Last Thurs. guest speaker was the Paul of today.

Last Thursday the guest speaker was amazing. He told his testimony but in the beginning definately had my attention because this is what they showed before he came to speak:
(watch it)

Michael Franzese, an Ex-Colombo family mobster, and former mafia boss is now a born-again christian! He LOVES Jesus! It was so amazing to hear his testimony. He shared his life verse: "When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him." Proverbs 16:7
This verse is so evident in his walk with the Lord! It shows the faithfulness of God on Michael's life and the faithfulness of God's word! With the discipleship program at the Dream Center, and over 200 of them being addicted to something, he had a huge impact on them. Michael was able to show them how God can still use if only you are willing.

Friday was a long day. We had Adopt A Block in the morning, getting items together to help the communities all over L.A. There were a bunch of items people requested, and we put together bags to bring them for Saturday. So we sorted diapers, shampoo, hair dye boxes, band-aids, toothpaste, etc. The main item the community was in need of were diapers, body wash, shampoo and conditioner. Later on we went to Jonah Project. They are a non-profit, non-denominational organization located on Skid Row in L.A. The Dream Center partners with them during the week to make a difference on Skid Row. The building just opens up so the homeless can come in and pretty much do whatever. When we arrived, it seemed very chill. There were tables and chairs, couches, a little bar where coffee is served for free. Then the farther you walk in there are chairs set up across from a stage with instruments and mics. Wednesday and Friday nights Pastor Patrick has a service. There was a man on the piano, putting other homeless people to sleep. They are able to rest and not worry in this place. We served free cupcakes and coffee to those who wanted it. I ended up helping a women get some free shoes and clothes in the back. They allow men to get 2 items, and women 6 items. The reason women get more is because more womens clothes is donated.

Later on that night, we went back for the service. Before the service started we went out on Skid Row to talk to the people, and ask if any would like prayer. We met a lot of interesting people. One woman prayed a beautiful prayer from her heart and even touched the hearts of those living around her. The service was really cool. You can find out more info on the Jonah Project here: http://www.jonahproject.com/
It is an amazing work that they do here.

Sunday Pastor Matthew spoke about worry. WOW, it was so good! He talked about living under the 24hrs. of grace each day that we are given. Praise God His mercies truly are new every morning! It reminded me to make the most of everything that happens during the day. Even the little things that annoy me, to praise God for them. Finding joy in all circumstances, because of who I am found in, having hope, and certainty that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)

"Under the Bridge" all day

Today was a weary day. This day broke my heart. My emotions are truly getting to the core of me, and its coming out. What is on the inside, will surely come out eventually. Today I met a women named Converna. She was so wonderful to meet. She was in her right mind and we actually had a conversation that made sense. She asked me questions, getting to know me, and I did the same back. We went this morning to walk the streets and invite those to lunch at 1:30. After lunch was served at the Dream Center, we went back to where we were at the VOA. I was able to share the story of Jonah with a fellow I met named Tony. Than I played chess with the "Champion"/ "Famous Chess Player", RJ. He taught me some strategies and yes, he won both times. It was very fun. Later on, after finishing our games, Amber and I were talking with him and found out he was shot 2 times in the stomach last week. He showed us, all bandaged up and it really opened my eyes to how the streets are. You can not predict much. I could not even imagine what goes on out there as I lay my head down in a nice, comfortable bed to sleep...

So right now I'm broken for the people of this city. They are God's people, God's children. I cannot imagine what is happening as I'm typing this. I just praise God for those survivors we touch, talk to, pray for, and the ones that see God in what we do.

7/20/11

Update for the past 4 days!

So the roads turned out to not be bad at ALL! haha "Carmageddon" showed up to be nothing. Which was awesome. The meeting on Sat. went well. We got infomed on some volunteer opportunities, and more about "Project Hope". Saturday afternoon we walked about 6 miles. Amber had a fun idea to go to the Fashion District. All the shops are spread out across 100 blocks. SO MANY SHOPS! Many of the shops have the same thing, so if you get something you can't return it if there is a better price right across the street. It was crazy but cool to experience.

Sunday morning Pastor Tommy Barnett preached about "Everyone needing their world to be rocked". He went on to talk about having BIG encounter's with God. There are several things that can lead to it. Two that Tommy mentioned were: pain,and more knowledge. I have seen both of those in my own life where God used pain to draw me closer to Him and open up my eyes to who He truly is. As well as learning about the world, people, and God caused me to change into the person I am today, encountering God at a deeper place. He transforms our thoughts and renews our minds to what HIS will is. Praise Him! Sunday night Amber and I were invited to Newport Church, a branch off of Hillsong Church into California! The message was PERFECT, just what I was needing. Pastor Matthew, who went to Hillsong Leadership College, gave words of encouragement and is totally led by the Holy Spirit! This message was on the calling of God on your life. One of the points that really struck me was "Don't let your current perspective make you miss out on the current reality." That is a life quote I will be using! Another one was "Don't let what you have keep you from what God has for you."...
Just think about those statements for a second before you keep reading...

