bellflower Manor to hang out with a couple of really great women who are interested in impoving their English. Adam and I aren’t professional teachers, by any means, but we enjoy working through the English books with our “students.” I was so honored when one of the individuals in our class, named Hue, invited all of us over to her home for Vietnamese food. Of course we immediately said YES!

We ate some of the most delicious Vietnamese food I’d ever had. Actually, I don’t know that I had ever had Vietnamese food, but man was it good. I now know why it was so good – she spent the entire day preparing it! We asked about her techniques and she explained how she would start hours before and prepare different portions of the meal at different times, just so that it would all come out just right. I felt so blessed that she took such care and pride in the meal that she was preparing for us. Well the food was great, but the company was greater. While at lunch all together, we shared about the different traditions that we all have, being that we came from a variety of countries and customs. Hue even took the time to show us her Vietnamese calendar and inform Adam and I of what animal sign we would be considered in that culture! This was actually the first time I had been inside a Bellflower neighbor’s home, being that I am not from around here, and I felt so incredibly welcomed. It was truly such a privilege to get to spend time with amazing people, eat delicious food that I had never tried before, and have quality conversations. I left that afternoon feeling so full, in more ways than one.

Bellflower Counts: We Count our Homeless Because our Homeless Count

2011-10-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

As I think back on this past weekend, I’m not quite sure where to begin. How do I write just one little blog post that does justice to all of the incredible stories I was told these past couple days by our homeless neighbors? I got the privilege of being involved with Bellflower Counts this weekend, and I can’t think of many other times where I have felt more content than during this event. Bellflower Counts was what I was working towards all summer, as a Kingdom Causes intern. I think that, prior to the actual event, my thoughts were consumed by the logistics of making Bellflower Counts happen (Did we collect enough donations? Will we have enough volunteers? Are all of our volunteer packets put together?). However, once Bellflower Counts actually arrived, the only thing that was important was the people. Our homeless neighbors. I spent consecutive 4am mornings on the streets of Bellflower, interacting with homeless Bellflower residents and finding out what exactly their health and housing needs are. Although I had a survey full of questions to guide my conversation with the neighbors, we never entirely stuck to just the survey. Somehow, I always found myself engulfed by a life story that was being shared with me. Nearly every homeless neighbor that I interacted with was more than willing to stop what s/he was doing to talk to me about life. Conversation flowed so simply, and each time it happened, my heart would get a little sadder. My heart would get sadder because it’s always so evident to me, when involved with the homeless population, that this group is so heavily marginalized and not many people stop to talk to them. The minute someone takes a second to genuinely ask, “How is your day?” endless amounts of conversation come pouring out. Granted, not every person responds in the same way, but in my interactions, this so often seems to be the case. I feel so filled after this weekend because I got to spend time in good conversation with our homeless neighbors. I also leave feeling very hopeful that the Bellflower Counts survey results will put us onto a path of housing some of the most amazing individuals I’ve ever met, who truly are interested in being housed.

My prayer for the neighbors I got to spend time with this weekend…
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh."

Luke 6:20-21

2011-10-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

Although I am disappointed that Bella Art Fest had to be cancelled this year, I learned an important lesson about Christian Community Development through it. One of the main ideas in CCD is the importance of a program’s relevance to the community. The biggest carnival of an event can happen, but if it is irrelevant to what the community is concerned about or interested in, then it is useless. It is important to read the signs of what a community is saying that it needs support for at any given time. Members of the community will come out to support and be involved with an event they think is important to their community, but they will not be motivated to be involved with something that seems unimportant in the community.

Another thing I learned that just because something has been relevant in the past does not mean that it will always be relevant. The soul of a city is constantly changing and will not have the same support needs from one year to the next. This is why it is important for me, as a supporter of the community, to observe and inquire into the needs of the community. It is also important for those in the community to speak up and be heard! For the action of CCD to be effective, it must be a joint effort between the community and the supporters of the community. If a project is not a joint effort, then it probably is not relevant.

This is why I am happy to be working on another event for the city of Bellflower, The Bellflower Youth Art Gallery, featuring art from young artists at Bellflower High and Middle School. The art and artist for the Bellflower Blvd. mural will be selected from the art displayed at the Gallery. This event is definitely relevant because a lot of young citizens of Bellflower are involved with the Gallery. Many are excited about the repainting of the mural as well. See you there!
- Natalie

GSI elevator speech

2011-10-06T15:38:00.000-07:00

The elevator speech: the daunting 30 second pitch for you or your product, told to anyone who makes semi-prolonged eye contact. While awkward, the “elevator speech” is an effective tool to explain what your product is and how it is value-adding. We’ll skip the stuffy elevator, but this is Good Soil Industries:

“Good Soil Industries (GSI) is a social enterprise that helps low-income individuals work their way out of poverty. Local residents receive job acquisition and retention training, goal setting and accountability, financial planning, and life coaching. GSI also employs hard-to-hire neighbors, in hopes of systematically reducing homelessness and dependency on financial assistance. The participants receive transitional job opportunities lasting between 3 and 6 months through GSI Landscape Services, which provides landscape maintenance for commercial and residential properties. As a result of the job training and current work history, 90% of program participants have graduated from the program and found steady, full-time employment.”

We encourage you to share our story, and we hope this elevator speech gives you words to share it clearly.

Can we end homelessness in Bellflower?

2011-09-15T14:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen a homeless neighbor on the side of the road and given a buck or two? Or maybe you've gone so far as giving them some food but were left wondering if it really did any good?

I have been working with our homeless neighbors for over a decade and I have had some of that same feeling. I feel good about doing something, but I also feel a bit like the little good I've done is a "drop in the bucket", or worse that my well-intentioned help in someway contributed to the difficulties for these neighbors by enabling someone to stay in their current condition.

I have learned that any effort to end homelessness in Bellflower is going to be complex and must involve change and shalom at personal, legislative and systemic levels.

That's why I am so excited about what God has been doing in our little corner of creation lately with regard to our homeless neighbors. This month KCB is leading Bellflower Counts, a united effort involving the City, County, State and even National groups to end homelessness.

This month we're working to organize over 50 volunteers to identify Bellflower’s mostvulnerable chronic homeless individuals over the course of 3 days using something called the Vulnerability Index. After we complete the surveys, we'll work hard to find supportive housing for the 12 neighbors we identify as most vulnerable,and most likely to die on the streets if not housed.

Our hope is that over the next year, we will be able to pair these 12 neighbors with local small groups or churches who will lovingly support them as they transition to being housed. Some of the support could be helping to furnish their new places, including them in group outings or events, and generally praying for and checking in on these newly housed neighbors.

This effort fits with our ongoing goal of mobilizing the church to love our homeless neighbors together. It's a part of a complex solution to complexities that homelessness brings in the lives of Bellflower neighbors living on the streets. Contact Kim at kimb@kingdomcauses.org to find out how you can get involved!

"I just do what God tells me to do." --Timothy the street evangelist

2011-09-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

When a couple of our case managers came in this morning and told me there was a "young guy on the corner with a sign" I immediately thought that he might be someone in need of housing or some sort of help. So I headed out the door and casually approached the young man I assumed was in need of a good samaritan.

As I approached I could see his sign wasn't an appeal for charity, but a hand written note on a piece of scratch paper encouraging people to seek Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I found out that his name was Timothy and that he has some variety of intellectual disability. He was standing there on the corner while his mom worked out at Curves, telling people that Jesus loved them.

I asked him why he decided to do this and he responded simply, "I just do what God tells me to do."

What a beautiful thing. What a challenge to me. What is God telling me to do today? Where and with whom does God want me to share the good news of Jesus today? Oh that you and I would be more like Timothy today, and do what God tells us to do.

"As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6

Dear Bellflower

2011-08-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Bellflower,

Before I started my internship at Kingdom Causes Bellflower, I wanted to understand the legal rights of undocumented immigrants in the community. I asked a lot of questions regarding what the organization could do to help address some of the struggles and needs of these individuals and their families. For my independent research, I contacted a professor by the name of Hiroshi Motomura who works as an immigration law professor at UCLA Law School. He suggested that I read his book Americans in Waiting: The Lost Story of Immigration and Citizenship in the United States and so the past month has been a really eye-opening experience to the historically varying ways that immigrants are viewed in the United States. The book did not digress into the topic of undocumented immigrants, but it helped me to understand that with the hardships that legal residents have in obtaining a citizenship, it is that much harder for an illegal resident to obtain rights by naturalizing as US citizens. Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done legally to help an undocumented immigrant, but it really challenged me to continue my future studies in order to bring about an awareness of the moral and ethical situations that revolve around the everyday life of illegal residents. Overall, my time at Kingdom Causes Bellflower has been a true blessing in that I have ultimately realized that it is through the guidance of the Word and of the Holy Spirit that will enable me to be effective in all my future undertakings. Thank you for having me on board and blessing me through this experience, Bellflower!

Love,

Eun

Community Walk

2011-08-26T22:17:00.000-07:00

During my last community walk, I was able to sit and pray for the City of Bellflower and the works that God has been doing through the neighbors, volunteers, and leaders in this community. I felt really blessed thinking about how God provided Ryan with a vision of Kingdom Causes and how much this organization has progressed since the start of it. I also felt blessed to see the staff members sharing and committing towards the vision of transforming the community of Bellflower by connecting relationships, addressing the needs of the community, and utilizing the many assets that are found within it. I thought about how many of the staff members are living within the city and actively engaging in relationships with neighbors and churches all around. It's been a huge blessing for me to see them living in the kind of love that really reflects and glorifies God. It's so amazing to see God working through the homelessness prevention efforts, Good Soil Industries, Homework Club, Art Class, Soccer Class, and all the various programs that the organization continues to pursue. I will be praying that God can continually use the hearts and talents of KCB staff and volunteers so that He can move through the city of Bellflower!

-Eun Cho

A Different Outlook

2011-08-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

The past three weeks, Eun and I have been putting together an art class every Tuesdays and Thursdays for some of our neighborhood children. As the last art class is rolling in, I have been reflecting about the passage in Mark 9: 35. When I was in India last summer at an HIV/AIDS orphanage doing VBS and other such activities with the children, one of the lessons God opened my eyes to was that very passage. It was so hard for me to accept some of the circumstances that those children came from but God stopped me and humbled me. He was noticing that I was beginning to serve these children out of love that derived from sympathy and pity rather than love that derived from the powerful and unconditional love of God. He reminded me of this passage as it says, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." Also he brought me to this passage in Mark 9:14-15, which says, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." God was allowing me a chance to look at it in a different perspective. He showed me that I should also receive Christ like a child with desperation and in incompetence, clinging to the one who gives me the living water. Since then, I have looked at children in such a vastly different way. Instead of seeing them as dependent and having much to learn, I try to see them the way God sees them.

