A Day In The Life With The

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2011-03-29T12:47:00.001-07:00

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The Cause Within You

2011-01-27T10:23:00.000-08:00

We are so excited as Pastor Matthew's latest book, "The Cause Within You," comes out next week! On February 1, you can get your own copy to hear Pastor's story, and learn how you too can discover the one great thing you were created to do in this world.

If you are hungry for a life full of passion instead of apathy; if you are ready to use your specific gifts and abilities to make a mark on the world; if you need to be reminded that God loves you and has a plan for your life— "The Cause Within You" is the book that can change everything. Through his own story and the stories of others whose lives have been transformed, Pastor Matthew will lead you to the cause of your lifetime.

For a sneak peak at the book and access to additional resources, please visit: http://www.thecausewithinyou.com/

A portion of the proceeds goes directly back to the outreaches of The Dream Center.

Need Fillers, Need Fillers

2011-01-20T08:08:00.000-08:00

The Food Truck ministry has always intrigued me. I've been an intern here, at The Dream Center, for a while but never got to work with Food Truck. That is until recently. I was blessed to have the opportunity to go out with the Food Truck ministry and see what they do. I regret that I didn't assist or at least observe their "preparation process" of loading the trucks. If I had, I would've experienced the full magnitude of the ministry. All I know is that I've seen them on various days – loading the trucks with tons of food – and I appreciate their hard work.

After we met up and prayed out, we jumped in cars and the trucks and headed to different distribution neighborhoods. The Food Truck group I went with delivered to Imperial Court in Watts. When I arrived, I jumped into the truck where the food was and quickly switched out my winter mittens for latex gloves. I worked alongside a short-term missionary from a small town in Washington whom I had met earlier that day. Our job was to put frozen chickens into grocery bags, tie them off and hand them to the neighborhood volunteer outside.

The neighborhood volunteers were some interesting characters. They were helpful but some were pushy and agitated – the Devil's always busy but I wouldn't let him take my joy! I just accepted the fact that they weren't used to me or the short-term volunteers, and we weren't used to the pace of this outreach since this was all our first time. Like a pastor who preached here once said, Satan's biggest attack against Christians is: offense. Knowing that, I stayed focused because this missionary experience is not about me.

If you struggle with offense, I encourage you to get past it, so if you ever come to the Dream Center – or wherever you do outreach – you can stay focused. The Scripture that has helped me the most in this area is Colossians 3:23-24, "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." (NKJV)

When I got outside of the truck, I had a new job: hand out bags of potatoes. We had good-sized piles of chickens, potatoes, and half-gallon juices which seemed huge at the beginning. But quickly, I began to notice that those piles of food were diminishing rather quickly. At the end of the food distribution we had to tell several other needy families that we didn't have any more food to hand out. That is a hard thing to bear witness to. Imperial Court is a huge public assistance project in Watts, here in L.A. The need is great in this neighborhood, but we can only feed as many people that we have food for.

I encourage every reader to support The Dream Center and its mission to fill the needs of those around it. And no matter how "offended" you may be toward a brother or sister in Christ, remember that you give and work unto the Lord. Don't let the devil stop you from being a blessing.

- LaQuesha

Growing Experience

2011-01-13T07:57:00.000-08:00

A while back, before I was involved in The Movement, I got the opportunity to come to The Dream Center on Short Term Missions with my church. During the week that I was able to spend at The Dream Center, we went to the beach at Santa Monica and invited homeless people to a free dinner near the boardwalk. I got the opportunity to talk with several people, but there were a few that really touched me.

The first man that I talked with (I don't recall his name) was from Guatemala. He spoke in a fluent mix of Spanglish, and told me some bits and pieces of his story. He had come from Guatemala seven years ago, where he had once had a steady job. Why he came, he never revealed, but he did tell me that he had been homeless since then. From the time he had come, he had just been doing a barrage of work that came his way. While my conversation with him didn't get too overly spiritual, he began to cry as I was talking to him. Just reaching out and showing him love was enough. I prayed with him, and shortly after that, I saw him leave.

This one young man named Patrick (he couldn't have been more than 26 or so) shared his story with me. Patrick had grown up in Alabama, in a Christian home. I don't know when, or how, but somehow, he ended up being a male prostitute in Nevada. I don't quite know the circumstances that led up to it, but at some point, he felt the need to escape. To run away. He hopped in his car and just began driving. Driving to escape the pain that he felt. How did he get to California? It just so happens that is where his car ran out of gas on the freeway. That was a year ago. He has been living on the streets ever since.

The last man that I had the opportunity to talk with was named Brian. At one point, Brian had been quite successful. He was once quite a well-known hairstylist. He had come to California from New York with his friend, who has since died. He didn't really allude to what it may have been, but at some point, business went bad, and he ended up on the streets. However, his outlook was amazing. He was grateful for the trial in his life, because it had grown him into a stronger person. All in all, I didn't really get the feeling that Brian and I saw completely eye to eye on spiritual standings, but he did let me pray for him. He asked for a prayer of protection.

Talking to these people showed me a glimpse of the heart of The Dream Center, as well as Pastor Matthew and all of the volunteers here. It's a blessing to be able to go out and serve God and reach out to this city every day for ten months. The Dream Center is doing great work, and I can only imagine the things that God will do through me while serving Him here.

- David

Before and (Thankfully) After

2010-12-16T08:39:00.000-08:00

Working and living at The Dream Center is a great experience. Being a part of helping so many individuals and families is an honor and blessing. Whether it be a Dream Center Discipleship testimony at church, a child rescued from sex trafficking, or a homeless family getting free room and board on campus, miracles are happening all around me everyday. It is amazing.

As great as these stories are, after a while I found myself growing numb to the testimonies of restoration and grace. It was something that became commonplace due to the hard work of those around me. In church, I thought of the testimonies as another part of the service and the families as a few more people that live on campus. There is so much more to each story.

I did not realize my attitude until a few weeks ago. One Friday afternoon, I went out with The Dream Center Food Truck, which passes out free groceries to people who need it to survive. A few minutes into our afternoon at MacArthur Park, near Downtown Los Angeles, I met Jorge and Laura. These loving parents of two stopped to see why a group of people had gathered in the park. After explaining what we were here to do, they were speechless.

Jorge began telling me he recently lost his job, and his family was struggling to survive. When he and his wife heard that they could receive free groceries that afternoon, it was as if I told him he had won the lottery. I could not imagine the pain these two felt not knowing where they will get their next meal. After I told them about The Dream Center and the additional support we could provide, they received their bags of food and thanked us multiple times.

During my conversation with the family, I couldn’t help but sense their desperation and need. After a family comes to The Dream Center, we are able to provide a home and hope – that is the part of the story I have grown accustomed to seeing. The “before” stage, such as Jorge and Laura, was heart breaking.

Upon my return to The Dream Center, I saw everyone in our various programs in a new light. Whether it was a few months, weeks, or even days earlier, these individuals were at the same brink of desperation. Now, thanks to God’s provision, these individuals and families once again had hope.

That average Friday afternoon became a wake-up call to change my attitude. It also served as a boost to my desire to reach more like Jorge and Laura. Although the couple I met lived in LA, there are many in your area who need help. Pray that God will open your eyes to serve someone in need near you.

- Jesse

New Chapter

2010-12-09T12:44:00.000-08:00

I came to The Los Angeles Dream Center several weeks ago to be a part of The Movement - a discipleship program for young adults. The Movement is an alternative to Bible college or university where young people can come to The Dream Center for ten months to serve the local church and pastor, and most importantly, be discipled. In the short amount of time that I have spent in the program God has not delayed in shaping me and my peers to be world changers. Within this group of young adults there is a deep and passionate fire burning within our hearts to become the men and women of God that this world so desperately needs to see, and to take a stand to be in the world, but not of it. I know that if my peers and I do not stay complacent in our faith and in our relationship with Christ, we will be very powerful and do a lot of work for the Kingdom.

Personally, I have gone through a lot of ups-and-downs since I moved here. Just within the last week there have been a lot of things going on back home with my friends and family. I have felt very discouraged and, more than anything, guilty for not being there for the people that needed me. However, God has a way of working things out for His glory and, slowly but surely, God is healing the pain, sickness and heartache that I felt was weighing me down so heavily. During Pastor Matthew’s recent sermon, God gave me this word from James that really lifted my spirit and has encouraged me to continue seeking after Him. James 1:2 says, "Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of faith develops perseverance."

I know that in hard times, when I feel like the world is collapsing in on me, all I need to do is seek Him and have faith that God is holding my life and my world in His hands. I am so grateful that God has brought me to this place because it is a great environment for young people, like myself, to be able to focus on my relationship with God, be discipled and mentored by amazing leadership, seek direction for my future, and be Christ’s hands and feet!

- Becka

"For the Least"

2010-12-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

It’s always a privilege to pray with the least of these – the homeless and needy. I always find it so interesting how the needy surprise me through conversation because when I talk to them, they don't seem like a "least" or even a stranger. Actually, I feel like we're equal and one is not greater than the other. The needy feel like family to me.

Let me introduce myself, I'm a one-year intern here at The Dream Center and I've been here more than half my assigned time. Right before I got here from Ohio, I had a nice little Honda Civic. I miss cruising in that car – or a car at all. I sold my car when I moved to The Dream Center in hopes of buying another car in L.A. – I'm still working on it.

When I had my car, I used to pull up next to a "least of these" at a stop light quite often. Occasionally I'd give them some money or food but a lot of times I'd just pray for them under my breath. Still, I'd feel like I missed a great opportunity to be an extended hand of Christ Jesus, even when I gave them something, because even non-Christians give to the needy. I don't like leaving not knowing if they understand that I did what I did in Jesus' name.

Feeling empty back in Ohio made me aware of a void I had in my heart for outreach ministry. Thank God for the Under the Bridge (UTB) outreach and others like it, here at The Dream Center. Just recently I went out with UTB to McArthur Park where we brought a warm meal to the parks "residents". .

It's very rewarding to minister face-to-face, hand-in-hand with the needy – or least of these. Speaking of "hand-in-hand", I like healthy personal hygiene; more specifically, hand-washing. There's nothing like clean hands that make up a good handshake. Funny thing is, God encourages me that in being a hand extended for Christ, I have to touch those no one else wants to – no matter how unclean their hands may be.

I often recall a story of a leper in Mark 1:40-43 whom Jesus reached out and touched to heal. At this time, he leper is considered ceremonially unclean in the Old Testament and people wouldn't want the leper in their town let alone would they want to touch them. However, Christ touched the ones that no one else wanted to and they were healed because of it. Since my desire is to be a hand extended of Christ, I should be willing to touch those with unwashed hands.

When I was in my car, I never got up-close-and-personal with the "least" like I get to do here. Now I get to dispel the untruth that Christians believe they are better than the ones we are helping. Pure affection expressed in a handshake or hug is a big part of how we as Christians can show that we really care. Touch their hands and let the "least" title fall away. Hold their hands and pray for them and let them know that they are not too dirty to be loved by God – or a Christian.

- LaQuesha

What I Am Learning

2010-11-18T08:58:00.000-08:00

I have always lived a life of knowing what was next. As a child, I always knew what we would be having for dinner that night and that my family would have a roof over our heads. I never really knew that for some kids this is never an option for them; they don’t know what is going to happen the next day or what to eat even for that night. God has really opened my eyes to some of the hurt and simplest struggles they have when others sometimes take this for granted.

God has shown me how to step out of my comfort zone and open up to people when sometimes I just don’t want to talk or help them out. This was something I would never do; I was comfortable when I was back home knowing what was next. I knew a lot of kids, but none of them really had these problems. Some had simple family problems, yet they would make a big deal of them. Here, kids have way bigger problems and are just crying out for help right in front of us, yet some just walk right pass them and don’t do anything.

God has really opened my heart up to those kids; I can go up and talk to them like they are my friends. God wants us to step out and help the needy. Sometimes it may be the hardest thing to do; yet in the end, it can be the best thing you have ever done. I am learning so much, not only about God’s power, but the power in me that God has restored. He is teaching me to step out and trust him because through Christ all things are possible.

I didn’t really believe in myself, I didn’t have the confidence to go out and show kids God’s love and compassion. I wasn’t truly living for Christ - I was being selfish. I was quick to learn that it wasn’t always about me. Instead, life is about God and His working through me to really show love no matter where the kids have came from. When we step out in faith and let God work through us, He will do amazing things.