Yesterday we walked to the Dream Center, and it was sooo nice! It gave Amber and I a great start to our day. We ended up doing our laundry and hanging out for the rest of the day. I met a little friend there, his name was Timothy. He is going into 3rd grade, and we had a great conversation about the Lord.

Today was a great day, we got updated on a few things. Got connected with A21 Campaign, thanks to Newport Church! We had to pay a parking ticket we got one of the first few days we were here, and suprisingly the people we came in contact with to pay it were very nice! Thank the Lord! Later in the afternoon we went with "Under the Bridge" and were blessed. One woman named Liz, became my friend. She goes to the Dream Center and I was able to pray for her. She came up about 20 min. later, after she had gone to eat, and asked if she could pray for the team. I was so blessed by her prayer! She totally encouraged me to keep running the race and keep doing God's will!

I was able to talk to my best friend, Kaitlynn. She is doing the Beach Project for the summer, being a missionary at Myrtle Beach. God is transforming her life, and it was so good to hear from her! She shared some awesome insights happening in her life. She shared something with me one of her friends had shared with her. It opened my eyes so much, being where I am in L.A. Being surrounded by those who are living this statement. She said:

"What is the one thing people will fight for? LIFE.

People will fight to stay alive. Whether they know it or not, it is fighting to be in the presence of God. God is life." -Meredith Honeycutt

That reminds me of John 10:10. Definately a cool way to think about life.

Kaitlynn said (which I liked):
"We need an eternity with God. We need this. To see all parts of Him. He is an infinite God, that we cannot understand. We will be in His whole presence but He is so vast that it will take eternity."

Please pray for:
-My best friend, Hope. Pray for peace, comfort, and healing.
-continued protection for Amber and I.
-To love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, soul's and strength's!
-and love others with God's love!
-Those we come in contact with daily. Tomorrow we are serving "Under the Bridge" all day!

Thank you!!! If you have anything we can be praying for, post it or email it to me!

Love you all dearly,
Elizabeth

July 15th. God hears.

Oh the goodness of God. How all things good come from above! Today Amber and I fed over 200 people and handed out bag after bag, after bag after bag with the Food Truck ministry. This ministry alone feeds over 40,000 a month. That does not include any of the meals in the dining hall, or Project Prevention, Under the Bridge, or any other ministry.

I love the faithfulness and love of God. Some prayers I have been praying are being answered daily. It's so cool to see the Lord, and bring me so much joy!

There are so many people from Australia here at the dream center doing internships, and I met one today visiting his girlfriend doing short term missions. It's so cool to be able to talk to them about Hillsong.

Today Amber and I got a pass to the "Lord's Gym". Yeaya! It's another ministry for the community and those who stay at the Dream Center. Tomorrow morning we have an information meeting about the Hope Project. Please be praying for us as we get connected with the leaders of this Project, and for what God wants us to do. Tomorrow a major freeway is shut down so roads are gonna be crazy! Pray for protection. Love all of you prayer warriors. Let me know how I can be praying for you!

Mega Love!

This morning Amber and I served doing "Discipleship", cleaning the Angeles Temple. The Angeles Temple is where all of the Dream Center's services are. Sunday's and Thursday's they have some epic services. I LOVE the worship band. They get up there and jam for Jesus. It rocks, and you can see the fellowship within the worship team. So cool!

So we cleaned the bathrooms, and the auditorium seats. It took a while, but the man directing us was so positive, his name is Ken. He really made an impact on my morning. I really want to start waking up asking "God how can I be a blessing in someone's life today?"

After lunch, we headed to Project Prevention again. This time it was only Victoria (the leader), Casey (co-leader), then Amber and I. Yesterday when we did this ministry we had a group of over 10. Today it was so much more personal, and God had answered our hearts desire to go alone, in a much smaller group. A great gift God had given today was to this little boy named Angel. We had had 2 gameboy games and couldn't find anyone with a gameboy, until today. God had blessed Angel with 2 new games! I believe he will never forget that, he was so happy!