While reading "Compassion, Justice and the Christian Life" by Robert Lupton, he briefly goes over this same topic. However, he adds to this point an even more profound perspective. He says that many times we tend to get lost in this "servant" position and he "saw help becoming control or care become commercialized (p.66)." Lupton saw that over time people stopped seeing this servanthood as following as Christ did, but instead they started using this idea for their causes to "conquer, rule and dominate others in Christ's name (p.65)." But Lupton brings up John 15: 15, "No longer do I call you servant, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father, I have made known to you." Christ, as always, brings me back to His backward ministry. First, He shows that to be first I must be last of all. Then, He shows me that to serve, I must first be a friend. This shifted the core of even our art class. Instead of seeing this as an opportunity to give to these children an art lesson, or to serve them; I am called to simply be their friend - "free to give and receive help from each other (p.67)." These children are valuable and precious in God's eyes and I have so much to learn and receive from their incompetent, dependent, longing, and dependent spirits.

-Madison Hur

Certifications Build Resumes and Confidence

2011-08-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

The job market is more competitive now than most of us have ever seen. I saw a job posting on craigslist the other day, here were the qualifications:

Bi-lingual (Togalog and English)

8 years industry experience

Excellent communication skills with management

Lift 75 lbs.

3 industry specific certifications

Hourly pay for this job: $8.50

As California's rate of unemployment remains at levels not seen since 1940 (12%), the job market has become hyper-competitive. Employers are able to ask for extensive experience and pay entry-level wages.
But these are the times; and the times call for us to compete. The jobs are becoming more difficult to find, but there are still positions that employers need filled. If we can prove that we add value to a company, we can find work. Its time to add certifications, related volunteer experience, unpaid internships, and any other profession-building experience to our resume.

That's why Kingdom Causes Bellflower and Good Soil Industries are working with Long Beach City College to bring a forklift certification, supply-logistics and OSHA general safety certification to our office. We look forward to sharing more as details come together, but we are working hard to make sure our community is prepared to compete!

90706

2011-08-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

As I sat in front of my laptop screen typing away the numbers "90706" over and over again, His spirit spoke gently to me a thought. "Oh how he must truly love his children in this city." An event called "Unite" was held at the Bellflower town center on Tuesday night for 5 weeks in the month of July. I was asked to gather volunteers to run the booths at the event for registration, food, and t-shirts, etc. After the 5 week event, the tall stack of registration cards told me that there was close to 500 people who had attended all throughout the weeks. As I transferred the registration information onto a database on my laptop, I noticed that I rarely found myself typing addresses that were from outside of Bellflower. I'm still not quite sure why that stood out to me, or why it even came as a shock because it was an event as a target mainly to our neighbors in Bellflower. But one thing I know is that it reminded me of a passage in the New Testament when Jesus fed the 5,000 on the mountainside...

Since interning at KCB, I have been privileged to be exposed to God's Kingdom that is powerfully moving in the city of Bellflower. And especially through Unite, I have seen God use several churches to put on an amazing night where neighbors can come hear God's words. Just as a crowd came toward Jesus on the mountainside, I believe that God has brought the hundreds of our Bellflower neighbors to call them to his feet. However, just like Philip's lack of faith as he asked Jesus, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite," I showed the same lack of faith when I ran into some difficulty of gathering volunteers. The first week, I was worried and stressed that I was not going to have enough help. But of course at the face of my weak faith, God provided just enough volunteers at just the right time. And as the weeks went by, he brought people on board that I didn't even know were coming to help! Even with the food on the first Tuesday of the guest speaker, I was worried the whole night that we might run out of it and we wouldn't be able to feed everyone. To my complete and utter amazement, the pizza ran out as the last couple people strolled past. It couldn't have been more perfect. God called his people, fed everyone, sat them all down in time for the pastor to speak. Talk about a miracle happening right here in the center of Bellflower.

Sitting here and reflecting on the past couple of weeks, I am simply in awe of Him. I am amazed at how powerfully God is moving and how desperately He is pursuing after his people in the 90706. I feel like Philip all the more as I reflect, mistakenly thinking that I must use my own efforts, planning, and coordinating to work for God's Kingdom. How easily I forget that God already has everything in control.

-Madison Hur

A prophetic moment... will the church respond?

2011-08-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

Kingdom Causes and Our Place Housing Solutions have been working together for the past two years to administer a $3.1 million effort called the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program. This program has allowed us to help our neighbors who are facing homelessness due to job loss or temporary crisis by providing coaching and care (a.k.a. case management), and just-in-time rental assistance so that families won't have to go homeless.

This effort has been extremely successful.

We've already helped over 200 families all while utilizing only 1/2 of the amount of funding (twice as many as the State and HUD were expecting for the whole 3 years). Not only have we helped hundreds of families, we have been able to leverage support from local Christians who have shared their home furnishings and their time and labor to move families into more stable and affordable living situations.

I truly believe God is honored by our co-laboring to care for the hurting in our community.

That said, we are facing an incredible challenge related to this program that I believe is an opportunity for God's people to step up and to fight injustice and lay down our lives for our hurting neighbors. Let me explain.

Since 2009, we had been receiving quarterly advances for the program from the State of California allowing us to administer $1.2 million to serve these needy families. In July, the State surprised us by changing the contract, informing us that it would be changing the way that the program is funded, changing its regulations effectively requiring us to identify a monthly “line of credit” of at least $150,000 in order to keep the program running and assisting families.

Without this line of credit, the program will end and 200 families will end up homeless and potentially on the doorsteps of our churches.

This is a prophetic moment, a moment for the churches of God, some of whom have "surplus" funds, to “invest the talents” he has entrusted us with for over 10-fold kingdom return on investment, loving our neighbors, the least amongst us by preventing them from reaching homelessness.

Pray with me that God opens the hearts of his people and that we respond with a generosity that demonstrates our faith in God.

What Can the Church Body Do?

2011-08-09T22:29:00.000-07:00

In the last few pages of Compassion, Justice, and the Christian Life by Robert D. Lupton, he talks about a "church-based community development" (131) that involves the importance of the role of the church body to get involved, take action, listen to and love the community. I started to think about how vital it is for the church body to have strong faith and connection to God because it is through our faith and trust in God's ability to move through a community that we will start seeing needs being met, broken spirits restored, and communities rejuvenated. I was reading a passage in scripture which reads:

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us"

-Ephesians 3:20

These words reflect the very idea that God works within us and because a church body is composed of individuals who have an identity in God, the church should embody such a large quantity of power and work that God can do through it. However I feel that in what I see, the church does not fully reflect the massive works that God can do but I do see the massive potential we have towards community development and rectifying social injustices.

This idea was confirmed when I visited MIKA in Costa Mesa a couple weeks ago and spoke to a woman who has submitted herself to the work that God has called her to do which happened to be the social issues that surround undocumented workers. She discussed how a couple churches in her community decided to take a stand on immigration reform (despite risking losing church members who may be against it) and how the involvement of the church as a strong moral voice was such an important move. After reflecting on these things, I see the church as a crucial moral impetus for all good changes not because the church itself has power to change situations but because of the work God can do through it.

As individuals, I challenge you to recognize that God's power works within us and within our churches! I challenge you to see that we are a powerful force for rectifying wrongs and calling for change! In addressing the needs of community development and social injustices that surround our modern world, I urge you to maintain strong faith through prayer, obedience to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and trust in the work that God could do in us (as individuals and as a church body).

-Eun Cho

Learning the Hard Way

2011-08-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I wanted to write a blog last week about some of the things I have been learning in my internship, but I couldn’t nail down one specific topic that I could focus on. To be honest, the event from the past week that kept popping up in my mind was one that wasn’t enjoyable. I kept thinking back to a difficult meeting I had with a community partner.

As I help plan the Bellflower Counts homeless registry week, part of my job is to connect with community partners, in order to gain support and recruit volunteers. Everything seemed to be going well with this particular community partner, prior to the actual meeting. I had spoken with the office multiple times, scheduled a meeting time, and was feeling confident that the outcome of this meeting would be a successful one.The point of the meeting was to tell the community partner about how we are taking part in the 100k Homes Campaign, which is aiming to house 100,000 of the most vulnerably homeless individuals in the nation. With our Bellflower Counts project, we are coming alongside this goal, beginning by identifying and housing 12 of the most vulnerably homeless within our city of Bellflower.

Going into this meeting, I assumed that the person on the receiving end would undoubtedly agree with our mission and think that we were conducting this project in the correct way. But, what I forgot, was that each person is entirely different from the next and possesses his/her own thoughts and methods. How narrow-minded was I to assume that everyone would possess my same way of thinking and approach to this issue? I got incredibly frustrated in the meeting, because the listener was not receptive like I had expected. I was caught off guard, and tried, with all my might, to make my message as clear and explanatory as possible, but it was of little use. I left feeling upset and disappointed, and my supervisor felt similarly. However, what she said to me was, “We should practice delivering our message to each other. We can ask each other the hard questions, and learn to answer them.” Although we were upset with how this meeting went, and I was stunned that someone would not agree with my way of helping the homeless, we learned a lot in this process.

I was reminded to take into consideration other people’s point-of-views and life paths. Just because I approach social justice from a certain way, doesn’t mean that my way is the only way. This trial reminded me of the book of James in the Bible. He begins chapter 1 by saying this:

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

James is someone who understood the value of trials. I’m reminded by him that it is within these trials that I learn most and develop perseverance. I won’t give up on helping the homeless, just because someone disagreed with me. At the same time, I’ll aim to consider other ways of approaching my cause. I’m still learning how to live life, how to be a good follower of Christ, how to be a good social worker, and how to be a good intern here at Kingdom Causes. I’ll take all the help I can get, even if it means learning the hard way.

-Bianca

Reconciliation

2011-08-02T12:06:00.000-07:00

As I was walking in the park the other day, I came across two homeless men. I was taking surveys to figure out some of the health needs for people in the community. One of the men was very chatty and talked to us about all sorts of things, like politics, insurance, and the Bible. I was shocked about all of his knowledge about the history of the Bible; he was obviously intelligent, and it was disheartening to see that he was homeless. While on the subject of faith, I asked the other man if he was part of a church, or would be interested in attending one in the neighborhood. He responded with, “No, I don’t like churches around here…Sunday’s too much of a social event and not really about God.” I asked more questions to see why he felt that way. He said he had been to some churches and left them because people texted during the service, got up to make calls, or (by his interpretation) just came for the punch and cookies afterward.

His explanation left me with a mixture of emotions and questions for myself. I never find myself too upset when I hear a phone go off in church. They forgot to put it on vibrate or silent; it happens. But after hearing what he said, I asked, “Should I be more upset when that happens?” and “Why is it that I’m not that upset?” Perhaps I am not because I am one those people. Perhaps God led me to this particular man so that he could bring about this realization. His statement put things into perspective. Sunday services being a social event is not the way we want to promote our church, or ourselves. It is not the type of church fellowship where those in the community can be discipled in their faith. If he feels this way, and others in the community agree with him, it is not possible for us to reconcile people to God in that environment. We are being our own worst enemy. I (and the church) need to be more aware of my actions and the image I am portraying. I think that instead of me reconciling this homeless man to God, he reconciled me.

