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

Dare To Move

Robert F. Kennedy rightly stated: "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." John Haggai said this: "Attempt something so impossible, that unless God is in it, it's doomed to failure." Planting a church, is both thrilling and scary at the same time. According to an article written by Bob Thune, 80% of church plants fail. I had to remind myself, that everything in my ministerial journey has been by faith. In other words, I had no experience but had to start somewhere. I had never been a Youth Pastor before, but by God's grace I took a chance. I had never been a full-time Missionary abroad before, but by God's grace I took a chance. I had never been an Assistant Pastor before, but by God's grace I took a chance. I have never in my life or ministry planted a church before, but now by God's grace I am taking a chance. Hebrews 13:5b: "For He Himself has said: 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" I'm counting on it...

Friday December 2nd, was my first official day serving as a Chaplain at Marina Del Rey Hospital. The Pastoral Care Coordinator is Carolena Fens. She has been a pleasure to work with, as she continues to show me the ropes. She has much favor there, and even assisted me in getting my photo and ID badge fairly quickly. Every time I go in, she has a well organized list waiting for me. The information contains: Name of patient/Room and Bed Number/Age/Gender/Marital Status/Religion. Some of the patients, have shared with me some positive feedback. For the most part, the very fact that I am a young pastor, has blessed them. A few have commented: "We need more young people doing this type of work." Still others, have different perspectives on my visits. On one occasion, I was having a great conversation with an older gentlemen, when all of a sudden his wife and daughter showed up. The wife looked particularly concerned...as she thought the only reason I was there, was because her husband's condition took a turn for the worse! In other words, pastors only show up when a patient is dying!

In the months of December and January, I was trying to pick up a 2nd job with better income. I tried everything from TSA, to every airline at LAX, to Coca-Cola! I even tried to get another job as a personal trainer at other gyms. There simply wasn't any doors opening, no matter how hard I tried. There was some hope at one point, when I landed an interview with another gym to be a personal trainer, but that too didn't happen. Meanwhile, I have loved working at Gold's Gym. I can honestly say a majority of the time, I love going to work there. I have had the privilege of building relationships, with gym members and co-workers in all the departments. It truly has been a season of listening... but I have also been able to share the gospel, who I am, and why I'm in Venice Beach. Believer and unbeliever alike, always ask how the church plant is coming along. In fact, some have said: "When you guys go to Sunday mornings, I'll come check it out." My boss kept promising that promotion would come, and the manager of the PT department promised the same. Members and co-workers alike, were rooting for me as well. Finally, after only 4 months of working there...I landed an interview with the PT manager. He wanted me to update my resume and meet. On Thursday February 23, I went into the interview nervous and excited at the same time.

After all was said and done, they decided to go ahead, and promote me to be a Personal Trainer! However, it won't be until the end of May. My manager needs me to continue in Housekeeping for a couple months more, and help him to train another guy. I also have to train one of their trainers, then have a panel interview with the PT Manager, Operations Manager, and General Manager. My certification was good enough to get me hired, but I still need to get a better one...to make me even more qualified. Once I am in the department, I will have 4 months to obtain it, be on a payment plan, and receive a 25% discount. I was so thankful, for all the managers being so accommodating!

On Saturday February 11th, I attended a Only Hope Prison Seminar in Simi Valley with Jeff Shelp, who is a part of the VB Church Plant Team. I had been trying to get a hold of the Senior Chaplain (Ed Welsh), since August 2011...with no success! Turns out, Jeff's job puts him in touch with one of the chaplains at the prison named Mike Broyles. We touched base and hit it off, then he extended an invite to attend this seminar. Attending would be the chief of LASD, President of Only Hope Prison Ministries, other chaplains, law enforcement, etc. As Jeff and I sit down for lunch, we end up meeting some really cool people. Over the course of the conversation, turns out one of the gentlemen is close friends with Ed Welsh! He then goes, and gets Ed to come over and meet me immediately. Once again, God orchestrates everything beautifully!!

