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

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