- Kara Zondervan

Reconciliation

2011-07-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

My mind has been flooded with new ideas this past week that I have
never before explored. I began my first couple units of CASA (court
appointed special advocates) on Tuesday and through the training
process, my heart for at-risk children and youths has been even more
inspired. Before this experience I never once gave enough thought to
foster care, the child welfare system, or anything else of that sort.
Learning about the dire needs of these foster children, I felt God
guiding me to have a closer look into their hearts. Although they may
have been abused and neglected by their parents, they still long for a
relationship with them. That reminded me of how we were created and
meant for relationships. But being in an institution all their lives,
many suffer the loss of meaningful relationships. Judges, social
workers, therapists, foster parents, and teachers - these are all
people that care for them, but unfortunately they do not remain as
consistent relationships.

The important thing for me to realize is that even though I am not a
foster child, neither abandoned nor deeply hurt by my family, I am a
human being and I have a deep emptiness as long as God is not present
in my life. As a part of training, a teen who had been through the
foster care system shared her experience of having been assigned a
CASA volunteer the past two years of her life. She explained how just
by having someone there that she was able to learn to grow to trust
and love made the biggest difference in her life. Although life was
constantly changing and moving, she felt that her relationship with
her CASA was and will remain unchanging. Those last few words trails
my thoughts to the unconditional and unchanging love that God has for
us, and the reconciliation and intimacy that He desires for us with
him and with one another.

-Madison Hur

Community Walk Down Eucalyptus Street

2011-07-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

This week, I had been really blessed during my community walk down Eucalyptus Street with the other interns. We were conducting surveys in order to try and understand the opinions, desires, strengths, and issues that the neighbors voice about their neighborhood. In order to hear the opinions of the neighbors, we walked through different apartment complexes, houses, and condos for the first hour and 15 minutes with only 4 neighbors interested in answering questions on the survey. As one intern returned back to the office for a meeting, the other two interns and I stayed behind to see what other opportunities we could have in our encounters with neighbors. We walked into an apartment complex right across the street that seemed quiet on the outside but was (to my surprise) lively in the inside. It was filled with kids running around, a young couple talking outside, mothers walking in and out of their homes, and the smell of lunch still present in the air.

As two of the interns were conducting a survey on the second floor of the complex, I sat with a group of about eight boys who were playing Mario Kart on their Nintendo DS. One of the interns brought his baby toy Chihuahua who grabbed the attention of the boys who were waiting their turn on the Nintendo DS. We laughed when the Chihuahua licked one of the boys on the nose, had a conversation about the status of who was winning the race on Mario Kart, and talked about how long they had been living on Eucalyptus. During our conversation, I asked them whether they came out to the homework club at the Kingdom Causes office and they had never heard of it and they did not know where the office was. I told them about some activities that we had there such as the soccer event, movie night for UNITE!, and the summer art classes which I am currently planning with another intern. They seemed really interested in showing up to the art classes so one of the boys offered me his e-mail so that I could e-mail him about the class days and times. I couldn't believe that these boys did not know that minutes down the street, there is an office and an amazing staff who were running events and activities that were planned and readily available for these kids to participate in. From this experience, I was blessed that God allowed me to encounter these wonderful boys, I felt blessed in our conversation, and I felt blessed to connect to a portion of the neighborhood kids that I can now recognize by face and will hopefully soon recognize by name!

-Eun McFun

Excuses

2011-07-26T12:47:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I accompanied Adam and two other volunteers down to Harvard St. to pick up some Neighborhood Block party questionnaires. About 75 questionnaires had been delivered to each household on that street the previous day. Adam, the neighborhood volunteers, and I eagerly looked forward to what we hoped would be an overwhelming response from the people.

Our first encounter was with a middle aged man who was not excited by our presence. He repeatedly referred to Adam as “homes”. Adam kept his composure the whole time. We encountered two other men who conveyed a genuine interest in having a block party on their street. We finally neared the end of the street, when I spotted two hispanic ladies barbecuing with their children. I was already bummed we hadn't had much luck because out of the 75 questionnaires we had only retrieved 4.

I hesitantly asked Adam If I should walk over to the ladies and , hoping he'd say “no lets go back”, but he fortunately encouraged me to go ahead and talk to the ladies. So I hesitantly approached their front yard and asked them, in spanish, if they had received and filled out the Neighborhood block party questionnaire. One of the ladies kindly replied “Yes I got it, what is that all about?” I answered her question and she replied “I don't have much money but I'd like to contribute a 'sopita' (soup) and a salad.”

I left thinking this lady has very little yet she's willing to give. It reminded me of when God commanded Moses to go before Pharaoh and demand that he let the Israelites go. “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11 Moses' response to God is typical of how I tend to respond to God. “I don't have much money” or “I don't have time”; any excuse to make me feel good about recusing myself from God's plan I've already used. But this lady being able to excuse herself, as the other 71 people did, committed to give from what little she had. God uses ordinary people like you and me, only when the excuses cease.

God's response to Moses was “I will be with you.” A promise He has promised to each and every single believer.

-Edgar Guzman

Matching Grant Opportunity

2011-07-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our amazing supporters on Facebook, we have an opportunity for a matching grant for the next 48 hours. In order to take full advantage of the grant, we need 50 people to donate $50 each-and the Vivint company will match it dollar for dollar!

Would you consider helping us reach our goal?

All the money that we raise will go toward housing 12 of Bellflower's most vulnerable homeless neighbors. To learn more, check out this video.

If you would like to give, click here. You will have to log-in to a valid Facebook account. If you don't have Facebook but would like to give, please contact our office ASAP.

This opportunity is only open for the next 48 hours, so don't delay!

Getting to Know People Right Where They Are

2011-07-07T17:18:00.000-07:00

The words from Matthew 22:37-40 that stood out to me as I read it was this is the great and first commandment. Without loving God with all of our heart and all of our soul and with all of our mind, there is no way that we could love our neighbors (or in some cases, ourselves). I can try to with all my human abilities, but without God working through me, there is nothing I can do in my own power. With this in mind, I read this piece on Reconciliation where the writer proposed an interesting question: "Can a gospel that reconciles to God without reconciling people to people be the true gospel of Jesus Christ?" Of course the answer is no, and then he provided practical methods to reconciling people to people.

One method that I thought would be useful during my time at KCB is the felt-need concept. This concept is about "getting to know people right where they are at." This means hearing their story as they tell it and seeing what their concerns, hopes, hurts, and longings are. By doing this, there is a deeper sense of connection that we can make with that person and most importantly it shows our love. It shows that we care about the things that they are concerned about, we care about the things they hope for, we care about the things that are hurting them, and that we care about the things that they long for. I think that as the weeks progress and I spend my time doing community walks, I want to be able to walk down Eucalyptus St. and get to know the neighbors by name and by their stories. I hope to be able to hear their struggles as undocumented workers and see what their greatest fears, hopes, needs, and concerns are. I want to be able to work from the ground up as I eventually become a lawyer or professor so that in my work with helping other undocumented immigrants, there will be a common hurt and a common hope that I could work for. Most importantly, I want to work on my growth with God so that God can do great works in me by His power and not in my own doing because I know that His power will yield far greater effects.

-Eun

Reconciliation at Breakfast

2011-07-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

How often do we become so concerned with our own needs and wants that we forget about the needs and wants of others? How about the needs and wants of our homeless neighbors? I know that, personally, I am incredibly guilty of this. Although I am passionate about caring for the homeless, there are STILL times that I simply say “no” and give a passing glance when I am asked by someone if I have any change to spare. I don’t always have the courtesy to look the person in the eye, smile, and acknowledge their existence. How does this make me seem, as a Christian, and how many bridges have I burned with my lack of consideration? This is why Reconciliation is one of the core aspects of Christian Community Development. It’s a needed basis for all other progress to be built upon.

This last Saturday, I was able to attend my first Saturday morning breakfast with some of the homeless neighbors of Bellflower. It was here that I was reminded what reconciliation among groups of people can look like and how powerful that relationship can truly be. I was so impressed by the Kingdom Causes employee that I was shadowing on that first day, because she was such a great example of person-to-person reconciliation. She brought her entire family every single week – all four children and her husband – to be involved with the breakfast and cultivate relationships with the homeless individuals in our community. To her family, this is a norm. Somebody at the breakfast remarked how the one-year-old daughter had likely been held by every person who was in the room that morning. Their lives are so naturally integrated with one another’s – how many of us can say the same? Because of reconciliation, there were no “us” and “them” groups at the breakfast. I heard this family say to the homeless neighbors, “If you need a ride later, call me, you have my number” and “I’ll call you later to check on you and see if you’re still feeling sick.” At one point in the breakfast, a woman was telling a story about how her bike had been stolen that week for the second time. As soon as they heard this, I saw the volunteering couple consult each other for less than one minute, and then say to the woman that they had a bike that she could have. In fact, the husband went and retrieved the bike from their home almost immediately, for her to take. This breakfast reminded me of the life that I want to live – a life of reconciliation, generosity, and genuine care for everyone.

-Bianca

Summer Intern- Eun McFun!

2011-06-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

Hi! My name is Eun Cho and I will be serving at Kingdom Causes Bellflower this summer as a volunteer intern. I am an (upcoming) fourth year at UCLA studying political science and sociology. An interest and passion I've developed over the past three years in college (as well as in my personal experiences) is in the underdeveloped topic of immigration- especially of undocumented workers. I believe that the treatment of many undocumented workers is not only an systemic issue of politics but an issue that deeply overlooks the ethical and moral components. I am currently striving to become a lawyer and perhaps even a law professor in the future.

In my free time, I am usually found tanning, hanging out at Huntington Beach, running/training, cycling down Coyote Creek, blogging, having quiet time with God, hiking, or just hanging out with friends. I've traveled and lived in many countries like South Korea, Mexico, Australia, and Canada. Throughout these experiences, I have come to really enjoy the diversity and uniqueness of each and every one of these cultures. What drives me in everything that I do is the love of Christ that has given me grace to know Him and have a relationship with Him. I hope that during the next few months at Kingdom Causes, God can continually guide me and use me according to His will and purpose.

Summer Intern - Madison (:

2011-06-28T11:51:00.001-07:00

Hello! My name is Madison Hur, and I am an intern for Kingdom Causes Bellflower this summer. I enjoy working with children and I babysit a lot. Hiking is one of my most favorite hobbies along with swimming and running. I have been attending Canaan Church in Bellflower since I was 7 years old. I currently live in Fullerton, CA and attend Cal State University of Long Beach. I am a Psychology major and am going on my fourth year following the summer. After graduating, I hope to go to grad school for a Masters in Social Work. I am also starting at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) later in the summer as a mentor working with children who were placed in foster care. I have a deep passion for the healing process of at-risk youths and children and desire to work individually with them and also to work in any way as an advocate for them. I am so excited to be a part of the Kingdom Causes team this summer. Before discovering this internship at KCB, I had little to no knowledge about community development but already, God has opened my eyes to see the amazing work He is doing through this organization. I have been nothing but grateful to be a part in blessing the city and being blessed in return.

