Launched

Church Logo

 The book of Acts, is a record of the 1st century church.  Documented therein, is persecution of the early Christians.  The Apostles were being constantly threatened, not to speak in the name of Jesus anymore.  They responded with: "We ought to obey God rather than men."  This infuriated those opposing Jesus.  As a result, they desired to put to death the Apostles.  A Pharisee named Gamaliel, was a respected teacher of the law.  He stood up and said this in Acts 5:38-39:  "And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it-lest you even be found to fight against God."  Prior to launching, I interviewed a few Church Planters here in Los Angeles.  One shared with me, that 9 out of 10 church plants fail here in LA.  In just two and a half years, of him being on the Westside, five had failed already.  Studies have shown through the years, that 3,500 churches die and close each year in America.  However, according to researchers Ed Stetzer and Warren Bird, that is changing.  Recent studies show, that approximately 4,000 churches are birthed in the U.S. (500 more than are closed) every year.  In light of this passage of Scripture, and these numbers, time will only tell where we fit in the grand scheme of things...

Church Facebook Cover Photo

December 2013, a month of making final preparations for the launch of the church.  Before opening a bank account, they required a few items.  Jeff Shelp drew up the bylaws for the church, we read over them, and then signed them.  Jeff obtained a Tax ID Number, and then we were finally able to go to the bank!  After opening an account in the church's name, getting debit cards, and a checkbook...Jeff set up a bookkeeping system.  Through the month, my brother-in-law Brandon and I, worked on the church logo.  Easy enough right?  Wrong!  There are so many details!  Everything from design, colors, font, size of letters, placement, mixing and matching, etc.  So, after countless hours, text messages, e-mails, rough drafts, phone calls, visits, it was finally done!  To be honest, we wanted it to be simple.  Something that could stand the test of time, in the face of trends/fads.  Afterwards, church business cards needed to be designed, ordered, as well as creating a church e-mail address.  It was all coming together.  Finally, the last thing on the list was dealing with The Electric Lodge.  I read, signed, turned in the contract, got the key, and received final instructions for opening day!

Inside Twin Towers

On Saturday December 21, 2013, I attended the graduation for Malachi Dads.  Once again, I was blessed to hear every inmate's story of God's grace in their lives.  Last post, I mentioned starting to do ministry at Twin Towers.  Due to launching the church, and taking on more "tent-making" work on Saturdays...my time at Men's Central Jail with Malachi Dads was coming to a close for now.  As a result, I was really looking forward to volunteering at Twin Towers, in the evening during the week.  After filling out the application, turning it in, tons of phone calls, texts, e-mails...the door closed.  On February 7th, 2014, my appointment with the senior chaplain was a no show.  However, the chaplain who I originally met up with, was so helpful through the process.  He tried everything to get me in.  Then on March 18th and 26th, 2014...I received word that this same senior chaplain, was no longer accepting new volunteers.  This was primarily due, to leadership changes within the department.  Eventually, I pray I will be able to come back to do ministry there.

Eric Flores Fitness Facebook Profile Pic

On November 15, 2013, I took and passed my exam, to become a NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) certified MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Conditioning Specialist!  This marked my 4th certification.  It has now been 9 months, since I started my business Eric Flores Fitness.  I am so fortunate, to be doing something I love and am passionate about, while attempting to plant this church.  My clients are all committed, and a real joy and pleasure to work with.  The business has continued to grow, with new clients and the purchasing of new equipment.  My goal is to not only be a great pastor, but a great trainer.

On Sunday January 5, 2014, after 2 years and 3 months of living here in Los Angeles...Regeneration Church finally launched!  Our first Sunday Morning service, was held at the Dance Studio in the Electric Lodge.  In 5 short months, Jeff and I have been so joyful, over the work God is doing.  From the very beginning, we have had 3 basic types of people, come through our doors.  The 1st type of person, has been the unbeliever.  Not really antagonistic toward the gospel, but curious and intrigued by it.  The 2nd type, would be the new believer.  Men and women, who are still new in their faith and walk with Jesus.  The 3rd type, would be the believer who hasn't been a part of the church in a while...somewhat lost their way.  However, they have recently found their way back to our front step.  Our 1st Sermon Series was Vision, 2ndly was The Bible: The Word Of God, Or The Word Of Man?, 3rdly was Codes, Visions, Missions, Statements...??. Currently, we our in our 4th sermon series entitled: The Pursuit Of Joy: A Study Through The Book Of Philippians.

