We need a place to practice!!!

In the next two weeks both of the neighborhood teams that we've been working with will lose access to their practice field. We're in desperate need of some green space. The city of Bellflower only has 3 parks with fields and they're booked up all year with city leagues (mostly football & baseball). Our boys need a place to practice on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-8pm.

I write this blog for two reasons: 1) To put the need out there in case any of you have access to a school field, a large church property or something creative and 2) So that when we figure this out we can give God the glory.

Please respond with any input or connections you have. Thanks!

Progress with Neighborhood Soccer Teams

We were able to purchase the uniforms & practice balls/equipment for Team Barcelona (15-18) today. The boys have worked hard to raise money and are now able to look like an official team, thanks to the donation from Kiwanis last Friday. Here's what their uniforms will look like:




This week we will focus on helping the younger Barcelona team... I call them Barcelona Juniors because I get them mixed up.

If you are interested in coming out to support the boys on either team, please give me a call at our office number (562.804.2189) and I'll set you up with the upcoming schedule. Games are usually on Saturday mornings. Please come out and cheer on the teams. It means a lot to them.

Also, I just heard of a girls team that is starting up in our neighborhood.

We DEFINITELY need a park!!

Proud of our young men...

I am so proud of Sabino & Fernando. We just got back from a Kiwanis service club meeting where they did a presentation on their neighborhood soccer team, Barcelona. Their team has raised over $1,000 on their own, but they needed $1,444 more to finish buying uniforms and paying registration/insurance. They did such a good job that the group pledged $1,000 from thier children's foundation. In addition to that, individuals were so impressed by Sabino & Fernando's efforts and gave an additional $455 out of their own pockets to support the team.

Praise God for his faithfulness & provisions.

It is an honor to work with these talented neighbors. I am full of hope and excitement for our community.

This is the flyer that we passed out at the meeting today:

Good Neighbors with Creative Ideas

On Monday, 14 neighbors attended our first Eucalyptus/Cornuta neighborhood meeting of the year. Each person had so many thoughts and ideas to share. We ended up focusing on two ideas: 1)supporting the local soccer teams by fundraising, encouraging neighbors to help with rides & attend their games and 2) promoting the neighborhood clean-up day hosted by the city this weekend. The next day I received calls from a few of the neighbors who had already begun working on some of the projects discussed at the meeting. There is so much excitement! Neighbors are pooling together their resources and using creativity to help one another. What a glimpse of the Kingdom.

Today a few of us neighbors helped with rides for Barcelona (Soccer Team 16-18yrs). We stayed for the game to support our boys. They played well, but ended up losing to the oposing team (who is in 2nd place). When we got home we went out to the neighborhood clean-up day. The city blocked off a small portion of our street to set up BRIM (Bellflower Recreation in Motion) for the kids and had a spot for snacks, arts & crafts.

I'd love to see something like this happen again during the summer. The kids need space to play. The parks are too far. I did find out that construction, where the existing railroad tracks are, is going to start in the next two months for a walk/bike path. It's still not enough space to play, but I'm hoping it's a start.

Support Team Barcelona

The young men who are a part of EUCY (Eucalyptus Urban Council of Youth) play on a soccer team mostly made up of neighborhood kids from our street. The team was started a few months ago when a neighbor noticed a large group of talented boys playing pick-up games at the park. He found out that most of these boys were not on any official team and decided to help organize and join a league with thier team, Barcelona.

I met with the coach's wife and son this morning to hear more about their story. She shared about how she went to each of their homes to meet their families and check-out their situation before the season started. She found that many of the kids live in single-parent homes or with an aunt or a grandma, making it difficult for them to afford the equipment & uniforms and get rides to practices & games.

During the next week we will be going to several meetings with the parents and local service organizations to figure out a way to help raise money and find support for this team. We see Team Barcelona as an asset to our neighborhood as it provides a healthy alternative to gang and drug involvement and gives the boys something to take pride in.

Please pray for us as we work together to advance this cause.

