This Thursday was the first Streetfest of the summer. It was a blast! Two of my neighbors came with me. We saw so many people that we recognized. I'd encourage you, if you live in Bellflower, to make Thursday night Streetfests a part of your weekly schedule. What a great time to hang out with neighbors!
Friday, July 13, 2007
Streetfest!
This Thursday was the first Streetfest of the summer. It was a blast! Two of my neighbors came with me. We saw so many people that we recognized. I'd encourage you, if you live in Bellflower, to make Thursday night Streetfests a part of your weekly schedule. What a great time to hang out with neighbors!
'Our Place'
Last week Chrissy took Kristin (her 10 year old neighbor) to Rosewood Church for family night. Kristin had such a blast that she asked Chrissy if she could go to church again the next day! There were no church activities the next day so Chrissy invited her to ‘Our Place’ to hang out and pray with the prayer group that meets every Friday morning. Kristin took her up on the offer and showed up the next morning. While we were at the prayer meeting Kristin shared about what she did the night before and told us that she couldn’t wait to go back. Pat Holwerda (a prayer partner who attends Rosewood Church and lives on Eucalyptus) volunteered to take Kristin to the next family night at Rosewood.
This morning we had our weekly prayer meeting and Pat shared some awesome stories about Kristin and family night. One story that Pat shared made us all realize what an impact ‘Our Place’ is having on the neighbors. While Pat and Kristin where eating dinner at Rosewood a couple they were sitting with asked Kristin how she knew Pat. Kristin answered in a matter of fact way, “From ‘Our Place’”. It was awesome to know that she thought of ‘Our Place’ as a place to hang out and meet new people. It was great to see a connection and know that God is using this resource center to make a difference. We are super excited that Kristin got connected with Rosewood and we are excited to see what God has in store for her life.
This morning we had our weekly prayer meeting and Pat shared some awesome stories about Kristin and family night. One story that Pat shared made us all realize what an impact ‘Our Place’ is having on the neighbors. While Pat and Kristin where eating dinner at Rosewood a couple they were sitting with asked Kristin how she knew Pat. Kristin answered in a matter of fact way, “From ‘Our Place’”. It was awesome to know that she thought of ‘Our Place’ as a place to hang out and meet new people. It was great to see a connection and know that God is using this resource center to make a difference. We are super excited that Kristin got connected with Rosewood and we are excited to see what God has in store for her life.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Neighbor!
I have a neighbor that lives in the apartments next door. He is always there. Always! If you listen carefully, you can almost always hear him. Some people might be annoyed by his loudness, but I'm comforted by it. He's always home & always watching what's going on our street. When I walk by, he yells "Neighbor!" and I reply "Hi neighbor!" back. That's usually the extent of our conversation, but I'd still consider him a friend.
On Friday mornings during the summer we are working with Pat Holwerda to pass out bread to the neighbors. It's good bread! High quality. But this last week, we had tons of it and all of the people that are good at networking in the neighborhood were not available. Katie and I decided to take a basket to my front yard and pass it out to people walking by. On our way down we ran into Neighbor (I found out his name is Manuel). He was so excited about the bread. He went door to door in his complex to tell people about it. It seemed like everyone that came up to the center the rest of that day was referred by him. What a great connection!
On Friday mornings during the summer we are working with Pat Holwerda to pass out bread to the neighbors. It's good bread! High quality. But this last week, we had tons of it and all of the people that are good at networking in the neighborhood were not available. Katie and I decided to take a basket to my front yard and pass it out to people walking by. On our way down we ran into Neighbor (I found out his name is Manuel). He was so excited about the bread. He went door to door in his complex to tell people about it. It seemed like everyone that came up to the center the rest of that day was referred by him. What a great connection!
Monday, July 09, 2007
"Bull In The China Shop"
Have you ever played phrase pictionary? I hadn’t either until last week Thursday. We had our fist open house at ‘Our Place’ last Thursday afternoon. I was a little nervous that no one would show up because we didn’t advertise as much as we should have for it. But I was wrong! About five kids showed up at 2:30pm and we played ping-pong, foosball, told stories, ate ice cream, and played pictionary with them. The best part of the afternoon, for me personally, was when Chrissy and I played phrase pictionary with the three neighborhood boys that showed up. Chrissy went first and was going to attempt to draw the phrase “bull in the china shop”. As she started drawing it out we easily guessed the first four words, but guessing the fifth word is when we ran into trouble. The word ‘shop’ is very hard to draw; we guessed things like the mall, various department stores, restaurants, a house, and even a casino. We guessed word after word and could not figure it out! Chrissy finally told us that the last word was shop – “bull in the china shop”. The boys and I looked at each other in confusion, we had never heard that phrase before – no wonder we couldn’t figure it out! We had a great laugh after that one.
I felt a real bond with the boys as we played that game. We were all laughing and working together to figure out the mystery word. We were just hanging out and being ourselves, it was a great way for all of us to get to know each other. I am so amazed at how God provides opportunity after opportunity to form relationships with the neighbors. Chrissy and I are already thinking of phrases for this week’s open house!
I felt a real bond with the boys as we played that game. We were all laughing and working together to figure out the mystery word. We were just hanging out and being ourselves, it was a great way for all of us to get to know each other. I am so amazed at how God provides opportunity after opportunity to form relationships with the neighbors. Chrissy and I are already thinking of phrases for this week’s open house!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Two Homeless Guys enter rehab
This past tuesday, one of our dedicated Volunteers Corwin took two guys to interview for spots at Teen Challenge. They got accepted! Teen Challenge has been providing Christian based recovery to addicts for over 50 Years (www.teenchallenge.com). The title could be confusing- it serves anyone who is 18 or older.
The day was an answer to our prayers. We've been buildin trusting relationships with these guys for over a year now so for them to make a decision to get sober, was an encouragement to us. Both have been in programs before- a common fact with many of the Homeless we interact with. It was very comforting to hear from the guy who runs the house they will be staying in. He was 54 by the time he was ready to quite his past- running with Hell's Angels and using Heroin. I could sense that his words were assuring for the two guys we brought there. The idea that it's never too late.
Part of our Model is to not only connect homeless to resources but to stay connected once they are in a program.
Our team will write to the guys, visit them on family days and give them calls.
Since we are Christians dealing with individuals who enter rehab, it's important for us to understand the principles of the Twelve Steps. We find them to be very applicable to our daily walk with the Lord. I wanted to share a twelve step principle and it's Biblical comparison with you:
Step #1 We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it our. (Romans 7:18)
The first ten days are a real test for these guys as they Detox and regain thier faculties. We pray that as they enter into working on thier 1st step, they will be strengthened.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Double The Fun
This week Chrissy and I were able to hang out with the teen girls we’ve been connecting with twice. Usually on Tuesday afternoons we take the girls swimming, but this week they had 8th grade graduation. Chrissy and I didn’t want to scrap the ‘hang-out’ time completely so instead we went to a little graduation party for them. I don’t think the girls were expecting to see us because they seemed surprised when we showed up. It was so fun to hang out with them and see them all dressed up. Before Chrissy and I left the party the girls asked if we could still do a swim day sometime during the week. It was exciting to see them initiate a swim/ hang-out day with us. This was a huge step in our relationships! So, today we were able to swim with the girls and eat lots of fruit with lemon and chill powder. It is so awesome getting to know these girls and I can’t wait to see how these relationships develop.
The Plunge
Seeing God work is such an amazing sight. I got a glimpse of that last Tuesday as I met with the Oak Street Pastors. Before I returned from school the pastors had met and brainstormed ideas on ways to impact the Oak Street Community. From that came an idea of a service retreat that would unify the churches and build up the community. From those ideas came The Plunge. This is a 2 day retreat for all youth groups in the area to come and serve the community that I have the opportunity to coordinate. Seeing the cooperation of all the churches and their leaders was an amazing sight and I am so excited to see how God will use this retreat as a tool to spread His Kingdom to everyone in Bellflower.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Community Development via Foosball
Our storefront neighbors are playing foosball in the front of the community center right now. It's great! We already have plans to battle it out on the ping pong table as soon as that arrives.On Tuesday a neighbor-boy that stops in almost everyday brought his mom and siblings over to play. What a good ice breaker! The Foosball Table has only been here for a week and it's already doing a good job in connecting neighbors. Thanks Katie!! Great idea!!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Pastors BBQ at my place
A few weeks ago Rachel and I hosted a barbeque at our home for the pastors of the churches in the Oak Street neighborhood. We had just invited Andrew to join the team to do some of the initial community development ground work and we wanted to get together to celebrate. We had a great time of fellowship. At one point I just sat back and thanked God for the answer to prayer that I was witnessing. Brothers and sisters, pastors from different churches all gathered in a spirit of unity. What a blessing! God is on the move.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Shrieks of Excitement
Yesterday I went into the neighborhood with Nicole McGahey to hand out flyers about Bethel day camp and the soccer program that will be starting within the next couple of weeks. Many of the kids’ voices shrieked with excitement as they heard about the various opportunities available to them this summer. As I handed out the soccer flyers I would ask the kids if they liked soccer, one little boy in particular screamed out, “SOCCER? I love soccer!” The excitement in his voice, along with all the other shrieks of excitement, makes all the planning that goes into starting up a program worth every second. Working on Eucalyptus Street and with Kingdom Causes has been an ongoing blessing. Everyday I am just amazed by what God is doing in this neighborhood and how He is a constant provider.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
A picture of involvement
So not everyone is called to build a relationship with or minister to Homeless people.