On Wednesday February 22nd, Ed and I met for lunch and an informal interview. Afterwards, I filled out some paperwork and mailed it in. I am currently filling out more documents, being screened, and waiting to see if I pass or not. If all goes well, I will begin ministering early April. I will start off as an Assistant Chaplain: doing visits, counseling, handing out Bibles, and conducting Bible Studies. Eventually, when I become a Chaplain, I will be able to preach/teach at Chapel Services. However, Mike Broyles is the Director of TUMI (The Urban Ministry Institute). They conduct a seminary in the jail, for those called to be pastors. Some will get out, and Lord willing plant and pastor churches themselves...while still others will never get out, but shepherd inmates around them. Mike went on to express to me, that he would like me to teach one of the seminary classes! They have had already over 215 students, with the prayer and hope to have 1,000 men enrolled to be pastors in the next 2 years or so. Mike shared some statistics at the seminar: There are 2,500,000 inmates in America, largest jail in the world is this one in LA, 70% of the inmates children end up in prison, 90-95% of American males on death row absolutely hate their human father. Pray for me, as I enter Men's Central Jail located in Downtown LA, which is currently holding 5,000 inmates.

On Wednesday January 4th, our VB Bible Study met at the Electric Lodge. An apartment and two coffee shops later, the Lord blessed us with the ideal building and our first pick. The location is stellar, mainly because it is right behind Abbot Kinney Blvd. This is a major street in Venice Beach, where many locals hang out. We currently meet in the basement of this building, which fits around twenty people. What is so great about this as well, is there is room to grow. If we outgrow the basement, there is a large dance studio, and then a nice 99 seat amphitheater. We are currently averaging 20-25 people on Wednesday nights...so we are comfortable. Right now, we are (leaders) on a rotation teaching through 1 John. Back in January, we started doing a Q & A panel setup every last Wednesday of the month. The people have had some great questions...everything from theological to personal. We also provide the people with dinner, drinks, and dessert this particular night. The desire was that this time, would be less formal and more casual/relaxed.

On Sunday January 29th, we had a night of prayer/worship/vision. We rented the dance studio, and it was a great time together. Every leader shared a piece of the puzzle...such as God's heart for Venice/Strongholds/Jeff's testimony as a local/culture/youth/homeless, and I shared a little history lesson of the city. It was such a wonderful night! The last song played that night was "God of this City," by Chris Tomlin. I hadn't heard it in years, but it took on new meaning as now I was living in this city. I couldn't help but sing it all that week at work.

Over the past few months, I have had countless meetings with the leadership team. We needed to find out if we were in agreement on some of the following, before moving forward: name of the church, vision/mission, leadership roles, and timeline. We are all currently reading through a 37 page packet of Bylaws for Metro Calvary Chapel. We as a team have to present these things to the board of Metro, in the month of April. After this meeting, we will have a more solid timeline for when we will "launch," and transition from a Wednesday night Bible study to a Sunday morning church plant. Please pray for God's perfect timing, as we don't want to rush ahead or fall behind.

In closing, I honestly couldn't have asked God for a better team, to plant this church with! You will be introduced to them soon, in another post. We are also planning an outreach for Easter next month...so pray!

By His Grace,
Eric

History Lesson of Venice Beach

If it hadn't been for Abbot Kinney's asthma, Venice may never have been founded. Kinney, born 1850 in Brookside, New Jersey, was on a three year trip around the world when a snowstorm prevented his return to the east coast. He journeyed, instead, to Sierra Madre and was so impressed by the climate he developed a citrus ranch called Kinneloa.

In the 1890’s, one man’s dream of a renaissance resort and amusement park transformed a deteriorating marshland west of Los Angeles, California, into the "Coney Island of the Pacific". The vision of Abbot Kinney, a wealthy tobacco mogul, world traveler and co-owner of the Ocean Park Casino and Resort, was to turn the land south of Ocean Park through the Del Rey peninsula into a "Venice of America." Despite disbelief and opposition, the dreams of Abbot Kinney materialized in grand style.

After his marriage in 1884, Kinney began purchasing land to the south with Francis Ryan. The partners developed Ocean Park with a walk pier and a country club. A streetcar line was extended to the site.

After Ryan's untimely death in 1898, and a succession of partners with whom Kinney couldn't agree, it was decided that the land speculator would toss a coin and the winner would choose which half of the district would be his. When Kinney won the toss, he startled the other four partners by choosing the barren, marshy property. Kinney soon announced that his sand dunes and marshland would soon be a cultural city patterned after Venice, Italy. He envisioned a resort town culturally reminiscent of Venice, Italy, complete with canals, gondolas, amusement piers, hotels and Venetian-styled structures. The public laughed and dubbed the plan "Kinney's Folly".