Thanks to Bethany CRC Servants

Bethany CRC conducted a congregation wide service day in Bellflower today. 150 of their members were out volunteering today picking up trash, cleaning, and serving in other ways.



A team of 8 came to the community center to help us bless our neighboring business neighbors by washing windows, pressure washing the parking lot, and weeding the flower bed in front. The place looks great!


Before we cleaned the windows, I went to the neighboring businesses to make sure it was okay with them that we do that. The new owners of Liquor Land, the tiny store on the corner, were very reluctant to let us wash their windows at first.


"What do you expect from me?"asked the owner, a middle aged man immigrant from India or Pakistan. "I do not want to pay!"
"No sir, no payment is necessary. We simply want to help." I replied. "These folks are here just because they want to serve."
"I need to talk with the property manager, is he paying them?"
"No sir, we're just helping out."
"You expect nothing?" he asked yet again incredulously.
"Nothing. We're just trying to be good neighbors that's all."


Finally assured that we weren't selling our services and a little confused about our motives, he consented to let us wash his windows.


What a great first impression for our new neighbors down the way.


Lord your kingdom come and your will be done in the life of that liquor store owner as it is in heaven.

Prayer Walk

I was eating lunch with one of our Volunteers the other day and we were talking about a Church nearby a park just down the street here in Bellflower. He told me a short story about how when he used to live in that neighborhood, he and a group would prayer walk the neighborhood. Every time they would go by this Church, named 1st Baptist, they would pray that it would be a "Neighborhood Church". Here is where it all comes together; within the past year, this Church has taken a much more "Neighborhood" approach and even re-named it's building to "Neighborhood Fellowship". I went by yesterday and spoke with the pastor and told him the story. He was pretty encouraged!

God is active and shows up in his timing!

Local Business Highlight: Adelita's Mexican Restaurant

We're working on a neighborhood newsletter for Eucalyptus & Cornuta. It will be published in English & Spanish. The stories will be about things happening in our neighborhood and each issue will contain a neighbor of the month and a business of the month. We'll also include a section for a community calendar & announcements.

The first business we're highlighting is Adelita's Mexican Restaurant on Artesia & Clark. The owners, Elida & Lugo, lived in our neighborhood for many years. Elida was famous for her tamales. They moved a few years ago, but are talking about moving back into the neighborhood. We met with Elida on Wednesday to share our idea. She teared up and expressed her gratitude for the support of their business.

So... if you're looking for a place to eat, I recommend stopping by Adelita's. Their chilaquiles breakfast is wonderful!

Maria Maria

This last weekend I had the pleasure of meeting two new neighbors. On Saturday we worked with a local Bible Study group of Greenleaf Church that meets in the neighborhood to host an arts & crafts day for the kids on our street. I've learned over the past year that passing out flyers a week before doesn't work. So an hour before the event began we went out into the neighborhood and invited the kids that were around. Ryan invited two sisters named Maria to bring their families and hang out with us. They spoke a little English, but mostly Spanish. Luckily, they had a good sense of humor making my attempts to communicate in Spanish a little more welcome. As we were chatting about the neighborhood I was working on a loom to make a scarf. The Marias were very excited because looming was part of their childhood in Mexico. They asked where I got the loom and if I'd be willing to teach a class for the neighbors.

Since last weekend I've ran into the Marias twice. I'm sure we walked passed each other many other times without knowing that one day we'd be friends.

I'm exploring the idea of a sewing/knitting/looming night with the ladies in the neighborhood and some friends. It might be nice, especially before Christmas. I'll keep you posted.

Mentor Outing!

As a reward for meeting and accomplishing goals, our mentor team goes on an outing together. We recently went to the LA Zoo and saw many of the animals there. We were sad that there were no beavers!

I can't tell you how proud I am of both the mentors and the "mentees". We talk about Signs of Transformation, or ways in which God is changing people, and I am so encouraged that change is happening in peoples lives through the efforts of those who listen and walk alongside others. One particular "mentee" has accomplished so much in a year and continually makes strides towards self-sufficiency.

