LA FOOOOOOOD BANK!

Hey all....good to see this up and runnin again!!!!!! So this past Sat's devo was pretty darn cool! We had a great time serving and preparing the food packages with the Santa Clarita Teens...here's some snap shots of the morning's work : ) Enjoy

Reminder for This Sat

We will be joining the North Region Santa Clarita Teens for our monthly community service devo. We will be organizing food that will be distributed to the homeless shelters and soup kitchens in the LA area. The info is below.

Where:
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
1734 E. 41st
Los Angeles, CA 90058

Time:
8:30-12noon

Important:
-must have signed waiver form (do not forget this)
-no sandals, flip-flops, high heels or anything else that exposes heels or toes
-recommended that you dress casual (jeans, t-shirts, tennis shoes)




See you all there.

Hello!

Let's get the blog going. It's been way too long! I've invited some new faces so this should be fun!

Good news and update!

Hello Teen Ministry!

It looks like we are missing in action on our blogger these days. But I'm sure it's not because we don't have anything to share because I know for sure that many are encouraged by so many things lately!

I know Miguel and I are no longer in the teen ministry, but I hesitated to erase my name from the list because I still want to hear your good news and stuff! ;)

Just FYI because you're probably wondering where we're at now after the Teen Banquet. Miguel and I are now part of the San Gabriel Ministry (with the Johnstons married group) and also moving to Downtown LA this Saturday! (with Prof. Movers - so no worries ;)
Thank you for your prayers in helping us find our new place. We are moving in where the Johnston's lives as well (that's Nathan and Amy from SGV).

In addition, I would like to thank you for all your prayers for my mom. She is set to come and live here in CA with my older sister and my niece - she's coming next month already! (Sept 28th) :)
Prayerfully our move to SGV will also open a wide door for both our parents to come more often to our church services which is closer to their homes ;)

We'll keep in touch! (maybe more on facebook than here though since this is your page hehe) But I thought I might as well invade a spot tonight since it's been too long since someone posted something here. ;p nahh I really just miss you guys!! Don't be strangers! :)

love you guys! ^-^

-lyn and miguel

Happy Independence Day!

Hey guys and gals!
Today I returned from Dana Point where I spent the night at an amazing location with a perfect view of the beach.
No matter what time of day it was the view was absolutely beautiful and the ocean was INCREDIBLE!
The water was a Caribbean blue, a color I had no idea existed on the coast of Cali.
While I was out there I was really able to appreciate how God made all of these beautiful creations for our enjoyment.
Some things did go sour with mi familia however, I was able to have a refreshing quiet time with God at around midnight up on the balcony by our room.
Taking the time to look at the moonlight reflecting off the ocean, enjoying the coolness of the air, and truly taking refuge in the shelter of God's wings was comforting and something I hope I never forget.

New Teen Leaders!!!

I wanted to welcome our new Teen Leaders, Danny and Vero, to our family. We're happy you have joined the team and look forward to working with you to help the youth of America.

Memory Scripture-Ephesians 4:2-3

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace."

Justine 28
April 22
Cynthia 25
Matt Epps 16
K Tan 28
Taraneh 28
Maria 28
Ejay 25
Erick 28
Daniel 0
Drew 0
Ashley 24
Frankie 0
JP 0
Michael 0
Ray 0
Herlinda 28
Juan 0
John Q 13
Karina 28
Mike W 28

Total POssible points: 28

Good News

Hello all,

We just came back from a short trip to Yosemite with Marcel's mom and Deion. I wanted to share with all of you how inspiring it was to see some of God's creation at its best. Look forward to seeing you all soon!

Does Prayer Change God?

See Malachi 3:6 and Hosea 11:8. In one scripture God says he doesn’t change, and in another he says his heart is changed. So which one is it?

The Christian writer Origen reasoned that if God already knows what is going to happen, and if it must happen in that way, then there is no point to prayer. And if everything happens according to God’s will, and if what is God’s will is fixed, then prayer is pointless.

What good is prayer in a predetermined world?

But if you turn to the Bible’s view of history, you see God as a personal being that listens to prayers and then responds. Jesus was the perfect picture of that (praying to a personal God). The disciples believed this too and picked up right where Jesus left off, making specific and personal prayers for God to act on.

Some see God’s omniscience (knowing everything) as a reason not to pray. Why pray if God already knows? In contrast, Jesus treated God’s knowledge not as a deterrent but as a positive motivation to pray: We don’t have to gain God’s attention by long prayers and big words. We don’t have to convince him of the sincerity of our needs. God already knows and we already have his ear. God knows everything about us and he is not bored – he listens. So, we can get right to the point.

Throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as being deeply affected by people, both positively and negatively. God “delights in those who fear him,” but is also wearied by disobedience.

The scriptures give even more descriptions of prayer affecting God:

Ask and it will be given to you. (Don’t ask and will it not be given to you?)

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.
The prayer of the righteous man is powerful and effective.

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer.

You do not have because you do not ask God.


And there are Old Testament stories that underscore this point as well. When God sent the prophet Isaiah to inform King Hezekiah of his imminent death, Hezekiah prayed for more time. Before Isaiah left the palace grounds, God changed his mind, granting Hezekiah fifteen more years of life.

Four times the Old Testament reports that God “relented” or “changed his mind” in response to a request, and each shift postponed a promised punishment. If you think that prayer has no affect on God, look at God’s track record. He may not do everything that you want when you want it, but he listens and considers your request. That, in itself is comforting, encouraging, and just downright cool.