They stopped laughing when trenches for canals were dug and Venetian-patterned buildings began to spring up. By July 4, 1905, Venice-of-America officially opened with a wonderful pier and exciting attractions: Italian gondoliers poling their boats down fairy-lit canals, a concert orchestra supplying music that could be heard nearly all over town, camel rides, exotic hotels catering to the best tastes and a miniature railroad circling the entire scene. It was very apparent right from the start that tourists were excited about the new Venice of America. Venice of America was a success. With the canal network near completion and the adjacent residential lots sold, Venice began to grow at an enormous rate. The imported gondolas and the miniature railroad, which carted people in around the town, also arrived that summer. The town was booming and began attracting out-of-town sideshows and amusements. Excitement and Venice were synonymous.

By 1920, Venice's population reached 10,385 residents. Despite Prohibition, Venice increased it's growth with new and improved attractions on both the Abbot Kinney Pier and the Ocean Park Pier. Speakeasies also emerged in basements of businesses along Windward Avenue. Liquor supplies were smuggled through tunnels leading from the beaches to hotel basements.

Sadly, on November 4, 1920, tobacco baron, Abbot Kinney died of lung cancer from years of heavy smoking, leaving his eldest son, Thornton, to take over the business. One month later, his amusement pier burned to the ground. The only attractions spared by the fire were a new roller coaster and the bandstand tower. Six months later, the pier was rebuilt and operating. In 1924, the Ocean Park Pier experienced yet another devastating fire that destroyed the entire complex and the adjacent Licks Pier. Both piers reopened in 1926.

By 1925, Venice's politics became unmanageable. It's roads, water and sewage systems badly needed repair and expansion to keep up with its growing population.

Distraught by the inability of the City Council to adequately govern Venice, the residents held an election and the voters decided that Venice be officially annexed to the City of Los Angeles in November 1925. It was like Los Angeles annexing Disneyland. The city, which never cared for Venice’s honky tonk atmosphere, started to dismantle the amusement industry. It began with the removal of the miniature railroad and filled in the majority of the canals to accommodate increased automobile traffic.

In 1932 the Depression hit hard. Various Venice banks went bankrupt and the Venice Pier went into receivership. However, when liquor consumption became legal again and bingo games were modified into a game of skill, the economy benefited.

When World War II started, it affected Venice and it's seaside amusement centers. A blackout was instilled which allowed only daytime use of the piers and their attractions. National Guardsmen patrolled the beaches in search of enemy submarines and ships. During the daytime, Venice became a major draw for sailors and soldiers on weekend leave. Country Western and Swing music echoed from the dance halls and casino lounges. The evening curfew was eventually lifted in 1944 and life in Venice returned to normal.

Los Angeles had neglected Venice so long that, by the 1950's, it had become the "Slum by the Sea." With the exception of new police and fire stations in 1930, the city spent little on improvements after annexation. During the 50's, the Lawrence Welk Band brought a new resurgence of business to the ailing dance halls and piers. A televised show made Welk a national celebrity. But by the end of the decade, pawn shops and liquor stores had replaced the souvenir shops and bingo parlors, and tourists were nowhere to be found.

Venice was in a severe state of decay and in desperate need for redevelopment. In the early 60’s, the city instituted a policy of "Code Enforcement" where all buildings had to be upgraded to current building standards.
A new group of people had made their way into the confines of Venice in the 60’s. The "Beats" as they were referred to brought a Bohemian life style. Life centered around art, poetry and new-jazz. Venice was tolerant of their life styles and they gathered in the local coffee houses. Where the Beats left off the Hippies took over. The flower children of the 60's flocked to Venice to experience free expression during their "summer of love." The canals witnessed pot parties, love-ins and drunken frenzies. Several riots occurred during outdoor beach concerts with resulting arrests.