Every month we make goals and her goal this month is to walk independently and safely across a busy intersection. She is working to overcome fears that have kept her from being active for some time. She is learning to trust God to protect her, and to trust us to support her.

Great JOB!

Graduation at the LA Mission

I was recently invited to the Graduation Ceremony for our friend Art Torres. We helped him get into the LA mission over a year ago and now he has completed over a year of spiritual rehabilitation. I was so encouraged at his graduation. Each graduate read a verse from memory that meant something to them and received a certificate on stage. I was able to meet his family afterwards and they were blessed by his progress.

I see such value in sending individuals to Christian recovery programs. We have seen others come out of non-Bible based programs and sometimes they lack the spiritual connection.

Great Job ART. We look forward to hearing your testimony on a Saturday at the showers.

Kingdom Contributors

A couple of weeks ago we realized that after the showers the Homeless Task Force offers each week the stalls would be filled with bottles of shampoo and partially used bars of soap. We were having a hard time keeping these items stocked so we decided something needed to change.

In the past, we've simply offered free food and free showers with nothing expected in return. While that felt good at first, we began to see that giving stuff for free with out any expectation of exchange, actually separates us from the neighbors we are called to love. One-way charity at arms length is easy and feels good for the givers but creates a false perception that we the givers have everything, and our homeless neighbors are empty vessels with nothing to offer.

So when the shampoo and soap problem came along we decided rather than perpetuating the charity mindset, we would put it in the hands of the people who use the showers. We alerted all of the "regulars" of the problem and appointed three leaders to take care of it.

Since then, Jessie, one of the homeless appointees has been regularly picking up shampoo, soap, powder and other items that are used on Saturday mornings. When we recognized that the neighbors weren't just needy, and invited them to take part, leaders emerged. Had we the "givers" simply solved the problem ourselves, we would have missed out on the opportunity involve Jessie in the solution. That to me is a picture of the Kingdom... neighbors moving from recipient to partner, from poor to contributor.

Urban Youth Workers RELOAD Conference

This weekend we took a small group to the Urban Youth Workers RELOAD Conference in Los Angeles. Heather, Lee, Mike & Madison came from Canaan Presbyterian on Palm & Clark. We love working with that church! Desiree, an awesome young leader from our neighborhood came with us, as well.

One of the workshops I went to really challenged me on how I work with the youth in the neighborhood. The worshop speaker asked if we were imposing our "middle-class" on to the kids as if that was the only way. I think I have done that from time to time without even noticing. She was teaching out of a book by Dr. Ruby Payne called "What every church member should know about poverty." It's sitting on my shelf, but I really haven't gone through in depth. I walked away resolving that I would spend more time researching the culture that surrounds me in my neighborhood. The other workshop I went to highlighted the importance of rest & Sabbath for those working with youth in an urban setting. Really... it applies to us all. They talked about how being burnt out has turned into a badge of honor. People say "I'm so busy!" as if it's something good. I'm very guilty of that. Burn out is not what God intended for his workers. If we're burnt out we're probably doing more than he asked of us.

Mi Casa Es Su Casa

Last night my neighbors invited me over to their house for their 10-year-old son's birthday. I couldn't make it until after 8, but they insisted that I still stop by. It was mainly a family party, but they made me feel very welcomed. The parents mainly speak Spanish, but their kids are bilingual. I sat around the dinner table with the adults and we chatted about the day. Oscar, the dad, has the biggest heart and loves to tell stories. He told story after story about his week and funny things that happened. His stories were in Spanish, so I only got about half of it. The kids were laughing at me because they knew I didn't really understand it all, but they re-assured me that even though they speak Spanish... they only understood half of it, as well. They went on to give me a lesson in Spanish.

I use the language barrier between me and most of my neighbors as an excuse not to visit as much. Last night proved to me that being a little uncomfortable about my lack of Spanish skills is not a good enough excuse to miss out on building relationships.

As I was leaving, the mom hugged me and told me that I am welcome in their home any time.

Case Closed

"We close cases if clients refuse service".