A friend and brother at a Church in Bellflower has found a way to be involved with the Homeless and those transitioning out of Homelessness. God has gifted him with the abilities to run a successful business. He provides water to all his employees and puts out recycle bins for the bottles. He donated about 6 bags of recyclables for our Homeless Task Force team. We decided to give the bags to two of the individuals in transitional housing. A little extra money after they pay off thier monthly bills is a real blessing. The cool thing about the Recyclables is that they have to do a little work for the money and it's not just free cash. I took Patrick and the son of another tenant to Ralphs where they recycled about $25 worth of bottles. The "little guy" who is about 4 got some early work experience which him and his mom were grateful for. By the way, his mother sacrifices her small pay check once a month to cook food for the homeless on Tuesdays. Sometimes i want to tell her to keep her money but she insists that God wants her to bless others.
Thank you to our friends at Sparkle Water Management for your kind donations. It's pretty simple but impactful.
Mentor Outing
We provide incentives for the individuals in trailers who are working on goals such as budgeting or life skills. We ask them what kind of activity they would like to do. This past month, we took our friend Elane to Redondo for Fish and Chips. She is part of The Lords Church in Bellflower and is connected with a Mentor from that Church. She has memories of going to Redondo with her friends so we wanted to create more memories. We ate, played with birds, watched the ocean, laughed and admired God's creation as we drove the coast. Great Job Dena and Elane! (Dena we'll make sure you can make the next outing and thank you for all your hard work!)
Project Turned To BBQ
Students from Valley Christians Missions class got an assignment to take $1.00 and see how far it could go towards helping someone. Four girls from the class combined thier dollars and bought window washing supplies. They washed enough windows to make $70. After going down to Harbor Light Mission in LA and seeing Karaoke in the Park with the Homeless they wanted to do something similar. At the same time that the students contacted me, our Homeless friends were talking about getting together in the Park. We combined the ideas and had a BBQ in the Park. We laid out mats and chairs for people to relax in while eating and having conversation. People cooked and ate side by side. We had a water balloon toss game and a Pinata. About 25 volunteers and homeless people gathered together to build Christ centered relationships.
Every Tuesday and Saturday we interact with the Homeless and so this has been a fun memory that many still reflect upon.
Thank you Valley Christian for inspiring students to be creative with Mission. It's amazing what combining resources can accomplish. Thank you Justine and Shiloh for throwing the party!
Every Tuesday and Saturday we interact with the Homeless and so this has been a fun memory that many still reflect upon.
Thank you Valley Christian for inspiring students to be creative with Mission. It's amazing what combining resources can accomplish. Thank you Justine and Shiloh for throwing the party!
noticing beauty in the neighborhood
"There are beautiful dynamics to urban life that most rural and suburban folks can’t understand. There is variety in its ethnic mixes and this often produces a sense of neighborhood or face-to-face community not known in the suburbs. Suburban residents sometimes don’t know neighbors who live only a few doors a way. When inner city kids visit the suburbs, they often think it looks like a ghost town: all those empty lawns, swimming pools with no one swimming, decks but no one sitting on them, sidewalks and no one walking." (Dean Borgman cCYS http://www.centerforyouth.org/Encyclopedia.aspx?id=47613)
Growing up in a suburb with tons of track homes and corner parks, it took me a long time to appreciate the beauty of inner-city neighborhoods. I was born & raised in Corona... land of new housing developments and cookie cutter corner shopping centers. Corona is pretty... on a clear day. Corona is clean. The grass is green & landscaped. The buildings all look the same... stucco and plain. Bellflower has a different beauty. The beauty isn't based on its cleanliness or buildings... although I do prefer older houses with character compared to track homes with no yards. Bellflower's beauty, specifically my neighborhood, is somewhat hidden. You have to really pay attention to notice it. But once you do, you realize it's all around.
On Eucalyptus there is always someone walking by... even late at night. There are people talking. Mamacitas chatting to one another as they walk their kids to school. Men carrying water bottles up the street to get water for their family. Kids playing games that they made up.
There's an old man that walks around Bellflower all day. He wears a gray sweater, blue polyester pants and walks with a forward slant. I see him everyday! He just walks. Sometimes he has a bag from the grocery store, but mostly he's just walking. He speaks Spanish, so I have yet to converse with him. But he is part of what makes my neighborhood beautiful.
The other night I ate dinner outside on the porch because my house was warm and a little messy. There were two little boys (maybe 7 or 8) across the street giggling. As soon as the street was clear of traffic, they would run out to the middle and each put a plastic bottle where they thought a car would hit it. Then, sure enough, a car would come by and run over one of the bottles... and the kids would laugh and do it again. They found joy with a piece of trash and a busy street. Beautiful.
Growing up in a suburb with tons of track homes and corner parks, it took me a long time to appreciate the beauty of inner-city neighborhoods. I was born & raised in Corona... land of new housing developments and cookie cutter corner shopping centers. Corona is pretty... on a clear day. Corona is clean. The grass is green & landscaped. The buildings all look the same... stucco and plain. Bellflower has a different beauty. The beauty isn't based on its cleanliness or buildings... although I do prefer older houses with character compared to track homes with no yards. Bellflower's beauty, specifically my neighborhood, is somewhat hidden. You have to really pay attention to notice it. But once you do, you realize it's all around.
On Eucalyptus there is always someone walking by... even late at night. There are people talking. Mamacitas chatting to one another as they walk their kids to school. Men carrying water bottles up the street to get water for their family. Kids playing games that they made up.
There's an old man that walks around Bellflower all day. He wears a gray sweater, blue polyester pants and walks with a forward slant. I see him everyday! He just walks. Sometimes he has a bag from the grocery store, but mostly he's just walking. He speaks Spanish, so I have yet to converse with him. But he is part of what makes my neighborhood beautiful.
The other night I ate dinner outside on the porch because my house was warm and a little messy. There were two little boys (maybe 7 or 8) across the street giggling. As soon as the street was clear of traffic, they would run out to the middle and each put a plastic bottle where they thought a car would hit it. Then, sure enough, a car would come by and run over one of the bottles... and the kids would laugh and do it again. They found joy with a piece of trash and a busy street. Beautiful.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Lemon, Chili & Salt
Today Katie and I spent time with three junior high girls that hang out on Cornuta. I'd met them before, but barely got a word out of all three of them combined. We're having them help us create a program or "hang out" time with girls their age. I'd love to see this turn into a mentoring relationship. Today we went swimming for a couple of hours and they opened up a little more. We bonded over eating lemons with chili & salt. SICK! Gooo! They were all eating it so they made Katie and I try it. I don't like sour or salty... so a combination of both is not appealing whatsoever. But we tried it. They kept on pouring more salt on after each bite. My lips were stinging and they thought it was hilarious. We actually went through an entire salt shaker! So Katie and I decided that our goal is to enjoy the whole fruit & salt & chili thing before the end of the summer.
I will say... orange with salt & chili isn't too bad. I might actually like that.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Starting Out
A Post by Katie Zondervan
Last week I started my first day as an intern with Kingdom Causes, working specifically on Eucalyptus Street with Chrissy. Coming in I had a general idea of what my summer would consist of, but my first days at Kingdom Causes were a little different from what I was expecting. The first day we had orientation and then went out in the neighborhood to get a feel for where I would be spending a lot of my time. We spent most of the afternoon building relationships with kids in the neighborhood. It was awesome! I was amazed to see all the relationships Chrissy has already made and was excited to start forming my own.
Since I have started I have experienced so many great things. I got to ride the Bethel blue bus, which drives down Eucalyptus street to pick up kids for youth group at Bethel Church. I saw the photo exhibit and the wonderful talent these kids have. I have been able to brainstorm ideas with the team, and hear stories of transformation, specifically that of Laticia, a lady who lives in the neighborhood and has been very involved with Kingdom Causes. She wants to see the neighborhood transform and is always willing to lend a hand.