Venice experienced a rebirth in the 70's but not as a major tourist destination. The focal point was on maintaining the character of Venice so as not to chase out the low income population. In 1972, the city constructed an 18 mile bicycle path adjacent to Ocean Front Walk which extends from Torrance to Santa Monica. The new visitors were local residents riding bikes through the depressed Venice, bringing it new life. In 1974, nude sunbathing was actually permitted north of the Pavilion. It caused such a stir that the City of LA voted 14 to 1 to ban the fully exposed from sun bathing. This brought a new sight to Venice, the Los Angeles Police dressed in blue shorts and T-shirts enforcing the new law.

In 1976, with the invention of the polyurethane skate wheel, outdoor skating became the rage. Venice's wide Ocean Front Walk and bicycle path made it an ideal location for skating. Vendors began renting roller skates from outdoor lots along the ocean front and tourists flocked to the area to experience the new sport. With the crowds came street performers and sidewalk artists along with T-shirt and sun glass stands. The Los Angeles city mayor deemed Venice "the roller skating capital of the World." Venice had become a tourist attraction again.

In the late 70's and early 80's, Venice saw the likes of mural art. Buildings all around town were brilliantly livened up with scenes depicting landscapes, everyday life and tributes to Venice artists such as Jim Morrison of the legendary band, The Doors. With an onslaught of street artists, vendors, musicians, body builders, palm readers and live television coverage during the 1984 Summer Olympics, Venice began receiving visitors from around the world on a daily basis.

Venice history is still being written. Today Venice is keeping with its colorful tradition as being the number one seaside destination on the West Coast.

Venice today is a cultural melting pot of art, music and its own lifestyle. One can cruise the Boardwalk and see many street artists, vendors, musicians, bodybuilders, palm readers and movies being filmed throughout the area.

* All information taken from various sources.

John Arthur Maynard: "Venice, California, has seldom been an entirely respectable place."
Richard Omura: "The throng...is probably a modern-day equivalent of the Capernaum of Jesus's time."
Bruce Paltrow: "When you come to Venice, you do special work."
Dylan Rush: "Venice is like no place else."
John Austin: ".....one of the last remaining strongholds of individualism in Southern California."

By His Grace,
Eric

The Journey Begins With Vision

The Vision Verse for this Church Plant is 2 Timothy 4:5, which states: "But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." Paul the apostle about to be martyred for his faith in Christ, is writing his final words. These last statements are being written to a young pastor named Timothy. Some Bible commentators and scholars, would argue that Timothy is anywhere from his late twenties to mid thirties. At the end of the day he is young.;) He has now taken over this congregation in the city of Ephesus. He is timid and fearful, about this new season of his life and ministry. This doesn't stop the aged Paul, from encouraging and affirming the call of the young pastor. He tells him four important things in this verse to not forget...

I heard a quote in Bible college about 10-11 years ago, that I never forgot. Pastor Jon Courson said: "Whatever the Senior Pastor is, the church will be." In other words, if the pastor is very missions minded/oriented, so goes the flock. If he is all about the youth and reaching the next generation, so goes the congregation. If he is evangelistic, so goes the sheep. The list goes on and on. The beginning months are so important in laying a foundation not only for the church plant, but for me and the leadership as well. What do I and the leadership, hope to model for the church in Venice Beach?

Well, to start a church from scratch carries some unique challenges with it. First things first, I needed a "tent-making" job. However, I wanted to be strategic about it at the same time. This past summer, I became a certified personal trainer. This profession would allow me to be flexible with my schedule, make decent money, and do something I love to do. Over the past few months...I filled out applications, did research and job hunted, put together resumes, and drove around Los Angeles, looking for work in the fitness world and beyond (other fields). Now, one of the hubs and icons of Venice Beach, is the original Gold's Gym...known as the "Mecca of Bodybuilding." I really sensed I needed to work there. Through much prayer, following up week after week, and three interviews later, I got hired! This venture began back in August, and has definitely been worth it!

When I began persistently pursuing a job at Gold's, there were no openings for personal trainers. However, I still felt it important to get my foot in the door. I almost got the position of "front desk associate." For various reasons, I chose to work as a "Housekeeping Associate," a.k.a a janitor instead. I began orientation and work on Tuesday October 25th, and love it. It is good honest work, and I enjoy doing it unto the Lord. Members of the gym, my co-workers, and managers have already noted my work ethic, which I hope and pray is Christian! I have an informal interview next week, with the manager of the Personal Training Department. Please pray slowly but surely, I can get work there. Another reason I wanted this profession, was the ability to meet people easier.