Amber and I missed dinner today but got to eat at an Italian pizza place downtown. It was straight up from Italy! haha not really, but sure did taste like it! So good! Amber could even see the chef making our food! A bit after dinner we headed to the Angeles Temple for the thursday night service. What a blessing! Every Thurs. night they have a guest speaker. Tonight was Charles Nieman from Texas. He spoke about God's love. I like the way he started it with the passage 1 Cor. 13:13: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." God can give us all these things, but God IS LOVE. There are so many different people from different backgrounds and races. But there is one thing that is the same: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23 We are all rotten sinners. Praise God, because John 3:16 says: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Did you catch that?! WHOEVER. That means you, that means me, that means WHO ever believes. God is love. Nothing can separate those who are in His love FROM His beautiful Love. mmm. mmm. mmm.

Romans 8:35-39 (message version): "So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. "

God has a MEGA love for us. Charles spoke about how you may be, or may have been many things. You may have been rejected..but you HAVE NEVER BEEN UNLOVED. You may be insecure..but you HAVE NEVER BEEN UNLOVED. You may be lonely but you have NEVER BEEN UNLOVED. You may be uneducated but YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN UNLOVED. You may have been an addict but YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN UNLOVED. You may be a hypocrite but YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN UNLOVED...and the list goes on. Please think about this thought. What have you been? What are you? Than override it with God's love, because His love does cover over a multitude of sins. His love washes away all diritness, and purifies. His love is why we live. I hope you realize how GREAT God's love is for you today, and that it increases daily.

This message tonight definately RE-awakened God's love for me. What an amazing Lover Jesus is!

"My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19 (the message version)

Oh yeah, can't forget, the Angeles Temple also had an amazing guest singer: Racheal Lampa. She sang 2 lovely songs. All I can say is WOW, she is gifted! Here is Amber, Shelley, and I tonight after the service:

Sex and Money Film

THis morning I had an awesome start of the day with some Tedashii :http://youtu.be/boegOs081YE
haha (get yo dance on!)

We headed to ministry at 9 for Project Prevention. This ministry helps those in need of food, and almost anything. They help parents gain custody of their children and really this ministry helps families stay together even if they don't have the means to. We went to 3 different houses. It is crazy how these people live. I have never seen something in the US like this, although I have seen it in the Dominican Republic. There was one women named Elizabeth who had 4 girls. Only 3 live with her but she is in the process of getting custody with her 4th girl. She was very open and shared what God has been doing in her life and how she teaches her girls to be grateful for everything they get. I quote her saying "I teach them to be grateful for what God gives us because I know he can give and take away." Elizabeth has seen God answer her prayers and I loved hearing what God was doing in her life. The means in where they sleep were very unsanitary but they are all moving to a 3 bedroom place soon. Praise God!
After the group prayed with/for Elizabeth and her girls I was able to tell her what her name means. She said she really appreciated it. I know it meant something special and I was so glad I could tell her!

After Project Prevention we ate lunch and than at 1 headed to Kids JAM. Kids JAM was located in a very hispanic area. We got to hang out with kids while parents went through a food pick-up line. We told them about God's love, got to play games and give out candy. We shared about the treasures on earth and treasures in heaven. Hearing them pray out the loud was beautiful.

Since being in YWAM (Youth With A Mission) last year I heard about a documentary about a national search for human worth. A group of YWAMers made this documentary over 2 years. Today they showed it at Sarah Jo (one of the team members) home church about 25 minutes from the Dream Center. Thankfully I heard about it from a good friend, who is staffing in CA with YWAM. It was so good seeing YWAMers again, feeling like home. They are touring every state in the U.S. to show the film to at least 1 Church and 1 University. They are going to be at Chapel Hill, you can check on their website when. I highly reccommend that you get your friends, family, strangers, anyone to go and see it. Definately will show you what is going on in the U.S. today. The worst Slavery in history is happening now. It is a spiritual battle in the spiritual realm, as well as a physical battle. Here is a fact: right now there are 100,000-300,000 american children, yes CHILDREN enslaved in the United States. The average age of entry into prostitution in the US is 13 years old. The worst part is that it's in our backyards and we do not realize it. It is a horrible, sick thing; but it is REAL. There are so many who still do not know it exists. If you do know, now it is your job to do something about it. Some do know, and choose to not care or don't believe it. "Once you know the truth, you can't sit in complacency because than your part of the problem." -Sex and Money Film

Check out the website below:
http://sexandmoneyfilm.com/

Amber and I got to invite a group we have been serving with from Colorado, and they changed plans to come with us and watch it. I know God is raising up a generation to bring justice! "What one generation allows, the next generation embraces."..."There is no other option but to end it."