If there is one thing I have learned or had reinforced since starting last week it would be to not place judgment too quickly. Growing up around Bellflower I had heard stories about Eucalyptus Street and its reputation, and automatically I had a pre-conception about it. Knowing that I would be working specifically on the street I was a little nervous, but now realize I had no need to be. I agree that there are defiantly bad parts on Eucalyptus Street, but there are also a lot of good things that go unrecognized. There are so many good people, families, relationships, and resources throughout the street. It is amazing see God at work in those good areas! I am excited to see what the summer will bring.
Last week I started my first day as an intern with Kingdom Causes, working specifically on Eucalyptus Street with Chrissy. Coming in I had a general idea of what my summer would consist of, but my first days at Kingdom Causes were a little different from what I was expecting. The first day we had orientation and then went out in the neighborhood to get a feel for where I would be spending a lot of my time. We spent most of the afternoon building relationships with kids in the neighborhood. It was awesome! I was amazed to see all the relationships Chrissy has already made and was excited to start forming my own.
Since I have started I have experienced so many great things. I got to ride the Bethel blue bus, which drives down Eucalyptus street to pick up kids for youth group at Bethel Church. I saw the photo exhibit and the wonderful talent these kids have. I have been able to brainstorm ideas with the team, and hear stories of transformation, specifically that of Laticia, a lady who lives in the neighborhood and has been very involved with Kingdom Causes. She wants to see the neighborhood transform and is always willing to lend a hand.
If there is one thing I have learned or had reinforced since starting last week it would be to not place judgment too quickly. Growing up around Bellflower I had heard stories about Eucalyptus Street and its reputation, and automatically I had a pre-conception about it. Knowing that I would be working specifically on the street I was a little nervous, but now realize I had no need to be. I agree that there are defiantly bad parts on Eucalyptus Street, but there are also a lot of good things that go unrecognized. There are so many good people, families, relationships, and resources throughout the street. It is amazing see God at work in those good areas! I am excited to see what the summer will bring.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Peace
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). That's a hard one to follow this week. I felt like there was a target on my back for attack by means of discouragement. In the back of my mind I could recognize that it was spiritual attack, but it didn't make it any easier. At the beginning of the week it was hard for me to focus on the things that needed to be done for this weekend's Advancement Dinner. But God is faithful. I asked... begged for peace and strength and He gave it.
So today is the big day. Our Second Annual Advancement Dinner is in a few hours. You would think we all would be running around going crazy with last minute tasks, but the mood in this office is peace. This morning Pat Holwerda led us in a time of prayer and I walked away from that feeling a sense of awe for God's faithfulness. I'm excited for those of you who come tonight to see and hear what the Lord is doing in Bellflower. It's good stuff.
So today is the big day. Our Second Annual Advancement Dinner is in a few hours. You would think we all would be running around going crazy with last minute tasks, but the mood in this office is peace. This morning Pat Holwerda led us in a time of prayer and I walked away from that feeling a sense of awe for God's faithfulness. I'm excited for those of you who come tonight to see and hear what the Lord is doing in Bellflower. It's good stuff.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Did the Good Samaritan ever come back?
My mom always asks me what I do and so mom if you read this you'll understand a little more.
About 7 churches in and around Bellflower participate in some type of food ministry to the "poor", or homeless. Oftentimes, it is merely an exchange of foods and services. I have connected with a couple of Churches and offered myself as a resource to assist people who come through the lines and are asking for more than food.
Yesterday is a good story.
"Ray" ended up limping into our office pretty beat up. Sick, fatigued, tired, dirty and looking for help, he told me that he had just come from a food pantry and talked with a lady for about an hour who referred him over to us. I assessed the situation. 54 years old. Alcoholic. Divorced. Recently Homeless. The main cause of Homelessness is a lack of supportive relationships. Mostly because "they" burn bridges. Addicts create a confusing environment in a relationship. It's like dealing with two people- the sober one and the intoxicated one. Confusing!
He went to the Church to get help. He had no place to go. He was pretty rock bottom.
He is thankful for the lady who ministered to him.
I ended up driving him to a detox in Orange County. They looked at him and requested that he fix his broken foot. I took him to the Emergency room and left him there with the number to get back to the detox.
He called me this morning. He'll spend 10 days there and then make a decision to enter more intensive rehab(which is what i suggest)
There is a little complexity that underlies all of this. A Good Samaritan ministers for an hour and then referrs him to me who referred him somewhere. He will then be referred to another place who will referr him to a job and then to a house. When does it end?
I feel like the story of the Good Samaritan leaves us hanging a litle bit. We know that the Samaritan stops, assesses and then referrs the person to an inn. They are then on their way. Does the Samaritan ever come back to see the person that was helped? Maybe the Samaritan wanted to come back but had some really important business to take care of? Who knows?
What is our responsibility as a Church for those who come to us in need? How much of our time and lives are we required to give?
I called the Church and tried to speak to the "Good Samaritan" who ministered to "Ray". The secretary said the lady wasn't a member and seemed shocked that I would call back to get her involved. I wanted to give her the opportunity to stay involved in "ray's" rehabilitation process if she would like. He needs to rebuild his supportive network!
I hope she calls and we can speak.
About 7 churches in and around Bellflower participate in some type of food ministry to the "poor", or homeless. Oftentimes, it is merely an exchange of foods and services. I have connected with a couple of Churches and offered myself as a resource to assist people who come through the lines and are asking for more than food.
Yesterday is a good story.
"Ray" ended up limping into our office pretty beat up. Sick, fatigued, tired, dirty and looking for help, he told me that he had just come from a food pantry and talked with a lady for about an hour who referred him over to us. I assessed the situation. 54 years old. Alcoholic. Divorced. Recently Homeless. The main cause of Homelessness is a lack of supportive relationships. Mostly because "they" burn bridges. Addicts create a confusing environment in a relationship. It's like dealing with two people- the sober one and the intoxicated one. Confusing!
He went to the Church to get help. He had no place to go. He was pretty rock bottom.
He is thankful for the lady who ministered to him.
I ended up driving him to a detox in Orange County. They looked at him and requested that he fix his broken foot. I took him to the Emergency room and left him there with the number to get back to the detox.
He called me this morning. He'll spend 10 days there and then make a decision to enter more intensive rehab(which is what i suggest)
There is a little complexity that underlies all of this. A Good Samaritan ministers for an hour and then referrs him to me who referred him somewhere. He will then be referred to another place who will referr him to a job and then to a house. When does it end?
I feel like the story of the Good Samaritan leaves us hanging a litle bit. We know that the Samaritan stops, assesses and then referrs the person to an inn. They are then on their way. Does the Samaritan ever come back to see the person that was helped? Maybe the Samaritan wanted to come back but had some really important business to take care of? Who knows?
What is our responsibility as a Church for those who come to us in need? How much of our time and lives are we required to give?
I called the Church and tried to speak to the "Good Samaritan" who ministered to "Ray". The secretary said the lady wasn't a member and seemed shocked that I would call back to get her involved. I wanted to give her the opportunity to stay involved in "ray's" rehabilitation process if she would like. He needs to rebuild his supportive network!
I hope she calls and we can speak.
Oak Street: The Trials in the “Real World”
May 25, 2007
Blogged by: Andrew Nishimoto
So I was walking down Oak Street the other day to just pray and better acquaint myself with the neighborhood and what it has to offer when I walked through a group of late teen early twenty year olds. One of them reminded me of someone I knew in high school so I asked him where he went to school and once it was realized we didn’t go to the same school I attempted to make some small talk with them. I quickly realized they did not want, or trust this “white boy” in their neighborhood. I then left and was quickly disheartened about my mission this summer.
I was driving home, trying to collect my thoughts and figure out my emotions. I had been on a “spiritual high” since beginning this work a couple weeks ago and this was my first real down to earth experience. Cloud nine was pulled away and I felt like I was falling. This is when I realized that God is there to catch me and that this is His work and it is not going to be easy. All this to say that, those who think everything can be fixed with some formulated plan, as I once did, have never worked these neighborhoods. This work is hard, time consuming, and takes ones whole being. Please continue to pray for me, and all of us here at Kingdom Causes and other organizations with the same mission.
Blogged by: Andrew Nishimoto
So I was walking down Oak Street the other day to just pray and better acquaint myself with the neighborhood and what it has to offer when I walked through a group of late teen early twenty year olds. One of them reminded me of someone I knew in high school so I asked him where he went to school and once it was realized we didn’t go to the same school I attempted to make some small talk with them. I quickly realized they did not want, or trust this “white boy” in their neighborhood. I then left and was quickly disheartened about my mission this summer.
I was driving home, trying to collect my thoughts and figure out my emotions. I had been on a “spiritual high” since beginning this work a couple weeks ago and this was my first real down to earth experience. Cloud nine was pulled away and I felt like I was falling. This is when I realized that God is there to catch me and that this is His work and it is not going to be easy. All this to say that, those who think everything can be fixed with some formulated plan, as I once did, have never worked these neighborhoods. This work is hard, time consuming, and takes ones whole being. Please continue to pray for me, and all of us here at Kingdom Causes and other organizations with the same mission.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Meet our new interns!