- Josh

Did I Hear That Right?

2010-11-11T07:54:00.000-08:00

This time of year we usually hear the same message of thankfulness. Around the Thanksgiving table you may even name one thing for which you are thankful. For most of us, we have hundreds, if not thousands, of things we are glad we have, from basic needs like food and shelter, to the wants such as the latest iPhone or car.

Now before you think this is another typical lesson, I want to tell you about Marvin, a man I met last Saturday while on Adopt-A-Block. As usual, I was walking around my site, Pueblos, which is a large housing project in South Central Los Angeles. This area is full of violence, gangs, and those in need. In addition to the danger and poverty, most of the residents, including families, live in units not much larger than a studio.

As I introduced myself to Marvin, he greeted me with a smile. I told him why we were in his community and what we do every week. During our conversation, we talked about God, and what He has done in both of our lives. At the time, our dialogue seemed normal to me; however, on the ride home, I was challenged by his attitude. Throughout our talk, Marvin’s focus was on thankfulness for what God has given him. Furthermore, as I was getting ready to leave, I asked if he would like prayer for anything, his answer – to remain thankful.

As I said earlier, the conversation and prayer request seemed ordinary at the time; yet, as the bus was leaving Pueblos, I saw three police cars and two men getting arrested a few blocks from Marvin’s unit. I thought how can this man be so thankful, much less thankful at all? Although he lacked what most, including myself, view as important and necessary, such as material possessions (big screen tv, car, ect.) or success (money, power, ect.), his focus was on thankfulness for what God has given him: salvation, peace, and love.

With all the blessings in my life, I rarely take the time to thank God for His provision. I cannot imagine how little thanks I would feel toward God if my life was as hard as Marvin’s. I am beginning to realize the greatest things in life are not necessarily the things I can achieve or work toward. Instead, like Marvin, I need to appreciate the things in life that really matter.

Jesus, in Luke 12:48, says, “To whom much is given, from him much is required.” I encourage you to take time to thank God for His faithfulness and provision, whether tangible or intangible, and use what He has blessed you with to help others.

- Jesse

Charlotte's Angels Debut Fashion Show

2010-10-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

I found out about Charlotte’s designs by accident, the day I saw a few images of her accessory line on a co-worker’s computer desktop. I was so impressed by the quality of the designs that I inquired who was the creative mind behind these beautiful pieces.

Charlotte, I later learned, lived on The Dream Center’s family floor with her husband and son. They had been accepted into the transitional housing program a few weeks after she and her husband had both lost their jobs and had become homeless. Charlotte was asked during the time that she was interviewed by the staff on the family floor what her future dreams were, and she opened up to them about her passion for fashion design.

Around the time that we first met Charlotte I asked if I could help her with her debut fashion show. Initially, I thought I would be calling a few people on her behalf and setting up some of her social networks for her. Little did I know that within a few short weeks I would be roped into being the event organizer - something I never thought I would do. I would soon learn that saying “no” to Charlotte is almost impossible!

Over the next five months we planned and prepared for Charlotte’s debut fashion event. Charlotte was running around to get her collection completed, I was e-mailing the ever- growing mailing list and figuring out the timing of music and lights, while others were busy making calls to secure models, stylists and hairdressers for the event. The fashion show was now scheduled to take place on Oct 15^th at Angelus Temple.

The week of the event was hectic. One day we had ten models ready to come to the rehearsal, the next day we found out, to our dismay, that five had either dropped out or were not the right stature for a runway model. There was a lot of prayer and a lot of last minute changes that had to take place, but somehow Charlotte was able to pull off an amazing show, which wowed her audience. It was great to see how God enabled her dreams to come true, while she and her family are being supported by The Dream Center.

- Chaka

For more information on the clothing line, please check out Charlotte's Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/CharlottesAngels/140768942626875

In a State of ME-ocracy

2010-10-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

There is something that is truly freeing when you decide to stop living for yourself. At times it seems to go against everything within us. It is a fault we must constantly toil with that is innate to human character. The simple truth is that this is something the whole world struggles with, and it doesn’t help that this self-seeking behavior has become an attitude which is socially acceptable and justified. With all that said, Christians are still called to “love your neighbor as yourself” - a concept that is at the heart of The Dream Center.

Last week, during an amazing outreach program called Project Prevention, I was gently reminded of how it feels to apply this concept to my daily life. (On a quick side note, Project Prevention is an outreach that brings food and basic essentials to families in the surrounding area that are in danger of losing their kids to foster care). During my time with Project Prevention, the leaders challenged everyone in the small group, of no more than 15, to truly listen to the different testimonies shared by all of the families. More importantly, I was being challenged to remove myself as numero uno in my life. Looking back, what they were really asking of our small group is for just a small period of time to live our lives for someone we may never see again.

Whether it is a bin full of food, a handshake, a cheerful smile, or an encouraging word we were being asked to find a way to truly love our neighbor. We were letting someone else’s problems become our own, sharing in their successes, and especially their failures, and taking a genuine interest in a life other than our own. When this happens the changes are transforming. It is amazing what can happen when someone chooses to get over how important they think they are and become a blessing. When we abandon our state of me-ocarcy, we stop worrying about our personal appearance, status, or possessions, and we find that we gain a peace that truly surpasses all understanding.

It might not come natural to put a complete stranger’s needs in front of your own, but I promise when we finally make this decision it is life changing. In a world obsessed with finding itself, God desires for us to lose ourselves in service to others.

-Nic

Lunch on Skid Row

2010-10-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

“I smell like donuts.” The lonely sentence on the back page of my notes seems a little odd, to say the least. Upon an hour or more of digging my hands into two medium-sized donut boxes – with a hair net on my afro-puff, wearing a full-body apron with a rebellious strap continuously finding its way under my shoes, latex gloves making my hands drip with perspiration, leaving a residue of white sticky powder behind – my quirky character considered it necessary to write, “I smell like donuts.” Maybe that was my comedic relief on behalf of the sad situation I witnessed.

The sweet smell of donuts had suddenly been interrupted with the sickly sent of poor hygiene. My sense of smell couldn’t help but remind me of where I was. I hadn’t been there since last December nor had I planned on attending the Under the Bridge outreach that day. I thought I’d stay “safe” and go visit a family in need and see the gentle face of a mother who would receive furniture through one of The Dream Center’s many ministries. The reality is that God wanted me there – on Skid Row – that hot summer day.

On the ride over, I could feel a nervous spirit rise up within me. However, just as quick, I felt my Comforter remind me that I didn’t choose to be there. So since it was a God thing, I knew that it was a good thing. On the contrary to what I thought I’d see on the faces of those on Skid Row, I found smiles and grateful hearts. Their gratitude brought me great relief.

I’ve heard my share of horror stories regarding Skid Row, but I find it to be my duty to respond like Joshua and Caleb and share a positive perspective: God covered us. In the midst of darkness, His light filled the atmosphere and cancelled out negative spirits and activities.

As we drove through the abandoned streets, I prayed that God would cover my eyes so that I would not look on the residents of Skid Row with a “natural” eye. My prayers were answered when all that I could see was God’s children; those He sent His Son to die for – just like He did for me. My heart broke for those who seemed “stuck,” and I found hope that there were some who only seemed to be there for a brief while. Those “temporary” residents of Skid Row reminded me of two people I’ve met in the last 2 years who have the testimony of being delivered from that area and lifestyle. I wish the same to those I met that hot summer day where the flies attacked those delicious donuts they loved so much.

There were signs for “hope” all around the helpless and I immediately wondered if these signs of “hope” were actually false. The signs mentioned resumé building, job placement assistance and other community resources. But as I looked around, I saw people too old to work or to start all afresh. I saw people who seemed to be out of their mind. As I placed a donut on the plates set before me, I occasionally glanced up at our “observers.” One lady just stared into space at something above our heads; maybe she was looking at the sun or at the palm tree behind us. Others watched us as they stood behind the construction posts that kept them a comfortable distance from the table with all the food. From the time I read these signs of “hope” up to now, I continued to wonder if these “resources” would really help them.

There’s a tug on my heart to do more. My job is to tell you the story and like tag – you’re it. What can you do to help? Skid Row is not so bad and dangerous when you bring the Light of Jesus Christ with you. I encourage all who are prayed up and ready to serve, to come out to Skid Row and pray about what you can do to help these poor, hurting people. They are flesh and bones with a heart inside just like you and I. Let us not be afraid of one another, but may our hearts break as we seek God to help those in need – here at Skid Row and all over the world.

- LaQuesha

Risks Can Be Rewarding

2010-10-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

For those of you thinking about getting involved in daily ministry at The Dream Center, which we need, here are some observations I’ve made just a couple months into my One Year Internship:

It’s Not Easy. I heard those three words numerous times before I moved and it’s true. (Now don’t let this be the only thing you remember from this post. I will explain, so please keep reading.) Pastors, friends, and family all told me how full-time ministry can wear a person down. Although true, they almost all left out my next point…

I Haven’t Had a Bad Day. Now how can my first two points coincide? Although I may not have all the home cooking, material things, or money I would like, I have never felt this fulfilled in my entire life. The sense of purpose I sense every moment is more than I can put into words.

It’s Not What I Expected…and for that I am grateful. When others heard that I would be quitting my job and moving across the country to volunteer, they couldn’t understand why I was giving up financial security and the familiarities of home to volunteer. After a while, I naturally began to think about the things I would be missing. However, I have learned and received much more than what I gave up.

The list and examples could go on, but I want to be brief. What I want you to know is – don’t let trivial thoughts and fears keep you from a great, life-changing experience. Whether it’s coming to The Dream Center or doing something at home, taking a risk can take away regrets.

Projection

2010-09-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

I met a teenage hero the other day! He’s “the man of the house,” but he’s only thirteen years old. His assurance in God and his natural-born leadership was inspirational to my faith-walk. During our prayer circle at the boy’s house, one of our short-term volunteers was so moved by his story that he couldn’t stop crying.

Earlier, when we had arrived in our Project Prevention truck, I took in the surroundings of our final stop of the day. Since I had never been there, I looked up and down the street in search of the house we were scheduled to visit. I only saw storefronts – something like China Town in NYC. To my right were a hair salon and an unmarked building. I saw this young boy, who seemed out of place, standing in front of the unmarked building. I wondered where his mother was.

One of the Project Prevention volunteers, Becky, called out to him to say, “hello.” So I assumed this young boy was picking up food for his family and from there, would walk to his house. However, I found myself following the boy and our Brazilian short-term mission group up some stairs in the unmarked building.

At the top of the stairs, a picture of Jesus bleeding and sorrowful, wearing a crown of thorns, greeted us. The words of my pastor from back in Ohio came to mind, “Humility: meek not weak.” The picture was a perfect transition to enter the home of this young boy because his home was a very humbling scene. His house seemed to be a decent place for a bachelor (yet too small for his family) with a couple of rooms attached to the living space of which ten of us piled into.

The boy explained to us that his mother works very hard just to keep the lights on and her children comfortable so that’s why she’s asleep in the middle of the day. I was amazed by her sacrifice but was also impressed at her son’s gratefulness for her sacrifice. I could tell that there was something special about him.

He and his family were previously living in a rough L.A. area called “Temple Street.” In that area is a gang, which is known to be very violent and dangerous. After our visit, I became more spiritually alert desiring to be apart of finding other “diamonds in the rough” like this boy. Diamonds that I could encourage and point to Christ. This way their gifts may have room to grow in God’s garden.

Sometimes I wonder how many children/people – like this boy – with such great potential “slip through the cracks.” At the same time, I find peace that God would plant jewels like this boy in such rough areas. Such areas need God’s little rays of hope. In time, I could see this particular boy being a local political figure in rough areas like where he grew up. I picture him fighting to clean up the streets and starting programs to help kids reach their full potential just as he was helped. I cringe at the thought of the kids we miss. Finding them could mean fewer victims of heinous crimes.