Current Sermon Series

On Monday January 6th, I went on the radio program Light into the Night, on KGBC for the 3rd time.  The host and co-host, wanted to hear about the launch the day before, as well as our vision/mission for the church.  Just the next day, on Tuesday January 7th, I received bad news from the Electric Lodge.  They made a mistake, and were not supposed to rent to us.  It came down to noise control and parking in the neighborhood, at early hours on a Sunday morning.  Jeff and I were on the hunt again!  We contacted and visited office spaces, hotels, theaters, schools, libraries, senior centers, community centers, recreation centers, all to no avail!  Praise God, the lodge was very sorry and wanting to still accommodate us!  Two weeks later, on Sunday January 19th, we met in the amphitheater, located at the lodge.  This then, would give us a month to buy time.  Part of the problem was...the times that were for rent in both the dance studio and amphitheater, already had classes, plays, and rehearsals booked in them.  Then boom!  The basement, was open for as long as we wanted it!  We started meeting there by the end of February, and have been there ever since.

St. Joseph Center Slogan and Logo

Lord willing, Summer 2014 includes baptisms, outreaches, building a church website, and much more!  As the doors have closed for now at the jail, I have been thinking and praying about other avenues, to get involved with the community of Venice.  St. Joseph Center, provides many programs to meet the needs of the community.  One, is called Bread and Roses Cafe.  A place that provides 4 star food for the homeless, operating like a restaurant, making reservations, fresh flowers on the table, ordering off a menu, being served and waited on, etc.  They serve 150 people everyday Monday-Friday.  I am currently going through the application process.  I hope to get involved by the end of Summer.

In conclusion, there are so many other "little things," that have been done in regards to church work.  Jeff and I have been blessed by our volunteers, families, and church members, serving in the name of Jesus.  Everyone, just has a heart to love, serve, and help one another.  I still don't know, what will become of Regeneration Church as our 1st year unfolds.  What I do know, is Jeff and I are enjoying the journey, and learning a lot!  Source unknown:  "We are so often caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey,  especially the goodness of the people we meet on the way.  Appreciation is a wonderful feeling, don't overlook it."

By His Grace,
Eric






 

Two Years Later in Venice

Entrepreneurial Pursuit

Harvard Business School Professor Howard Stevenson:  "Entrepreneurship is the pursuit of opportunity without regard to resources currently controlled."  Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, integrated both faith and risk.  He said: "Unless there is an element of risk in our exploits for God, there is no need for faith."  Being a church planter, involves taking risks, and having the spirit of an Entrepreneur.  One pastor, referred to the Apostle Paul as an "Entrepreneur of the Gospel."  October 1st, marked two years ago that I moved to Los Angeles, with the hope and prayer of planting a church in Venice.  Some great things have occurred since my last post...

On July 25th, I had a meeting with my managers at Golds Gym.  I have always had a great relationship with them.  However, due to certain requirements/expectations to remain a trainer there...I had to make some tough decisions.  Basically, it came down to them needing me to focus only on being a personal trainer, and giving more of myself to the gym.  To be fully invested in the team, and the corporation.  Although, I agreed with why this was necessary, I had to take a step back and consider my priorities.  I needed the freedom, to really give myself over to this church plant.  So, after much reflection and prayer...I put my two week notice in on Monday August 19th.  My official last day of working at Golds Gym, was Saturday August 31st.  I had worked at Golds Gym for 1 year and 10 months.  I had worked as a Personal Trainer there, for 1 year and 3 months.  It was a close, to a great chapter in my life and ministry.  I am very grateful to have worked there.

Business Card

Monday September 16th, was my first official day as a Independent Personal Trainer.  It was the start of my new business...Eric Flores Fitness.  Over the last three months...I had to buy office supplies, more equipment, obtain a Business Tax Certificate, design & order business cards, design and create a facebook page, create a new e-mail address, purchase liability insurance, make waiver/release forms, training agreement forms, receipts, etc.  This new business venture/entrepreneurial pursuit has been a blast, especially to have such wonderful clients!

Twin Towers

One of many reasons, as to why I volunteer at Men's Central Jail, was to develop a friendship/relationship with the inmates.  I knew that some, probably were from Venice and the surrounding communities.  My desire and prayer, was that there would be a church for them to come to, upon release.  These ideas were in my heart and mind over 2 years ago.  Fast forward to present day.  In the last month, some of the men have approached me, to ask when the church in Venice was going to start.  We have since exchanged contact information, as some are being released in the next couple months.  Still others, have prayed for God's blessing and favor on it!  On Monday November 25th, I was interviewed by another Chaplain.  I am currently filling out another application, and scheduled to do another orientation.  This is for the opportunity, to go volunteer across the parking lot at Twin Towers.  This will be different then Malachi Dads, which takes place on Saturdays in Men's Central Jail.  This ministry opportunity, will be during the week in the evening.  After working alongside the Chaplain two to three times, they will drop me off on one of 10 floors.  I will then be on my own, to conduct and lead services/classes.  Lord willing, I will begin this new venture in January.