Katie Zondervan (Eucalyptus Intern)
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A veterinarian
What is your best childhood memory?
Playing hot lava around the house
How did you get involved with Kingdom Causes?
I didn't want another filing job this summer. I wanted to do something with more meaning. So my dad talked with Ryan... and now I'm here.
What's your most embarrassing moment?
I got de-pantsed in the middle of lunch my sophomore year in high school. I still cry myself to sleep at night.
Andrew Nishimoto (Oak Street Intern)
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Professional Wrestler
What is your best childhood memory?
Going to Disneyland with my Grandma
How did you get involved with Kingdom Causes?
Pastor Tom (Brethren Church) hooked it up.
What's your most embarrassing moment?
When I was 12 I went to a park with the spinny thing. I was dizzy and needed to go potty, so I went into the bathroom. When I walked out, I realized I had been in the girls restroom.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A veterinarian
What is your best childhood memory?
Playing hot lava around the house
How did you get involved with Kingdom Causes?
I didn't want another filing job this summer. I wanted to do something with more meaning. So my dad talked with Ryan... and now I'm here.
What's your most embarrassing moment?
I got de-pantsed in the middle of lunch my sophomore year in high school. I still cry myself to sleep at night.
Andrew Nishimoto (Oak Street Intern)
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Professional Wrestler
What is your best childhood memory?
Going to Disneyland with my Grandma
How did you get involved with Kingdom Causes?
Pastor Tom (Brethren Church) hooked it up.
What's your most embarrassing moment?
When I was 12 I went to a park with the spinny thing. I was dizzy and needed to go potty, so I went into the bathroom. When I walked out, I realized I had been in the girls restroom.
Monday, May 21, 2007
post exhibit bliss
What an amazing experience! The expressions on the kids faces when they walked in to see their work displayed was worth all the hours of prep. Oscar brought his entire family... and then some. They stayed the entire 2 hours that the exhibit was open. The night before we found out that one of the largest soccer games would be on during the same hours that our exhibit was open. I was worried that nobody would show up because of the game, but we ended up with well over 100 guests, including the mayor, Scott Larsen. If you missed the opportunity to visit the exhibit on Sunday, we'll keep the pictures up until next week. Stop by & see for yourself! Here are some pictures from the night:
Oscar's brother and nephew enjoying their time
Thank you Andrew & Eric for making the ladder idea work
Jaclyn & her mom pose next to her exhibit
Yeah... that's our Mayor with Kevin
Oscar's brother and nephew enjoying their time
Thank you Andrew & Eric for making the ladder idea work
Jaclyn & her mom pose next to her exhibit
Yeah... that's our Mayor with Kevin
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Story Telling w/ Pictures
The theme of last week's photography classes was "story telling with pictures." On Thursday we took the class to the Eucalyptus & Cornuta neighborhood, where many of them live. Below are some of my favorite shots from the day. Can you guess the story behind each photo?
Friday, May 04, 2007
Oak Street: The fruit of united prayer
I am excited to see what God is doing throughout our city. During the 40 days of prayer leading up to Palm Sunday a group of pastors gathered weekly to pray for the city of Bellflower and seek his blessing of our community.
During the last few months Pastor Tom from Bellflower Brethren Church, Pastor Dennie from the Neighborhood Christian Fellowship and Pastor Mosheh from By the Book Church have been meeting to brainstorm how these churches that share a common neighborhood, Oak Street, can work together to bless it.
This summer these churches will be working together through an intern who will be leading an effort of getting to know and organize neighborhood leaders for community transformation. We're seeing God expand the work of his people into another neighborhood! Praise him!
During the last few months Pastor Tom from Bellflower Brethren Church, Pastor Dennie from the Neighborhood Christian Fellowship and Pastor Mosheh from By the Book Church have been meeting to brainstorm how these churches that share a common neighborhood, Oak Street, can work together to bless it.
This summer these churches will be working together through an intern who will be leading an effort of getting to know and organize neighborhood leaders for community transformation. We're seeing God expand the work of his people into another neighborhood! Praise him!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Visit to Phillight Studios
On Thursday our photography class visited Phillight Studio in downtown Bellflower. The owner, Phillip Young, was gracious enough to spend time with our class showing the students how a camera works. We also were able to take some shots in the studio section and learn how to edit pictures with PhotoShop. If you're thinking of getting portraits done, you should definitely visit Phillight.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Signs of Transformation
Two years ago with our propane stove under the freeway overpass we met Kenny.
A relationship formed between him and many others who were part of Outreach and Engagement.
We would see him on Tuesdays and Saturdays and as we drove through a parking lot near a local food joint. He would come and chat. We would ask about his girlfriend and what he had been up to. Often times he would initiate good conversations which would lead us into prayer for sobriety and clarity for the future.
Many felt connected to Kenny because of prayer times. Each anticipating the next time we would see him and hope he was ready to live into sobriety.
Last week he gave me a small cardboard sign with a contact number and a message. I contacted the number and it was his mom. I talked with her and she let me know how much she anticipated some healthy direction for her son. Her other son had just got clean and she was delighted that Kenny seemed ready.
We got together with Kenny and his mom and talked about options for sobriety. We took him down to the Long Beach Rescue Mission where we talked with a Chaplain. I watched as the Chaplain asked Kenny about what it meant to be a Christian. He asked Kenny if he believed one part of him could be perfect. Kenny reflected that he was pretty bad- that his mental thoughts were wrong and that his physical body wanted to consume unhealthy things.
By the time we left the office, Kenny had energy about the idea that the Holy Spirit is perfect and once it was inside of him, it would guide and direct his mental thoughts and his physical actions.
Kenny is currently on his 6th day at the Mission and is awaiting entrance to a 1 year program.
Praise the Lord. He changes people!
Pray for Kenny. He wants a change!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Elementary Students Mentor Adult in Gardening (humbling & humorous!)
The Horticulture Program at Long Beach City College donated 5 flats of herbs, vegetables & flowers for us to plant in the neighborhood. I need to wait for my friend to get back before we plant any, because if I am in charge, the plants will surely die! Some of my favorite girls from the street walked by and helped me water them all. A few weeks ago they came over to see my mini lettuce garden (which was looking great at the time). When they saw it today, all shrivelled up from either too much water or lack of water, they offered their help in keeping the other plants alive. I found it pretty humorous. They're in 1st & 3rd grade! I'll try to get some pictures of our little project. If you have any gardening advice... please pass it on to me!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Whole Lotta Talent!!!
We took the class out last Thursday to take pictures at the City Plaza. Even though the sky was brown with dust from the windy day, the kids still managed to take some amazing pictures. Take a look:
Friday, April 13, 2007
Church of Bellflower Palm Sunday Potluck
"How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!"
Psalm 133:1
On April 1, Palm Sunday, several congregations of the church of Bellflower gathered for a time of connecting and celebration. During the 40 days before Christians through out our city were praying for our city. We prayed for our city leaders, for teachers, for gang members, for kids and many other people in our city. At the dinner we sang songs of praise to God for the answers to prayer that we had witnessed. People recieving healing, people moving from homelessness to health and more. God is good and it certainly is good and pleasant when we God's people live in unity!
Pastor Mosheh from By the Book Church prayed at the end of the night and he prayed that this event might just be the beginning and that some momentum might build for gatherings like this Palm Sunday Potluck to be more frequent. I agree!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Words of Transformation
The great Henry Nouwen speaks true words about the Human Condition. These words seem fitting for anyone who is trying to reach out and connect with someone- from your neighbor next door to the homeless individual you see weekly at the park.
Hospitality –Creating Space for the Stranger
Estrangement, a feeling of not belonging, is one of the hallmark characteristics of the experience of homelessness. One becomes separated from usual activities, relationships, and sense of place and purpose in the world. Literally, one becomes a stranger. The longer
homelessness persists, the more deeply ingrained this sense of alienation becomes.
“Offering the gift of hospitality” is a useful way for care provider’s to think about overcoming this estrangement. In his book Reaching Out, Henri Nouwen defines hospitality as “creating free and friendly space for the stranger.” This definition takes us well beyond images
of tea and sandwiches being shared in a pristine setting. Instead it points us towards new and deeper relationships in our lives. Hospitality offered to the stranger is an invitation to a relationship – a relationship that provides a welcoming face and presence – that
creates a sense of refuge from an often impersonal, hostile world. Hence, the person experiencing homelessness can have a taste of being “at home” in the context of a safe, friendly relationship. A hospitable relationship comes with no strings attached. It does not pass judgment and does not make demands. Instead, it provides a space in which the other can freely explore one’s own needs, abilities and hopes. Such a relationship becomes both a “resting place” and a
“guiding light.” It provides a place of self-reflection and restoration. It instills and renews hope.