One of my greatest concerns for myself and other young people is the “potential for lack of potential.” We have what it takes, but if we don’t meet the One who can take us to the next level, then our potential will come to nothing. I love how God uses The Dream Center to encourage young people to lead and find out whom God says that we are, not falling into the limitations of the Devil. There’s something right about giving back to God all that He’s given us in sincere surrender. Surrendering like a child – like the little hero I met the other day – is to say, “Please use me Lord because I don’t know what to do on my own.” I know my life is better for surrendering to God. I believe this teen boy’s life will continue to get better because he’s given his life to Christ. And I’m sure your life will be better because you’ve surrendered too.

-LaQuesha

Hearts Will Most Certainly Break, But It is the Best Way

2010-09-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

On a Friday evening, as the day draws to its close, a bus full of volunteers hits the road and goes to Skid Row armed with water, snacks, and a positive word. Last Friday, I was a member of that bus, and that is one evening I know I will never forget. The conversation on the bus was lighthearted - games were played, questions asked, and for the most part, a sense of familiarity at this regular journey. However, this was my first time to Skid Row, and I didn’t know what to expect other than I was sure it wasn’t like anything I’d experienced before.

We drove down a street where suddenly the number of homeless people multiplied into the hundreds. After parking, we got out of the bus, where water and snacks were distributed to those we met. My memory of that evening is a blur of people – all grateful for the water, some laughed with us, and others wanted to be left alone. The atmosphere as I perceived it, was of self-preservation; I felt on edge despite the protection of the group.

For the first hour I tried to take the scene in. Tents, cardboard, and sidewalk were people’s home. A woman who had run away from an abusive relationship and had nowhere else to go asked us if this street was a safe place for her to sleep. My heart broke for her as you could hear the lack of hope and fear in her voice, and there was little more we could do than pray with her, give her a jacket, and tell her about our discipleship program.

After the first hour, I couldn’t really speak. I had no words for how I felt or what I saw; I just followed the group and gave out water and snacks and connected with people that I could with a smile or a greeting. I was asked if I was enjoyed this outreach, my answer was no, but there wasn’t anywhere else I’d rather be.

I saw a family walk by with a 6-year-old child and from that moment on I was moved. The young, the old and everyone in-between, were living on those dangerous streets and it brought me to tears. I don’t want it to get easier. I don’t want to learn to be less moved each time I go out and see these people in order to preserve myself. But I do need God to move through me and work in me so that He can work on those streets because that is too great a task for us to be able to take on alone.

We need compassion, and we need God.

~Charli

Big Things

2010-09-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

My roommate always talks about doing “big things” in a way that will eventually change the world. You don’t have to be around The Dream Center for more than five minutes to come to the understanding that there are no small visions here. Whatever the Dream Center decides to do, it is all designed to have the biggest impact possible. In fact, this place has been built on the whole concept of desperately trying to reach new heights by having a vision that is greater than its provision.

Aside from very rare exceptions, there is no one on this planet that doesn’t want to do amazing and incredible things with their life. Our childhood and even movies are filled with stories of people that do incredible things, of people that are the best of the best. Recently, while watching a show on TV, the show’s leading actress began a rather insightful monologue. She talked about how the best days of your life are normally days that start exactly like all the others, and that sometimes the moments or days we think will define us turn out to be disappointments.

At times it seems like we have the similar mindset of waiting and anticipating a big event to provide a breakthrough. We are looking for a catalyst that will finally allow us to get over the hump to the land of “big things.” Unfortunately, many of us go through seasons where we are caught in limbo, in a time-consuming waiting game. There is no doubt that God has amazing plans for everyone, but like my mother always says, “God can’t steer an anchored ship.”

Going back to my roommate, he continues to do “big things” not just because he has faith they will happen, although that doesn’t hurt. You can credit the fact he is willing to faithfully take care of the things no one sees, which later produces huge rewards. The late, great John Wooden once said, "It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen." In life there are no big breakthroughs propelling us to greatness, only a string of smaller decisions. Taking a hint from my roommate, it is clear that “big things” only happen when those small things become more important.

Sometimes in order to do something everyone wants to do, you have to do things that no one wants to do.

-Nic

God Isn't Done With Me Yet

2010-09-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

I was really excited to come back to my Adopt-A-Block site, after being away for over a month, to catch up with people in Pueblos that I have come to know and care about. It was hot and as the bus drove around the corner, to where we usually set up the food for the community, I noticed that the line of people who meet us there had grown considerably bigger than what it was before. There were a lot of new faces, there was also the regulars, families that I have known for the nine months I have been at The Dream Center as an intern.

After the food was given out, I took a couple of volunteers to the block that I usually go to, it was comforting to see the families that live there looking happy and excited to pray with us, like Phillipa and her three grandchildren. There was one house that stood out for us last Saturday though, a lady who looked very stressed and busy answered the door with a cell phone pressed to her ear and half-smiled politely as we said hello and asked her if she had heard of The Dream Center.

We were just walking away from her door to knock on the next one, and she came back outside her house and asked us if we could pray for her friend. She said her friend was in hospital in intensive care after being shot four times by her ex-boyfriend. We gathered around her to get ready to pray, then one of the volunteers with us from North Carolina, boldly asked the lady if she knew about Jesus, and when I was in disbelief that she had asked the lady about the status of her salvation, the volunteer had quickly asked the lady to repeat a simple prayer of accepting Jesus as her savior!

We prayed in agreement and the lady said "thank you" for praying for her friend and for praying for her, she looked almost relieved like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. What impressed me the most about this situation was the boldness of this volunteer. She didn’t hesitate for one moment. She was direct and straight to the point about Jesus.

It definitely made me question why I found this so difficult to do, why was I was so nervous about going to the core of what we were commissioned to do—to go and preach the gospel? It’s instances like this that reminds me that I still have a lot of growing up to do as a Christian, a hard truth to face!

~Chaka

A Bus Ride to Nickerson

2010-09-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

The beginning of the next year of my life officially started on the 23^rd of July; the day I officially moved into the Dream Center. That was a few weeks ago, which means I have finally passed my first milestone - I have been at the Dream Center longer than most of the teams from short-term missions. Granted, it is not a huge milestone, but it is a milestone nonetheless. I cannot tell you that this is my first experience with the Dream Center because I have been a part of this place for 10 years, but what I can tell you is this continues to be a place like no other. Outreaches like the bus ministry are clear examples of how the Dream Center continues to separate itself from anything else.

The first Sunday I was here I was fortunate enough to ride on one of these buses that actually goes into troubled neighborhoods to bring people from the area to church. The “site” I was assigned to was Nickerson Gardens; a relatively large housing project in Watts. To be completely honest almost the entire ride over there I was apprehensive about what I would say and how to avoid looking like a complete fool in front of the kids. I finally came to the conclusion that it isn’t about me at all, but about leading people to God. I decided to give all my petty worries to God and allow him to show me how to simply love on people. It was the best decision I could have made.

The bus was slowly making its way through the neighborhood when I saw a homeless man on the side of the road. As I waived to him I saw an expression of pure joy come over his face as he happily smiled and waived back. Thus revealing a smile that was missing the front two teeth. It was a smile that proudly displayed more tongue than actual teeth. I couldn’t help, but laugh and continue to wave back. During this random exchange of pleasantries I was hit with an urge help this man in whatever way possible. An urge to see this man succeed, but most of all, I felt genuine compassion for a man I have never met. It truly was and is an indescribable feeling.

The goal of the Dream Center has always been to change the atmosphere of the community through love, and I thank God so much for giving me just a small glimpse of what it means to love people.

- Nic

From The Heart - Part 2

2010-08-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

We found another man with a story: his name was Joe, and he wore a smile as he thanked us for the food he was eating. We began to talk with him and found that he had lived in California his entire life, 58 years, but that his mother was from Mexico. Joe told us that he was nice, and that he loved to speak from his heart. That is exactly what we experienced as others came up to us telling us of the lovely spirit of this man.

After a while, the tone of the conversation changed as Joe told us of his time as a solider in Vietnam. He spoke of dark memories, full of fire and death and pain; of drug-driven nightmares and hallucinations; memories that had stayed with him for 40 years and that he used alcohol to forget.

Joe told us that he and his friend, Arturo, wanted to change and enter a program. We told them about The Dream Center and what was available for them. We asked if we could pray for him and after doing so, left him with some men who had been through the program already. Thankfully, he said he would come to church, now all we can do is pray that he chooses to come, and that the next part of his story is one of healing and restoration.

From The Heart - Part 1

2010-08-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

There was a man named Romeo. He was sitting on the ground waiting to be fed, and he was crying out his feelings of guilt and shame - how unworthy of God’s love he was and how awful the things he had done were.

We told Romeo God loved him anyway, as a father loves his son. We told him about grace. We asked Romeo if he had any children and through tears he produced a photograph of his three-month-old son who he’d been made to leave.

Romeo told us how he’d been numbing his pain through drinking, and how it had only encouraged more pain and violent behavior, causing him to have to leave his son with his sister and partner while he dealt with his problems. He said he had not seen his son for a few months and that this was his first night on the streets in this area.

Art and music were his passion and he tenderly showed us a drawing he had done, with painted footprints of his son featuring baby blue in the center of the page. Romeo said he was going to get himself sorted so that he could go home, and we told him about a program where he could get help to heal, but Romeo told us there was another program he was going to enter. So with breaking hearts, we gave a notebook to him to write lyrics to God in and we said goodbye. We wished there was more that we could do, but we would just have to pray and trust that Jesus had his heart.

A Bus Ride to Nickerson Gardens

2010-08-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

The beginning of the next year of my life officially started on the 23^rd of July; the day I officially moved into The Dream Center. That was almost two weeks ago, which means I have finally passed my first milestone. I have been at The Dream Center longer than any of the teams from short-term missions. Granted, it is not a huge milestone, but it is a milestone nonetheless. I cannot tell you that this is my first experience with The Dream Center because I have been apart of this place for 10 years, but what I can tell you is this continues to be a place like no other. Outreaches like the bus ministry are clear examples of how The Dream Center continues to separate itself from anything else.

The first Sunday I was here I was fortunate enough to ride on one of these buses that actually goes into troubled neighborhoods to bring people from the area to church. The “site” I was assigned to was Nickerson Gardens; a relatively large housing project in Watts. To be completely honest almost the entire ride over there I was apprehensive about what I would say and how to avoid looking like a complete fool in front of these kids. I finally came to the conclusion that it isn’t about me at all, but about leading people to God. I decided to give all my petty worries to God and allow him to show me how to simply love on people. It was the best decision I could have made.

The bus was slowly making its way through the neighborhood when I saw a homeless man on the side of the road. As I waived to him I saw an expression of pure joy come over his face as he happily smiled and waived back. Thus revealing a smile that was missing the front two teeth. It was a smile that proudly displayed more tongue than actual teeth. I couldn’t help, but laugh and continue to wave back. During this random exchange of pleasantries I was hit with an urge help this man in whatever way possible. An urge to see this man succeed, but most of all I felt genuine compassion for a man I have never met. It truly was and is an indescribable feeling.

The goal of The Dream Center has always been to change the atmosphere of the community through love and I thank God so much for giving me just a small glimpse of what it means to love people.

- Nic

New Experiences

2010-08-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

Moving to Los Angeles from England is the biggest thing I’ve done so far. Yet despite being as prepared as I could be practically, I totally underestimated the scale of the changes I’ve had to make to live here.

Reading about the experiences of the other interns when they were new, it seems everyone goes through similar experiences. At first I felt bad about feeling like I wanted to go home or feeling overwhelmed, and I often tried to overcome that by trying to throw myself in at the deep end work wise and got involved in as much as possible all at once.

But God slowed me down. He has a lot of grace like that… showing me that it was ok to just settle in. The people I met here are also totally God sent: He’s never left me alone and I’ve always had the support that I’ve needed at that moment.

In other situations too, he’s been teaching me to trust him. Like at the airport, when I was told my visa would only last for six months. I had already applied to come to The Dream Center for a year. I could have freaked out, and I nearly did, but instead I took a really deep breath and gave it to God. The next thing I knew, I was informed by immigration that it was apparently all just a big misunderstanding! But I had managed to keep my peace because I trusted Jesus because I knew he had my back.

There have been situations where I have nearly lost my peace, but even those times are teaching me to trust God even more knowing that if my God is for me, who can be against me and He has shown me that again and again.

I have been so blessed by the experiences of this first week. The first outreach I went out with was Under The Bridge, where we went out serving meals to people who needed them. This was my first experience of seeing so many people with such great need and in such desperate situations. It’s shocking to see that there are people living like that and it is a lot to take in, but it is equally awesome to see so many amazing people taking time out of their ordinary lives to serve this community, these people.