The Electric Lodge

Now, on to the most exciting update.  Jeff and I, have been doing the Home Bible study, for the past 10 months.  We studied the books of 1 & 2 Timothy.  We have recently, changed it to a prayer meeting during the week.  Drum roll please...we are finally launching the church on Sunday January 5th!  Over the recent months, we were searching for a venue to meet at.  One Elementary school looked promising.  We even had the paperwork done, liability insurance covered, approval from the principal, and approval from the Los Angeles Unified School District.  We were on the verge of receiving the license...but then the door closed.  Back to the drawing board!  We considered other schools, the recreation/community center, and other church buildings.  The door finally opened at the Dance Studio, in the Electric Lodge!

These handful of months, have been busy preparing for the launch!  A list of some of those things included: organizing the order of Sunday morning service, outlining possible Sunday morning sermon series for the next year, reading and signing contracts, deciding on the name for the church, etc.  We are currently having a logo designed, creating/designing a facebook page, creating/designing business cards, writing up church bylaws, obtaining a tax ID number, and opening a bank account.


On October 8th, I was able to go on a live radio show, to talk about the church plant.  The show is called "Light into the Night," on KGBC.  They have stations in Los Angeles, Hawaii, Cambodia, Seattle, and South Korea.  Then on November 19th, I returned as a guest on the show, with my friend and ministry partner...Jeff Shelp.  I was able to share on our vision, message, and mission among other things.  Jeff was able to share his testimony.  It was so powerful!  Jeff being a Venetian, spoke about the events leading up to him giving his life to the leadership and lordship of Jesus Christ.  In that moment, I was reminded of how blessed I was, to be partnering with this hombre.


In closing, the name of the ministry is Regeneration Church.  The name is based on Titus 3:4-6: "But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior."  We also base it on John 3:1-8, where Jesus teaches on the necessity of a spiritual rebirth.  Pioneering anything, can be risky, but the rewards are well worth it...

By His Grace,
Eric 

Like-Minded

Jeff Shelp

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, that he would be sending Timothy to them shortly.  Here is what he said of him in Philippians 2:20:  "For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state."  Paul had met many people in life and ministry, in the course of 30 years.  However, there was nobody quite like Timothy.  Last post, I mentioned Jeff Shelp and myself, were attempting to start over again with the ministry here in Venice Beach.  We both feel it has been almost "effortless," in part because of the like-mindedness we share.  With that, here is a little bio of Jeff Shelp he sent me...

Jeff Shelp serves as the Accounting Manager for World Impact, an urban missions organization in Los Angeles.  He has served as a worship leader at Metro Calvary Chapel Santa Monica as well as the Westside Vineyard Christian Fellowship.  He is currently part of a new church plant in Venice, California, where he resides with his two sons.  They enjoy surfing, baseball, and writing music together.

On Wednesday January 16th, we started a new Bible Study in Jeff's apartment.  The first 2-3 weeks, nobody came except Jeff, me, and his son.  I had invited at least two people every week. We both agreed that we wanted locals (Venetians), and didn't want to take people from other existing churches.  We also were prepared to study and pray with just us, for the next few months.  There was no hurry, to get people to come.  We now have been meeting only 5 short months...and we have other people!  They have come from my work, the boardwalk, and neighbors in the apartment building.  It has been the highlight of my week, from the very beginning!  We also have Christians and non-Christians who come.  Jeff and I sometimes have just looked at each other, and wanted to pinch ourselves...because it has been going so well!  One woman made the comment:  "If I hadn't sensed the presence of the Lord when I first came, I wouldn't have returned."  Another woman, came to Venice 5 years ago, and lives out of her van.  Her beliefs are all over the place, but is intrigued by the Bible.  She had never been to a Bible Study in her entire life.  Recently, she shared with me that she had a question about a part of the Bible she was reading.  I responded, "Great, you have been reading on your own?!"  She said: "Yeah, I started reading because of you guys."  Jeff and I were ecstatic!

Jeff and I, are prayerfully and thoughtfully planning on launching in the Fall.  Lord willing, we will finally be doing Sunday morning services in a building.  Desiring to establish ourselves as a church in the community, and be more proactive in letting them know we exist.