The power of hospitality lies not in coercion but in careful listening, reflection, information and kindly persuasion. It encourages, but does not force. It is built upon the trustworthiness, competency and integrity of the provider. When we think of our own experiences of being graced with the hospitable presence of another, we remember it as calming, orienting
and renewing. It is like remembering who we are – returning to our true home – so that we can once again move ahead more confidently in our lives. The absence of such a presence often leads to isolation, dis-orientation, confusion and despair. Like all of us, people experiencing homelessness need hospitable relationships in their lives. Hospitality is offered in many ways – sometimes by a simple gesture of acknowledgement, a warm smile, a cup of coffee, listening
patiently without interrupting, offering information, a word of encouragement, or simply by being present with the other person in silence. Hospitality requires time, patience and kindly persistence. It cannot be rushed. It sees the “bigger picture” rather than seeking the
“quick fix.” As trust within the relationship builds, a sense of companionship develops (see Rennebohm’s Relational Outreach and Engagement Model). Time is spent together on a more predictable basis. The homeless individual shares more and more of his or her story. Small
tasks are shared. Inquiries are made about other resources. In time, hospitality leads to increasing the “circle of care” to help the individual access needed resources and services. In this manner, medical, housing, financial, counseling and other treatment and social service
needs are met. Over time, as the individual progresses toward greater stability, the relationship moves into a phase of increasing mutuality. It is not just one-sided. Once a stranger, the individual has now become a neighbor and friend. We discover that our stories are interwoven and that we are bonded by our common humanity. In this mutuality, each person is recognized for the strengths and gifts that they bring to the relationship as well as to the larger community.
In the end, hospitality that is given becomes hospitality received.
- Ken Kraybill
Hospitality –Creating Space for the Stranger
Estrangement, a feeling of not belonging, is one of the hallmark characteristics of the experience of homelessness. One becomes separated from usual activities, relationships, and sense of place and purpose in the world. Literally, one becomes a stranger. The longer
homelessness persists, the more deeply ingrained this sense of alienation becomes.
“Offering the gift of hospitality” is a useful way for care provider’s to think about overcoming this estrangement. In his book Reaching Out, Henri Nouwen defines hospitality as “creating free and friendly space for the stranger.” This definition takes us well beyond images
of tea and sandwiches being shared in a pristine setting. Instead it points us towards new and deeper relationships in our lives. Hospitality offered to the stranger is an invitation to a relationship – a relationship that provides a welcoming face and presence – that
creates a sense of refuge from an often impersonal, hostile world. Hence, the person experiencing homelessness can have a taste of being “at home” in the context of a safe, friendly relationship. A hospitable relationship comes with no strings attached. It does not pass judgment and does not make demands. Instead, it provides a space in which the other can freely explore one’s own needs, abilities and hopes. Such a relationship becomes both a “resting place” and a
“guiding light.” It provides a place of self-reflection and restoration. It instills and renews hope.
The power of hospitality lies not in coercion but in careful listening, reflection, information and kindly persuasion. It encourages, but does not force. It is built upon the trustworthiness, competency and integrity of the provider. When we think of our own experiences of being graced with the hospitable presence of another, we remember it as calming, orienting
and renewing. It is like remembering who we are – returning to our true home – so that we can once again move ahead more confidently in our lives. The absence of such a presence often leads to isolation, dis-orientation, confusion and despair. Like all of us, people experiencing homelessness need hospitable relationships in their lives. Hospitality is offered in many ways – sometimes by a simple gesture of acknowledgement, a warm smile, a cup of coffee, listening
patiently without interrupting, offering information, a word of encouragement, or simply by being present with the other person in silence. Hospitality requires time, patience and kindly persistence. It cannot be rushed. It sees the “bigger picture” rather than seeking the
“quick fix.” As trust within the relationship builds, a sense of companionship develops (see Rennebohm’s Relational Outreach and Engagement Model). Time is spent together on a more predictable basis. The homeless individual shares more and more of his or her story. Small
tasks are shared. Inquiries are made about other resources. In time, hospitality leads to increasing the “circle of care” to help the individual access needed resources and services. In this manner, medical, housing, financial, counseling and other treatment and social service
needs are met. Over time, as the individual progresses toward greater stability, the relationship moves into a phase of increasing mutuality. It is not just one-sided. Once a stranger, the individual has now become a neighbor and friend. We discover that our stories are interwoven and that we are bonded by our common humanity. In this mutuality, each person is recognized for the strengths and gifts that they bring to the relationship as well as to the larger community.
In the end, hospitality that is given becomes hospitality received.
- Ken Kraybill
Outreach and Assessment
This is a great short article for anyone who is interested in thinking about deeper issues to "Why are people Homeless?" and, "What can I do?"
Our Theory of Change believes that Homelessness will end once individuals take the time to know someone "through and through". This takes a lot of patience and time.
We must ask the Holy Spirit to give us the insight and compassion to listen and look inside of people.
I have extracted pieces of the original article for our use. Assessment is the process of gathering information from an indiviudal in a professional setting. I insist that these grand skills not be used just for professionals, but rather for all individuals who desire to be part of the solution of Homelessness. I have highlited key phrases.
Outreach and Assessment by Ken Kraybill
"Assessment is not unlike putting together a puzzle. It requires laying out the pieces, sorting and organizing them in general categories, and then forming a piece by piece. It takes time and concentrated effort. The assessment process is not to be confused with diagnosis in the narrow way the term is commonly used – as a shorthand description or label. The literal
meaning of diagnosis is “to know through and through.” Defined in this way, diagnosis and assessment do in fact become one and the same. To know someone “through and through” suggests taking the time to listen very carefully to that person’s story. Otherwise, assessment will be limited in its accuracy and usefulness. While it is relatively easy to assess the obvious – that someone is wearing inadequate clothing for the weather, or has skin wounds that need attention, or is intoxicated – it is more difficult to come to an understanding of what has brought them to this point in their lives or what hinders them from moving ahead. Is the individual unaware of help available? Has he or she given up on ever having a better life? Harboring guilt that is too great to even express? Been hurt emotionally once too many times to care anymore? Struggling with inner voices, real or imagined, which denigrate the individual over and over? Too angry to want anybody’s caring or help? These are the questions to which workers must seek answers. Such answers can be learned only through a relational approach
to assessment. Thorough assessment requires that we observe not only what is readily apparent, but also what is “hidden.” This means seeing with a “third eye” perspective. That is, listening for nuance, noting ambivalence, observing what’s missing, paying attention to your own reactions and intuition, and testing out ideas. The “hidden” is the part of the person’s story that is revealed as the bond of trust between worker and client grows stronger and stronger.
As outreach workers, we can miss a lot of critical knowledge if we avoid the “hidden” and jump to conclusions in assessment and offer help prematurely. For example, experienced outreach workers know that it can not be assumed that someone living on a river bank in a makeshift tent would rather stay in a mission or public shelter or want permanent housing for that matter. Or, that someone who is feeling ill wants to see a medical provider. Or, that a person who is
experiencing depression will be eager to be treated with medications. Frequently, the deeper psychological and emotional problems that individuals face keep them from resolving their homelessness-related problems of housing, income, and seeking health care and social service assistance. Acknowledging and attempting to address these deep-down issues cannot be ignored if we are to be successful in helping people move from the streets toward greater stability.
In Health Care for the Homeless programs some outreach workers are generalists while others have specialized training in medicine, mental health, addictions or in working with specific populations of homeless people. Therefore, the emphasis or targeting of assessment activities will vary from provider to provider. However, it remains the responsibility of all providers involved in outreach to strive to know individuals “through and through” so as to be accurate
in assessment and effective with our interventions."
Our Theory of Change believes that Homelessness will end once individuals take the time to know someone "through and through". This takes a lot of patience and time.
We must ask the Holy Spirit to give us the insight and compassion to listen and look inside of people.
I have extracted pieces of the original article for our use. Assessment is the process of gathering information from an indiviudal in a professional setting. I insist that these grand skills not be used just for professionals, but rather for all individuals who desire to be part of the solution of Homelessness. I have highlited key phrases.