Summer Intern - Bianca!

2011-06-25T21:18:00.000-07:00

Hi! My name is Bianca Portal, and I am the Bellflower Counts intern for Kingdom Causes this summer! Bellflower Counts is our name for the work that we will be doing with the 100,000 Homes Campaign, which is a national campaign to end homelessness. This project falls right in line with one of my biggest passions – social work. I just finished my third year of college at Azusa Pacific University as a social work major. After college, I hope to dedicate my life and career to fighting and preventing homelessness in communities.

Aside from social work, another huge passion of mine is traveling! I have been able to have some incredible experiences in other countries, including studying abroad in South Africa for 4 months and doing language school in Peru. I have a hunger to see the entirety of God’s world, and I don’t think it will be satisfied anytime soon! When not traveling or in school, I like spending time with my family, going to dodger games, drinking coffee, and dancing.

I can truly say that I feel like interning for Kingdom Causes is exactly where God wants me to be this summer, and I am so incredibly excited for it. The staff already seems amazing, and I am looking forward to getting plugged into different community projects, as well as working to make Bellflower Counts a success!

Hello!

2011-06-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Natalie Tinnerman and I am one of the Summer interns at Kingdom Causes Bellflower. I am an only child and I have grown up in Downey, California. I currently attend Biola University in La Mirada, California where I am studying English and education. I plan to teach middle school locally or abroad after I graduate. A few of my interests are observing and creating art, sewing, reading, and tutoring. My favorite place to camp is Carpinteria, California (near the beach!). I also love to cook. I have attended church in Bellflower for 4 years, and I became involved with Kingdom Causes through my church. I believe that the work that Kingdom Causes does in the community is essential, but this type of work is often overlooked. Kingdom Causes fills in a gap where support is often missing in the community. I am honored that I am able to be on staff at Kingdom Causes this summer. I am excited to get to know the community of Bellflower better.

Cockroaches and Healing on the Sabbath

2011-06-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

I came in the office this morning and was blessed to find out that Ethan and Adam and their girlfriends spent their Sabbath yesterday helping one of our low-income neighbors to clean out her trailer-home.

The trailer had been cluttered with a years worth of "life" and the neighbor had been un-able to clean it herself for a variety of health reasons. The small trailer had become a breeding ground for cockroaches and spiders but when these young folks heard about the need they cheerfully gave up their Sunday afternoon to get dirty living out their love for Jesus.

This selfless act of worship reminded me of the story in Luke 13 where Jesus heals a crippled woman on the sabbath. The religious leaders of his day were incensed by the fact that Jesus would violate the Law that mandated a ceasing from labor on this day. Despite the protest, Jesus "worked" on the Sabbath by healing the woman and demonstrating a different set of Kingdom rules, rules that emphasize mercy, grace and shalom.

I am blessed to work with people like Adam and Ethan, who live out the Kingdom today as Jesus did 2,000 years ago. God help me to live and love like this.

Start of Something New

2011-06-08T22:53:00.001-07:00

Hi, my name is Edgar and I’ve lived in Bellflower for 19 years or so. I was born in Mexico and immigrated to the US at the age of two with my mom, dad, and brother. I have three sisters and two brothers, five in all. I am the eldest of them all and the first to graduate high school and attend college. I aspire to become a congressmen or a lawyer some day; anything to do with the constitution really. I’ve never blogged, so I'm unfamiliar with how blogging works. I have never been so ecstatic or miserable about anything in life to the point that I’m compelled to write about it for others to read.

I’m embarking on this journey with Kingdom Causes. Where it will take me or what it will do to mold me as a man is in Gods hands to be perfectly honest. All I know is that God has shaped me to serve, and Kingdom Causes specializes in that. I have my own thoughts as to why God has connected me with this non-profit organization, but I must always remember what God says in Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” I know that if I completely trust God with this internship, no amount of money or riches can ever compare to what God has in store for me. I can write 100 pages trying to describe how excited I am about this opportunity I have been given, but I don’t think doing so can ever fully convey the feelings that are happening within my heart!

I’ll give this blogging thing a try…well It’s kind of part of my internship requirements, so I hope you guys enjoy reading about my journey for the next 10 weeks or so!

Thanks and peace,

Edgar

Summer Intern-Kara!

2011-06-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

We are excited to have FOUR interns at KCB this summer! They'll each introduce themselves on this blog, starting with Kara. Feel free to contact our office if you're interested in helping with the projects that they are working on.

Hey Everyone! My name is Kara Zondervan. I just finished my third year at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and I look forward to being a senior next year. Currently, I am in the Nursing program there and have loved being a part of it. This past year I had hands on training (clinicals) in Mental Health, Pediatrics, OB (Mother/Baby), and the Community. This summer I applied to be an intern at Kingdom Causes Bellflower and I am happy to be a part of their mission. My objective for this internship is to gain experience working in a non-profit, community development organization, and more specifically, to use health and medical related skills to benefit Kingdom Causes and the surrounding community. Some of my goals include discovering health needs of Bellflower residents, researching health clinics in the area to determine availability to residents in the area, seeing if Kingdom Causes can offer health care support (depending on the needs), and compiling a list of willing professional volunteers to provide services. As of right now, my hope is to get involved and talk to residents to figure out ways to accommodate their health needs. Some possibilities would be starting nutrition, exercise, or cooking classes, as well as setting up a consistent accessible health/screening program. I look forward to this challenging summer and know that through God and the support of those at Kingdom Causes and the Bellflower Community I can find a way to help.

Easter Egg Hunt 2011!

2011-04-28T22:50:00.000-07:00

The Saturday morning before Easter, volunteers from 10 different churches arrived at Simms Park to bless our city with the 3^rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt hosted by Bellflower Churches and Kingdom Causes. This event was once hosted by the City of Bellflower to promote community fellowship and celebrate Easter, but was canceled because of Budget cuts. The people in our local churches were quick to fill this gap and to continue this wonderful Easter celebration.

The Easter Egg Hunt was an event filled with Games, Crafts, Shows, Prizes, Candy, and Fellowship. This year over 150 volunteers from 10 Bellflower churches planned the event and filled 10,000 Easter eggs! My favorite part of this event was seeing so many of our churches working together to serve and bless our city in such a profound way. Close to 1,500 people were blessed by this event, and had the opportunity to meet their neighbors, learn more about the resurrection of our Lord, and celebrate the joys of Easter together as a City. It is my prayer and hope that our churches continue to mobilize their members to use their gifts and talents to bless the City of Bellflower.

Inspired by Homeboys

2011-04-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

Facial tattoos, shaved heads, and enormous muscles can make a person pretty intimating. Last Friday I walked through the doors of Homeboy Industries to find 150 men who fit this description. The participants of Homeboy Industries are men and women who are seeking an exit from the gang lifestyle and need help. They can receive counseling, tattoo removals, and a job in one of multiple businesses- silk screen printing, a bakery, and a restaurant called Homegirl Cafe. They are working with LA's most intimidating population and showing them a better life.
I was inspired by Homeboy Industries to keep seeking new ways to employ our hard-to-hire neighbors. There is no better way to bless our neighbors who struggle financially then to provide a job. Good Soil Industries and Homeboy Industries share a conviction that the dignity found in work is better than any handout we could give. And as I walked around the campus of Homeboy Industries I was inspired to dream of what God could do through Good Soil Industries.
Supporting causes like Good Soil or Homeboy are easy. If you have maintenance work you need completed, call Good Soil. If you are looking for the best chips you'll ever have, go to Ralph's grocery store and buy Homeboy chips, and watch how your money does more.

Homeless Count 2011

2011-01-03T14:25:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone! Consider Volunteering to help with the homeless count, please register using the link below. We have 5 of the 44 volunteers we need.

Volunteer for the 2011 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count!
Register & find more information at: http://theycountwillyou.org/
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GreaterLAHomelessCount

Register to Count for 1 night, Jan. 25 8pm! Our team name is Kingdom Causes Bellflower and the area is East LA County (We will be counting in Bellflower)

2010-12-22T14:27:00.000-08:00

Here our some pictures we snapped at the Kids Art Exhibit! It was so great to see how exited all the kids were to show off their art work to their families and everyone who stopped by!

Just wanted to wish everyone a very merry Christmas!

Kids Art Exhibit

2010-11-29T14:44:00.000-08:00

For the past 7 weeks, 20 neighborhood kids have been coming through our community center doors working on fabulous art projects! They have been learning all about different art mediums including painting, drawing, photography, oil pastels, 3D building, collaging, and more! The cool thing about this Art class session is that all the art work is about Community! We have been learning all about Community and the different aspects of our city while creating Art! Come check out all the amazing art about Bellflower created by our neighbor kids! Your support would mean so much!

The Art Exhibit will be Wednesday, DECEMBER 8, 5-6:30pm Come to check out our Kid's art work & Enjoy Refreshments at our community center 16429 Bellflower Blvd.

GSIs new media

2010-11-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

Check out Good Soil Industries' new website! goodsoilindustries.com
and see some pics on our facebook page "good soil industries"

Huge thanks to Tim Brandon for his help in developing the website! Check out his other work such as http://www.sweetandsaucyshop.com/
you can contact him at: tim@biti.me

Stacks of Applicants

2010-11-23T12:20:00.000-08:00

Hiring an employee is a fun and difficult process, and at Good Soil Industries we do it frequently. The opportunity to give someone a job is a privilege not to be taken lightly. Each month I collect a small stack of resumes on my desk and prayerfully begin searching for who will be the best fit.
There are many criteria for choosing a candidate, but the most valuable question is: “Are you connected with a local church?”. The reason is that we can’t overcome our past by ourselves. First we need Christ to do a miracle in our hearts, and second we need a community to support us through the tough times.
I’d like to say thank-you to the churches of Bellflower for being the supportive community we are called to be. Our current employees continue to praise their local churches for being a place that accepts them for who they are and encourages them to continue following Christ. They have felt loved, and this love gives them the strength to keep making the right but difficult choices. So keep it up! Keep finding ways to love those who are different from you and being a church that reaches out to anyone, anyone, who is searching.

This is what community development is all about...

2010-10-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

Last night over 40 families showed up for our neighborhood meetings for Oak St. & Eucalyptus Ave. Each neighborhood group met to connect with one another, share ideas for improving the community and register for the Christmas Store. (More on the Christmas Store here and below.)

Empowering Neighbors
At the end of the evening, we joined the groups together to hear a presentation by Southern California Associates of Governments about proposed plans to bring a public transit project (think train, light rail, etc.) through Bellflower, connecting LA to Santa Ana. Because there is talk of bringing a train stop to the north end of Bellflower's downtown, which borders both Eucalyptus and Oak neighborhoods, we felt this information is extremely relevant to neighbors. One neighbor shared her excitement and concern for the new project. She knew the train would be good for the community, but since Bellflower doesn't have any form of rent control, she was worried that a train stop close by could raise property value and rent, resulting in many families being displaced from our neighborhoods. The presenter validated her comment and said that is precisely why the neighbors need to be involved at this early stage. She encouraged them to start talking with the city about their fears. We decided to host a second meeting with neighbors to strategize how to connect best with the city about their concerns.