Inside Men's Central Jail

Saturday February 23rd, was my first day volunteering at Men's Central Jail...the largest jail in the world located in Downtown LA.  I couldn't believe I was finally going!  It had been well over a year, trying to get in...legally!  I hooked up with a team of guys, in a ministry by the name of Malachi Dads.  We meet in one large group, then break up into smaller groups.  We also provide Bibles, prayer, and any other resources they may need.  The 12 week curriculum and homework, is based on Malachi 4:6a: "And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers."  We study together the basics of Biblical Christianity, and end on being godly husbands and fathers.  On Saturday May 25th, some of the men graduated the course.  What blessed the other volunteers and myself the most, was each graduate sharing their story.  Some were in for murder, theft, drug dealing, gang activity..etc.  While others, shared how they had been terrible husbands and fathers.  Estranged from their families for years, even decades.  However, all had one thing in common...Jesus and His Word transforming their lives from the inside out.  The inmates were able to write their families, and some were being released the very next week.  Now, with a renewed sense of hope of making things right.  As mentioned in a previous post, there are 2,500,000 inmates in America.  70% of the men incarcerated, there children will follow in their footsteps and end up in prison.  90-95% of American males on death row, have one thing in common, they absolutely hate their father. 

For the Summer, we will only be meeting once a month, and study from the book of Proverbs.  It has been said: "If you want to know the heart of God, study Psalms.  If you want to know the mind of God, study Proverbs."  This is one of my favorite books, because there is so much heavenly wisdom therein.  In the Fall, we will go back to meeting weekly with the previous curriculum/lesson plans.

On Tuesday May 28th, I hit my 1 year mark of being a Personal Trainer at Golds Gym.  It has been a great rookie year, of formal personal training.  It has been a joy to be a part of people hitting goals, losing weight, taking down their body fat percentage, change in measurements, and so much more.  However, the most important thing... is seeing people feeling comfortable in their own skin.  Some clients have even written testimonies for me as their trainer.  Also, I finally took the exam to get my 2nd certification.  I passed on Wednesday April 17th, and received it from the NCCPT (National Council for Certified Personal Trainers.)  I am now freed up, to study for my 3rd certification.  Hopefully, I will soon be a MMA Conditioning Specialist.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 states: "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven."  To focus on these pursuits...I took a break from my volunteer work as a Pastoral Volunteer at Marina Del Rey Hospital, and volunteer work at Boys and Girls Club of Venice.  For the latter portion of this year, I hope to return to these important needs in the community.

In closing, I came across this quote: "God will never leave you empty.  He will replace everything you lost.  If He asks you to put something down, it's because He wants you to pick up something greater."  The latter part of 2012, was a season of putting things down.  The first half of 2013, has been a year of picking up again.  I must say...it has been a blast!  I look forward with great anticipation, to the possibilities of greater things ahead!

By His Grace,
Eric

One Year Later in Venice Beach

Venice Beach Center near the Boardwalk

Proverbs 16:9:  "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."  A verse in the Bible that means more to me than ever before.  I came to West Los Angeles over a year ago, with many plans in my heart.  Some of those plans came to pass, some didn't.  In other ways, those plans worked out...but not as I thought they would.  October 1st, marked exactly one year ago I moved to this city.  In this post, I wanted to summarize my 1st year here, and share what was on the horizon....

I hit the 6 month mark, of being a Personal Trainer at Gold's Gym on November 28th.  I have been privileged to work with a diversity of clients, even on an international level.  They have hailed everywhere from Poland, Mexico, England, Italy, Lebanon, and even Barcelona, Spain!  I have even been able to practice my Spanish again!  One of the clients from Mexico speaks no English at all, as a result we do every session in Spanish.

Over the past few months, I have completed the course and practice test for the NCCPT (National Council for Certified Personal Trainers).  Soon, I will be taking the exam for this certification.  My boss has encouraged us, to all endeavor to distinguish ourselves from one another.  To be able to provide a rotation of boot camps.  Every trainer, has their area of specialization.  Some have different certifications, for different areas of health and fitness.  I will be pursuing a third certification, to become a MMA Conditioning Specialist, through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine).

Logo of the Institute

In February 2013, I will finally be ministering at Men's Central Jail in Downtown LA!  A few posts back, I mentioned TUMI (The Urban Ministry Institute).  They provide a seminary education free of charge, to those who sense a call to be pastors.  Please pray for this endeavor!

On Tuesday October 2nd, I returned to the Boys and Girls Club in Venice.  I would now be volunteering on a weekly basis, assisting the Athletic Director with the "Commit to be Fit" program.  The past couple months have been a blast!