Contact me if you wanna join the cause. God is moving in every nation, and in every city. "There's an army rising up! There's an army rising up! To break every chain, break every chain!" -United Pursuit Band

http://youtu.be/mohyR5xowFw

"This is what the Lord Almighty says:'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other." Zechariah 7:9-10

Marie "Angel"

YAYYY! Today was our first day of serving! We got our schedule for the week and got a tour of the Dream Center. I am so excited for ministry! We went to 3 different locations and fed the homeless today. The ministry is called "Under the Bridge". We served the food, or talked with/prayed with them. I loved getting on a personal level with those I met. It opened up my eyes to how easily we judge them and the worth of who they are just because they are on the street with little of anything. I always knew they were real people, but never acknowledged the fact that they were to spend time with them outside of church. I met this lady named Marie "Angel". I had met her on the block down from where we were giving out the food in Skid Row, LA. She refused to walk down there because of the other homeless people who were down there, but she wanted food. We asked if we could pray for her and she replied with "no I just want some food". So the group I was with walked back down to where we were serving the food and got 2 plates of spaghetti and pizza with 2 cups of water. One was for her "mom" who was her aunt, if I can remember correctly, and the other was for Marie. After we had handed them the food, they each immediately opened up to someone who would listen. This is where I got to know Marie a little better. As she cried, looking into my eyes, telling me about her days and nights on the streets I did not know how to respond but to listen. There were a few moments where I was able to encourage her. She knew her only hope was Jesus, and she does know where her true eternal home is. I will continue to pray for her and I ask you would pray as well. There are homeless everywhere in L.A. I have never seen so many.

Last Sunday night before any ministry, Amber and I went to McDonalds and we saw a homeless man. His name was Al, we got to ask him what he wanted and he responded with "2 apple pies and an iced coffee". I loved that we asked what Al wanted because I am glad we didn't just get something random that he didn’t want or prefer. I wanted him to really see we cared about the details. When we got the food, we decided to park and ask him if we could pray for him. He took a 5 sec. pause and then agreed. It was great to bless him physically and verbally.
Now that I have covered today and Sunday, I have some pics to fill you in on Monday. Amber and I went to the huge Market that connected to an outdoor/indoor mall. Then we spent some time at Santa Monica beach. The beach was packed and the water was FREEZING! Amber and I decided to go in after contemplating it for a bit. The waves crashed way before they got to us, perfect for boogie boarding, and we went numb after the first minute!

The reason I signed up for short term missions at the Dream Center was for one main reason. They have a new ministry called Project Hope. I wanted to be able to learn from them, make connections and get contacts. I believe the Lord has called me to a ministry somewhere to help sex-trafficked victims. The Project Hope ministry is having a meeting this Saturday and we will be attending, praise God! The Lord has already hooked me up with one connection and it was totally on God’s random timing. The man who led the “Under the Bridge” ministry, Mickey, asked if I needed prayer jokingly and I said I would love prayer anytime. He said alright come up here, and so I was like are u being for real? He said yeah if you want prayer, and I said sure! Then all the women in our group gathered around me and a women named Shelley, that Amber and I met (who is also interested in the Project Hope), prayed for me. Shelley knew I was also at the Dream Center to know more about Project Hope. While Mikey was standing there, praying as well, he immediately afterwards gave me a hook up. I’m planning on getting together with him and making contacts in London. Thank the Lord, He goes ahead. This morning I was worrying about the schedule and how vague it was, and how there is not anything on Project Hope, but I need to TRUST in God’s promises. It is so crazy how easy it is to forget God’s promises throughout the day. I understand why it’s important to meditate day and night, maybe even hourly! However often you may need it.

Thank you for all your support. Without your prayers and donations I would not be here. Love you all!

Pray:

1. against the Enemy
2. vision
3. Love to cover all
4. continued opportunities and open doors
5. anything the Spirit leads you to pray for!!

Lotus Festival

This is a step up to walk tall.

Today was the first full day in L.A. Yesterday was a little overwhelming. Going from the east coast to the west coast, it is so different! The flights were both very good!It took about 5 1/2 hours flying with an hour layover in Dallas, TX. We got some good old Texas BBQ for lunch, so good! On the flights, my time was spent worshiping with my ipod, soaking up the Word, and admiring God's beautiful creations! Amber and I were able to get some good dinner at FarmerBoys. It was delicious, but the prices were a little higher than I expected. Good thing Subway is still the same! $5.00 footlongs! haha.