I have also been busy with interviews, paperwork, and taking tests to become a Chaplain. This would be one of many ways, that I as a pastor could serve the community. I wanted to find the closest hospital to Venice Beach. Just last Friday on November 4th, I received news that I was accepted at Marina Del Rey Hospital as a Chaplain! Serving already in the Pastoral Care Department: a Baptist Minister, a Reverend from the Methodist Church, a Jewish Rabbi, a Roman Catholic Priest, a Eucharist Minister, and finally 70-84 year old women who are Eucharist ministers. The nurse who heads up and serves in this department, was so glad that I came from a non-denominational church. Reason being, I can serve anybody and everybody who wants it. She also mentioned that many homeless, alcoholics, and drug addicts from Venice Beach do go to that hospital.

I am now currently beginning the process, of becoming a chaplain for the LAPD Pacific Division, in order to serve and meet the police officers of Venice Beach. These officers also team up with the Clergy Council, to serve the homeless on the beach. I attended one of these meetings on Tuesday October 18th. In order to minister on the other side of the law, I am also looking into becoming a chaplain for the prison in Downtown LA. All these opportunities, are my "excuses" to get the gospel out into the community of Venice Beach. Trying my best to do "the work" of an evangelist.

I am currently teaming up with Pastor Steve Snook and Metro Calvary Chapel located in Santa Monica, to do this church plant. As time has gone by, God has been putting together an incredible team, that is like-minded and Kingdom-minded with various gifts and talents. We are currently holding leadership and prayer meetings as we get more organized. In the midst of all this, we are doing a mid-week Bible Study in Venice Beach, and knocking on doors for a meeting place. We do have a timeline for moving from this study to being a "church plant." Lord willing, the beginning of next year we will "launch," and have an official service where we meet Sunday mornings. In future newsletters, I will have more details and set dates for that.

Through the partnership, God has provided for me in so many ways. One, was a place to live. Not only is it expensive to live Urban, but also by the beach. Researching craigslist for example, was a nightmare! My prayer was something like this..."Lord, if I can't live in Venice Beach, please help me to at least work in Venice Beach where the church will be, and move close by." God answered that prayer by providing a job in Venice Beach, and a room for me to rent at a house in Los Angeles. On Saturday October 1st, I moved here to LA with Tony Nelson...who attends Metro. There is also a guest house in the back, where two friends from out of state live. These 3 roommates are great, and we all get along. Although, content taking the Metro Bus everywhere, God also provided a car through members of the body of Christ at Metro Calvary Chapel! Crazy thing is, I wasn't even looking!

In closing, my prayer for myself and the leadership, is to model this verse. Hopefully, the church will be inspired and influenced to do the same!

By His Grace,
Eric

West Side Story

Team Spain!!
I left Spain and arrived back here in SoCal on Thursday June 2nd. These 8 weeks have been really crazy (July 27th)! One of my prayers has been "Jesus, do you want me to continue serving You in the uttermost parts of the earth, go to Judea, or Samaria?" - Acts 1:8

This year has been both trying and rewarding at the same time. I have taken many lessons from this year. Coming home from Spain sooner than I had previously planned was disappointing. Not staying the whole 5 years and instead serving 3 and a half years was confusing to me. However, I now look forward with great anticipation for my next mission.

I had opportunities to possibly go abroad again. There was even an option to come back to the US, but go out of state (Samaria). However, through praying, fasting, reading, studying, and seeking counsel I knew where I belonged. I belonged in California (Judea), back in SoCal. It was also time to take a step of faith and plant a church. To start something new and from scratch. I also sensed the call to the city...my mission would be Urban.

Starting in August, I will now give my focus over to this new venture of faith...knowing now where I am going to move, and what I will be doing. I will be planting a church in West Los Angeles...specifically Venice Beach.

Thank you for your moral support, prayer support, and financial support through the years. For those of you who financially support me, if you would like to continue doing so, continue sending it to GO! Ministries at CC Norco.

Prayer Requests: A place to live, continue meeting people in Venice, a "tent-making job," and for Jesus to build His church.

I love you all and will write soon again!!!

By His Grace,
Eric