Now, on to the status of the church plant!  In previous updates, I have shared about the team and our work together.  Our 3 month commitment in the park, ended on Sunday September 23rd.  It was then, I had to make some major decisions about changing up the leadership team, and taking a step back from the church plant.  Meanwhile, Jeff Shelp and I realized through this process, how like-minded in regards to ministry we were.  Jeff was raised in Venice Beach, and is as local as they come.  He has an incredible testimony.  His sphere of influence is on the beach, as he and his sons are avid surfers and skaters.  We are currently praying and planning together, the next steps of faith to take.  On Wednesday January 16, 2013, we are going to do a Bible study in Jeff's apartment...which is right on the boardwalk!  Jeff will be inviting local friends, as I will be inviting co-workers and members of the gym.  We are going back to the drawing board, and starting with a clean slate.  As the year goes on, we will see what the Lord does.  Lord willing, a church will emerge from this venture of faith.  Both Jeff and I, have a renewed sense of excitement and optimism! 

Apostle Paul Tent making

Truly, the Lord directs our steps in the midst of our plans.  Hindsight is 20/20.  This past year, I didn't always understand "why" the launch date of the church was green light, yellow light, red light.  The same can be said of the ministry in the jail, boys and girls club, "tent making" job, and leadership changes.  Planning is great and Biblical, but we need to be willing to altar those plans.  I can look back on this 1st year, with a smile on my face and sense of peace in my heart.  In the wisdom of God, this year hasn't been in vain, or a waste of time.  No, quite the opposite.  Through all the delays and postponing of dates, God was beautifully orchestrating things behind the scenes.  Los Angeles feels like home now, I have become established in the community.  I have formed relationships and friendships with co-workers and gym members, become more familiar with the culture, linked up with organizations like World Impact and TUMI.  On top of all this, I have met with, and formed relationships with other Lead/Senior Pastors in Venice and the surrounding areas.

"A MISSIONARY HEART CARES MORE THAN SOME THINK IS WISE; RISKS MORE THAN SOME THINK IS SAFE; DREAMS MORE THAN SOME THINK IS PRACTICAL; EXPECTS MORE THAN SOME THINK IS POSSIBLE."  So, here we go...Round 2!

By His Grace,

Eric

Turning 30

Bonnidette Lantz:  "At 30, you finally start to catch up to those dreams you've been chasing for the last 10 plus years."  C.S. Lewis:  "Thirty was so strange for me.  I've really had to come to terms with the fact that I am now a walking and talking adult."  I turned 30 this past Spring.  Hitting this milestone, got me thinking about my life, ministry, and life in general.  I also reflected on how God used people in the OT, NT, Church History, and the present at the age of 30.  Rabbi Boruch Leff:  "The old cliche is true: A jack-of-all-trades is a master of none. The 20s are the training ground to become a jack-of-all-trades. The 30s is the time to focus and master those talents that can be applied in practical directions."

Old Testament:  The Bible says in Genesis 41:46:  "Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt.  And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt."  Joseph goes from being a prisoner, to the prime minister of Egypt.  Basically,  Joseph ruled over Egypt, and was 2nd in command under Pharaoh.  Now, the Bible goes out of its way to tell us his age...why?  The famous 12th century commentator Rashbam, explains that at age 30 one is "worthy of leadership."  Interestingly, the minimum age to run for U.S. Congress is also 30.  The Talmud (Pirkei Avot 5:26) declares: "At age 30, one receives strength."  God would use Joseph to save the world from seven years of famine.  Egypt was the most powerful nation in the world at the time.

The Bible records in 2 Samuel 5:4:  "David was thirty years old when be began to reign, and he reigned forty years."  King David was given the name..."a man after God's own heart."  The Messiah (Jesus) would come through his line.

Apostle Paul

New Testament:  The Scriptures document in Luke 3:23:  "Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli."  The book of Numbers tells us that thirty years of age was the time the priests began their ministry to God's people.  Up to this point, Jesus worked as a carpenter.  His public ministry would only be three and a half years, being crucified for the sins of the world at age 33.

Some Bible commentators/scholars believe the Apostle Paul was converted at the age of 30.  You could find the details in Acts 7-9;).  He would later write a better part of the NT, plant numerous churches, and be one of the best foreign missionaries in church history. 