Neighbors Giving Back
We registered 35+ families for the Christmas Store last night. Individuals, local churches, businesses and organizations donate brand new gifts to stalk the shelves of the Christmas Store. Registered neighbors come and shop, buying presents at 90-95% off the original price. Then, 100% of the money that comes in goes to a good cause, which is determined by the neighbors. After some discussion about a few causes to support, they voted to send the money to help build a well in Africa to provide clean water in a village.

The neighbors voted to send the proceeds to help build a well in Africa to provide clean water. We're going to send this picture with the check in December. Look how proud and excited everybody is in this picture!

True development takes time, but it's worth the wait. I'm so grateful that I was able to be a part of last night.

Homeless Families and Empty Sunday School Classrooms

2010-10-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

I got a call the other morning from my friend Justin. A family that he has known for several years through his youth ministry told him that they were being evicted. This mom of three kids between the ages of 9-14 had been paying $650 a month to rent a travel trailer. When she lost her house cleaning job that was paying her under the table, she could no longer pay the rent. Her neighbor has offered her the back of her truck to sleep in for the night and that might be where they end up staying.

Justin called me because in his words, “that is unacceptable.” He wants to help the family but doesn’t know what resources are available to the family and he is trying to get his church to do something about it but that bureaucratic process will be a long one which will end up with help being too little, to late.

The frustrating thing is, I don’t really know what to do either. Despite the fact that social workers in our organization deal with families like this everyday I have little help to offer. If they do not fit our relatively narrow qualifications for immediate financial, assistance we have no place to send them.

The reality is there is NOTHING in our immediate area that is set up to help families like this. Evicted, broke, out of work… I want someone or something to blame for this dilemma. I jump automatically to the family, they should have called sooner, they must have some sort of addiction stuff going on, they must be lazy.

The reality is stark though. Whatever the cause is of this family’s crisis, our local system in Bellflower has nothing for this specific family. 211, the LA county resource call center, will refer her to a shelter out of the area and or give her access to hotel vouchers for a few nights but there is nothing after that. What is the answer? Shelters are expensive financially and socially. Immediate financial assistance will not really help in the long run because of her eviction. What the family needs is a LOCAL place for at least 3 months were they can land long enough for mom to get a job and the kids don’t have to leave their school.

What will we as God’s people in this city do? We have resources. We have people. We have money. We have buildings (approximately 30 church buildings with countless classrooms that sit empty 90% of the week.) I wonder what Jesus feels about that? With hurting and poor neighbors all around us, is Jesus pleased with our clean and tidy classrooms that sit empty, preserved for telling Bible stories to the kids of the saints a couple of days a week?

Would it be possible to set up a Hospitality Network in Bellflower like this one? http://www.familypromise.org/ihn-video What do you think?

Community Responds to Prayer Requests for Bellflower

2010-10-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Diandra Jay/Press Telegram

Last Tuesday we hosted the Mayor's Community Prayer Breakfast. We had a panel of community experts sharing, from their perspective, how we could pray for our city during the economic downturn.
(From left to right)

Nichole McGahey, President of Caring Connections, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of children/families in BUSD, shared about the struggles that local families with school-aged children are experiencing. She also remarked on the incredible support within our community & school district to help one another.
Marina Flores, Program Director of Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing through OPHS, shared about the 150 families that have approached their program for help keeping a roof over their heads.
Mike Egan, City Manager of Bellflower, expressed his deep gratitude for the staff who have remained faithful to serving even though they've had to take big cuts and for the many organizations who have stepped up to take over what the city can no longer afford. He was transparent in sharing the many financial needs in our city and asked for the people to pray for wisdom for the leaders as they make tough decisions.
Cristina McConnell, President of the Bellflower Chamber of Commerce, told the crowd about how several business owners are working together to creatively support local businesses in our city. She also shared about the hard times many local businesses are facing due to people spending less of their paycheck locally.

After the panel shared their prayer requests, four community members led the group of 100 in prayer.

One guest was particularly moved by the stories of local families struggling to make ends meet. The next morning he dropped off a check for $1000 to Caring Connections to be used toward basic needs for families in our school district.

Click here to read the article written about the breakfast on Press Telegram.

6th Annual Golf Marathon TODAY!

2010-10-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

As I write, Joel Holwerda, Kendall Carrico, Adam Edwards, Ethan Strong, Robert VerWys & Rachel VerWys are swinging away at 100 holes of golf for our 6th Annual Golf Marathon fundraiser. You better believe they're going to be hurting tomorrow :)

It's not too late to sponsor one of the golfers to help Bellflower reach our goal of raising $15,000 today! (We're already close to the $10,000 mark!) Click here and select the name of the golfer to make an online donation for Bellflower.

Here are some pictures from this morning:

Do you teach excellence?

2010-10-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

Second servings were being passed around the dinner table in my parents’ backyard when my dad broke into a loud laugh. “Son” he says to me, “all those years of mowing my lawn, I didn’t expect it to be job training!”

We shared a laugh, but as I think about it now I am struck by something, isn’t that where most of us received our “job training”? Someone who cared a lot about us invested time, taught us the ropes, and showed us how to do work with excellence. That investment was priceless and our success today is in part due to those people.

At Good Soil Industries, we’re wrestling with the question, “what about the people who didn’t have that upbringing? How will they come to succeed?” It's through daily work and discipleship that God's people are teaching the Good Soil participants the lessons that many of us learned in the homes we grew up in. Timeliness, respect for authority, to wear a clean uniform, to work with excellence; and as the guys begin to internalize these lessons they gain a sense of pride in themselves and in their work. They become successful employees and doors open that were not possible before.

Helping a Lakewood family to stay off the streets.

2010-08-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

Susie doesn’t fit my stereo-types about homeless people. She has got a college degree and is used to working two jobs at a high-paying employer in town. She’s used to having enough, she lives in a middle-class town amongst middle class neighbors.

But when Susie came to our office in April 2010 she was facing the reality of being evicted from her apartment and moving into her car with her daughter while struggling with chronic depression. You see, she’d lost her second job and had been placed on disability at her primary employer. Things looked really bad, little did she know things would get worse before they got better.

We were able to enroll Susie and her family in the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP), a program that is designed to help families through rental and utility assistance when they fall behind because of economic hardship.

Susie was able to remain in her apartment with her children and with some coaching from Staci, her case manager (pictured above), she learned more about her rights as a renter. Empowered, Susie was able to work with her landlord to lower her monthly rental payments. Things were looking good. But then Susie was laid off by her primary employer.

I thank God that Staci was there to help, encouraging Susie to remain steadfast in her attempt to find a new place of employment, providing the family with just enough financial help to remain stable and housed.

The good news came today. After only a few months without work, Susie was offered a new position with her old employer. She’s following a monthly budget and housing sustainability plan, she has been able to cut costs and locate other community resources that weren’t previously accessible to her.

Susie’s family is going to be safe from the streets. We are so thankful for this innovative program that provides financial and emotional support to families who are not used to the difficulties this economy is presenting all of us with.

Getting My Hands Dirty

2010-08-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Taylor Seger and I am currently an intern at Kingdom Causes for the summer. But most recently, I became a Good Soil route lead.

I started driving for Good Soil as a part of my internship. I was committed to three hours of driving that morning – I got bored of sitting after one house - so I got to work. I finished up my time for the day and as I drove home, Joel gave me a call to ask, because of an incident that had occurred earlier that morning, if I could come back and help finish up the day.

That's how it all started – a total God thing. I'm the official route lead now, and I love every part of it.

My work does come with its challenges. I think of it like when Jesus went into the wilderness after he began his ministry. Immediately after he was recognized as the Son of God, he was tested in the wilderness. I am by no means saying that I am anywhere close to Jesus’ stature. But right after coming on the team, thinking everything is going great, God challenged my patience and my dependence on Him.

Within the first two weeks, some crazy things happened. It started with a weedwacker breaking down, lost keys (to be specific - keys that I lost...for about 20 minutes), and a fender bender while at the pump (without the bender, thankfully).
Both in the short and long-term, I’ve had to stretch myself. I’ve really had to rely on the Savior to have a spirit of strength, love, humility, and faithfulness. I do my best to stay diligent and pray daily for these of God’s attributes.

My time at Good Soil for the past month has been an enriching blessing in my life. I love sharing work. I appreciate having someone to challenge me - and of course being able to share a good ol’ fashioned radio sesh on the road.

The Joy of Homework Club!

2010-07-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

My name is Sarah Leck and I am one of the summer interns for Kingdom Causes. I have the opportunity to work once a week with the Homework Club for the summer. God has really been teaching me to value learning and education through these kids. The kids enjoy learning much more than I ever have. Even though some of them complain at first about doing activities, by the end they are so excited and want to keep going even after the time is over. One of these kids name is Jon. He is always reluctant at first to join in but by the end he is always saying, “Miss Sarah, I want more math problems!” This is amazing to see because I understand his reluctance. Going into my senior year of college, I am starting to lose my academic steam. Working with these kids has been a healthy reminder that God has blessed me with a great education. I should take any opportunity to learn more about the world God has created. I have been blessed by these kids and am so thankful for the opportunity to learn along with them.

Neighborhood Art Class Starting!

2010-07-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

On Monday afternoon we had our first Kids Art class for the summer! Each week we are doing a different type of art project, so the kids in the neighborhood will experience multiple types of art. I was very excited on Monday when 11 children walked through the door to our new community center ready to make artwork! This summer the kids will work with paint, clay, oil pastels, paper mache, photography, and more! On August 21st, the kids will display their artwork alongside other local artists at the Bella Art Fest in downtown Bellflower!

Above are some pictures of the Kids visiting the Invitation Decalogue Sculpture, and working on crayon resisting projects and our "Box of Crayons" collage which represents how wonderful our world is because of all the differences we each have and all the beautiful colors we can create!

The Art class is every Monday July 12 - August 16, and the Bella Art Fest is August 21! Email me at kendall.carrico@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer, or donate Art supplies!

Thanks to Paramount Ready Mix!

2010-06-29T17:28:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to Paramount Ready Mix who donated the concrete for the new posts in the Community Center! Ron Talsma, from First Bellflower CRC helped to make this connection. Praise God for his people.

Letter from a thankful mom

2010-06-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a letter that we recently received from a local mom whose children have been a part of a couple of the efforts supported and sustained by the local church through Kingdom Causes. It was so encouraging to me and I wanted to pass it along to you, our partners in this work. Thanks for your continued partnership!

