Life Worth Living

I just got off the phone telling an old friend the story of how my life has changed forever.
This is what was said:

I’ll be honest, life has been a little rough. But never has it been so rewarding. I work at my church full time as the Outreach Coordinator. Do you want to know something else? I don’t get paid a dime. Yes, I’m a full time volunteer. For me it started helping out in small areas, but I believe God has called me to build not only His kingdom, but the people on this earth. I finally see what the church is all about, our function, and the help we give to the community (the world). But just because I’ve decided to follow God, and answer His call, things have NOT gotten easier.

I’ve basically said “This is it.” No going back to mom’s. No getting a gig or a job that will take me away from this church. Why? Because when I look at the homeless man who gets treated like crap by the very people we call “neighbors” in our city, I see who I used to be and the value that that person truly has. I see a church body who needs someone present in the house, and not at a job, so they can overcome depression, hopelessness, suicide and past experiences too gruesome to tell. I’m not going back to living a life for myself. I’m living selflessly.

And it’s dang hard trying to do it.

So I need your help. I don’t live an extravagant life. My jeans may have holes in them. My car is rough around the edges and simply gets me from point A to point B. And I don’t always have the luxury of filing up at the gas station. I just want to do what God has called me to do and there are so many people who are dying to have me answer that call. So I won’t go back. I do it so other people can have hope: food on the table, clothes for their children and counseling through everyday life. Rejection, loneliness and poverty are real issues. So I give my life to solve them.

You can help by donating. You make a living by what you get and a life by what you give. Your donation is what helps me actually be here to help others get what they really need to live.
To give, click this link here.

Or send your check to the address below. Let me know when you do so I can make sure it gets to the right place.

P.O. Box 30612
San Bernardino, CA 92413

You’re not just helping me, you’re helping an entire generation receive the life they need.

Thank you

Journey: January 30, 2012

On this side of the computer screen, there’s been a whole lot growth, change and reaching people.

First off, I’m officially a mentor at Kingdom Culture, working one-on-one with a high school student. Throughout the week, I pour my life into his, helping him make the best choices of his life. It’s exciting, expedient and entertaining for us as we both learn to adopt different virtues through this relationship. I enjoy the privilege of teaching him things like the importance of vision, education, how to treat a woman, the value of family, and of course music.

But I’m not here just to teach. Showing love opens the door for genuine, nurturing bonds to be established. And we all benefit. It’s a giant step in ensuing the next generation is going to be established by the good foundation set by their predecessors–us.

Secondly, I began my Master’s program and am on my way to becoming a teacher. The fun part is being in an intentional learning environment. It teaches me to recognize the school of life we experience everyday, whether it be the “Hard Knocks” or “Easy Street” curriculum. Overall, I’m ready for this new phase in my journey.

Musically, I’ve been officially challenged. Writing, learning songs, and reading notations are all new areas I explore. On this musical journey I’ve learned more about how to speak as a musician. I’m still at church every Sunday playing my heart out, but I’m learning to let my worship speak during the week as well. It pays off big time when we meet and get to know God—the healing, miracles and salvation.

Change. All this time at Kingdom Culture has brought change to people’s lives. I’ve given my life so others can have theirs. Like He said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Be a part of building a community of people that overcome poverty (not just financial), prostitution, and death. They get vision and have something positive for themselves to look forward to when they wake up everyday.

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. ~ Winston Churchill

Give here.

Journey, January 15, 2013

January 15, 2013

Perspective creates the world you live in. Here is an update of what I’m doing in San Bernardino

Outreach Coordinator:
I currently serve as Outreach Coordinator and last Outreach Saturday (Jan. 12, 2013) we did a “Field Goal Outreach” where we went out to homes in the community to help people meet their goals 2013. We made “Goal Keeper” cards to give to people helping them outline steps and set a deadline to meet their goals. Entire blocks of families received inspiration for this year. That simple act of care is at times the inspiration people need to start a business, a youth program or buy their first car, with wisdom and a plan. We reached over 63 people and we are going to do more next month.