After the flight, we grabbed our baggage and headed to get our car. It is a very nice pontiac G6. I dont really know much about cars, but it is very nice. We decided to get to our hotel and than ride around and see where the Dream Center is located and our surroundings. When we checked into our hotel, it was not what we expected. I was expecting something a little nicer inside our room. The beds are the best part. The bathroom is the worst part. (If you want more details or another view check out Amber's blog: http://revolution-startshere.blogspot.com/)

Well, after we were a bit taken back, we decided to go out and that was when we got dinner at FarmerBoys. Than we got in our black Pontiac (it starts by itself on the keychain, sweet right?) and drove to the Dream Center Building. The building was closed but it was good to see where it was and walk around a little. After driving towards the hotel, we saw a huge event going on, and of course we were curious! It was the Lotus Festival, they had everything from snow cones, soy milk samples, baby chickens to hold, a snake (WHICH I HAD AROUND MY NECK!), parrots, many of performances of dances (breakdance, philipino dance, thailand dance, and more!), jewelry, and more! It ended up being the 33rd Celebration, so cool! The reason they create the festival is to celebrate and honor Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Southern California. There are so many cultures here. I love it! Amber and I got some really cool earrings for a great deal.

So Today...was sooo great! We went to the church service this morning. The message was personal to me. It was about walking tall, meaning pushing aside every hinderance that causes you to not live up to what God says you are no matter what circumstance comes your way. Already, I was getting convicted for my bad attitude and complaining about the hotel. God was showing me He is providing for my every need and will. I cannot forget that He is going before me. Oh wow, just realized why I was impressed with the reading in Dueteronomy on the way here, I cannot forget as the Israelites did what God has done. I need to continue to glorify Him, give Him praise in everything! Yes, the Lord is good!...At the end of the service those who wanted to commit to walk tall could get a block of wood to remind them to walk tall. On that block of wood you would write the promises of God you need to remember, or the things your going to push aside in order to walk tall. That was my favorite part of today, so I made the title, "This is a step up to walk tall". Thank goodness God hears our cries and prayers! Thank Him, because God disciplines His children! His desire is to bring us closer to Him in everything. God I want to see you for who you are! That my view would be soley on you and all else doesn't matter, for you are constant!

Stay tuned for more! ahhhh God is firing us up! Pictures will be coming soon! <3

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

This week has been amazing being able to rest and relax with family. I enjoyed my birthday as well as fourth of July at the good old Avon Beach, N.C. WAYYYY on the east coast! I am sick right now, healing, but definately recognizing the enemy and that he wants to kill, steal, and destroy all God is about to do. God has the victory already!

It has been so long since I have posted a new blog. I do feel I need to be writing about this next journey the Lord has placed me on. I am leaving for L.A. this Saturday and I will be doing short term missions with a close friend, Amber (Aultman) Daniel. We have heard the Lord's voice separately about making this trip, and are so excited to what He will reveal together.

The main reason the Lord has put this trip on my heart is to learn and gain knowledge, as well as wisdom about how I can specifically be helping sex-trafficked victims. Last summer I was in Haiti and was able to minister to women in a brothel. That was one of my favorite moments. To share the Love of Christ with those broken women. Since coming back home, and learning about modern day slavery here in America, and worldwide in trafficking through YWAM, my heart grew towards justice. I want to bring justice to the nations. I want to free the captives. I know I am not the one to do that. Jesus HAS made the way, and He loves justice. I am only a tool to share Him.

Well, today I found out that you have to be 21 to serve in the Project Hope ministry in L.A. I got frustrated immediately because I know God is calling me there, and my emotions just took over my thoughts. Thankfully my dad said "God will make it happen". Than the word popped up in my heart "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways awknowledge me and I will make your paths straight" (Prov. 3:5-6)I know God's promises are true,but we have to obey the Word, do our part to not only read and listen but DO. The Holy Spirit was using my thoughts in reminding me the only way to be prepared for this trip was through the word. Being taught by the TRUE Teacher. So, my family and I went to the beach and I soaked in some truth in Proverbs and God revealed SO MUCH to me! Thank GOD! After that, in a matter of hours, Amber and I got an email saying it has been cleared for me to go to a Project Hope meeting. GOD IS SO GOOD! Once you obey, His promises are TRUE. His promises are true no matter whether we obey or not, but if we want the effects of His promises, we need to obey. God is SO AWESOME! He loves those who love Him and who seek Him, find HiM! Praise God!

So with all that being said, Amber and I are aware that we will hit obstacles. The joy of it all is that our God is with us and Our God goes BEFORE us! He is a true God and He loves His children. God moves mountains. Keep us in your prayers as we travel, and pray for our hearts, minds, soul's, and strength's. If God puts anything on ur heart, send it to us! I thank you all for being a part of this God filled journey! Stay tuned for more updates, coming soon!

Love,
Elizabeth