Dear Ryan,

Thank you so much for touching the life of my son. Our conversations about what he is getting out of being a [part of Good Soil Industries (www.goodsoilindustries.org)] God is so amazing. It is causing him to conversate with me more about God. He said he has been praying again lately. That just did a great thing to my heart.

Your team has been touching my family’s life in such a way that I could not. [One of your volunteers] will be my daughter's mentor for a season of her life in an academy for 5 ½ months. She chose her because she is a leader at the Wednesday night Teen Bible study group on Eucalyptus ave.

My kids have had a hard life... fitting into the church setting has always been difficult for them, but because your team loves them as they are and where they are at, it seems to be doing a God thing that I can see. It is so soothing to my soul.

Thank you so very much for what you guys are doing in the lives of those that may seem untouchable. I am ever so grateful.

Our Place Housing Solutions 2010

2010-05-10T15:32:00.000-07:00

A Homeless Family Needs Your HELP

2010-05-10T15:18:00.000-07:00

In early February, a woman reached out for our help. Her husband had just left her and their two daughters and she was forced to move out of their apartment because she could no longer afford the rent. She and her daughters slept in their car for a short time before contacting our Homeless Prevention program in February.

Although the woman works full time, her wages were being garnished because of her eviction so she needed assistance in order to move into a new place. We were able to get her into housing in early March and have been providing minimal rental assistance for the past few months. Our assistance will continue until the garnishments end in July and the family will become completely self-sustaining.

The family is thrilled to be in their own place and off the streets. However, they are still in need of some basic essentials. That's where YOU come in. They have a place, but they don't really have any furniture. Since they don't own a bed or a couch, all three of them sleep on the floor. If you would like to donate a bed, couch, or other household items to this family, please call Kingdom Causes and OPHS at 562.804.2189. It's a very tangible opportunity to love this neighbor who is getting back on her feet.

What do we do?

2010-04-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

Guess who's moving?????

2010-04-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

After much consideration and prayer, we have decided to move our office and community center downtown. It's been a good 3 1/2 years on Alondra & Eucalyptus but we are outgrowing our space. We were offered this new location (16429 Bellflower Blvd.), which is double the size, for the same amount of rent we currently pay. We feel this move is strategic for connecting with both Oak and Eucalyptus neighbors, as well as providing more community center space for programs.

We're going to need a TON of help pulling this off. May 1st is our first big move day. If you're interested in helping, please contact Chrissy.

Celebration Dinner - RSVP by this weekend!

2010-04-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

Meet Good Soil's New Employee

2010-04-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

A job interview for Good Soil Industries is unique compared to most any other job. We cover the basics, but equally important is to hear their life story and the transformation that God has done in their lives. I repeatedly hear testimony of how a man experienced rock bottom and in their desperation called on God and He answered.

I asked a current employee to share his story of transformation with you. I hope his story inspires you to call on God to do something great in your life.

"My name is Jay Steele. I'm writing this to let you know the miraculous changes God has allowed me to make in my life!!
I once was a hardcore drug addict who went to prison because of my drug addiction. I cared about my drugs more than my life or anyone elses. I in a sense wasted the first 30 years of my life. My family wanted nothing to do with me, and society wanted to put me away.

I got blessed to meet Pastor Fred of I.C.M. He cared, never gave up on me and let me go to a summer camp for kids as a couselor. The experience changed my life for good. I knew of God and Jesus, but didn't KNOW them. To know that people and God care about a homeless, convict, drug addict. To allow ME to do this, to be trusted, to show faith in me.

Now I'm happily married, go to church regularly, teach the Bible to at-risk youth and even have keys to the church. I've been sober for 2 years, live in an apartment, have a job with Good Soil and have been off parole for almost a year. God is the only reason my life has changed so much. And now I am very blessed to have a phone book full of friends and now my family that I can call.
God turned Saul to Paul, so what can he do with a homeless, convict, drug addict like me? Only God knows & time will tell.

God bless,
Jay Steele"

Cool Article - Mixing art and Christianity | Religion | projo.com

2010-03-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

Mixing art and Christianity | Religion | projo.com | The Providence Journal

If you're an artist in Bellflower, please visit www.bellaartfest.org to learn about opportunities to use your gifts to bless our community.

Save the date: KC Celebration Dinner on April 29th

2010-03-02T15:48:00.000-08:00

It's about that time! Please mark your calendars for this year's Kingdom Causes Celebration Dinner. We're super excited to celebrate this year with all of you.

A prayer for Bellflower -- By Pastor Tom Hocking

2010-02-25T16:04:00.000-08:00

Today the city of Bellflower hosted it's annual State of the City Address. As with many cities, Bellflower is facing some challenging days ahead as budgets tighten and the economy continues to struggle. The city manager entitled the talk, "The Rocky Road Ahead". I was particularly blessed by the prayer that my good friend Pastor Tom Hocking prayed as the invocation for the event. What he prayed was a powerful blessing for our city and I've included it below. Please pray it as you read:

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this day,
Thanks for our city and the men and women who serve it and protect it.
Thanks for the opportunity to soberly consider where we stand as a community.
These are obviously difficult and uncertain times and I confess that I have struggled with feelings of anxiety—perhaps many of us have.
But God, when I think about it, the times when I have grown the most as a person have been times of great trouble, not times of ease.
So Lord Jesus, while we pray passionately for the peace and prosperity of Bellflower, I want to pray even more passionately that on the way toward peace (whether that peace is personal peace or social peace or financial peace or relational peace). . .I pray that on the way toward that peace, we would not forget that you and you alone are the giver of real peace—ultimate and eternal peace.
God, the road in front of us may indeed be a bit rocky. . .but considering that you once said that the wide and easy road leads to destruction. . .maybe a few potholes aren’t that bad.
But please help us to negotiate those potholes with grace and wisdom—and above all to make this journey together—loving each other more than ourselves and loving you most of all. I pray for Mayor smith and our Concilmembers: Bomgaars, Dunton, Koops, and Larsen; for Mike and his staff—that you would crown their efforts with abundant success. In Christ’s name, I pray Amen.

Seniors give back!

2010-02-24T16:04:00.000-08:00

During the first few months working on Oak street, I gravitated toward the young and idealistic. I wanted the teenagers in this community to reach their potential, and the young families to work together to make their community a better place.

Unfortunately, in the midst of this work, I was missing a key part of the Oak Street demographic. I was overlooking the senior citizens and the rich array of skills and passions that they bring to the neighborhood. Here at kingdom causes, we use the Asset Based Community Development model (ABCD). In a nutshell, this means we look for what is best about a community, and then build on the skills and abilities of the community residents.

As I got to know some of the senior citizens through a senior's luncheon at a local church, I began to recognize how much these people had to offer the community. Over time, though, they have begun to believe that they don't have too much to offer. This mindset is reinforced by those of us who do not ask them to enrich our lives with the wisdom and skills they have accumulated over their lifetime.

In an effort to help these seniors have an outlet for giving back to their community, we've started a "seniors volunteer group" at the Bellflower Manor. There are around 15 individuals who have agreed to give some of their time and talent to various causes in our community. I am excited to learn from them as we serve Bellflower together.

If you know a senior who would like to be involved--let me know! Call our office or shoot me an email at abbeyn@kingdomcauses.org

Money

2010-02-18T14:19:00.000-08:00

Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice.

Proverbs 16:8

This verse stirred up a lively discussion with the teens at our house last night. When you get bombarded with messages that tell you the opposite... to get as much as you can no matter the cost... a verse like this might be hard to swallow.

Please continue to pray for our neighbors... and for the leaders... as we explore scripture and learn more about who Jesus is.

What is KCB-101?

2010-02-18T14:14:00.000-08:00

Here at Kingdom Causes, we're excited to introduce a new tool for volunteer training in 2010. We're calling the training "KCB 101". We hope to better equip and empower our volunteers so that together we can be most effective at reaching our community.

We're currently running our first training with a group of volunteers that are already deeply invested, but don't worry if you missed this first round. This 5-week training will be offered again in April. Spots are limited, so keep an eye out for the next chance to register.

We have four goals for this training:

To get to know each other’s stories
To familiarize volunteers with the values and programming at the heart of our work in Bellflower
To help volunteers discover the best way to be involved (connecting your passions with the mission)
To help learn how to incorporate KC values into personal lives and spheres of influence.

In short, this training will help you be better equipped to serve with Kingdom Causes, but also to be an intentional "kingdom-maker" in the other areas of your life.

Photo: Teri, Jeudy, Betty, Abbey, Taylor & Alex... participants in the training

Relationships over programs

2010-02-16T11:33:00.000-08:00

It's been a year and a half since we started having the neighborhood kids over on Wednesday nights for dinner and Bible study. When we started we were expecting an entirely different (and smaller) crowd. I'm happy my expectations aren't always met. This ragamuffin group of leaders, friends & neighbors has turned into a family of sorts. Relationships exist outside of 7-9pm on Wednesday evenings. Neighbors are mentoring these youth and investing in their lives. That's the real success. Living an open life that leaves time for taking a neighbor kid out for a taco or a impromptu hangout at the nearby park. I'm so grateful for the leaders... friends... that show up on Wednesdays and keep in touch with the kids throughout their busy week. The kids are experiencing neighborly love the way Jesus wants us all to.

6,000 Easter Eggs

2010-02-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

Looks like we're going to need your help.

Contact Abbey to find out how you, your family, church, etc., can get involved with this year's community easter egg hunt.

Cold Eggs and Reconciliation

2009-12-14T16:29:00.000-08:00

"About a year ago, I beat somebody up really bad. Like really bad."

Kenny, the big, tattooed guy wearing a bandana and leather sitting next to me was reporting on "signs of transformation" he had seen since the last meeting of the Homeless Task Force, a group of Christians from several different congregations in Bellflower, who work together to love our homeless neighbors. Kenny, who had been homeless himself for many years before coming to know Christ, now serves weekly, building relationships with our homeless neighbors.

The transformation happened after the previous week's breakfast. At the end of the weekly meal where we serve 40-50 neighbors we had left over eggs and beans. We were about to throw away the excess when Kenny offered to load up his Harley and bring them down to the riverbed. As he walked down the embankment near the intersection of the 605 and the 105, the first person he encountered was this man with whom he had brawled a year back. Tensions were high as you might imagine, but as Kenny reached out and handed him the cold left over eggs reconciliation happened. This simple act of love and concern melted what ever conflict had remained between these two former enemies.

I am constantly humbled to be involved in the story of God's Kingdom work in Bellflower. I get to see God use people who most would consider too far gone, or damaged to minister his love and peace. I am blessed to see the Body at work, with our many gifts and backgrounds, all working in symphony as God uses us in His ministry of reconciliation.

what makes the difference?

2009-12-14T16:25:00.000-08:00

The name of our program, Good Soil, comes from Jesus parable of the seed that is scattered (Mark 4). Some seed falls on thorns, some falls on rocky soil, and still other seed falls on good soil.