Church History:  Late one night in 1951 while studying for an exam, Bill Bright had a powerful vision of helping to fulfill the great commission in his lifetime by evangelizing college campuses.  He was thirty years old.  The next morning, he shared it with his professor and mentor Dr. Wilbur Smith.  Through him, the name was given...Campus Crusade for Christ.  Today, it is one of the largest interdenominational mission agencies in the world.  One of its marks on world missions is the JESUS film, which has been viewed by more than 4 billion people in more than 650 languages, with 121 million reported conversions since 1979.

On October 15, 1932, a small group of friends gathered in the Liverpool Street Station to see Gladys Aylward off to China to be a missionary.  She was thirty years of age.  By 1940, Gladys had taken responsibility for nearly one hundred children-the majority of them war orphans.  Gladys embarked on a 240-mile journey to Xi'an, the capital of the neighboring province, with her children.  The Japanese soldiers were never far behind...God brought them to safety.

Pastor Rafael Manzanares

Current Times:  A man that I am currently partnering with, is Pastor Steve Snook.  He planted Metro Calvary Chapel in Santa Monica, about 23 years ago when he was thirty years of age.  His vision, is that churches are planted from the coast all the way to Hollywood.

My friend, mentor, and Pastor Rafael Manzanares, began his current work about 10 years ago at the age of 30.  He took over the leadership of Santa Ponsa Community Church in Mallorca, Spain.  He is also the director of Mallorca Bible School, which began in the Spring of 2005.  Presently, he and the leadership are endeavoring to plant a church in Palma.  This is the capital city of all of Spain's islands.  Mallorca is the largest island, with a population of 1 million people...half of them are in the city!

David Brainerd

In conclusion,  I realize more and more the brevity of life.  Whatever your age may be, don't let it paralyze you from taking steps of faith in obedience to Christ.  Earlier this year, two brothers in the Lord went home to heaven.  One was only 32 years old, and died of a cancerous brain tumor.  He was a lead pastor, husband, and father.  The other was the same, but died of a massive heart attack at the age of 36.  Some in Church History, have died just short of 30.  David Brainerd, a missionary to the Delaware Indians in New Jersey, died from tuberculosis at the age of 29.  Robert Murray McCheyne, a Scottish pastor and poet, died during an epidemic of typhus at the age of 29.

C.S. Lewis writes:  "If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next.  It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this."  My fellow Christians, be great for His glory this year and beyond!!

By His Grace,
Eric

Foundation Phase

Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, in 1 Corinthians 3:11: "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."  As the church is being planted and established in Venice Beach, I am constantly being reminded of what we are building on.  Not to mention what we are building with.  Hopefully and prayerfully, we are laying a good foundation for the years to come.  I also see God laying a foundation in me and the leaders.  Jesus spoke on the storms of life coming, and not being a matter of if...but when.  So, when the storms of life come beating on this new church plant, we hope it stands, for it is founded on the rock.  That rock is Jesus Christ...

Upon my return from Costa Rica, I had a promotion to look forward to.  I had worked as a "Housekeeping Associate," in the custodial arts for six and a half months.  On Monday May 28th, I started my first day in the Personal Training Department at Gold's Gym.  The first couple of weeks were all about orientation, and shadowing other personal trainers.  It was great to learn different styles and philosophies of training.  On Thursday June 21st, I also took an exam and got CPR certified.  I had mentioned a few posts back, the need to get another certification for personal training.  The Lord has provided again!  Turns out, they want all the gyms to be on the same page in this regard.  So, every trainer has to get certified by the NCCPT (National Council for Certified Personal Trainers.)  The blessing is, we all get to do the course, and take the test for free by September 1st.

Back in April, Ed Welsh (senior chaplain) at the jail, informed me that they had lost my paperwork.  I had to fill out everything again and submit it.  On Thursday June 28th, I attended a two hour orientation class and passed it.  I am in communication with Ed, discussing when and how often I can volunteer.  Lord willing, I will be able to start ministering at Men's Central Jail in August.

Boys and Girls Club Venice

As the foundation is still being laid, I am constantly thinking and praying...about ways to get involved in the community.  To rub elbows with locals and their families.  In December of last year,  I started to have a burden to serve teens without a father or older brother.  Young men, who needed to be mentored and wanted/needed a male role model.  I decided to volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club in Venice.  After going through the application process, I attended an orientation on Tuesday June 19th.  The age group I narrowed in on, was junior high to high school.  The club is currently doing a summer program.  One of them is called "The Biggest Loser," addressing child obesity and getting rid of negative attitudes.  Another one is "Boy Talk/Girl Talk," in which relevant topics are discussed that are age appropriate. Monday July 16th, was my first day of volunteering at the club.  I attended the biggest loser, simply as an observer.  Afterwards, I was the guest speaker at the boy talk.  I spoke on nutrition, training for sports, and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.  I also did some Q & A, as many of them want to be professional athletes one day.  It was a big turnout, and I had a lot of fun.  Next time, the staff wants me to put the kids through a workout.