Outreach and Assessment by Ken Kraybill
"Assessment is not unlike putting together a puzzle. It requires laying out the pieces, sorting and organizing them in general categories, and then forming a piece by piece. It takes time and concentrated effort. The assessment process is not to be confused with diagnosis in the narrow way the term is commonly used – as a shorthand description or label. The literal
meaning of diagnosis is “to know through and through.” Defined in this way, diagnosis and assessment do in fact become one and the same. To know someone “through and through” suggests taking the time to listen very carefully to that person’s story. Otherwise, assessment will be limited in its accuracy and usefulness. While it is relatively easy to assess the obvious – that someone is wearing inadequate clothing for the weather, or has skin wounds that need attention, or is intoxicated – it is more difficult to come to an understanding of what has brought them to this point in their lives or what hinders them from moving ahead. Is the individual unaware of help available? Has he or she given up on ever having a better life? Harboring guilt that is too great to even express? Been hurt emotionally once too many times to care anymore? Struggling with inner voices, real or imagined, which denigrate the individual over and over? Too angry to want anybody’s caring or help? These are the questions to which workers must seek answers. Such answers can be learned only through a relational approach
to assessment. Thorough assessment requires that we observe not only what is readily apparent, but also what is “hidden.” This means seeing with a “third eye” perspective. That is, listening for nuance, noting ambivalence, observing what’s missing, paying attention to your own reactions and intuition, and testing out ideas. The “hidden” is the part of the person’s story that is revealed as the bond of trust between worker and client grows stronger and stronger.
As outreach workers, we can miss a lot of critical knowledge if we avoid the “hidden” and jump to conclusions in assessment and offer help prematurely. For example, experienced outreach workers know that it can not be assumed that someone living on a river bank in a makeshift tent would rather stay in a mission or public shelter or want permanent housing for that matter. Or, that someone who is feeling ill wants to see a medical provider. Or, that a person who is
experiencing depression will be eager to be treated with medications. Frequently, the deeper psychological and emotional problems that individuals face keep them from resolving their homelessness-related problems of housing, income, and seeking health care and social service assistance. Acknowledging and attempting to address these deep-down issues cannot be ignored if we are to be successful in helping people move from the streets toward greater stability.
In Health Care for the Homeless programs some outreach workers are generalists while others have specialized training in medicine, mental health, addictions or in working with specific populations of homeless people. Therefore, the emphasis or targeting of assessment activities will vary from provider to provider. However, it remains the responsibility of all providers involved in outreach to strive to know individuals “through and through” so as to be accurate
in assessment and effective with our interventions."
Friday, April 06, 2007
Released
The events of this story and timing are true and perfectly wrapped inside of God's hand. Sometimes it's like maybe the activities of our life are clinched in God's hand and then sometimes he opens the fist and blows and out comes this perfect story that he's been dying to reveal to us.
( I think there should be a Nooma video for what I just wrote)
I was on the freeway with my friend Jason, driving to his mom's house. The air in my Volkswagen van was thick with the joy of a weekend pass. I had met Jason a year and a half prior to these events. Members of our Homeless Task Force would take our campstoves under the freeway to talk and listen to what the homelessness experience was like.
Over time, Jason grew fond of our human/spiritual experience and entered rehab. He soon joined the ranks of the old timer recovery guys by living with his story of recovery on his cuff and joining our Street Outreach to the Homeless.
Personal Journal Entry...March 2, 2007
"Jason got a purple heart for saving a guys life"
As we drove I got a call from a random number on my phone. I felt compelled to answer. Raul, from a local liquor said, "a guy named Eric is out front and wanted me to call you. he said he was ready!"
I shared the news with Jason. The air of joy in my van increased dramatically. Eric was Jason's street buddy. We knew the long lost friend was coming home.
On the scene.......lot's happend but i only have one picture...
...Eric was pretty loaded and suicidal. Eyes full of mustard and ketchup, he rolled around on the grass with a freshly twisted ankle. The rock bottom was pretty evident. At one key moment, he rolled onto his side and slowly onto a knee where he pointed at Jason and said, "I want what you got."
God just released a year and a half full of events from his hand into the air for composure.
Jason took over and talked to Eric about his story of recovery. He related to him and gave him vision for the future. First person experience couldn't have been timed any better for this occasion. Eric listened and acted. We took him to a 10 day detox. Volunteers from the Homeless Task Force wrote letters, called and visited him.
He's doing his rehab. I hope he get's a weekend pass soon because I know now what that means.
( I think there should be a Nooma video for what I just wrote)
I was on the freeway with my friend Jason, driving to his mom's house. The air in my Volkswagen van was thick with the joy of a weekend pass. I had met Jason a year and a half prior to these events. Members of our Homeless Task Force would take our campstoves under the freeway to talk and listen to what the homelessness experience was like.
Over time, Jason grew fond of our human/spiritual experience and entered rehab. He soon joined the ranks of the old timer recovery guys by living with his story of recovery on his cuff and joining our Street Outreach to the Homeless.
Personal Journal Entry...March 2, 2007
"Jason got a purple heart for saving a guys life"
As we drove I got a call from a random number on my phone. I felt compelled to answer. Raul, from a local liquor said, "a guy named Eric is out front and wanted me to call you. he said he was ready!"
I shared the news with Jason. The air of joy in my van increased dramatically. Eric was Jason's street buddy. We knew the long lost friend was coming home.
On the scene.......lot's happend but i only have one picture...
...Eric was pretty loaded and suicidal. Eyes full of mustard and ketchup, he rolled around on the grass with a freshly twisted ankle. The rock bottom was pretty evident. At one key moment, he rolled onto his side and slowly onto a knee where he pointed at Jason and said, "I want what you got."
God just released a year and a half full of events from his hand into the air for composure.
Jason took over and talked to Eric about his story of recovery. He related to him and gave him vision for the future. First person experience couldn't have been timed any better for this occasion. Eric listened and acted. We took him to a 10 day detox. Volunteers from the Homeless Task Force wrote letters, called and visited him.
He's doing his rehab. I hope he get's a weekend pass soon because I know now what that means.
Photography Class Fieldtrip to Library
Here are some pictures from the photography classes fieldtrip to the library yesterday. The library set up photography books for us in the meeting room and we looked through to get some ideas for pictures. Everyone picked out a favorite picture in the book and explained why they liked it.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Successful First Class!
Last night was our first photography class for the kids in the Eucalyptus & Cornuta neighborhoods. It was great! We have a good bunch of kids in this class. On Thursday we are going to the library to look at photography books and maybe take some pictures on the way. If you'd like to help us out on a Monday or Thursday night, please call Chrissy @ 562.266.7938 or email her at christinap@kingdomcauses.org.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Unexpected
I just had a cool encounter in my front yard. It confirms that I should spend more time there instead of in my cubicle. Very convenient! Anyway, today I sat outside during the time when parents and kids are walking back from school to promote the photography class that's going to start in 2 weeks. A kid that I usually see on Wednesday nights when I'm riding the Blue Bus walked up to where I was sitting. I gave him a flyer and expected that to be the end of the conversation since he was with his friends and usually is "too cool" when they're around. To my surprise he asked if we could pray. The friend with him said that he didn't want to pray because he would get in trouble with his parents. (I guess they barely allow him to go on Wednesday night to Bethel's Kick It.) When I asked him what was going on he told me that he almost got in a fight a few minutes earlier and didn't want to get in another. He didn't offer any other details, but immediately bowed is head and put his hands together. So we prayed a short prayer in my front yard while some other kids walked by. It was a reminder that God is always at work in people... even pre-teen boys that act like they don't care about a thing. Good lesson.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Update of Photography Class
Good news! We received over $1000 from Caring Connections to put towards the cameras for our photography class. We also received word from Snapfish that they will cover the cost of printing up to 540 pictures.
We are still looking for volunteers that can hang out with the kids on a Monday or Thursday afternoon in April. Please call Chrissy @ 562.804.2189 if you are interested.
We are still looking for volunteers that can hang out with the kids on a Monday or Thursday afternoon in April. Please call Chrissy @ 562.804.2189 if you are interested.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Life Transformation
Jason Fanning talks with Eric Copeland of Kingdom Causes
Jason Fanning came off the streets of Bellflower in August 2006 and just celebrated his six month graduation from Bell Shelter. He spoke with his friend Eric about the process of recovery over the last six months.
What have you learned in the last six months?
People need to be aware of resources.
When I was on the street I was after what I could get. It was always gimme gimme gimme. Gimme Gimme Gimme has no future. But there was a point where I wanted to change. There is a difference between wanting help and just gimme gimme gimme. The help is people teaching you to help yourself.
What has it been like to interact with church people?
When I was on the streets and they would come week after week to where I stayed. I thought “these people are crazy”. I thought, “My life is done. Trashed.” They were persistent and made me understand that God is there and God is real. It’s like they would say that they are His workers.
When I was finally ready to help myself, it was good that I had someone to call. Without it [interaction with Christians] I would be a wreck. Because when I get stressed, I call them and they help me see that it is going to work out and be alright. It helps me see that the dope man doesn’t have to be the next stop.
The healing process is about being reconciled to God, yourself and to others, how does that relate to your last six months at Bell Shelter and your new relationships?
WOW, like with my mom. I think for a while my mom was really freaked by how I turned out. I went wild. It broke my mom’s heart. I, for the first time want to make her proud. We had this talk the other night. We talked for hours and we took terns. We listed to each other. No one interrupted. She told me stuff about our childhood that I never knew. She said how she had all these expectations of like it being all happy and then us kids went all wild. I really see that maybe I abandoned my mom and, now, I see how we are both survivors of some real heavy hard times.