During 2009 I have worked with men who were part of this good soil, and they experienced radical transformation in their life because of Christ. Men have become members of local churches, become married, found full-time jobs, moved into homes, and worship Jesus with great passion. Their testimony has given me fresh hope in the limitless power of Jesus.
I have also worked with men who currently seem stuck in thorny or rocky soil. Life is filled with thorns that keep them from reaching their potential.
The strength that I’ve found in the parable is that God has called me to be a sower, but the power is in the Word. When I am obedient and share Scripture, I can trust God to do the rest. Scripture is active and when we share how it is impacting our lives, we plant the seed and let God work. So as I look to 2010 I am renewed in my excitement to share God’s word with the men of Good Soil and to watch how it transforms both our lives.

A local business that's giving back...

2009-12-10T15:18:00.000-08:00

Kingdom Causes has a shout out in this video:

Did you know that locally owned businesses invest MORE into the community than chains? That's exactly what Casa de Luna is doing in our city. Interested in learning more about why it's important for a community to have strong local businesses? Check out the 3/50 Project.

Still looking for new toy donations...

2009-12-10T11:20:00.000-08:00

We're still short toys for our Christmas Store. Will you help our community out by donating a new, unwrapped gift for a kid (ages 0-17). Click here to read more about how the store works... where the money goes... why we sell the gifts... etc.

600!

2009-11-30T19:13:00.001-08:00

That's how many gifts we need to have for our Christmas Toy & Gift Store on December 15th. Eeek! 600. Will you help?

You can drop off new, unwrapped gifts of $10+ value for kids ages 0-17 to Rosewood Church (10115 Rose Street) during regular weekly office hours or you can bring them to the City Wide Carol Sing on December 13th.

Christmas Carol Sing - 12/13

2009-11-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

Visit www.blessbellflower.org and click on "Bellflower Christmas" to learn more about what's going in in our city in December.

Eavesdropping on a Thanksgiving Luncheon

2009-11-24T12:17:00.000-08:00

I wish you all could sit in on this...

A group of Christians, including a local retired pastor, host a weekly Bible Study in Thompson Park for our homeless neighbors. Today they are using the front of our community center to host a Thanksgiving Lunch.

Pastor Dan is playing the ukulele (a skill he picked up in the last few months of retirement) and leading the group in the song "Rejoice in the Lord always again I say rejoice." The diverse group of 20 neighbors is attempting to sing the song in rounds. It's awesome!

He just shared a Bible story and I've never heard so many enthusiastic "Amens!"

I'm sure God is smiling right now. I am.

Fall Newsletter

2009-11-23T11:24:00.000-08:00

Miss our Fall Newsletter? Click below to download past KC Bellflower newsletters.

OPHS - Now Hiring

2009-10-15T16:02:00.000-07:00

Our Place Housing Solutions is now hiring. Please visit our website www.ourplacehousingsolutions.org for job descriptions.

Submit resume and cover letter, no later than October 23, 2009 to: admin@ourplacehousingsolutions.org. No letters or phone calls please. Resumes will be reviewed as they are received. OPHS is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity in employment.

Oak Street Neighbor Meeting

2009-10-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

Seeing neighbors get excited about transforming their community is probably one of the most inspiring things ever. Last Saturday, we had our first neighbor meeting in the Oak Street Neighborhood, and it was so much fun! (Thanks to Neighborhood Christian Fellowship for letting us use the church yard!)

To be honest, I was preparing myself for disappointment at the meeting. Even though I’ve gotten to know many residents over the past few months, I didn’t feel overly confident that they would take time out of their Saturday morning to meet with their neighbors. But, I was wrong! It was exciting to see a diverse group show up and share their dreams for the neighborhood.

We talked about everything from better street lighting to potlucks to front porches. I couldn’t be happier that the group’s main goal was to foster a sense of “togetherness” in the community.

With Asset Based Community Development, fostering togetherness is the first step! When neighbors get to know what is best about each other, they can’t help but work together to bring transformation to the neighborhood.

What about us? Let’s go treasure-hunting in our own neighborhoods to find out what is best about our neighbors and community. Who knows what God will do with one small step!

Mayor's Prayer Breakfast goes GRASSROOTS!

2009-10-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

Tuesday morning was sweet! This was the first year we hosted the Mayor's Community Prayer Breakfast. We changed things up a bit. Read more about it in the Press Telegram Article: Bellflower prayer breakfast goes grassroots.

Project Oak - House Cleaned!

2009-10-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

Check it out! http://ourplacehousingsolutions.wordpress.com/blog/

Project Oak

2009-09-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

Check out our affordable housing project: www.ourplacehousingsolutions.org

Mayor's Community Prayer Breakfast

2009-09-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

The city of Bellflower has hosted the Mayor's Community Prayer breakfast for many years. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, they were unable to host it this year. So, Kingdom Causes and Bless Bellflower agreed to host a modified version of the breakfast as a way to encourage the city and keep the tradition going. And hopefully encourage prayer on behalf of our city!

The breakfast will take place on Tuesday, October 6th from 7-8:30 am at Simms Park. It's only $5 for a time of prayer and encouragement, plus a yummy continental breakfast!

If you're interested in helping with this event, or if you'd like to attend please, call Kingdom Causes at (562) 804-2189.

September Fridays = Streetfests

2009-09-04T15:56:00.001-07:00

If you don't have any plans for your Friday evenings, head over to Laurel Street & Bellflower Blvd. for Streetfest. The Chamber of Commerce has decided to continue the event though the month of September.

Spread the word.

What do we do?

2009-08-12T17:10:00.000-07:00

Today I spent a few hours with a homeless neighbor and her two young kids. We travelled down to Long Beach to see about getting them set up at a longer term shelter.

I wish I could say that throughout the whole process I remained utterly selfless, acting in the Jesus-like way that I'm supposed to. Sadly, I did not. After two hours of trying to entertain energetic preschool boys in a crowded government facility, I was less than chipper. I was concerned about when I was going to get lunch, somehow forgetting that this mom didn't even know if she was going to eat again in the near future.

Despite the imperfections in my attitude, I learned a lot about a piece of society that I don't often interact with. Long lines, endless referrals, dirty conditions, and judgmental attitudes are realities that this mom has to deal with every day. As I sat with her today, the questions kept rolling through my mind, "How can I best help her? What am I supposed to do? Is there any hope at all?".

I wanted to save the world in one afternoon. It's not going to happen. But I can start with being kind, with treating her as my friend and neighbor, rather than my client. I can choose allow my heart to be broken by the poverty of body and soul that I saw today. And I can pray.

What can you do?

Last Chance to Buy Pictures!

2009-08-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

This is your last chance to order 8x10 pictures from the photo class. I've made a flickr album for you to view the available shots. Click here or on the picture to view.

$20 for 8x10 with a glass frame

Money goes to support events & programs in the Eucalyptus Neighborhood. Check out the cool art work. Email me at christinap@kingdomcauses with your orders!

Street Fests are Happening!

2009-08-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a little discouraging to see so many of the community-building events in Bellflower get shut down because of the economy... but now we have some good news! The Bellflower Chamber of Commerce has brought back the Street Fests! These are fun evenings for the whole family with clowns, face painting, prizes, great food, and music! Come support local businesses and have a great time meeting neighbors!

Here are all the details:

What: Summer Street Fests 2009

When: Every Thursday in August from 6-9pm

Where: On Laurel Street off of Bellflower Blvd (by Johnny Rebs)

Who: YOU! (plus your friends and family)

Why: A fun way to meet neighbors and bless your city!

For more info, call (310) 722-4552

Check out Bless Bellflower!

2009-07-30T10:00:00.001-07:00

If you haven't visited www.blessbellflower.org in the last month or so... please do us a favor and peruse around. We are working on some awesome community events including the Bella Art Fest.
Also, take some time to read the Bless Bellflower blog entries. We highlight different ways to be a better Bellflower citizen.

Feel free to share your ideas!

Photo Exhibit Recap!

2009-07-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we had a great time interacting with neighbors, artists, and supporters at the Eucalyptus Photo Class exhibit! Pictures from the past three years of photo classes were displayed, and we enjoyed live music and yummy snacks as well!

A highlight for me was watching the students' faces when they overheard positive comments about their pictures. Some of them were SO excited when they found out that people were actually buying their work!

And speaking of purchases, it's not too late to buy a picture for yourself! $20 gets you a framed 8x10 photo, and all of the proceeds go to Eucalyptus youth programs. To view all the photos, click here. I've included a few of my favorites above! If you want to buy one, email Chrissy at christinap@kingdomcauses.org. Just describe which picture you want and we'll take care of the rest!

First Week!

2009-07-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Hello!

My name is Abbey Nishimoto and I am so excited about joining the Kingdom Causes Bellflower team. I grew up in the Bellflower area and am passionate about seeing believers get involved in community development.

My husband, Andrew, and I just moved back to Bellflower after spending the last few years in the snowy land of Warsaw, Indiana. We attended Grace College where we were both involved in various ministries and leadership opportunities. Now Andrew is the new youth pastor at Bethany CRC, and I'm working here at Kingdom Causes!

I've already had a great few days with the staff here. It was awesome to see 13 people come together last night to eat lunch with some of our neighbors at the century inn. We're looking forward to the barbeque there next week as well!

My main focus at KC will be on the Oak Street neighborhood, specially attempting to coordinate a teen center. We'd love to have a safe place for teens to learn, grow, and interact with with volunteers from the church of Bellflower! If you are interested in ministry with teens-please don't hesitate to contact me! We'll need people from all sorts of backgrounds with different talents in order to make this initiative a success!

I'm looking forward to interacting with lots of you over the next few months!

-Abbey

P.S. The pic is from me and Andrew's favorite SoCal spot-Disneyland!

Neighborhood Photo Class Starts Tomorrow!

2009-06-24T16:14:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow we start our summer photography classes for the neighborhood. Each week we teach a basic digital photography skill and take the students out to a local spot to practice. This year the students work will be displayed in Casa de Luna throughout the month of July.

If you're interested in getting involved with future photography classes, please contact Chrissy at 562-804-2189.

Youth Group-Wed Nights!!

2009-06-23T00:37:00.000-07:00

Eucalyptus Street is the place to be on Wednesday nights- (Specifically Chrissy’s house.) If you like good food, skateboarding, basketball, hanging out, or just having a conversation with a teen, then you must come to this event every Wednesday night from 6:30-8:30.
Youth Group on Wednesday nights is a place where kids from the community can come and enjoy a good dinner, hear the Word of God, and build relationships with other peers and leaders.

Many of these kids have never heard the story of Jesus or come from broken homes. Through this ministry we hope to build relationships with these kids and show them the love of Jesus. It’s amazing to see how this event has grown in the community. I have been told that the Youth Group started with about 5 kids, but now there are about 20 kids that show up on a consistant basis. It’s amazing to see how God has blessed this ministry.

One of my favorite things to do with the guys on Wednesday nights is to play basketball on the driveway. It can get pretty physical at times, but it usually stays calm and everyone has a good time. I could play basketball with these kids for hours, but I usually don’t because we have a Bible Study later on at night.