The second outreach I went out with was the food truck. It felt really good to serve the community in a practical way and to love on them in a way that they could receive it – groceries. I got to give out many smiles and received many back. It was awesome to be a part of something that was so simple but which had such a great impact. There were kids helping us unload the truck and braiding our hair. It was so nice to be in that moment where everyone was working together for the sake of loving others.

So my first week is over but it has been a good week. God has put me here and He is looking after me throughout all the difficulties. Living at The Dream Center is a constant reminder of His goodness and faithfulness and grace.

- Charli

Under The Bridge

2010-07-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Under the Bridge is a ministry that not only serves the physical needs of the homeless on Skid Row but also the spiritual and emotional needs. After four times of serving food with Under the Bridge, I finally pushed myself out of my comfort zone. Every time the director asks who would like to work in the food line, I eagerly, and quite obnoxiously, wave my hand around so I can get away with just serving food and not actually talking to people. I felt safe and comfortable behind the table. I have not had the confidence to talk to people and hear their stories. So this Wednesday, with much encouragement from my fellow volunteers, I decided to push myself out of what I am comfortable with and agreed to interact with those we were feeding. Immediately after I agreed, I couldn’t believe it, I kept asking myself why in the world had I agreed to start conversations.

The previous day I felt like I kept getting hit with little things that kept bringing me down and kept me dwelling in sadness rather than joy. So I had been looking forward to the comfort and familiarity of the serving table and only having to give a smile rather than a word of hope to the homeless. But God does not want you to become comfortable; comfort leads to complacency. God cannot use those who are complacent and comfortable. As Christians, we should strive to be Christ-like in everything we do, so we should always be growing and pushing ourselves to be Christ-like. So, armed with a tract rather than a spoon, I came from behind the barrier in which I had found such comfort in the previous times, and paired with another volunteer named Carrie, we walked around talking to the residents of Skid Row.

The first couple of people we talked to were not very friendly, but then we came across a resident named Deborah. She was reserved at first, but then later told us it was because she wanted to see how we would react to her demeanor. We started talking about anything, and then started to get into the Scriptures. In talking to her, we found out that her church picks her up and brings her to church, and she is a backup Sunday School teacher. She did not go into great detail about how she got there, in a state of poverty and homelessness, but it was interesting to see her say that she got there by her own choices and means. She knows that God will use this time of her life to reach a group of people that I cannot, because she will have a story to which they can relate. It was refreshing to see someone who was so planted in God yet is living in that circumstance.

We also talked to a man named Thomas, who was a truck driver, but has not been able to find work recently. We asked him about how he ended up there, and he said that that was just a pit stop until he gets back on his feet. We then asked what his plans are now, and he said that he feels that God has called him to ministry to be a pastor. Like Deborah, he knows that he can use this part of his life to reach those who I cannot, and God is in control of his life. He will be able to reach those on Skid Row as well as people in the same circumstances and elsewhere. His story and journey is more relatable then mine.

It seemed that I had no reason to be nervous because God brought those people so that I can see that He is in control, and no matter how nervous I am with something out of my comfort zone, H e will always be there with me. So yes, I don’t enjoy pushing my boundaries and coming out of my comfort zone, but I know that God does it for a reason. Not only does He do this when I go on outreaches, but also with my work at the Dream Center. Before I came, I did not like praying out loud; I was just not confident in my prayers, and part of my job at the Dream Center is praying for people on the phone. When I first started I was almost in tears, because I did not want to do it. I was so nervous, but again He would put people on the other side of the phone line that knew exactly how to encourage me. I know that He is always stretching me so that I am more prepared for what life will throw at me and so that in any situation, I am able to keep the faith and do God’s will.

~Tessa

Without Help, It’s Too Bad To Be True

2010-07-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

The past couple Thursday afternoons I have been able to help Project Prevention as they make food deliveries to families at risk of losing their children to foster care due to poverty. Until my recent experience, I did not realize this was even possible, and I wish it were not.

Our first stop was a single mother living with her two children. Before she found help at The Dream Center and Project Prevention, she and her young boys had little food and no furniture, including beds. After listening to her story and seeing how much she loves her children, I cannot imagine the pain she has already gone through and the thought of potentially losing her very own boys. On a daily basis she is faced with more pain and anxiety I have ever felt in my entire life, but her smile week-after-week challenges me and my attitude.

Next, we stop on a corner occupied by a small convenience store. After heading up a narrow stairway leading to apartments above the property, we knock on the door of another single mother living with her five children. That alone would be difficult for almost any single parent, but as I unloaded the food on a small table that could tightly seat two, I notice there is only one bedroom in the apartment. I realize this entire family lives in an area about the size of my college dorm room!

While I thought about my college years, I spoke with the eldest child, a boy who is going to be a senior in high school in the fall. He told me about his plans after high school, which includes attending college in the Los Angeles area next year. I was impressed by his attitude and the fact that he did not use his current situation as an excuse.

After receiving many “thank you’s” from the grateful family, we made our way to a few more stops before heading back to The Dream Center. Sadly, each one had a similar sad story of parents struggling to provide the basics for themselves and their children. Thankfully, as I have seen so many times, whether with Project Prevention, on Skid Row, or in the housing projects of South Central Los Angeles, there is a sense of peace and hope in those with so little to the naked eye. But through sharing Christ and taking the families to church, many have found the strength needed to make it through each day.

Thanks to those who work with Project Prevention every day and those who support the ministry, we are able to give hope to those with not much else.

- Jesse

"Because You say so, I will"

2010-07-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

Looking back on my first month as an intern at The LA Dream Center I realize how much God has directed my life to this point. A couple of months ago I was living close to family and friends in the Midwest and had a great job, but I felt I was missing out on something. Ever since my first visit to The Dream Center I felt a strong desire to come back and serve full-time. After graduating from college two years ago and working in the field I studied, I still did not feel like I was where I needed to be.

In the fall of 2009 I finally decided to follow the dream I had years ago, and I applied to become a one-year intern. During that summer, I was reading Luke 5:5 where Jesus told Simon to lower the nets after a long night of fishing with nothing to show for it. Simon, probably frustrated and ready to quit, responded so simply, “Because You say so, I will.” Like Simon, moving to LA was not an easy decision or made the most sense, but I do not regret listening to the voice of God.

We often hear God is always with you and has a plan for your life, but it’s another thing to experience it yourself. Once I arrived at The Dream Center, I learned that I would be working in the Marketing Department, which is what I studied in college. Also, upon arrival I learned that a friend from college was coming to volunteer, and we have since become roommates. After seeing these two works of God within my first month here, I am excited to see what is coming up in my future.

If you are thinking about coming out to The Dream Center to volunteer, I would recommend that you first—pray. You need to talk with God so you can hear what His plan is for you. In Proverbs 16:9 it states, “the Lord determines our steps;” we need to let Him. Secondly, don’t be afraid to take a risk. A piece of advice I received in college is, “If you are given an opportunity, say ‘yes,’ and learn as fast as you can.” This is something I try to put into practice in my life.

If God has put a desire on your heart, pray about it and don’t be afraid to take a risk. When facing a big decision remember that God has watched over your life through today, don't think He will stop now.

- Jesse

Full Circle on a Homeless Block

2010-07-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

On July 1, 2010, I went to Skid Row on an outreach with Under the Bridge, which was a bittersweet moment. Next week, I will be concluding my three and a half year internship at The Dream Center. I first came to The Dream Center in May 2005 on a short-term missions trip, which lasted a week. Long story short, I flew back to New York (my home state) and the experience was imprinted in my heart. The images that I saw on Skid Row were etched in my memory as I lived 3,000 miles away, and part of me felt like I would eventually go back to The Dream Center and help with the ministries again.

Just over a month after graduating from college, I was back on a plane to Los Angeles in February 2007 to become a full-time intern. I cannot put into a short blog all that I have experienced during these past several years, but it has all been life-changing to say the least. When people ask me what I learned at The Dream Center and living in the city of Los Angeles, I’ve said that I have learned to be a leader. I am very much an introvert, and God has taken me out of my comfort zone and has stretched me to have more confidence and really depend on Him.

I didn’t go back to Skid Row as soon as I started my internship. I was placed in the Teen Discipleship girls’ home, which was a blessing because I wanted to work with youth. Sure, I had worked with teenagers in the past, including my home church’s youth group and an outreach to the Lower East Side of Manhattan that I did while I was in college, but I was not totally ready for DCTD! Though it was a challenge for me to be authoritative and confront bad behavior and even verbally encourage those girls, God gave me the grace to do so, and I am so thankful for the year that I spent there.

When I switched over to the Marketing department, I was glad because I was wondering how I could use my love for writing at The Dream Center. Needless to say, I have been able to put my writing abilities to use, and in the process, have learned so much from those that I have worked with. In addition, I have interviewed well over 100 people whose lives have been positively impacted by the outreaches and ministries of The Dream Center. I heard so many stories, each unique and impacting, all different ages and walks of life. South Central. Rampart. East L.A. Chinatown. Hollywood. Venice. SRO Hotels. Beverly Hills. Skid Row…

It’s hard not to get choked up when I think of what an amazing opportunity that I have had to be at The Dream Center. Of course, nothing is perfect here, but I have learned from the good and the bad experiences, and I am grateful for each of them. I know that moving on from here, I will have much to take with me, whatever God has for me.

So, I did my last outreach (at least for now!) in Skid Row this week; the very place that gripped my heart on that short-term missions trip. On the way there, I watched, almost as if it were the first time: seeing short-term volunteers with their brooms and barrels, cleaning up garbage on the sidewalks. Food trucks headed to their destination packed with groceries to feed the community. The Dream Center taking over L.A.!

When we got to Skid Row, I just walked around with a couple of other volunteers, inviting people to come get a hot meal to eat on the corner of 6^th and Crocker. While there, I saw a few people that I had interviewed for Marketing stories, including two that I hadn’t seen in basically a year. It was as if, in that moment, my time at The Dream Center was beginning to come full circle.

Though it’ll be kind of hard to leave this place, which has become home, it is time. And I want to encourage volunteers who may already be here or are considering coming, it is a great opportunity to learn and become selfless as you address the needs of others. Find a need and fill it, and find a hurt and heal it.

Thanks to all who made this time possible. I love you.

Poeticize for Christ,

Shameka Hamlet

A Family with Eleven Kids Receives Mattresses from Project Prevention

2010-07-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

When his wife passed away in 2008, Manuel became a single dad to his eleven children- 4 girls and 7 boys. For many years, this family lived in a single-bedroom apartment, which only had a living room, kitchen and restroom. Everyone in the household managed to cram into a tight space; however, they slept on the floor. As a widower, Manuel supported his children through his restaurant job, but his income was not enough to relocate his large family into a more spacious home.

Moving to America from Guatemala 25 years ago, Manuel and his wife raised their children in Los Angeles. After Manuel’s wife died from liver failure two years ago, social workers became concerned about the family’s living conditions, and saw the horrendous circumstances that they had called home. Manuel’s children range from the ages of three to nineteen. The youngest was just a baby when his mother died. When The Dream Center found out about Manuel’s family, they could not ignore the overwhelming need, and brought essential aid to each family member.

Since the start of this year, Manuel and his children have been able to move into a two-bedroom apartment. On May 19, 2010, The Dream Center’s Project Prevention ministry took a truck loaded with beds to this family, who had become accustomed to sleeping on the floor. This was a massive improvement for Manuel and his children, many of whom never had a mattress of their own. They can now rest comfortably and have better mornings when they wake up after a good night’s sleep.

Along with having their basic needs met and a homey place to live, this family has become closer to each other and to God. Though each day has its own struggles, Manuel and his children have experienced the lovingkindness of Project Prevention volunteers. Thanks to the sacrificial offerings of Dream Center supporters, Project Prevention is keeping families unified. Because of all of the supplies that this ministry team brought to Manuel’s home, which many homes can take for granted, he and his children can stay together without fret of being placed into the foster care system. They can now have a renewed sense of hope.

Blessings in Buckets at Ramona Gardens

2010-06-24T08:22:00.000-07:00

After volunteering at The Dream Center for a few years, one outreach that I have been able to go out with several times is the Food Truck ministry. This ministry brings food to various neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles. The site that I went to recently was Ramona Gardens, which is a housing project in East L.A.