What have you learned from your discipleship partner (Ryan VerWys)?
Ryan helped me understand that things that happen really are like things that happen in the bible. I will tell him something that happened and he will show me how something like that happened in the Bible. I certainly never have thought of things like that.
Remember we talked about the miracle question: If God did a miracle in your life what would it be? Now that it is playing itself out, what does it look like?
Well, one day having a family. I mean. Getting up, locking the front door and going to work.
But at the same time I get scared that I will snap if someone yells at me. The first thing out of my mouth used to be you know. Bleepity Bleep. Consequences meant nothing. Now, when I get angry I take a twenty minute break and work it out. I just look at one piece at a time. I think about what is important. One day at a time. One foot in front of the other and then my friends help me see that it is going to work. I mean I just got back from court and I probably would have just said forget it all. But now I can see it all still working out.
Do you want to say anything else?
I am grateful. I am a recovering alcoholic. This time it was all easy and I just know that it isn’t me. Its faith. One day at a time.
Jason Fanning came off the streets of Bellflower in August 2006 and just celebrated his six month graduation from Bell Shelter. He spoke with his friend Eric about the process of recovery over the last six months.
What have you learned in the last six months?
People need to be aware of resources.
When I was on the street I was after what I could get. It was always gimme gimme gimme. Gimme Gimme Gimme has no future. But there was a point where I wanted to change. There is a difference between wanting help and just gimme gimme gimme. The help is people teaching you to help yourself.
What has it been like to interact with church people?
When I was on the streets and they would come week after week to where I stayed. I thought “these people are crazy”. I thought, “My life is done. Trashed.” They were persistent and made me understand that God is there and God is real. It’s like they would say that they are His workers.
When I was finally ready to help myself, it was good that I had someone to call. Without it [interaction with Christians] I would be a wreck. Because when I get stressed, I call them and they help me see that it is going to work out and be alright. It helps me see that the dope man doesn’t have to be the next stop.
The healing process is about being reconciled to God, yourself and to others, how does that relate to your last six months at Bell Shelter and your new relationships?
WOW, like with my mom. I think for a while my mom was really freaked by how I turned out. I went wild. It broke my mom’s heart. I, for the first time want to make her proud. We had this talk the other night. We talked for hours and we took terns. We listed to each other. No one interrupted. She told me stuff about our childhood that I never knew. She said how she had all these expectations of like it being all happy and then us kids went all wild. I really see that maybe I abandoned my mom and, now, I see how we are both survivors of some real heavy hard times.
What have you learned from your discipleship partner (Ryan VerWys)?
Ryan helped me understand that things that happen really are like things that happen in the bible. I will tell him something that happened and he will show me how something like that happened in the Bible. I certainly never have thought of things like that.
Remember we talked about the miracle question: If God did a miracle in your life what would it be? Now that it is playing itself out, what does it look like?
Well, one day having a family. I mean. Getting up, locking the front door and going to work.
But at the same time I get scared that I will snap if someone yells at me. The first thing out of my mouth used to be you know. Bleepity Bleep. Consequences meant nothing. Now, when I get angry I take a twenty minute break and work it out. I just look at one piece at a time. I think about what is important. One day at a time. One foot in front of the other and then my friends help me see that it is going to work. I mean I just got back from court and I probably would have just said forget it all. But now I can see it all still working out.
Do you want to say anything else?
I am grateful. I am a recovering alcoholic. This time it was all easy and I just know that it isn’t me. Its faith. One day at a time.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Churches are part of Denvers 10-year plan to end homelessness
A couple quotes...
Hickenlooper (Denver Mayor) told the crowd that he wants area churches to play a major role in the city's 10-year program to end homelessness. Already 122 congregations have signed on, each pledging to raise $1,200 to help pay first month's rent and deposit on an apartment and establishing a "mentor team" of two to six people who agree to work with the family or senior to help them leave homelessness behind.
'Denver's Road Home' showing progress
In the past year, Denver's 10-year plan to end homelessness, known as "Denver's Road Home," has met several benchmarks:
423 new units of housing
701 homeless people placed in jobs
156 families receiving assistance for eviction
122 congregations sponsoring homeless families
677 homeless people receiving treatment for substance abuse or mental illness
Meters to support homeless, not habits
The city of Denver plans to install recycled parking meters near the 16th Street Mall next month in an effort to allow passers-by to donate spare change to support programs for the homeless, rather than just give it directly to panhandlers who sometimes use it to support habits. While city officials haven't decided how to decorate those meters, the Rocky asked readers to send us ideas about what they would do.
Check out the rest of the story: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5348146,00.html
Hickenlooper (Denver Mayor) told the crowd that he wants area churches to play a major role in the city's 10-year program to end homelessness. Already 122 congregations have signed on, each pledging to raise $1,200 to help pay first month's rent and deposit on an apartment and establishing a "mentor team" of two to six people who agree to work with the family or senior to help them leave homelessness behind.
'Denver's Road Home' showing progress
In the past year, Denver's 10-year plan to end homelessness, known as "Denver's Road Home," has met several benchmarks:
423 new units of housing
701 homeless people placed in jobs
156 families receiving assistance for eviction
122 congregations sponsoring homeless families
677 homeless people receiving treatment for substance abuse or mental illness
Meters to support homeless, not habits
The city of Denver plans to install recycled parking meters near the 16th Street Mall next month in an effort to allow passers-by to donate spare change to support programs for the homeless, rather than just give it directly to panhandlers who sometimes use it to support habits. While city officials haven't decided how to decorate those meters, the Rocky asked readers to send us ideas about what they would do.
Check out the rest of the story: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5348146,00.html
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Photography Class
After working with the neighbors and doing some research on the gaps of services offered for our neighborhood, we've decided to start a photography class for kids. The neighbors explained that there's a lack of opportunity for their kids to express themselves in the arts. Classes are offered around here, but the cost is too high for most families and the locations are not within walking distance. A group of us started discussing different ideas after our neighbor prayer time of Friday mornings. We thought about music classes, painting, dance, and so on. In the end, we decided that a photography class would be a good starting point. Our goal is to start the six-week trial class in April. We're offering the class to 15 fourth, fifth and sixth graders in our neighborhood. We've already made connections with the owner of Phillight Studio (the new photo studio on Bellflower that is awesome) who has offered to teach a class and bring the kids in to use the studio for free. If you are interested in volunteering or teaching a class, please contact Chrissy at (562) 266-7938. We've proposed a funding partnership with a local non-profit and we're asking for businesses to donate new digital cameras and supplies. Pray that both proposals come through.
Our desire is to expand the photography class in the future to different age groups, and eventually offer some other art classes. In the meantime we're going ahead with plans for this class and listening to the neighbors for other great ideas.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Daffodils
I kill plants. I love them and appreciate their beauty, but I just can't keep them alive. Perhaps it's because I'm a procrastinator and not a very disciplined waterer. When I moved into my house a few months ago I had grandiose plans for the two dirt patches with dying rose bushes in the front yard. I even went so far as to google the types of plants that do well in Bellflower climate.It's been four months now, and I've only watered the patches 4 or 5 times (2 of those during the last week). Last week, I noticed some green-onion-like sprouts popping up. I thought it might just be a weed, but I continued to water them. To my surprise, a bright yellow daffodil bloomed over the sunny weekend. I'm so proud!
I feel like it was my hard work that made it happen, but really, all I did was water it twice. Someone that lived there before me must have planted the bulbs. They were the ones that invested their time and money.
What a spiritual lesson!!
Monday, February 19, 2007
Prayer for Bellflower 2007
During the upcoming Lent season, some of the churches in Bellflower are utilizing a prayer guide that leads people in prayer for different people, groups and concerns in our city. We are also encouraging Christians to pray together by promoting the various prayer meetings that are going on throughout the city so that there might be some good "cross-pollenization", Christians visiting other churches to pray with them. Check out the link below to see the latest list of prayer meetings so that you might join one!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
The perfect outreach night
We do outreach to un-sheltered people on the streets every Tuesday night at 4:30. I expect 5 people consistently coming each week. Someone donated soup, so we had enough for two cars to go out and feed 15 people. My expectations were exceeded. Fifteen people showed up representing 6 churches. Numbers are not that important but I've behind the numbers is another key. Fifteen people from one church doing mission is cool but fifteen people from 6 churches is grand. The potential of resources is much greater.
We talk about success before we go and hand out food and meet people. For the new individuals, success is overcoming some fear by going out with someone who has experience with the subject matter (addiction), and the geography (encampments). Just working through the unknown and exchanging some introductions with someone is success. These are building blocks of relationships.