These were the words I recently heard from an Adult Protective Services Case worker regarding a lady that I have been meeting with who is Homeless. I was introduced to her by a Bellflower community resident who has been buying her coffee daily at 8:30am at the nearby Grannies donughts. She is frail with a hunched back and a walker. She speaks of having little feeling in her legs and a shortness of breath. We have suggested that she ought to go to a Hospital to have a doctor to look at her eye injured when someone recently beat her. When I called Adult Protective Services informed me that if she won't take assistance, they close her case. I don't blame them. It's the old saying, "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink"

I wonder what my role is with Theresa? Should I take the same stance as the Adult Protective Services Case Worker, or am I called to something different? I have found that people who are homeless are so, not because of a lack of resources, but rather a lack of relationships.

I have been wondering what this relationship (without the contingent of an exchange of resources attached to it) looks like? A wise friend of mine commented that Jesus was called to be "with" people. Jesus had a ministry of presence among those he served. How do I do this? We are soo tempted to Cure people. Henry Nouwen speaks of the concept of Caring for people rather than curing them. God lead me!

Any thoughts?

Church Sponsorship

There is a recent article in the LA Times about the Denver Rescue Mission's work of partnering Church mentors with homeless families transitioning into housing. The story is told from the mentor's point of view and captures the challenge, yet reward of working with these families.

Kingdom Causes is doing similar work with families in Bellflower and the Long Beach Rescue Mission is looking at a similar approach. We'll see what the future unfolds. The key would be to get Churches to sponsor first months rent and deposit for families or individuals. Anyone have any thoughts?

Our Place in the Liberty Day Parade

Last Saturday was the Liberty Day Parade in Bellflower and we were well represented by two of our most gregarious team members, Check it out!

Coach Betty Sandoval

Taffy the Clown: aka Teri Larsen

Eucalyptus Kids go to Chivas USA Game

This last Sunday we had the joy of accompanying 20 kids from our neighborhood to the Chivas USA vs Colorado Rapids soccer game. The Chivas lost, but we had a blast anyway. Four of our teenagers from EUCY (Eucalyptus Urban Council of Youth) were the designated ballboys and Desiree was the field manager's assistant. In fact, Desiree was invited back by the manager to help out at future games. Score!

Anyway, here are some pictures from the day:

From building walls to building bridges

“You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13,14). The first paradigm shift pertains to where we, as the church, see ourselves in relation to our communities. Will we remain outside of the community inviting people in or will we go to our
communities, seeking to be a transforming agent? The church is called to be separate in lifestyle but never called to be isolated from the people it seeks to influence.

excerpt from Eric Swanson's 10 Paradigm Shifts for Community Transformation.

As Eric wrote in an earlier post, he has been working with the "un-expected worker" to help one of our homeless neighbors. This is a great example of this principle of bridge building. Eric is building a bridge with the "worker", an unbeliever, via someone they both care deeply about, a homeless neighbor. It is exciting to see that this "worker" has been exposed to the Gospel and a representative of the church (Eric). The work of the Kingdom Causes Homeless Task Force is building bridges as a "transforming agent" not only to our homeless neighbors but also those unbelieving neighbors who think, "Something must be done."

10 paradigm shifts towards community transformation

I have been reading through a paper by Eric Swanson entitled 10 Paradigm Shifts Towards Community Transformation. He shares what he believes "takes us [the church] from model of thinking that we must discard to a new model that we must embrace."

1. From building walls to building bridges.


2. From measuring attendance to measuring impact.


3. From encouraging saints to attend the service to equipping the saints for works of service


4. From "serve us" to service


5. From duplication of human services and ministries to partnering wiht existing services and ministries.


6. From fellowship to functional unity


7. From condemning the city to blessing the city and praying for it.


8. From being a minister in a congregation to being a minister in a parish.


9. From anecdote and speculation to valid information


10. From teacher to learner.

Over the next few months it is my intent to take one of these paradigm shifts per week and unpack it in light of what is happening here in Bellflower. Stay tuned.