A short-term missions team from Pennsylvania came out as well, helping to prepare bags of groceries for the Ramona Gardens residents and playing with the kids in the week-away-from-summer sun. Carrots, tomatoes, mozzarella, yogurt and packages of frozen beef patties were stocked into plastic shopping bags, which was enough food to get each family and individual through the week.

On average, a person would pay about $30 for all of that food, but not a single person had to pull out their wallets, because everything that they received was free of charge. I do not totally understand the circumstances that most of these people are in, but I know that the economy has been extremely difficult for people, particularly those living in Los Angeles. When people give to The Dream Center, those gifts are used towards the community, and people are abundantly blessed.

Speaking of abundantly blessed, one thing that I noticed about several of the people waiting in line to receive food was that they held empty buckets. Not large buckets, but ones that could barely hold one normal-sized grocery bag of food. I had never seen that at a food truck site. Most people come prepared with big boxes and shopping carts and baskets to put their food in; however, these bucket people seemed to say, in a nonverbal way, that they did not expect to receive much.

Their buckets overflowed. They could have brought larger containers, but from my perspective, it gave the appearance that they had actually received more than the others because the emptiness that they came with was filled to capacity. When we bring the little that we have to God, He can use that and fill up our buckets to overflowing, too.

- Shameka

What's Holding You Back?

2010-06-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

I'm a little over two weeks old now; I am referring to my internship time here at the Los Angeles Dream Center of course. My actual age is 22 and I'm a recent college graduate from an art and design school in Columbus, Ohio. At the Dream Center I will be a Graphic Design intern in the Marketing department for one year. Just a month ago I was sitting at home in Ohio fighting to stay focused for this internship and I could've quit right there... It's definitely God that I'm here today. Fear of flying and failure did not win. My decision to come and for how long surrounded God's question to me: "How much do you trust Me?"

Ever since I found my purpose for living in Christ, I have consciously decided to make my life count for something by pouring into the lives of others.

My uncle once told me something about time that's never left my heart. He reminded me that it never stands still, so we as people must choose to move forward with it or to slip back in the past. Moving forward is about growing and to stay back is to stunt our own growth. The ironic part about my decision to intern at the Los Angeles Dream Center is that the same uncle who gave me these wise words about "time" feared my journey here, yet his words inspired me to take this leap of faith.

I see this journey as an exercising of my faith where I am able to see just how big my God is. He has pushed me out of my comfort-zone back in Ohio and encouraged me to take a great leap of faith to truly discover His omnipresence here in Los Angeles. During the "waiting process" for preparation to deal with this great transition in my life, I diligently prayed about the distance from the "norm" of family, friends and life as it were.

Even though my family is far away, I have peace from God that He is right here with me as well as the blessings and prayers of loved ones on my life so big, the geographical distance is not that bad. I can use social-networking sites, email, text and calling to stay connected to those I love. Additionally, the residents, volunteers and staff here are so kind and loving that they quickly become your extended family so that your stay here can truly be enjoyed.

I hope that you prayerfully consider if God wants you to be here, for how long, in what area of focus – even about your roommate(s). Get prayed up and armored up (Eph. 6:10-18). Don't expect the grass to be greener on the other side and that nothing can go wrong because if you do, you only set yourself up for disappointment. Instead be honest with yourself and with God. Intentionally ask Him day after day – not because you think He forgot but because you mean it – to prepare you for this next big step with Him. Be honest with yourself and plainly say, "It won't always be easy but with God it will be possible."

You can make it because if He wants you here He will see you through to the end – financially, spiritually, emotionally, psychologically, etc. I have experienced some "interceptions" while being here, but I haven't let that hold me back because I just keep saying, "God is good." And He is as well as faithful! The good has always outweighed the bad and Romans 8:28 reminds me that this will always be my reality.

To me, there is no better way to make one's life count than to pour it into another. (God blesses us abundantly so why waste the overflow?) You never know who will outlast you or what lives another can reach that you cannot. For this very reason, I find it vital to pour into another person's life good pockets of hope, information and love. Here at the Dream Center, we are blessed to do just that. The whole Dream Center is of an equal heart to do outreach and what I like to call, "Doing the Holy Bible," to the glory of God. I'm glad I'm here; to be able to use my artistic gifts in Kingdom building is a real treat to me.

-LaQuesha

Use Your Gifts

2010-06-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

I just wrapped up the first week of my one-year internship here at The L.A. Dream Center. After coming on a weeklong short-term mission trip three years ago, I finally made the journey out West for an extended stay. It was during my first trip when I saw Skid Row that my entire outlook on life changed. I could not forget the images of hundreds of men and women sleeping on filthy sidewalks within the shadows of the luxurious downtown skyline.

After a three-year break, I returned to Skid Row to serve lunch to dozens of those in need. It was a privilege to serve with a global team made up of volunteers from across the world: Brazil, England, Finland and Germany. I was amazed that, although not everyone on our team spoke perfect English, the homeless clearly understood the joy in our hearts and the compassion we had for them. I saw first-hand that Jesus’ love is not bound by borders, ethnicity or language; it can be shown simply with a smile.

Today my attitude has once again been challenged after seeing someone, who has absolutely nothing, be so thankful. I cannot stop asking, “Why is that not me? What have I done to deserve the life that I have?” I did not earn my loving parents and the upbringing they gave me, my talents and abilities, and most importantly—God’s forgiveness. I could have just as easily been born into a life of poverty and hopelessness not knowing where I will eat and sleep the next day. With all God has given me, why do I focus on what I do not have rather than all He has blessed me with?

No matter who you are, you have been given different opportunities in life. As found in the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25, God gives us all a unique gift, and it is our responsibility to use what we have been given. Although we all have something different to offer, we all do have something to offer! Others may have gifts that you do not, but that is not an excuse to be inactive. We are to be thankful and use our God-given strengths to edify each other and the Body of Christ.

You do not need to be on a missions trip in Los Angeles to use your talents and abilities for God. You can be a servant in an office in the Midwest or in a classroom on the East Coast. Wherever you are, God has blessed you with skills to bring Him glory and honor. We need to make sure we are responsible “with a few things,” as simple as a smile, that we have been given.

- Jesse

Exciting Things Around the Dream Center!

2010-04-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

A lot has been happening the past few weeks at The Dream Center. One thing that stands out is the launch of construction for Dream Center College. Large portions of the building are currently under construction to create more space for the new influx of students as well as create more space for other programs such as Women’s Discipleship. It is an exciting time at The Dream Center. Take a look at our Facebook pages for both Dream Center College and the Los Angeles Dream Center for continuing updates, pictures, and videos about construction and events around The Dream Center.

This month is especially exciting as Sakrid Clothing is donating 50% off all their t-shirt sales to The Dream Center NOW through MAY 31^st! Jodi Oehlke, founder of Sakrid Clothing, volunteered at the Los Angeles Dream Center for over 5 years. However, her support of The Dream Center goes well beyond her time. She launched Project Opportuni-TEE as a unique way to get others involved in the support for The Dream Center. We are always excited to see one of our own continuing to give to the Los Angeles community. Look here for more information and to purchase a new shirt!

Check back soon for more updated blogs with stories and experiences from various intern’s here at The Dream Center!

Top Five Things a New Dream Center Intern Should Know

2010-04-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

#1: Give it your all

Give a 110% during your time here. In order to get the most out of your experience, you must be willing to serve wholeheartedly and give of yourself. Also be willing to be flexible. Remember that although you may not always be placed in the department of your choosing, it may just be where God wants you.

Ask God what He wants to do with your time here. Sounds really simplistic, and it is! You came here for a reason and you can either give your time here a half-hearted effort and probably be disappointed by the results, or see what God can do through you if you give Him everything.

- Chaka

#2: Don’t be shy

Get to know people. “Don’t stay hidden away in your room. Get out. Experience LA!” Take the time to know the people you pass every day in the hallways. If you invest in people, you will receive incredible blessings from the relationships you build in return.

“It's vital to have good relationships here. You'll need a good friend to support and uplift you.” Don’t be afraid to ask questions. People are ALWAYS willing to help. How else will you learn?

#3: Get Involved

Take opportunities to get involved in other areas and see all the different facets of The Dream Center. “Take every opportunity as an opportunity for growth.” Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone both on The Dream Center campus and on outreach.

#4: Take time out

As much as The Dream Center is an incredible place to live, it can also get overwhelming with all of the different programs and people living on campus. Make sure to protect your alone time. You will get burned out quickly if you don’t.

There's close to 700 people who live here on a daily basis, so it's important to make sure you have "you" time. Make sure you're filled up so you can in turn, pour out. Don't swap time with Jesus for time with friends. Satan will be coming at you from all angles so you need to maintain intimacy with God. It will make life so much easier!

-Carrie

#5: Don’t forget the necessities

The rooms are small and you are guaranteed to have at least one roommate if not two or three. So be prepared for tight quarters. Bring ALL the bedding you will need, minus a mattress. A mattress pad of some kind is always nice! The Gifts in Kinds ministry is available to help out with toiletries and some furniture needs. However it generally takes a while to get stuff, so coming prepared is always better. It also can get cooler than you would normally expect and despite what some may think, it does rain in Los Angeles. So it is always better to be prepared by bringing at least a light waterproof coat.

Adopt-A-Jesus

2010-04-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

The lights came up slowly, revealing the few hundred faces present to view Brandt Russo’s documentary, “Adopt-A-Jesus”. This incredible 90 minute video follows Brandt Russo as he travels through the southern United States in his used cooking oil bus listening to the stories of the homeless. As he heard about the issues, Brandt looked into a few Churches’ efforts along the way to see how the Church approaches this unique community.

I cannot fully describe my feelings as I sat there watching this documentary. Dozens of Church goers simply passed the shaggy dressed Brandt by as he made the simple statement, “There are three thousand Jesuses sleeping in the streets of Houston.” Brandt takes this view from Matthew 25:34-40 (NIV):

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Brandt’s simple view of Matthew 25 is a challenging call to the American Church. The poor, the needy, the hungry, and yes even the homeless. They are all Jesuses that need help here on earth.

Brandt took a year prior to this experience and lived homeless. As he stood outside a large church with a simple cardboard sign reading “Adopt-A-Jesus” with pictures of homeless people in the community, Brandt stated, “Anyone want to adopt a Jesus? He got all rained on last night. His clothes are all mildew. Jesus is under the bridge. We have a picture of him if you can’t recognize him. Would you change your mind if I told you he hasn’t eaten in days?”

This challenging film reminded me of a time of a missed opportunity in my own life. It was a sunny afternoon in downtown Colorado, with snow on the ground from the storm the night before. A woman with three small children was asking people for money for a hotel room for a single night until her mother wired money for bus tickets. My friends and I talked with her and heard her story as she shared how her husband was in jail, recently leaving her with the children and no job. As we talked we wanted to help, but none of us were willing to pay out of our pockets right then.

We asked her to come back later while we checked to see if there were any organizations that would help her. As we checked around, there was nowhere that would take children. As we waited and waited, the woman never came back and I realized that because of my reluctance in listening to the Holy Spirit and immediately sacrificing my money, this woman most likely did not have somewhere to sleep through the cold, winter night.

This film not only brought back the memory of that missed opportunity to help Jesus, but it also challenged me to change my actions next time. I have always felt that the people who clutter the streets of America’s cities are there because of their own bad choices and mistakes. Why should I give them help when it’s their own fault they are in these circumstances?

However, now looking back, was I not brought out of my past, out of my sin and mistakes? I was paid for in blood and was extended the grace of a Son. Should I not in turn extend such grace to those around me?

Check out www.adoptajesus.com. Maybe you’ll get something out of it like I did.

-Joel

Restoring Hope

2010-04-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

I love the way the wind blows through the cab of the truck as it rolls down the street. As we ride along I am reminded of the brown UPS trucks that I would occasionally ride along with my father. Instead of the brown truck with brown boxes inside, this white truck carries hope and a second chance.

The large white Project Prevention truck with the words, “Hope in Action” written boldly across the side, sends a statement loud and clear to those driving on the street: “We are here to help.” This outreach program works with the Los Angeles social services to prevent families from losing their kids to the foster care system because of poverty.