Check this Out!!!

This is encouraging. Come on, Ray!!!

http://00ebe80.netsolhost.com/pcconline/soundslides_FA08/senate_spiritual%20battleground/

Finals.

As the school year comes to a close, Finals arrive. Everyone knows about finals. Even for adults hearing the word finals makes them panic imagining past experiences of being unprepared and still taking a test. But fortunately for me, I will not have any final exams or papers for my last semester of high school. Isnt God good?
See, 5 out of my 6 classes are AP classes. The entire purpose of AP classes are to pass the AP test. Since the AP tests occur in a two week span in early May, AP classes are virtually done with come finals week.
Instead of exercising laziness like most seniors are doing this late in the school year, I have decided to offer up my intellectual abilities and high school experience to help those that are actually having to take finals. I thought it would be a start in giving back, now that I am nearing the end of my teen ministry years. So teens, if you would like help, please inform me. Practically speaking, you may bring your work to midweek where I will have the easiest opportunity to help you. Or you may call me for immediate help or to schedule a time in which we can meet up in person to study.

Volley Ball Tournament

You guys did an awesome job! Here's the proof in pictures.
Way to be unified. Matching uniforms.

They look scared!. :)














GO Coach!

Quadruple Date : )

Wanted to share the Date we had Saturday night!....it was Drew's first date in the kingdom!...and man....it was awesome!....April took Drew out, Justine asked Matt, Taranizzle brought Elmore, and I hosted Mel (which was her last date single now that she is dating ; ) The teen gals sure knew how to plan a date and do it up right....fellaz...you gots some BIG shoes to fill...step up your game!!!,,,hahaha (for realz tho) : P. We went out for dinner at BJ's, then went mini golfing, followed by frozen yogurt and shakes before we called it a night.....it was a great time with one another and I look forward to sharing many more kingdom dates with you guys : D

CAR WASH 09 with no whine!

Early customers! Yay! :)



Still working it! :) The sun didn't stop these guys!

Closing it up!

Group Picture! What an awesome serving group of your folks!! :)

Great Job Teen Ministry! You all worked hard and really gave your hearts to make our Car Wash Fundraiser be a success again! May God bless your hearts for this serving act toward the good of others and the advancement of the word of God through out Mascow and the Baltic and Nordic Regions! If you happen to be sore from today.. it's definitely a good pain and it's completely worth it! ;) Much love!

ps: more photos will be available in my facebook album under Teen Ministry Car Wash :) See you all very soon!

College!!!

Hello everyone just thought i would update everyone where I am going to college. Over the last month or so i have been really praying that God would make things obvious. I applied to long beach city college and Los Angeles Pierce college. I really was surrendered either way, but over the last month God has really made things obvious. and just this last week I made it official, I am going to Los Angeles Pierce college. Please pray for me as I am going to the north region and starting a new chapter in my life!!!

Much love, 

     Erick

UCR!!!

Hey everyone!!!
Great news...as many of you may or may not know...I am officially going to UCRiverside!...I am very excited about everything. I am so grateful because God has made it possible for me to move into a household! Please pray that financial aid can come through and that I can get a job on campus. =) Also please pray for Valerie to really start studying the bible. Some of you know her but she is from my school. She is a part of the basketball team. We are supposed to try to get together tomorrow. Lets pray that her dad will let her have a study after school. Thanks fam bam <3

Memory Scripture-Proverbs 14:23

"All hard work brings a profit but mere talk leads only to poverty."

Justine 13
April 13
Cynthia 12
Matt Epps 13
K Tan 13
Taraneh 13
Maria 13
Ejay 13
Erick 12
Daniel 13
Drew 7
Ashley 0
Frankie 0
JP 0
K-tan 0
Michael 0
Ray 0
Herlinda 0
Juan 0
John Q 0
Karina 0
Mike W 0

Total possible points: 13

Scholarships

Ok, so now that I have been granted admission into a college and have received the financial aid, I am trying to get the scholarships to make up for the additional money to be paid to finance college. If anyone could help me with getting scholarships in anyway, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

Chicago!

It's official! I have committed to the University of Chicago. For those who are unaware, it is fantastic school. It currently ranks 8th on the U.S. News and World Report. It has its own economic school of thought. And it has 82 Noble Prize winners associated with the school, topping all universities even Harvard College.
I have already contacted the campus leader for the school, Winston Batino, and he is thrilled that I will be attending. So as of next year, I will be apart of the Chicago Church of Christ in the Downtown Chicago Ministry Center. At this moment, there are only two disciples on the campus, not including me. But with God's power, I am certain that there can be more in the future.
Thanks everyone for the prayers and encouragements that have allowed me to be admitted to such a school. I would have never made it without the family of believers.

prom

Well, I had so much fun at prom!
I had fun last year but this year was amazing.
I believe all of it has to do with the fact that I've been a Christian longer and since last prom God has worked on my heart....a lot. I believe He is still working but amen for what He's done so far.
funny.......I havn't really grasped that fact until I started typing haha.
peace!
=)

Teen Prom '09

The amazing banquet hall - awesome decorations!
Doing the Macarena :)
Our fun and amazing DJ John Q!
Ktan and Jellybread - It was their first time at our Prom! :)
After the party.. some of our teens already left though

Here's a sneak peek of your photos teens!! Looking sharp y'all! :)

[More photos are on my facebook account if you're interested! I couldn't fit everything here sorry!]

Getting Old

I just wanted to send EJ a Birthday shout out. Happy 23rd B-day!!!