"Jesus Is Always Welcome Here!":

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Matthew 25:34-36

A big "Thank You" to everybody that gave food and clothing for us to give away. We went out today not really knowing what would happen and who we would meet, but the Lord proved faithful and directed us where we needed to go. I'll give you a quick picture of how the day went.

David Rosenberg and I met at the Community Center and after a short prayer headed out to see who we could find that could use some food and clothing. Really we had no set agenda other than to share physical and spiritual food, so we were just going to cruise by some of the places that Jerry mentioned where we might find some needy people. We had a list of about 5 places to check out but didn't really feel like we needed to hit them all. We were just going to go out and mingle and see what God would do.

We headed to Ralph's first and immediately ran into a man who was living at the Rescue Mission. He didn't want anything we had but encouraged us to keep doing what we were doing as there were so many people out there that needed food and clothing. We talked for a couple minutes and turned and left wondering if we should have done more. Our first meeting and he didn't even want anything. Hmmm...was there something else we should have done? Did we miss something Lord?

We decided that there really wasn't anything else we felt we were supposed to do, but there is always this nagging in the back of your mind that you should just force the door open.

We ended up driving around the back of the stores and were just about to get back on Hollister when we noticed two men sleeping right by the side of the road not even in the bushes. At first I only noticed one guy and my first thought was that he was dead. It just looked so unnatural to see someone lying there right next to the road.

What do you do in a situation like that? Do you wake a person up or just keep driving by? We couldn't drive by, but could we wake them? So, I guess in a situation like that you take it one step at a time. We stopped the car. We talked. We prayed. It just didn't feel right going up and waking them, especially since there was ample evidence around that they would be hung over when they awoke.

We felt led to just put some food in a bag and walk over and leave it by them so they would have a pleasant surprise when they awoke. We figured that there was a good chance they would wake up when we got up close and if they did we would take it as a signal from God that we should try and minister to them. Well, we walked up and put the food down right next to them and they just slept right on through it. We got back in the truck and drove off praying blessings over the sleeping men. I hope they had a nice surprise when they woke up.

It really is a dilemma when you go out with an image in your mind of how things will unfold and the reality is nothing like the picture. Jesus tells us to preach the gospel, but he also asks us to simply feed and clothe those in need. We are called to love people selflessly without regard to the outcome. Is it only valid if the people respond in such a way that we "feel" like we accomplished something? What about if they don't respond at all? How about if they never even figure out how the blessing got to them?

God shows mercy to the just and the unjust. He blesses mankind whether they accept Him or reject Him. Whether they believe in Him or not. So many people are asleep in the bushes and God drops off bags of blessings. and they never even know how it got there.

Next we headed to McDonalds to see if we could find anyone there. Nope. Then it was off to Goleta Beach. Jerry warned us that these are "some bad ones in this bunch" and to be careful. Undaunted and with most of our stuff still in the back of the truck we headed to the beach.

We immediately found a group of about 5 guys hanging out shooting the breeze and having a couple beers. We walked right into the middle of their campout and asked if they knew of anyone that could use some food, clothes or blankets. One guy (Donnell) wanted to know if we had any jackets and Life just started to unfold.

We gave away quite a bit of food and some clothing which was definitely appreciated, but our real goal was to give out the bread of life. All the men were thankful for sure, but each had a varying degree of receptivity. It eventually became apparent that Dennis, Donnell and Albert were the most open and so we just naturally focused in on them.

Donnell was well versed in scripture and said with conviction that if he could have a million dollars but never be allowed to read his Bible he would never give up the word. He said that the word of God is his inheritance. He literally received a Bible the day he was given over to a foster home and rejected by his natural family and the scriptures are what sustains him. The word of God became his comfort. He prays for his homeless brothers and tries to walk in love and forgiveness. His eyes sparkle when he talks about his Lord.

Dennis seemed to be the unofficial overseer of the camp with a heart to help and see that his buddies were taken care of. He wanted to make sure that everybody got what they needed from us and even tried to contact some other guys that were close by so they could get some supplies.
Albert had had an especially rough upbringing and confessed to David that he was having a tough time forgiving people and it often resulted in anger. He also had some other issues he didn't know how to confront and asked David what he thought he should do. With wisdom from the Spirit David said that we should pray and ask God for his wisdom and intervention in Albert's life.