Rita is one of the mothers who receives help every week from this program. As I stood in her living room surrounded by one of our short-term missions teams she explained, “I was living with only my younger son and I was not able to support both my 12 and 8 year-old boys. There were times when I did not know where we going to sleep, and we had to simply sleep in the car.”

Even once she was able to get low-income government housing, there was no furniture. There was nowhere for her children to sleep, nowhere for them to eat or even sit down. This is when Project Prevention stepped in to help.

As we looked around the fully furnished living room and kitchen she simply states, “This is all from The Dream Center.” As her eyes began to well up with tears she could not stop exclaiming how thankful she was to The Dream Center for their help her family had received. As we circled around and I lead us in a prayer of blessing, I could not help but feel the hope exuding from her.

This incredible outreach program really is “Hope in Action”. Becky and Kelly, the organizers behind this program, simply love these families. Becky explains, “It’s all about the kids. These parents love their kids; they are just faced with poverty. We are here to help keep families together and love on the kids.”

Currently the program helps almost 25 families weekly with groceries as well as furniture needs, such as beds and tables. This is a small number in the neighborhood of many that need help. Becky and Kelly are praying for another truck and increased donations to be able to increase the number of families helped every week.

The longer I am here the more I see it is not about simply meeting physical needs. The Dream Center is all about relationship and learning to unselfishly help others. These people are not just a name on a list or a picture on a wall; they are flesh and blood and need just as much help as I do.

-Joel

The Benefits of Volunteering

2010-03-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it’s hard to do something with no reward, to give your time and get nothing in return. To some, volunteer work can seem like a tedious task with little to no purpose. What’s the point of spending my afternoon handing out groceries to people I don’t know when I could be spending it doing something fun or something for myself. Well to me, volunteering is something you can benefit from if you choose to. You’re not only giving back to people who are less fortunate; you’re being selfless, and lending a hand to those in need. You’re gaining purpose in this world.

On Friday, I got the privilege of being a part of one of the many Dream Center outreaches, the food truck, an outreach that was started by Pastor Matthew’s wife, Caroline Barnett. With the purpose of providing groceries for those families living in neighborhoods that are below the poverty line. Now the food truck goes out all over Los Angeles, and feeds over 32,000 people in over 9,000 families a month.

For me being a part of something so great makes me feel special, just knowing that what I’m doing actually helps families, truly impacts me. Seeing all the people in line receiving their groceries then leaving with big smiles on their faces touches my heart.

Oh this particular day we went out to one of our sites that’s located at 5th and Union. The team arrives to a crowd that has already assembled. But before we can start passing out groceries we must first put together the bags. It’s such a beautiful sight; everyone is assigned to a job, and as soon as they were finished they eagerly asked “What do you need me to do now?”

It’s not only the volunteers that are so eager to help- it’s the community as well. The crowd that came for a soul purpose of receiving food caught a hold of the helping spirit and now are asking how they can help us. Before you realize it, the jobs are all done. The food is all bagged and all that is left to do is to distribute the bags of grocery to the community.

And it’s not just food that we are bringing to these families, it’s hope, and the love of Christ we’re showing them. Our actions are speaking loud and they’re saying “We see your needs and since we love you like the Father does we want to meet that need the best possible way we can.”

To me, volunteering is more than a tedious task I force myself or am forced to do, it’s empowering. If you can truly grab a hold of a selfless nature while volunteering you will in fact receive a reward. A reward that is only granted to those who have the right intention behind their actions, whose heart isn’t after anything, but is there with the purpose of showing love to people.

-Briana-Leigh

Out of My Comfort Zone

2010-03-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

Let me just say I love Adopt-a-Block! It is one of those things that I really do look forward to, on most days. Why do I love it so much? As much as it is about simple joy from serving the community and loving on people, Adopt-a-Block is all about sacrificing the flesh and giving my life up to God. I do not necessarily enjoy waking up before ten on my day off. It is not exciting to ride on a bus packed full of people soaked by the downpour.

Every Saturday is a growing experience, whether that be because I have to get out of my comfy bed when I REALLY don’t want to or because I have to go outside my comfort zone and talk to a complete stranger. Every Saturday I come back a little bit different, a little more stretched, a little more broken.

This last week I did not go to my usual site, instead I went out to the Skid Row Hotels site to help there. Being in a completely unfamiliar place I was in no way within my comfort zone. I wound up simply tagging along with a few normal volunteers as they went to their regular floor.

With each knock I felt like I was on the edge of my seat in an action movie. You never know who is behind the door. Sometimes you hear a small shuffle then a slight crack opens up to reveal a pair of eyes peering out at you. As you hand them a drink and ask them how they are doing, you smell the stank of rooms not cleaned in far too long. Many simply say thank you and close the door. Others will open up and tell you of their lives, explaining how their week was and allow you to pray for them.

It is these small five-minute conversations that the light of Jesus is shined into these dark single-room apartments. As we would stand in a circle in that narrow hallway praying for these people, I cannot help but see the joy on their faces.

Every time I go out with any ministry, I am reminded that this is not a microwave outreach, this is a crock-pot ministry. It takes time and energy to be able to see the results, but if you are willing to put that consistency in with the people here, God will use your efforts to bring in the harvest for Himself.

Matthew 9:37-38(NIV)

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

-Joel

No food allowed!!

2010-03-23T13:04:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been blessed to witness people within my department pushing forward in their walk with Christ, and the passion that I have seen first hand for the: word and their prayer life and fasting, inspired me to do something that I had been putting off for a while.

Fasting to me was like the final frontier, its one of those things that I knew that would benefit my walk with God but I never had gotten around to committing to more than a day due to laziness, giving up food for God was something that I was uneasy about, like it was the last part of my life that I had control over. Funny isn’t it how we say to God take all of me; my weaknesses and my pain but when we start on our journey as a Christian we still try to be in control of our lives! Still fighting for our independence even as it leads us away from God’s will.

So I told God that I would give him a seven-day fast and my husband said that he was convicted to do the same. After day one I was already thinking, why had I promised to do seven days! I was mentally kicking myself every-time I had hunger pangs and remembering my failed first try at fasting, several years before. My husband stood with me in prayer and helped me to focus on God. The second and third day I started to have headaches but overall I felt more determined to complete the fast, partly to the fact that I was amazed that I hadn’t gone sleep eating.

The more I spent time fasting and giving up the time to God, I was able to hear the prompting of the Holy Spirit more clearly and as a result was able to be obedient to his voice. I had the revelation on how much I needed him (God) and felt my spirit become more sensitive to people around me. I noticed how God was using me to intercede for my colleagues and people that I met during the week on a deeper level. God wants us to spend more quality time with him: giving, praying and fasting, but for some reason a lot of Christians have omitted fasting from their walk with God.

Luke 5:33-34

They said to him, "John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking."

Jesus answered, "Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast."

Matthew 6:16-18

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

This week of fasting has made me more determined to give everything to God because he deserves my all. I will definitely be making fasting a regular part of my lifestyle, the benefits that God has blessed me with for sacrificing food far outweighs my need for it.

A good book on fasting that I would recommend is: Fasting by Jentezen Franklin

-Chaka

"The righteous gives, and does not hold back" -Proverbs 21:26

2010-03-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

Poverty can be a desperate, emotionally draining state of living. Not knowing how you’ll pay for next month’s rent, or even where the next meal will come from. Just trying to support yourself in this state would be stressful. Could you imagine living like this with a family? Young children? Just children at all?

I’ve been blessed to grow up in a middle class family. Living day to day wasn’t ever much of a struggle. God blessed my father with enough work and loving family to support our family of 8. I knew that poverty was a global problem, even just down the street, but I think I stopped it at that. I’m not sure I ever really thought of the implications it would have on a family. With no extra money for clothing, babies become cold without a coat. Hygiene items are often looked over in place of food. Furniture is costly, and often at the end of the shopping list, so many resort to sleeping on the floor. And the list goes on. But more painful than these things could be in one’s life; because of poverty, many children are taken out of these circumstances and away from their loving family.

The Dream Center’s heart is recognizing needs like this, and reaching out in help, in the name of Christ. We have a specific group here that works solely with the circumstances I’ve talked of. Project Prevention is God’s hand of compassion on the poverty stricken families of Los Angeles. Families that are on the verge of having their children ripped away. We ask what their needs are, and we supply them. From beds to diapers, we help keep the families together. And above this, above all the kind gestures, we are doing what God commanded of us. To love, and to give full-heartedly.

Many often say that this “giving” lies in the worldly category of the humanitarians. That the giving done in Project Prevention would be better replaced by a Gospel track or sermon. Granted, the Gospel should never be short-changed. But giving IS apart of the Gospel! We ought not let the fear of “becoming too giving” define how we act. We act only on the word of God. And he tells us repeatedly to be generous with what we have, giving to those who have less.

Let’s just be honest here, we ALL are persuaded by love. It’s what drives us and catches our attention more than anything. I think it is no coincidence that Jesus cared for the sick and fed the hungry. He made our hearts, he knows what strings to pull!

With this all said, I think we need to tear down the wall, I believe it’s un-Christ-like to take a side on the matter of sharing only food or sharing only Bible verses. The two go hand in hand. God’s word is alive! And should be not only read but acted upon. Acted out. God knows what conveys his nature and draws people to his saving grace, let’s follow in his footsteps.

-Courtnay

A Writer's View

2010-03-12T11:21:00.001-08:00

I would not say I am a natural writer; creativity for me is more like a mental workout than a relaxing past time. I used to hate that workout; it used to be that I would avoid creativity at all costs. Art, music, and writing were things which I was forced to do in school: I did not enjoy them. I just wanted to barrel my way through these necessary evils and hope they never came up again. I used to say I was not creative, I know see that it is not that I am not creative, it is that I just have to work hard at being creative.

Olympic Athletes are gifted in certain sports because of the way they are naturally built. In this same way we naturally have gifts and talents that God has given us, and just like Olympians train for years for competition, we must refine them through practice and experience. I now see that is not that I am not natural writer, it is that I had never worked on that portion of my giftings and thus left it to the wayside, unused and under developed.

I started to write for myself at God’s prompting prior to coming to the Dream Center, it is here however that this skill has really been pushed. When I first came here and was placed in marketing, I was initially taken aback, looking at this portion of the Dream Center ministry as unnecessary and frivolous.

As I went from making phone calls to going on outreach and writing, I finally understood, this placement is as much about me helping grow the Dream Center as it is about the Dream Center growing me. I learned how it is necessary to tell the story of the miracles, both big and small, that God is doing here.

In my short time here I have already seen how God has used this place to change my perception of both myself and the world around me. I can say that I have found skills and strength’s that I didn’t even know I possessed and honed the ones I do have more. It is all about me being made into a better tool to be used for the Kingdom of God, not about what I think I am supposed to do or what I can get out of my time here.

I still would not say that I am a natural writer, I would say rather that I am a writer in progress. Being given the opportunity to see the larger picture of how all the ministries here work together is not one everyone has. I would not have expected to be working in marketing, let alone in this capacity when I stepped on the plane to come here; never the less, I know this is where God would have me serve to sharpen those around me and be sharpened myself, for that reason I love it!

-Joel

His Hands Extended

2010-03-08T15:31:00.000-08:00

Every Tuesday over a hundred people line up on the Dream Center campus to receive free second hand clothing from our the His Hands Extended ministry run by Women’s Discipleship. I recently had the privilege of being able to help with this unique ministry. I wound up simply helping to regulate the line of men that had begun in the wee hours of the morning. I stood at the head of the line, meeting a new face, hearing a new story, every fifteen minutes, only being able to realize just a snapshot of their lives.

The majority of these men are not homeless; many of them actually have vehicles and homes. As they spoke, the look on these men’s face was a mixture of both hope and worry. They are here out of circumstance, mostly just lack of work. I listened intently to story after story of painters, construction workers, and plumbers unable to find a job. They all proudly stated they are looking for work to support their families; the ones lucky enough to have a job were only able to find part-time work. I heard name after name of sons, daughters, and wives they sought to support.

A few had been in the area near the Dream Center for several years actually. One man told me how he had been homeless ten years before it was the Dream Center buses that first started bringing him and his wife to church. As a result of the Dream Center’s initial support, he now lives in a small apartment and does part-time photography to help support him and his wife.

