Successful Golf Marathon

Last week we raised over $15,000 for the work in Bellflower! There were 9 golfers and a duck representing Kingdom Causes Bellflower. Even with a few first-time-golfers we had a blast.

Thank you to all of those who participated by golfing or financially supporting the work!

Miracles Happen

“Jay is yours God. Take care of him.”

These were some of the closing words of a post I made to this blog back in December 05. I had just had an encounter with "Jay" and was feeling rather hopeless about the whole Homeless Ministry we are involved with here in Bellflower. Addictions and negative family history are such enormous barriers that keep people enslaved in homelessness and poverty.

Well, I am SO happy and thankful to God that I can report that Jay has made some serious improvement thanks to God's work in his life via meaningful relationships with Christians! 39 days ago he called Eric, our new Homeless Services Coordinator and wanted help getting into one of the rehabilitation programs. We were able to house him for a few days in one of the trailers we had available while we called around and finally got him connected with the Salvation Army Bell Shelter.

This past weekend was Jay's first weekend pass and he spent some time hanging out at Calvary Baptist and with the Bellflower House Church. God is really working in his life! He was the recipient of the New Comer of the Month Award at the Shelter for his perfect attendance at classes and good attitude. What a change in his life. All thanks be to God!

Bethel's Blue Bus Ministry

Last night I had the opportunity to ride on the Bethel's "Blue Bus" into the Eucalyptus neighborhood to pick up kids for their childrens'' service. I don't know how many kids I was expecting, but I was almost overwhelmed by the number of kids that came running out of the apartments towards the bus. We had over 75 kids on the bus last night. How amazing is that!? They were so excited to come to church.

The service starts off with some worship songs and games. My favorite song was one that said "I'm gonna throw up...uhh... I'm gonna throw up... uhh. I'm gonna throw up... uhh...My hands to the Lord!" So fun! Then the kids go off into their classes to learn life skills and Bible stories. This week the fourth and fifth (?) grade girls classes went to the Artesia Nursing Home to play games with the elderly. The teachers said it's so awesome to see kids interacting with grandma's and grandpa's. It gives the kids an opportunity to serve others and they flourish in it.

I am so blessed by the faithfulness of Bethel's children ministry. They've been taking a bus over to the neighborhood for almost 20 years. I had a chance to chat with some of the leaders that have been helping for 18 years. They explained that it took years to build the trust with the people. As an outsider, I can see the trust and love the neighbors have for the "Blue Bus" workers. As a result of Bethel's faithfulness to the neighborhood and God's work, Kingdom Causes has been able to connect with the neighbors far better than we could have on our own. I praise God for their work and the opportunity to partner with them.

If you would like to help out Bethel by riding on the bus on a Wednesday night, call their office at 562-866-0791 and ask for Nichole. Keep their ministry in your prayers. Also, they're hosting a health fair this Sunday from 11am-3pm. Stop by!

Eucalyptus... Here We Come!!!

It’s official! After much prayer, planning, and talking with neighbors, Kingdom Causes has signed the lease for the Eucalyptus neighborhood resource center. What a blessing it is to be around to see this prayer answered. We are thankful for the effort and faith of members from the multiple congregations that have partnered with us to make this dream a reality. It gives us great joy to see followers of Jesus seeking God’s heart and coming together to love their community!

A store front that now houses a furniture store will soon be transformed into a community gathering place. The neighbors will be instrumental in establishing the programs for the center. Already ideas are coming forward for possible English as a Second Language classes, health screenings, and after school activities for kids. It is exciting to envision God’s people in Bellflower collectively investing in a community, so wholistic personal and neighborhood transformation will become a reality.

Financial support for this effort has already started and yet more needs to be raised to cover $1,750 in rent plus costs for operating activities. Volunteer opportunities will also be available for help with construction & once the center is opened to engage with families, kids and the events that occur. Please consider joining us in this journey as we build relationships with neighbors, and discover the resources God has already placed in the neighborhood to be uncovered and used for transformation.

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. (Isaiah 58:12)