The further we go the different success looks. One lady has been doing outreach for 4 weeks now. Let's just say that she spends 10 minutes talking to 3 people in one night. In one month, she has talked to 3 people for 40 minutes. As the relationship grows, her level of success changes. We haven't talked specifically with her but the goal would be to have her begin to "triage" a relationship - When a person goes into the Emergency room, there is a triage specialist who directs them to an area based on their specific needs.
Our Theory of Change in regards to doing Outreach with un-sheltered people is that relationships with healthy people who can inspire someone and give them hope is the beginning of recovery. When we triage our relationships with people we begin to individualize relationships that we are in and focus on specific needs. 3 relationships for this woman could be overwhelming so if she would triage then she would begin spending 30 minutes talking to one person 4 times a month. She might then break off from our Outreach and meet that individual at a coffee shop once a week to talk. She might begin setting some goals with this person and pretty soon this person sees that the only way to achieve their goals is through some recovery. They'll meet once a week while the person is in recovery and pray for each other and then when that person gets out of recovery, they go to church together and are in the same small group that meets once a week for 1 hour. The time commitment isn't really that great, the consistency and accountability is great and is the key!
We talk about success before we go and hand out food and meet people. For the new individuals, success is overcoming some fear by going out with someone who has experience with the subject matter (addiction), and the geography (encampments). Just working through the unknown and exchanging some introductions with someone is success. These are building blocks of relationships.
The further we go the different success looks. One lady has been doing outreach for 4 weeks now. Let's just say that she spends 10 minutes talking to 3 people in one night. In one month, she has talked to 3 people for 40 minutes. As the relationship grows, her level of success changes. We haven't talked specifically with her but the goal would be to have her begin to "triage" a relationship - When a person goes into the Emergency room, there is a triage specialist who directs them to an area based on their specific needs.
Our Theory of Change in regards to doing Outreach with un-sheltered people is that relationships with healthy people who can inspire someone and give them hope is the beginning of recovery. When we triage our relationships with people we begin to individualize relationships that we are in and focus on specific needs. 3 relationships for this woman could be overwhelming so if she would triage then she would begin spending 30 minutes talking to one person 4 times a month. She might then break off from our Outreach and meet that individual at a coffee shop once a week to talk. She might begin setting some goals with this person and pretty soon this person sees that the only way to achieve their goals is through some recovery. They'll meet once a week while the person is in recovery and pray for each other and then when that person gets out of recovery, they go to church together and are in the same small group that meets once a week for 1 hour. The time commitment isn't really that great, the consistency and accountability is great and is the key!
Friday, February 09, 2007
Impressed.
God is good. Today is one of those days when I'm just impressed with Him. I should be impressed everyday, but I get distracted. How sad is that? He is such a good God and I still get distracted. Sometimes I forget that He's at work ALL THE TIME and it doesn't revolve around what I do. In all honesty, I have the tendency to try and make things happen in my own strength... and it doesn't work out so well. This morning we had an awesome Eucalyptus Task Force meeting. Everyone had some good words to share. It was great to sit back and see how God's casting His vision within the people and it's something that we can't take credit for. His sovereignty has been a theme for me this week. Even last weekend at the Summit, we recognized that God had put the same thing on so many different peoples' hearts. He's doing something great in Bellflower. It's being confirmed every time we meet together. This morning at our weekly neighborhood prayer, I noticed the same thing. The hopes and dreams that God has placed on several of our hearts for the Eucalyptus neighborhood, he has also placed on the hearts of people that we are just getting to know. He has his people scattered, yet strategically placed, in the various neighborhoods of Bellflower. And he's connecting us one by one. I can't even comprehend how many miracles happen everyday in our community without us knowing. We only see a little bit... and even that brings joy to my heart. I can't wait to see or hear about what He's doing next week. God is good.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Rocky turned 40!
This was our Theory: There is a need (People on the streets are isolated and hopeless) and a solution (Hopeless people are ispired through interaction with spirit-filled people).
We met Rocky about a year ago near an off-ramp of the 91 Freeway. Each Tuesday, someone would go see Rocky, bring him a lunch and make sure he got a ride hooked up for the showers on Saturday.
He is a gatekeeper in his pen area, with seniority that goes back years. Humbly spirited and bright, he enjoys writing and telling you the latest news.
He was always open for prayer and dialogue about what he thought worked in his life compared with principles that Jesus calls us to live by.
Two months ago after asking him how much longer he was going to live out on the streets, he answered: "when i turn 40, i'm getting off the streets".
A week before his Birthday, we got him in touch with Atlas 7 in Norwalk and filled out the paperwork for his Rehabilitation. He is currently waiting to hear back and we are praying that God's timing comes soon.
Please keep him in your prayers!
Homeless Summit!
On Saturday February 3rd, over 30 people representing 11 Churches and other Organizations gathered for a lunch and conversation. We asked a simple question: "What do you help people who are in Crisis"? We heard briefly from everyone what thier experiences were and what worked and what did not work. Everyone took turns briefly sharing thier experiences.
A couple key things that come out of this meeting
1) Simply, people who share similar experiences and burdens meet each other.
2) City-Wide awarness and approaches are forming as Churches and Leaders gather.
3) Awarness of and invitation to be part of the Homeless Task Force is initiated.
4) Communication in Bellflower among Churches.
I could sense that there was this realization that this big problem of "Homelessness" doesn't seem so big when people unite.
We are excited now to see what will happen at our next Homeless Task Force coming February 17th.
Monday, January 08, 2007
It's good to be home...
The month of December seemed to whirl by too quickly. Between conferences, meetings, the flu and lingering cold... it feels like I've been out of the office for a month. Over the New Year's holiday I drove from Missouri to California with my best friend, and now, roommate. As we were pulling on to Eucalyptus I realized how much I missed it. You see, I've lived in four different locations during the last year. As soon as I got settled, it was time to move. Sounds more dramatic than it was, but it nevertheless, it causes me to be thankful for the new place I live. It feels like home.
Yesterday I had the chance to sit out on my front lawn and read. It was a sunny 83 degrees outside. Umm... can you say global warming? Anyway, I brought a book to read, but ended up people watching. I think I only read 13 pages during the entire 2 hours. It was peaceful to watch the people walking by. Some of them would say hello, others would ignore me, and a few didn't even notice me because their ipod was too loud. I sat out long enough to see the same parents that walked up the street to wait for their kids to get out of school, walk back down with them. There are so many people! At one point there were 15 people passing by every minute. So I decided that I'm going to sit out there everyday during the after-school rush. I want to learn my neighbors' names and actually know them.
A question was asked at a training I attended in December: Do you know the names of the neighbors directly surrounding your house? Most of us did not... and we were all there for "community development." Crazy! So that's what I'm going to do. I encourage you to do the same. Spend time outside of your house. Talk to your neighbors. Be a good neighbor. I'll keep you posted on my endeavors.
Yesterday I had the chance to sit out on my front lawn and read. It was a sunny 83 degrees outside. Umm... can you say global warming? Anyway, I brought a book to read, but ended up people watching. I think I only read 13 pages during the entire 2 hours. It was peaceful to watch the people walking by. Some of them would say hello, others would ignore me, and a few didn't even notice me because their ipod was too loud. I sat out long enough to see the same parents that walked up the street to wait for their kids to get out of school, walk back down with them. There are so many people! At one point there were 15 people passing by every minute. So I decided that I'm going to sit out there everyday during the after-school rush. I want to learn my neighbors' names and actually know them.
A question was asked at a training I attended in December: Do you know the names of the neighbors directly surrounding your house? Most of us did not... and we were all there for "community development." Crazy! So that's what I'm going to do. I encourage you to do the same. Spend time outside of your house. Talk to your neighbors. Be a good neighbor. I'll keep you posted on my endeavors.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Eucalyptus Neighbor Cafecita Update
Last Thursday night 12 neighbors and friends from the community met to discuss the vision for the Eucalyptus neighborhood. We started off the meeting by introducing ourselves and a talent or gift that we each have. Lucky for us, most of the people attending said they had the gift for cooking! Many of the neighbors had just met one another for the first time that night. The questions was asked "If God did a miracle in this neighborhood... what would you want it to be?" The two main responses were less drugs/gangs and salvation for the neighbors. People also expressed a desire to see neighbors becoming friends and parents working together to plan activities for the kids. The next question asked was "What can we (the neighbors) do to make this dream a reality?" There were many great ideas shared. We decided to have another meeting in January. Some of the ladies suggested having a breakfast where they would cook tamales and chilaquiles... we quickly agreed. We tentatively set the date for the breakfast on Saturday, January 20th @ 9am. We agreed to go home and tell our neighbors about the next meeting. What a great night!
New Website!
Check out our new website: http://www.kingdomcauses.org/bellflower
We're still working on some of the details... but please take some time to browse around!
We're still working on some of the details... but please take some time to browse around!
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