So, with heads bowed four pilgims prayed to the God of the universe in the middle of the parking lot at Goleta Beach and the Spirit of God brought love and compassion. After we prayed hugs were exchanged and more encouraging words were spoken. Eyes were shining and I believe angels were singing.

As we prepared to go we told them we would be back with more "stuff" in a couple weeks. A chorus of men voiced their approval, and as we turned to leave I heard someone's voice call out, "Jesus is always welcome here!"

Giving Thanks!

Well, we did it! And I mean “we” as in all of you. One thing that is so obvious is that in order to touch people on this kind of scale we all need to come together to make it happen. You have laid out a banquet before many that will never be able to repay, but were so appreciative of your kindness. Our reward won’t necessarily be in this life, but the reward is there nonetheless.


Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." Luke 14:12-14

Here are a few praise reports. Let’s keep our eyes and hearts focused on serving others!

“I watched Coleen Van Nostrand for awhile. Her seamless service was incredible. She drew no attention to herself ever and did heavy work with grace and did it appearing as though it were effortless...but I have a brain in my head...she was carrying heavy things and in hot places and the beauty and grace of Christ was all over her. I was blessed and strengthened just by seeing her. I keep seeing her and praying for that same grace and beauty to be in me that I saw in her and for Christ to refresh her.”

“The table of people I served were, all but three, unable to get up and serve themselves. Each of them were filled with joy from God. They each wanted to know something different about our church. One wanted to know who the chef was and how he could make so much delicious food at once. One wanted to know who the pastor was and what time church was. One wanted to know if she could give a donation...she could only whisper and asked if I would pray that she would live to be able to come next year. The gentleman in the walker loved the worship music. I was running around getting things for each of them and at the end they were very surprised to find out that one of my family was the pastor ;) I gave a specific word of blessing that God was giving to me to each one as it was clear that was real receptivity for that and then went into the other room to serve there. It seems to just get better each year....though it is so good I don't know how that happens. God knows.”

“One thing that comes to mind is a conversation I had with an elderly gentleman named Paul, who talked about the importance of praising the Lord during the day with mind and spirit, and mentioned how others can see this in the Spirit, even though they may not recognize what it is, that this attitude of praise brings light to the world. It just confirmed what I've been hearing from the Lord recently, that the louder and more steadfastly we praise Him, seeking gratitude whatever the circumstance, the more confounded the enemy becomes.”

“I think my donation story was really neat, and really made me realize that the leading of the Holy Spirit is so subtle but so persistent.I had a list of possible stores to call and had calledthem all except Rite-aid... the number I had was the automated answering service at the pharmacy and for some reason I decided not to pursue it. I'll be honest I was kinda pushing down a feeling that I should pursue it. The last day when I was picking up the donations I had received I just felt really compelled to call rite aid again, and after patiently waiting through the automated system I was connected to a person who happened to be the manager. Well, after talking to him he said it was too late to send a donation request to corporate, but if I were to come in he would donate something out if his own pocket. Ididn't know what to expect, but I had a feeling he was going to be generous. I met him and told him about what the dinner was all about, and I got the feeling he was a Christian. He said something about how hecould tell me all about his past and how he got to where he was today, but there was no need. Then he handed me a $100 dollar bill and said that was what he had decided to give!! I was quick to shower him with thank yous and God bless yous, but his response was"Faith without works is dead!" So true...God bless Dave the manager of Rite-Aid.”

“I was having a conversation with one of the men who had come for dinner, and then he and his friend wanted to help clean up, so they came back . . . helped to put away tables etc. They were getting ready to leave and I thanked them for their help and one of the men began sharing his story. He said he was only fearful of one thing . . . the wrath of God. He said he believed in Jesus and I assured him that by believing in Jesus, the wrath was no longer applicable. After he was done, I invited him to come on Sunday and he promised he would. I hope to see him at the service.”


“It seems that every year when we take dinners out to I.V., we have the exact amount needed. I can't remember if it was last year or the year before, we were heading back home from I.V. with four dinners leftover. When we entered the church parking lot to drop someone off, we noticed a car pull up, and a family of four pile out. They looked a little lost so I asked if I could help. They said they came for the Thanksgiving dinner. When I told them that it was all over and everything was closed up, their expressions turned despondent. But then I remembered that I had four meals leftover - just the right amount!