Oakwood Park

The team and I, had been praying and thinking about when to go more public.  On Sunday July 1st, we did our first Sunday morning at Oakwood Park.  I am currently teaching through the book of Ecclesiastes.  We BBQ for those in the service, and those who don't join in on the service as well.  The vision is to end the summer at the park by the end of September, with a baptism at Venice Beach.  As we are faithful, we will see if the Lord adds to our number.  We are thinking of "launching" in the fall.  We also still meet Wednesdays at the Electric Lodge.  We are studying the book of Acts...but not the whole book or in chronological order.  We rotate the teaching between the leadership, and whatever chapter or passage they decide on, is the study.  I have also been typing up documents on church leadership, roles and responsibilities for the team, and meetings.  Everyone is happy with their job description, and what they contribute.  In an effort to maintain unity among us, I deemed this necessary.  Our doctrine, theology, and philosophy of ministry, has been a major part of laying the foundation for this church plant.

On Tuesday June 19th, Golds Gym made the front of the New York Times.  It appears google, is trying to lease all of Venice Beach.  As you read the article, you will get even more perspective of the culture and community here.  Not to mention Arnold's ;).  Check it out at http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/20/us/bodybuilders-flinch-at-googles-venice-beach-incursion.html?_r=1&hp

Jesus said he would build His church.  If the foundation is Jesus, His Gospel, and His Word...I know it can't go wrong.


By His Grace,
Eric

Re-entry: One Year Later

Adios at LAX

In January 2003, nine and a half years ago, I attended my first Calvary Chapel Missions Conference in Murrieta Hot Springs, CA.  I have so many great memories from that conference. I remember they had a resource room, with seasoned missionaries in the back. One gentlemen in particular, had books for missionaries who returned back to their home country. It was about "Re-entry." I had seen and heard of resources for those yet to go, or while on the field, but never before had I heard of this phase.  Of course, back then I never gave it much thought.  In fact, I thought returning to your home country would be the easiest part of the whole process.  I mean, is it really necessary to write a whole book on this?!  I still had yet to go, so returning was the furthest thing on my mind.  On June 1, 2011, I departed from Malaga, Spain with a heavy heart.  I landed the next day in CA, on June 2, 2011.  Now, I would understand what this phase was all about...

Johnny at Santa Monica Pier

Culture shock has 5 distinct phases: honeymoon, negotiation, adjustment, mastery, and reverse culture shock.  Every missionary has gone through at least 4 of these phases.  Reverse culture shock, or "re-entry shock," is more surprising and difficult to deal with, then the original culture shock.  When I arrived back in SoCal last year, I went through a season in my life and ministry like no other time before.  I thought something was very wrong with me, and felt turned inside out.  In July of last year, a woman who is on staff at CCBC in Murrieta, gave me a word of encouragement.  She told me of a couple, who had served as missionaries in Wales for 4 years.  They came back to the US, and settled in at the conference center at the Bible college.  Although surrounded by an ideal Christian community, it took the couple 2 years to "get over" their transition.  On Saturday June 2, 2012, I recalled her words as I just passed the 1 year mark of my return from Spain.  I must confess, although God has given me a good life here in Los Angeles, I am still wrestling with nostalgia and re-entry...

Pastoral Epistles Class

Foreign Missions is in my spiritual DNA, and especially since my time in Spain...I know I will never be the same again.  A few months back at the end of March, I received a e-mail from Mallorca, Spain.  You may remember...Johnny, Rick, and Monica.  Four years ago (March 2008), I had the privilege with Pastor Rafael Manzanares of leading Johnny to Christ, and baptizing him in the Mediterranean Sea.  His daughter Monica and her husband Rick, attended the mid-week home Bible study I taught in the city of Palma.  Rick also taught me how to do the bookkeeping, accounting responsibilities, and deal with the finances of the Church and Bible College.  They also became some of my best friends in Mallorca.  The e-mail informed me they were coming to California for two weeks to see friends and family, and would arrive here on Saturday April 7th.  The reunion that night was awesome!  It had been almost 2 years since I saw them all in person.  It was Johnny and Rick, who accompanied me to the ferry on July 1, 2010 to say adios.  They were so supportive early that morning, as I embarked on my journey from Mallorca to Malaga.  I was grateful to get together with them 4 times while they were here, and see them off at the airport.  I had the opportunity to give them a tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach, and even meet with my familia in Upland. It was like old times: filled with laughter, fun, prayer, and genuine fellowship.  God brought Spain to me!!