Worship/Music:
Being on the worship team at KCWC has caused me to be self-less and to work harder. Playing skillfully is necessary; playing the heart of God is essential. As He communicates to us, we communicate it to the world. Using the power of music, we create the atmosphere for Him to dwell in and release His love as we worship Him. Music is highly important in creating an atmosphere. In one instance music makes a party! It creates a mood of celebration. Family barbecues have music. People generally connect and enjoy building community and relationship. We dance, sing and enjoy high energy when the right song is played. My job is to make sure that Sunday morning includes just that.
We’ll also use music to express any given idea that God is into. That means setting the mood. You know, we have music for certain moods we want, for or a high energy concert or a special evening. God uses it just like we do for the affect. He’ll heal sickness in a body, perform a miracle or two or give comfort to those who secretly deal with abandonment. It gets to the issues that slip through the cracks. That’s the power of music.

I recently have moved from playing bass to guitar on the worship band. While the sound may be a little different, there is an entirely different palette to choose from in the energy created. I didn’t think I could even be capable of performing well…but it’s actually working out. Musically, my ear has entered a new world of mastery and I’m taking the people with me. God leads me to new places with new sounds and still I’m learning the depth and power of music. It gives life.

Furthermore, being a worship leader/musician is not much different than the preacher: we’re both expressing God as we operate in our gifts. During the week, the preparation, consecration and hash out the fine details of our crafts. My job includes the harmonies, melodies and creating the right atmosphere. Hearts are opened by the sound of the piano. People are receptive to the guitar and drums.

With people:
Ministry should teach patience, humility and sacrifice. You also gain maturity. Grow up! Yet, all the while I learned that God’s plan for anyone’s life is what will happen in the end. It’s easier not to fight it.

How deep is your love? Christ loved us even while we were His enemies and died. Do I do the same? Is my love that strong? I’m tested when I see people who have wronged me, but my reaction comes from my context with Him. He forgave so I can live. On the other hand, I know my faults; they’re not hidden from God. He’s the only one who can judge me, yet He has mercy. Who am I to dare not show love even to the worst of my enemies?

With myself:
As a person, I’ve learned to love myself. It starts with Forgiveness. And it’s the 1st step to a good life. We make mistakes and are presented with failures at not being able to achieve, gain respect with a group or live a certain lifestyle. So what? We don’t condemn babies and children for not speaking English correctly. Why do we destroy ourselves who are just as human? Instead, do as Jesus said. Humble yourself like a child and start loving yourself. Learn and grow. 🙂
Humility brings the patience you need to get to the next level. It always forges the right lifestyle. It helps you achieve goals that you once thought weren’t for you. I’m seeing the results in my own life.

My favorite verse this season has been Jeremiah 31:3 “I have drawn you with an everlasting love.” It’s weird how magnets can be polar opposites, yet they are so strongly drawn together. That is how God thinks of us.

The Benefit:
We recently sponsored a benefit at “The CENTRE.” It is our community organization that focus on these: “Feeds. Clothes. Educates.” People are suffering and in need of food, clothing and even counseling. This is what we plan on offering the community. The purpose of the event “The Benefit” was to raise awareness for the cause of saving San Bernardino. Business leaders community organizations, and friends & family came out to show their support for the vision and the hope that we believed in. Through the night we had speakers and many artist perform as part of what was truly an amazing show. Acts included The Corner Poets, Cherubim, Traxx, Rock Boy Fresh, Tim Manigault and many more. Everyone in attendance had the option to receive a tour of the building where we will soon hold our operations and the chance to donate and place their stamp on what will be the reason for change in San Bernardino. We raised money that will service people, families and the future business of organizations of San Bernardino.

To make this work I need your support. You make it possible to make a living for other people. Partner with me by giving a donation.