This year, when we left I.V., we had only one meal leftover. As we were driving home, Douglas remembered that he had promised someone, who was disabled, a Thanksgiving meal. He had recently undergone surgery for breast cancer and was getting ready to have a kidney transplant when he was run over by a car in front of his house. Although he was in a tremendous amount of pain from his cracked ribs, he was elated to have this surprise gift show up at his doorstep. He couldn't stop thanking us for the meal.

It seems to me that there is just as much thanksgiving to God for having the opportunity to represent Him in giving, as it is to be the recipient of a gift from Him.”

“I am extremely grateful that I belong to a church body that welcomes and supports all of us that the Lord isn't quite finished with yet; a place where we can come as we are and be accepted and loved and continue to grow.”

For more photos. Thank you!

You Are The Light

Who Is The Light?

Here are some quick thoughts on what it means to be a light in this world. I hope the Lord speaks to you.

14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

Jesus is the original light ("I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Jn 8:12) that stepped out of heaven into the darkness to give light to all men. Now He says that WE are the light of the world!

Jesus is our example that we need to follow. Jesus stepped out from the comfort of heaven into a dark and dangerous world in order to serve His creation and reveal the heart and character of our Father. Jesus shared meals with prostitutes, touched lepers, forgave sins, and healed hearts, minds and bodies. Jesus met both the spiritual and physical needs of his people. He wasn’t afraid to mix with the lowest of the low. He came to be the servant of all and we too are called to serve. We want to be like you Jesus!

As Jesus served His creation HIs light was shining bright and people saw His good deeds and gave praise to His Father in heaven. Not everyone understood who He really was, but because of His “good deeds" they praised the Father. God was glorified. Some got it later, and others not at all, but Jesus' kindness and practical acts of love drew people toward their heavenly Father.

The ones that did get it had their hearts set ablaze by the Holy Spirit and took up the torch from Jesus to become the light of the world in which they were living. These faithful saints that have gone before us can serve as our example as well.

They are the ones that chose to spend their lives serving their Father by laying down their lives for the lost and dying that Jesus gave his very life for. These are the ones that saw the physical and spiritual needs of a dying world and decided to make a difference with the Grace the Father pours out to all that lay down their lives.

They have changed the world through many acts of kindness. Our predecessors have revolutionized education, medicine, science, history, agriculture, literature, art, music, theology and so much more. In whichever field they were called they gave their lives fully to the Lord and expressed that devotion by serving mankind as Jesus himself did. They caught the heartbeat of God and laid down their lives in order to bring the gospel in word and in deed.

Now the torch has been passed on to us and Jesus tells us to put our light on a stand for all people to see. To take it out from under the basket and hold it up high so that people may see OUR good deeds and praise our Father in heaven. What are the good deeds that the Father has called you to? Who are the lost and dying around you and how can you serve them? What are the needs that God has put in front of you and how can you meet those needs?

You see, this life is not about us. It used to be before we were saved because were self-centered and separated from our Father. But Jesus told us that if you try to save your life you will lose it, but if you lose your life for His sake you will find it. Once we are saved we are supposed to lose ourselves in Jesus so that we can become like Him. And being like Him means living like He did.

Living like Jesus did means being a servant. And becoming a servant means that others need to be the focus of our lives. And focusing on others takes the focus off us. The paradox here is that as we lose our lives we will actually find it. We will be fulfilled and satisfied as we seek to see others fulfilled and satisfied.

As we take up the torch and become the light of the world we can make a difference and actually change the world. By our good deeds we can see the darkness flee and the kingdom of God advance in our days. We, like Jesus can see the captives set free, the blind made to see, the oppressed liberated, the orphans taken in, the hungry filled and the homeless safe in their father’s house.

Jesus has entrusted us with the message of hope and given us His Spirit to carry out the works of His kingdom. We are the ambassadors. We have the message. So, as St. Francis of Assisi said, “preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.”

A Light In The Darkness

How dark can humanity get when they walk away from and deny their Father in heaven? Is it any darker now than when Jesus stepped out of eternity into the midst of humanity? Is the human spirit darker or the wages of sin greater?