Another man told me of how he lived here before the Dream Center even began over 15 years ago. He spoke of how at first he was skeptical of the ministry, but as they began to be established he saw the incredible help they were to the community and how nice the people have been to him. In this time of economic downturn as he is still looking for full time work, he is so grateful that he can come to the Dream Center for help.

These men are not lazy, they are not unskilled, they simply are victims of a struggling economy. They have the same hopes, dreams, and struggles as any average American. They want to see their children succeed in school and go on to a better future than they themselves were able to create. These men want to show their families that they care for them. What makes me any different than them?

As each day passes I continue to see just how blessed I am. I am reminded of a song’s chorus that simply states, “I am blessed, I am blessed, thank you Jesus I am blessed”. I can truly say I am blessed, not just in the physical, but also in the spiritual.

Thank you Jesus that I AM blessed!

-Joel

The Disney Experience

2010-03-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

Usually rain would put a damper on one’s mood, personally I feel as though I have a love affair with it though. The way it simply washes away the dirt and filth of the air and ground leaving nothing but a crisp clean path in its wake, there’s simply nothing like it! The rhythmic sound of the drops hitting the pavement is one that I love listening to at anytime of day. Though it cools the air and makes everything wet, rainy days tend to be one of my favorites.

On just such a rainy day I had the opportunity to visit Disneyland, “The Happiest Place on Earth”; despite the weather making things a little chilly, I truly had fun. Being my first time I was simply astounded by the depth of detail put into the rides; I would go from place to place and feel like I had literally been picked up and transported into the past or future or to another location entirely. From the dress of the cast to the material you walked on, everything felt authentic. The characters that wander around the parks make it seem normal that Mickey Mouse and Cruella de Vil are there in the flesh. Where else but Disney does this occur?

I stood there and thought to myself that not everyone gets to visit this place. Not everyone has the opportunity to experience the magic that is Disneyland. I never knew what I was missing out on until I experienced it myself. I was ignorant of the incredible place of Disneyland and now that I know every other theme park has to live up to the high standard set by the imagination of Walt Disney.

How is this any different than what happens at the Dream Center? People do not know about the amazing love of Jesus Christ, many times it is not that they do not care; it is that they are unaware of the possibility of such an amazing love. They have not experienced the joy, love, and peace brought through a relationship with God; so they are satisfied with their current circumstance. Just as I never knew there could exist such an amazing place with such depth as Disneyland, they have not experienced the love of Christ.

That is what the Dream Center is all about: allowing people to experience the amazing love of Christ through our ministries. Whether they wind up experiencing that love for themselves we cannot control; all we are able, and have been called to do, is show them the door and hold it open so they might be able to walk through.

-Joel

A New Normal

2010-03-02T11:36:00.000-08:00

I am constantly astounded by the beautiful weather here in Los Angeles. Before coming here I could not have fathomed ever living in such a place. The fact that there are more days of sun and heat rather than clouds and snow is one that I am slowly growing accustomed to.

Coming from Colorado, I am more comfortable on a mountain covered in snow than I am on the beach with waves washing across the sand bars. I would rather drive on snow and ice than in the jungle of downtown with its thousands of vehicles and huge numbers of pedestrians. It is interesting how one normal has been swapped for the other. Where I used to fear the thought of public transit, it has now become my preferred mode of transportation.

My normal has been changed at the Dream Center; it has been shaped by this place. Where I was once satisfied to simply sit idly by and watch others go into the hurting world to meet the needs of the broken, I cannot. Where I was once fine with driving by the pain and hurt in the streets, I cannot. No longer am I satisfied with hoping for change. No longer is my heart calloused to the circumstances of the poor. My normal has been changed, and I thank God that it has!

I love this new normal! I love going out into the streets giving away hot food to the homeless. I love how giving away food, diapers, and furniture brings a smile to a mother’s face; it never ceases to amaze me. It would be a strange thought to simply pass by those hurting on the streets. I have a new found love of the people of Los Angeles. This new normal is more challenging but oh-so much more rewarding. This normal is still uncomfortable at times, but like a new pair of jeans, as time goes on, this normal becomes more comfortable, though never less astounding. This normal stretches, it pushes, it pulls: It makes me love it even more.

When I get tired of this new normal, when I start to become calloused, all I have to do is look into the faces of the people whose lives have been changed by the Dream Center. These faces that once held sorrow and pain, now have crows feet from laughter. Their eyes have hope and their tongues can rejoice once again. I like normal.

-Joel

Seeing Skid Row

2010-03-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

Most people don’t ever walk the grim streets of Skid Row. Most people have only seen images of the poverty, the dirtiness and gloom. Most people don’t understand the reality of spiritual darkness that cloaks these streets. But it’s real, and happening right as I type.

It was actually not a very “Los Angeles-sunny” day when I visited last. The sky was over-cast and the air, though still warm, had a slightly damp feel to it. This probably helped set the mood of hopelessness I saw around me. We walked throughout the homeless shelter, smiling, offering prayer. As always, it didn’t take much at all to notice the weariness of the people that called these streets their home. Usually, half-smiles at best, most curse forcefully or talk aloud to themselves. It was saddening, yet somewhat expected around here. Skid Row is a battlefield of the spiritual.

We are called to go out and be light to this dark world. Shining beams of hope, to the ones tricked & entrapped by darkness. God uses us, his children, as his hands and feet here on earth. When we go out, providing food, and a friendly conversation, we are actually the working physical body of Christ. And this is why we shine, and this is why a woman named Alice, broke down in tears that day.

As a 20-year-old girl in Skid Row, we’re usually advised to talk with just the ladies, leaving the guys in our group to talk with the men. This particular day there weren’t many women around at the shelter, and most of them were laid down and sleeping. Though, a lady in the corner sitting cross-legged on the floor, caught my eye. I introduced myself as I leaned on the wall next to where she was sitting. She looked up, smiled and told me her name was Alice. I’ve always liked the name, and as silly as it may sound, I think it made our conversation more comfortable.

She was genuine. As we talked of the weather, what her day had been like and what things she wanted to change in her life, I could tell she was sincerely interested in the hope I talked about having. Her kind eyes would look up, and her head would nod in agreement. It wasn’t everyday that encounters like this happen. But God had softened her heart, and she poured out to me her yearnings to turn from the horrible path of drug-use she now walked.

Tears trickled down her cheeks. There is a point in a conversation when nothing but prayer seems fitting. “Alice, do you want to pray right now?” –“Yes, yes please.” I got down to where she sat, grabbed her dirty hand and hugged her as we prayed.
Here at the Dream Center, we run a faith-based rehabilitation program, and earlier in our conversation I told her about it. After we prayed she asked for a number to call, she wanted help. Her plate of rice, donuts and chicken had gotten a little cold during our conversation, so in leaving, I told her I’d let her eat. When she was done she laid down on the makeshift bed beneath her. Every time I looked over at her, she was grinning, all cuddled up in her blanket.

She had been walking in darkness, and slowly sinking further in it. But we were light fighting against it. Without Jesus, no hope exists, none whatsoever! and the darkness of Skid Row prevails. That is why outreach like this is necessary, and should never, ever stop. It’s why we’re here on earth.

As I sat in the backseat of the car, we drove away from the shelter, passing person after person, soul after soul. Most sitting or standing on the sidewalks, everything they own in hand. The driver of our car broke out in prayer. It was extremely moving, to join together with fellow believers, proclaiming truth in the darkest area of Los Angeles. Her words, as we passed praying, stuck with me. “Lord Jesus, you’ve waited on us to receive your Grace, you’ve waiting so patiently. Lord wait on these people. They are just blinded by the darkness around them.”

I don’t think it was the words alone in the prayer that hit me, but seeing just feet away from me, the embodied “other side” of this battle we fight for Christ.

There’s a spiritual battlefield around us every day, it’s about time we notice it.

-Courtnay, Ohio

Leaving the Dream Center but Keeping the Dream

2010-02-25T17:26:00.000-08:00

Next Friday will be my last day as a part of the Marketing Department at the Dream Center. When I leave I will have been here for almost 2.5 years.

It seems unreal that so much time has passed since I first walked off that plane at LAX in October in my thick black pea coat and realized quickly that I had overdressed for the season, as the sun was pouring down from the blue sky.
I remember walking into my room for the first time.

I didn’t have a roommate yet because she didn’t arrive for a couple days and my room was very little. There were two closets, one long antique looking dresser, a little tiny window and a bunk bed. The bathroom was between two rooms and there was a sink in my room. I set out my stuff carefully making sure to leave room for the girl that would come in and I made my bed. I was so nervous and excited and scared and anxious. I couldn’t believe I was 18 years old and I had just flown one way to LA for an entire year. What was God thinking?

The truth is- I didn’t make the best of the beginning of my time at the Dream Center. Instead of coming with a servants heart, I came with a selfish heart. I thought I knew what God wanted me to do here, but the truth is, I wasn’t really asking Him what He wanted. I was telling Him what I wanted. It took me awhile to adapt because I wasn’t serving with the kind of attitude I should have been.

After some time, as I was trying to figure out plans, it was as if God hit me upside the head with a brick and everything I had spent so much time fighting suddenly made complete sense. It was after that, that I began to take on more leadership responsibilities and became a marketing manager helping to over see all of our graphics and web design. It was through that, that we finally developed this blog (an overdue project my boss had wanted for years).

This little blog became my outlet. I wanted people to truly know the struggles and truth and excitement of being a volunteer. That it isn’t easy but it IS worth it. I have had hard times here. Times where I had no one to lean on except God and times where I wanted to go home. But I have also grown more here than any other time in my life. I know, that had I left, I would not be striving to reach the great potential that I know God has put inside of me.

I am leaving next week only because it is time for me to move on.
The Dream Center is an amazing jumping off point for so many people. For some, it is a lifetime commitment. And for others it is just a glimpse of the great and impossible things they will help accomplish for God.

These last couple years have been so “the right thing” for me. They were so “Only God” and so exactly where I needed to be. If God is calling you here, you need to come. It may be hard but it will also be the times you laugh the most, make the greatest friends and learn things you didn’t know you could ever learn.

I look back on my time here and I am grateful for the wonderful experience and opportunities God has given me. I hope that those same things can be there for you to experience when you come, whoever you are. Because I know you’re reading this.

Know that there is a place for you here and great opportunities waiting, that one day you will look back on and think, “Wow, how did I deserve to be so blessed?”
And truly, the only answer is because God loves us and wants the best for us.

I hope your time at the Dream Center can be as impacting on your life as mine has been for me.

Shannon

Homelessness: Los Angeles’ Tourist Attraction

2010-02-24T15:34:00.000-08:00

Whether walking through downtown Los Angeles, or shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, it is nearly impossible to travel more than five blocks without seeing a homeless individual, lying in front of a “For Lease” storefront or holding up a cardboard sign with a plea for money or food written on it in permanent marker. Even if we wanted to ignore these individuals, their shabby clothing and exhausted eyes beg to be noticed. Society has affectionately referred to them as “the homeless” as opposed to bums or hobos, which is, if we are honest, how our eyes see them.

I have crossed over to the other side of the street so that I will not have to deal with them. I see that they are having a nice conversation by themselves, with themselves, so they do not need me to interrupt their schizophrenia. Or demon possession. In addition, they smell like urine and unwashed linens, and I just took a shower last night, and do not want to catch their germs. I’d rather watch them from a distance and pity them from a distance and love them from a distance if that were even possible.

But God says in 1 Samuel 16:7, “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” I am not only called to get a little closer to these broken and hurting people, but God has created each and every one of them in His holy image, which makes them beautiful and worthy of love, no matter how ugly they look through my fleeting, earthly eyes. Each of them has a name and a story of why they became homeless in the first place. Perhaps it was an addiction to drugs because they could no longer cope with life. Maybe they worked hard on their jobs, became unemployed because of layoffs, and had nowhere to turn but to the streets.

On Tuesdays, weather permitting, there is a team from the Dream Center’s Hope For Homeless Youth ministry that goes down to Venice Beach each week, which is a tourist attraction for thousands of people. The sand is ripe for sunbathing and castle-building and the Pacific Ocean for getting cool and surfboarding. But the Hope for Homeless Youth team does not go down to the beach to catch the waves, but to catch souls for Jesus Christ. With cardboard boxes loaded with bags of sandwiches, snacks, and water; this team looks for “the homeless” who are being walked passed by the tourists… and they love them up close. They listen to their stories and feed them. They pray for them. Some have even come back to the Dream Center to get cleaned up and get another chance at life off of the streets.

