On Saturday we went with Hector and Roxy and all our kids to Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a surprisingly joyful, family-oriented celebration.  In Los Angeles this primarily Mexican cultural event takes place annually in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery!  This event comes highly recommended by many Mexican families in the area, and this year we decided to attend since Hector and Roxy so badly wanted to take us. Curious, we checked it out.

Show me more… »

Categories: stories
Comments Off

Here is the second of a mini-series on growing people through small groups in East Hollywood.  (To read part one click here.)  These reflections hopefully provide you a window into what it is like to join God in “growing faith where life happens” among the different cultures of LA’s working poor immigrants. 

Show me more… »

Categories: stories, the how
Comments Off

Here is another story on how we are equipping parents with simple things they can do for their children’s spiritual formation. 

Show me more… »

Categories: stories, the how
Comments Off

Here is the first part of a mini-series on growing people through small groups in East Hollywood.  These reflections hopefully will give you a good glimpse into what it’s like as we join God in “growing faith where life happens” among the different cultures of LA’s working poor immigrants. 

Show me more… »

Categories: stories, the how
Comments Off

“Can I really be included in the family?”

Religion excluded you.  Jesus Christ died to include you. 

There is good news for people in East Hollywood who’ve been stiff-armed by well-meaning religious people. 

While visiting one of my supporting churches I was touched by a message about this by guest speaker Wade Hodges.  His sermon centered around the “baptism of inclusion” in the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunich.  I heard this message back in June, and I’m still thinking about it… 

If I have time I will write up a summary of Wade’s main points.  Until then, you can listen to his podcast by clicking here.

Categories: the why
Comments Off

Here is another story of prayer leading to people… 

It is Tuesday night, Oct 16.  After putting the kids to bed I tell Meri I am going outside for an hour and a half for more hangoutreach (a word I learned from my maverick missionary friend Jeff Medders). 

Basically, I just start walking around the Village after dark, asking God to direct my steps and intersect my path with someone he wants me to meet.  I often find this is the most effective thing I can do. 

Show me more… »

Categories: stories
Comments Off

Here is another story on how we are attempting to train parents to help their kids grow spiritually.  This is part two.  To read part one, click here. 

It is Oct 14 (last Sunday).  The man with a new Father and his wife and kids join us again for prayer, a kids-focused Bible lesson and a fun, hands-on activity to drive the lesson home.   

The previous week (Oct 7) we planned and modeled.  This week the new couple helps us plan and carry it out. 

Show me more… »

Categories: stories, the how
Comments Off