Nauyaca Falls

Recently, Foreign Missions came knocking on the doors again.  One of my good friends Ryan Slabach, who is a missionary and the director of the CCBC in Costa Rica, hit me up for a ministry opportunity.  This extension campus is new, as this was only the 3rd semester it has been operating.  He wanted me to come down and teach a block class at the Bible college extension campus.  A normal semester, is anywhere from three and a half to four months.  These kind of classes cover all the material, in only 2 weeks or 30 hours of teaching!  The Spring 2012 semester, had a Missions focus and emphasis.  Ryan wanted me to teach on the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus).  It was perfect timing, as these letters were written by the apostle Paul, to 2 young pastors named Timothy and Titus.  One in a city, and the other on an island.  Being in the middle of this church plant in Venice Beach, it was both rewarding and enriching to study for!

I was in Costa Rica from Saturday May 12 to Saturday May 26.  Praise God we made it through all 3 books, and exactly 30 hours of teaching!  I was also able to pray with the staff every morning, and do devotionals with staff and students.  It was great to hear from everybody, as each morning we studied a section of Psalm 119.  Ryan and the team, also lead a weekly Sunday night Bible study.  Not only do students attend, but other missionaries in the area, and locals.  Ryan does a great job teaching in Spanish, as they are currently studying 1 Samuel.  Not only has conversions and baptisms taken place, but discipleship as well.  The first Sunday night I was there, locals (ticos and ticas) gave their lives to Jesus!  Older women, came to Ryan to comment on how they understood the Bible study, and how God spoke to them like never before.  I was personally encouraged, as I was able to use my Spanish from the moment I landed.  Also, one of the missionaries who usually interprets for the students every Sunday, wasn't able to attend.  I then was asked to help the students, by interpreting the study for them!  Hope I didn't butcher it too bad!;)  Every Monday night, Ryan teaches a block class through the book of Acts.  Ticos and ticas also attend, it is a very good turnout!  Ryan teaches in English for the students, and a tica interprets it in Spanish.

Hiking in Costa Rica

Fortunately,  I was also able to have some days off and enjoy the country.  Costa Rica located in Central America, is the greenest place on earth.  Ryan commented on how the human eye can detect 30 plus shades of green...he remarked: "I think they are all here!"  We were able to hang with the students for the weekend, rent a car, and drive all over the place.  We also hiked through the rain forest, swam, saw exotic creatures, and explored the waterfalls.  The Bible college is located in San Isidro, a valley surrounded by the mountains.  A great location away from tourist areas, and among the ticos and ticas.  It is a 3 hour drive south from the airport in San Jose, which is the nation's capital.  Over the weekend, we were able to crash at the home of missionary Mike Chaves in Dominical...a surfer's paradise.  Mike and I go way back, as he was the youth pastor at CC Rancho Cucamonga, before moving to Costa Rica with his family.  He is pastoring a church he planted, and also running a restaurant, with some of the best hamburgers in town!

One of the best aspects of the trip, was not only meeting new missionaries, but reuniting with guys like Ryan and Mike.  To simply encourage each other, share hopes, fears, struggles, and the joys in ministry.  I know we were all mutually

Time to Explore!

encouraged.  I was also able to meet Ryan's parents, who are missionaries in Nicaragua.  This country is located right above Costa Rica.  They were missionaries prior in the Dominican Republic for over 10 years, and had much wisdom.  I was blessed to be able to ask them questions about ministry, missions, and re-entry.  All in all...a trip filled with ministry, fun, adventure, and encouragement between believers!

One of the things that has helped with re-entry...is living NOW.  I can't live in the past, nor the future, because soon my present will be in the past.  God has me here in Venice Beach right now.  A domestic mission field, but a mission field nonetheless.  God has called me to Judea right now.  I know through my whole life and ministry, I will by God's grace be involved with foreign missions to some capacity or another.  Also, Spain will always hold a special place in my heart.  I still consider it my second home here on earth, and plan on visiting soon Lord willing.  Some of the best years of my life and ministry were in Spain, filled with great memories and relationships that will last a lifetime on into eternity.  I don't know the future, but should God ever move me on again...I want to be able to say I made the most of my time here in LA.  How about you?  Are you waiting for the future "to live?"  Or stuck living in the memories of the past?  God help us all to live right now, seize the moment, and make the most of whatever season/station of life you are in.  Thank you for your support then, and your support now!!   Love you all!!

By His Grace,
Eric