The last two nights I had the extreme pleasure of hanging out with our brothers and sisters at the I.V. Church in the middle of the Halloween chaos that Isla Vista has become known for litterally around the world. As a case in point, one of Phil's exchange students from Swedens stated goal was to have his stay here in Santa Barbara coincide with I.V.'s flesh fest.

However in the middle of this darkness there is a group of believers that are falling to their knees and begging the God of heaven to once again break into the darkness and bring the light of heaven. A group of believers that have allowed themselves to be captivated by the same Jesus that stepped down from heaven to be a light in the darkness. They like Jesus are giving up their lives to serve people that often take them granted or abuse their love and kindness.

But in the middle are stories of life too. I met Jim while I was there. Jim moved to Santa Barbara from San Diego to go to school here. While here he met some locals that attend I.V. Church. He was invited on a body boarding trip where Jesus opened his eyes and he has never turned back. With a light in his eyes he told me about the later salvation of his brother as Jesus began working in his whole family, and all the while I.V. raged around us. The second night he had a significant encounter with a friend he knew from the beach. After the friend disappeared back into the sea of selfishness he grabbed a few of us and we prayed for his salvation and that the Lord of the harvest would protect what was planted and cause the seed to bear fruit. And all around us both the light and and the darkness became more real.

A little later Kathy who is one of the "older" ones came and told me that she and another woman had the opportunity to pray with a couple of the young guys that had opened up their hearts. One of the young mans lips guivered as he mouthed a noisless prayer that only our Father heard. They prayed for the Holy Spirit to come into his live and change him. Lord may you free this young man from the selfishness of his ways and bring him home. While they prayed the light became brighter and the darkness subsided.

All the while the smell of hamburgers rose above the reek of alcohol, pot, vomit and cigarettes like an incense of grace and mercy. The servants were handing out food to throngs of people partying with vacant eyes. A hamburger for this one, a bottle of water for that one, oh that one needs a bucket to puke in. Quick, somebody hold back her hair. Smile at her friends that are trying to comfort her. Duck inside and grab some toilet paper so she can wipe the mess from her face. See the gratitude in the eyes of her friends and tell them that's why we're here. To show them that they are loved and to provide a safe island in the middle of the sea of selfishness. Oh Lord, give us more love for your lost children. Come in power to rescue those that are perishing. Send us out in the power of your Spirit and bring salvation.

As I looked around I noticed ours wasn't the only story. A saint here, a saint there, all sharing the love of Jesus through a conversation, a prayer, a smile or perhaps a hamburger. As I watched the darkness dimmed as points of light became brighter and brighter throughout the crowd. The light is piercing the darkness and I was priviledged to play a small part.

The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood. John 1:5

Church BBQ

It's time for some fun, friends and fellowship...now if that doesn't sound like a recruiting line for McDonald's I don't know what does.

Every time the body gets together tasty things happen. One thing I have consistently heard is how much everybody enjoys sharing a meal together and are always looking forward to the next one. Again this is evident by how many people have signed up so far. We have 85 adult + a bunch of kids that have signed up.

Remember the picnic at Tucker's Grove last year? Remember Mike Moschitto leading us in BINGO? How about getting to know people that you pass at church but never were able to connect with? We just need some time together occasionally to allow relationships to build. There just isn't the time on Sunday mornings unless we purposefully set out to meet new people.

For this Sunday we are planning on a little less structure as far as games go, but the same connecting with people you have experienced in the past. We will set up the round tables for the service on Sunday and of course leave them up for the meal.

We will also use this lunch as a kick-off for our annual community Thanksgiving dinner. Be thinking of whether or not you would like to bring a turkey and/or would like to volunteer as part of the team. We will have a signup sheet at each of the tables for you to volunteer. We would like to know as soon as possible who and what we have to work with.

Oh yeah, Marty & Liz have been working on putting together something special for all of you. How's that for a tease? You will have to show up to find out what it is.

Also, a BIG THANK YOU to all who volunteered to help cook, set up, clean up, decorate, bring food and more...you know who you are.

Another thing that struck me is that even our fellowship is divine! Whatever we do and wherever we go we have the Living God dwelling inside us looking to love his people through us. Not only tha