Last week we took the boys over to the resource center to have some small group time and play some games. Although it is hard to keep some of their attention, most of them were asking real deep questions that I did not have all the answers for. Some were asking such questions as “Why does God allow so much evil in this world?” or “Can we become unsaved once we have accepted God as our Savior?” These are challenging questions for even Christians in the Church, and trying to explain these answers to kids just learning about Jesus is even harder. However I was encouraged by the attendance and interest that these boys have to learn more. Nobody is forcing these kids to stay for the Bible Study part of the night, yet more than half do stay to listen. These boys are curious about God, and this is the time to tell them about Him before they get older. I ask for your prayers as we continue this ministry on Eucalyptus Street!!

Depth of Good Soil

2009-06-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

Good Soil Industries has been busy, and that is a good thing! Cory (Good Soil employee) and I have spent many hours together, and seen each other at our best and worst moments. Yesterday was one of those days where nothing seemed to go right. At the end of the day Cory told me, “I’m always watching you. Watching how you respond.”
I thought, uh-oh.
Then Cory went on to bless me and share how he saw Christ in how I responded.
But, it isn’t a one-way blessing. I’ve learned so much from Cory. He’s taught me to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit in a new way. To pray with a child-like faith. We have seen each other’s strengths and weaknesses and encouraged one another.

Good Soil has mowed a lot of yards recently. But more than that, it has brought two guys together whose life stories are pretty different. And out of this relationship, we’re both more hopeful that transformation is possible.

First Week At Kingdom Causes!!!

2009-06-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

Hello,

My name is Alex Melara and I am the intern for the summer of 2009. I am excited to get a feel for the community and to see what God has planned for the city of Bellflower. I attend Bellflower Brethren Church (Flower & Clark) and have a passion to reach out to the community. I especially enjoy working with at risk teens and building relationships with them.

My hometown is Pico Rivera, which is about 10 miles away from Bellflower. After High School I attended Cal State Long Beach for a year and then transferred to Grace College in Indiana where I am currently a senior. God has blessed me tremendously and I want to give back to those that are at a disadvantage in life.

Last week was my first week working for Kingdom Causes. I have met some great people that work and volunteer for Kingdom Causes. Ryan, Chrissy, Joel, Aura, Larry, and Irene are some of those people that work hard to show the love of Jesus in the city of Bellflower.

I had the chance to work with good soil industries this past week and deliver food to some families that lived in Motels on Alondra Blvd. After a long day of doing yard work with Joel, I had no motivation or energy to go out and deliver food. Since it was my first day, I didn’t want to tell Ryan that I did not feel like going. Now, that I look back I am glad that I went to deliver food. It was awesome to see the joy and expressions on people’s faces as we handed them the food. It might not seem like much, but for some people this is what they look forward to the whole week.

The best part of the day was hearing the stories and struggles that these people are going through. I met a girl who had been living in the motel with her family for 4 years. That was just shocking to hear. However, it was encouraging to see the joy she had even though she was going through these tough circumstances. She was very thankful for the food that we brought to her this evening. In the future, we hope to have a BBQ outside motel and meet more families.

So in conclusion my first day on the job was rewarding. I can’t wait to go back and connect with these people again. After just one week I have realized that there are many people in Bellflower that need physical and spiritual help.

The Church being church

2009-06-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

I’ve seen followers of Jesus making conscious choices to impact the lives of their neighbors. I’m excited about what God is doing in and through them.

Jim Tanis has put a new front porch on his house so that he can hang out in the front and get to know his neighbors. What a great idea!
Jane Nishimoto helped orchestrate multiple churches to host an Easter Egg Hunt for 1500 people!
Leticia takes time from her busy schedule to find jobs for her neighbors.
Claudette uses her limited financial resources to cook a meal for the homeless each month.
Mark Garcia tutors Algebra 1 students who have fallen behind.
Betty, Leticia, Corrie Harb, John Davis, and Teri Larsen have faithfully met each week to help K-6th graders with reading and homework, and have used the time to strengthen relationships with families in the neighborhood.

These are just a few of the people who have inspired me lately. Thank you for all you do!

Of Homeless and Hummingbirds

2009-05-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

Lately, several homeless neighbors who come to the weekly Homeless Outreach on Saturday mornings have been hanging out in the parking lot after they get their showers and before breakfast starts to enjoy some fresh air. In the interest of building relationships with these men I decided that I would get some fresh air too.

Last Saturday I noticed that Jerry*, one of our homeless neighbors who lives in his late 90’s model Lexus, was pacing methodically in the corner of the parking lot.

“Mind if I walk a few paces with you?” I asked.
“Sure.” Jerry shrugged.

As we walked our circuit we talked about his diabetes, about his interest in science fiction (he reads at least three books each week) and about how he walks these paces each morning “to get the blood flowing.”

After walking and talking for several minutes I noticed what looked like a small green walnut, and after looking closer I realized it was a baby hummingbird that had fallen from it’s nest and was sitting there in the parking lot scared and helpless.

“What should we do?” I asked Jerry.
“Not much we can do. My dad told me once, you can’t save everything.” Jerry responded, as he resumed his pacing.

As I stayed behind looking at this vulnerable bird, I wondered what to do. “He’s probably right.” I thought. Just then, Jaquie pulled into the parking lot. She works for the County as an animal control officer and she came over right away. She picked up the bird and in moments had whisked it away to her home where she would feed it and care for it until she could bring it to a hummingbird rescue the next day. She called me later that week to tell me that she had been successful in getting the little bird a place in the rescue where the staff would feed it every 20 minutes for several days until it was strong enough to survive on it’s own.

When I first started working with our homeless neighbors I was hopeful about our ability to help everyone we met. Then after a few disappointing experiences with neighbors who made “one step forward and three steps back” I noticed that I began to operate with a degree of cynicism. I would like to call this “informed discernment”, but I sometime use the “you can’t save every[one]” line as a rationale for my increasing emotional distance from my neighbors.

That cynicism is challenged each time a new volunteer joins our ranks. Just like Jaquie came and helped me see that we could indeed help the hummingbird, new volunteers come with a new skill sets and new hope that inspire me past my hopelessness.

I realize that while I cannot save everyone, God’s body, with its diverse gifts and ever growing faith can indeed help everyone, even if it is simply to minister hope through relationships.

*name changed

Good Soil Video

2009-05-15T15:33:00.000-07:00

Thoughts on Bellflower

2009-05-08T15:50:00.000-07:00

Bellflower is a special city. We're smack-dab of middle of LA sprawl, yet we still have a small-town charm. I love that I can go to the grocery store or to a local restaurant and be greeted by my first name. "Hi Chrissy... how are things in the neighborhood. How's the coffee shop?"

Yesterday I attended a special city council budget meeting. Times are tough. Our city leaders are doing their best with the limited funds they have, but money is running out. A majority of city-sponsored community events have already been cut this year... and I'm afraid more cuts are coming.

Bellflower isn't charming because of it's location or landmarks. It's charming because of the people that make up the community. It's charming because of the community-friendly events like Streetfest and Movies Under the Stars. Sadly, these events are too expensive for our city to host this year. But I don't think we can afford not to have summer events. It's the downtown events that keep local businesses running during slow times. It's the downtown events that get people out of their house and talking to their neighbors. It's the downtown events that bring charm to our city.

Times are tough, but this is a chance for us... the community... to step up. Now is the time for churches, businesses, organizations and individuals to work together to pick up some of the events. We saw the success of the Easter Egg Hunt hosted by local churches. Bellflower Noon Lions Club is picking up the Bellflower Blvd. Car Show. What else can we work together on to save?

Now is the time for the church to be active in this city.

Press Telegram Article on Bellflower Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

CHURCHES KEEP BELLFLOWER EASTER ALIVE
By: Pamela Hale-Burns Staff Writer
Posted: 04/10/2009
Link: http://www.presstelegram.com/search/ci_12121087

BELLFLOWER - The economic crisis continues to affect lives, but there are people determined not to let it stop a beloved event like Bellflower's Easter Egg hunt.

Jane Nishimoto, learning that limited funds had led the city of Bellflower to cancel several community events, including the annual egg hunt, decided to find a way to rescue the Easter weekend tradition.

"We've been trying to build a better relationship with the community as a church and this was a good opportunity to show them that we care about the kids in our community," the Bellflower Brethren Church parishioner said. "So we wanted to provide them with a fun day and also provide them with the Easter message."

Nishimoto went online and made phone calls, trying to find others to donate time and money for the egg hunt.

Her hard work has paid off, and the hunt starts at 10 a.m. today at Caruthers Park, 10500 Flora Vista St.

"I Googled churches in Bellflower and started calling, and most of the churches already work with Kingdom Causes," she said.

Kingdom Causes is a nonprofit community mobilizing organization with a mission to be a catalyst that inspires, connects and mobilizes people for personal and community transformation.

"We worked through Kingdom Causes' director and then we used those people to contact other people and to see if others would be willing to volunteer," she said.

Ten churches and more than 150 volunteers agreed to donate and fill plastic Easter Eggs for the hunt.
After 29 years in the city of Bellflower, Pastor Tom Hocking of Bellflower Brethren says he has seen a major change in the past four or five years.

"I feel like the city has made some significant attempts to build a stronger sense of community, he said. "The city has sponsored these annual egg hunts as well as (other events throughout the year)."

"Because of the state of the economy," he continued, "the city is no longer able to fund many of these events. Therefore, what will happen is a powerful statement to other civic groups and clubs about how nongovernmental organizations can `step into the breach."'

Although Nishimoto lives in Lakewood, as a member of Bellflower Brethren Church and a Bellflower schoolteacher her ties to the city are strong.

"Jane is both an inspiration and an encouragement to me because of her constant and consistent passion to be both a redemptive influence in our city and to encourage and motivate others to bless the city as well," Hocking said.

Great opportunity for us to Bless Bellflower... please check out

2009-03-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_11955612?source=rss

The city's funding has been cut for most of our community events this year (including Streetfest, Movie Nights & Easter Egg Hunt). A group of churches have decided to work together to host the Easter Egg Hunt for the city on April 11th. If you're interested in helping (WE NEED HELP!) please email us at easterbellflower@kingdomcauses.org

More about this later.

Community Health & Resource Fair THIS SUNDAY!

2009-03-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

Bethel Reformed Church is hosting a Community Health Fair this Sunday (March 22) from 11am-3pm. The people at Bethel care about the well-being of our community. The following services and/or screenings will be available:

vision
dental
blood pressure
cholesterol
glucose
body fat
bone density
immunizations for children K-18

Click here to get more information from their website.

Thanks for coming out!

2009-03-09T17:07:00.000-07:00

We'd like to thank all of those involved in last night's city wide worship service... Especially Hosanna's youth band, Canaan's sound team, and the local businesses for staying open late for us. Christians from 6 different churches gathered to pray for our city and worship God. Our next city-wide gathering is scheduled for Sunday, May 31st. Put it on your calendars!