As Christians, we are called to love like that. Maybe your city or town does not have an overwhelming homeless population the way that Los Angeles does. Maybe it is easier to avoid them, but why don’t we be like God’s children and look for that homeless man or woman or teenager who just might need a cookie and a conversation. If you’re like me, maybe the thought of it makes you a little uncomfortable, but these people are in need and our little smile or sacked lunch for them can make a huge difference. They are not hobos. They are human beings loved by God.
-Shimmy

Never a Language Barrier

2010-02-15T13:57:00.001-08:00

The food truck here at the Dream Center visits many, many neighborhoods weekly. Many of those areas are predominately Spanish speaking. So, even though the smiles are evident of their gratitude, it’s difficult at times to communicate. At first this was frustrating to me. I wanted to talk with them and have deep conversations about God and what He can do in their life. But after awhile I began to see the beauty in it all. The genuine smiles represented much more than a couple sentences of "How’re you doing?" –"I’m fine, thanks."

More than most things in this world, I love children. I feel as if this language barrier encourages me to play and giggle with them more. A toddler’s vocabulary is limited anyway; so playing tag, giving piggyback rides, or pushing them on a swing is a wonderful way of showing love. A way that they think is fun and their parents and neighbors see as actual caring.

A couple days ago, as I visited the Pueblos food truck site, I met a little Hispanic boy named Andrew. He had lots of energy and grinned from ear to ear the entire time we played. Jumping from one playground structure to the next, he motioned me to follow every step. I could tell he was just happy someone was taking the time to actually play with him. This same little boy, I had seen earlier run away from his mother’s instruction, who seemed frustrated and tired. The mother now looked towards us with a relieved smile on her face.

I hope that evening she left thanking God for the bags of food we handed her, and along with that recognized that the love I showed towards her son was brought by the very same God. The more I know about Him, the more I realize that any outreach I go on, anything good or loving in me, comes solely from Him. And in order for more abundant love to flow out of us, for Andrew’s sake, we must remember just that.

-Courtnay, Ohio

Pastor’s & Leader’s School

2010-02-15T13:26:00.000-08:00

Being a volunteer at the Dream Center stretches you, makes you grow in ways you thought you never could, and is continuously developing you into a leader. A leader in the sense of taking responsibility for the purpose God has placed on your life, and leading yourself and the others around you in that right direction.

Every year here at the Dream Center, the volunteers attend Pastor’s and Leader’s School at a church in Phoenix. My fellow volunteer friends who had already attended this conference were excited for the week, and reassured me I should be too. Sure enough, it was fun, relaxing and just the spiritual boost I needed. I’m sure everyone left feeling that same difference made in their spirit. It was refreshing for everyone.

Going into the conference I thought about the concept of being a leader. My personality isn’t much of a take-over and lead type. Actually, the word ‘leader’ used to scare me. But I’ve gradually been coming out of that mindset. Pastor’s School encouraged me even more to take ownership of the leader inside me, the leader that’s inside every Christ follower. If we’ve decided to accept Jesus Christ as our savior we are acknowledging that we represent Him, we are the physical beings of Christ here on earth. And with accepting the responsibility of that, we become leaders towards Him. Unfortunately, at times we are more like ‘distracters’, leading people away from Christ. With our words, our demeanor and hypocrisy. And what an eternally horrible thing that is. May we constantly remember the level of influence we have on others, may we always remember our calling to lead others to a life lived for Christ.

-Courtnay, Ohio

Hope is needed…and beds please

2010-02-10T15:55:00.000-08:00

It is the second time that I have been out with Project Prevention and have had the privilege to meet Eva 38 and Peter 41 at their place in the Rampart neighborhood. The first time I met them I was just standing quietly in the background helping bring the food into their apartment and talking a little bit with their youngest son. They speak very little English and so most of our conversations were stilted and had to be repeated through a translator.

This time I was left alone with Eva, while Becky and Rosa from Project Prevention had to return to the truck to get more diapers and food for the family. It was very awkward at first, we stared at the floor and intermittently looked at each other and smiled shyly hello. I finally asked her in really broken Spanish about her children and she gestured for me to follow her through the apartment. It was then that I really started to see how much they truly needed the Dream Center’s help. Her youngest daughter at two years old was curled up on the floor under a make shift blanket of coats.

Rita let me see the all of the other rooms, all which were almost empty and had no beds. There were only piles of clothes on the floor where a chest of drawers or a wardrobe should have been standing in their place. She told me that she had five children in total ranging from 2-17 years old. This information hit me more powerfully this time round, maybe it was because I was focused more on Rita rather than Rosa who was acting as my interpreter. It’s really hard to look into a proud mothers eye and not want to be a part of the solution to her family’s problems when you can see how hard they are working at just surviving.

Maybe it’s a good idea for all of us to stop looking at people in need from the comfort of our television sets, camera lenses or our even our friend’s experiences and spend time one on one to truly empathize and want to be a part of the positive change in these precious peoples lives. I don’t think that God ever called us just to be comfortable…

-Chaka

The Body of Christ at Christmas

2009-12-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

Cozy feelings, giving all around, smiles and joyful conversations. ‘Tis the season for fellowship. Communion with the ones near to your heart, enjoying the time spent together and remembering why it is possible. Remembering God’s perfect gift of a child Savior, and the extra gifts of love and companionship He offers as well. It’s funny to think He could have stopped at that, could have just offered eternal life. Shouldn’t that have been enough? No, He gives us small, beautiful pieces of heaven on earth. Family, friends, and the love that is locked between it all, reflecting His love for us. This love is said to be “what makes the world go ‘round” and it is surely what makes the Christmas season so special.

At the Dream Center, family is usually not a luxury its’ volunteers have on a day to day basis. Most of us travel here from all around the world, leaving our families behind and serving our Lord together here in the heart of LA. So when this special holiday comes around, the Dream Center staff lovingly puts together several little Christmas get-togethers. Last night was the first one of this year. “A Christmas Tree Lighting Party”. The air was chilly for a December night in Los Angeles, which made the sparkling lights and hot chocolate that much better. I looked around and felt the Christmas love that sometimes I feared wouldn’t be there, due to the miles between my family and I. But it was. Cheerful Christmas music played loud, and the night ended in some off-key caroling and a fun little dance-off. The activities were a fun addition, but what made the night so special was the companionship we all shared. The body of Christ is the surely the most beautiful thing on earth, and seeing it for myself, during one of the most loving season of the year, was the most magical.

-Courtnay

1,800

2009-12-04T15:40:00.000-08:00

When I first got to the Turkey Give-Away event at the Dream Center, I was trying to imagine what one to two thousand people would look like. Seeing men, women and children from every demographic was incredible. I spent time just walking along the line catching smiles from old proud Chinese and Mexican women, seeing couples holding each other with their young children in push chairs looking forward to when eleven o’clock would roll around and the turkey give-away would begin. It was a lot to take in; the atmosphere was peaceful but also full of excitement.

That’s when I noticed a small group of young people gathered around a middle-aged Hispanic lady. I went over to them and enquired what was going on, it turned out that they were from the Movement and they excitedly told me, that they were walking through the line and asking people if they needed prayer. They were asking God for healing miracles and the amazing thing was that they were seeing them happen all over the place first-hand. One of the Movement guys invited me to follow them and document what was happening.

In the beginning I was just going to watch and write what was taking place but quickly changed my mind as I felt the holy spirit urge me to participate in the praying, and I’m glad that I was obedient!
Genoveva was the first lady I saw healed when we prayed for her. She told us that she suffered from excruciating back pain and was out of work recently due to the lay-offs at her job. As soon as we prayed for her I saw the look of surprise on her face as she told us, that she felt a warm heat sensation on her back, and then said that God had healed her!

Next in the line we met Eloiza, a forty-eight year old lady originally from Guatemala who suffered from a condition that sent pain up and down her nerves on her right side of her body. She also experienced a similar heat sensation during her healing from God. And Juanita a seventy-five year old Pilipino lady who had lived with arthritis for many years and was telling us how while she was waiting in line, “I was complaining to my friend that I can’t sit down or bend my legs” After being prayed for was jumping around crying thank you Jesus and hugged me several times when she was healed!

God did supernatural things in the line of the Turkey Give-Away and to me it was as important to see signs of God’s amazing love for his people, as it was to see up to eighteen hundred people blessed with their physical needs being met by the food donations. God is able to use us to do the miraculous if we are obedient to his call on our lives.

-Chaka

An Organization, a Refuge, a Community

2009-10-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

I’m new at the Dream Center, so when word got around about an “all-campus meeting”, I wasn’t sure at all what was about to take place. I did know the word “meeting” didn’t sound very enjoyable. But my mindset changed not too long after we gathered together in the campus gym.

There was a big, bright, banner on the stage, commemorating the special get-together. The guys with microphones were energetic and ready for us all to have fun as a group. There was a messy pie eating contest, a funny “how well do you know your spouse?” game, a frozen turkey basketball game and free breakfast for the whole campus; it didn’t at all seem like the proverbial meeting I had mentally prepared for.

And more than the events themselves, the sense of community I felt during the hour-long meeting was such a blessing. The Dream Center functions as a major outreach in our area, the multitude of ministries we provide make this campus such a busy, busy place. And even with the sometimes chaotic lifestyle the volunteers and administration have here, they make time to come together and recognize the companionship that a body of Christians ought to have. And more than just knowing it, more than just recognizing it, that love Christ calls us to have is felt within our community here. And because of that, simple monthly meetings are such a beautiful thing to be apart of.

-Courtnay

The Voices Told Him So

2009-10-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

I had seen Dale come out to Skid Row and MacArthur Park several times to receive food from the Under the Bridge ministry, but last week was my first time really talking with him. At first, Dale seemed like a man who found himself in Skid Row because of bad decisions that he made, including turning to alcohol to numb his pain. However, talking with him made me realize that it was not just alcoholism and former imprisonment that brought him there. “The voices” brought him to Skid Row, too.

I purposely chose not to include his photo with this blog because he was so paranoid of the mafia finding him and killing him. Whether the mafia is truly looking for him or not, I’d rather not take the chance of putting his life at risk by showing his face on a public website. He has been in Los Angeles for a year and traveled here from across the country. His parole officer sent him to California after his prison sentence had ended, but when his life got off track again, Dale went back to his drinking habits.

Dale went through rehabilitation and AA meetings, but it did not liberate him from his addiction. He grew up in a Christian home, but now in his late forties, he is being dominated by demonic oppression and paranoia. A couple of us from the Dream Center tried to speak to Dale about the truth of God, but he has become so accustomed to his mindset that he barely heard what we were telling him. I think that he desired to believe what we were saying, but just did not know how to accept it. He wants to change his life and quit drinking, but the voices torment him so much that he drinks beer to keep them quiet.

Though he is going through mental torments, Dale still managed to have a calm demeanor and a friendly smile. We showed up in Skid Row that day, not only to give Dale a plate of hot food, which he needed, but also to tell him how much Jesus loves him and can restore his life. It is a blessing to reach out to those in need and we pray that someday the voice he hears in his mind is the voice of God bringing him love and hope.

-Shimmy

Loving Without Judging in Rampart

2009-10-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

We got into the Project Prevention truck on that Thursday afternoon, prepared to bring food to several families in the Rampart and North Hollywood areas of Los Angeles. We filled the bins with food, and garbage bags with diapers, baby wipes and toiletries. These families depend on the arrival of this Dream Center ministry to put food in their refrigerators and cabinets- some parents would not even have a refrigerator if it were not for the intervention of Project Prevention.

When we visited one of the homes in Rampart, it was evident that the family was not prepared for our arrival. It looked like they had not cleaned in weeks, and when people are not expecting guests to take the time to come over to their house, they may not bother to tidy up their rooms and downsize the clutter. It is possible that they had become comfortable in the mess. They might have been embarrassed by our company or hoped that we wouldn’t judge them by the condition of their house.

But we were there to help them, not judge them. We were there to feed them, not criticize them. Though the parents did not speak English, the language barriers did not get in the way of friendships being formed in that little apartment. The kids joyfully ran around the living room, oblivious to the financial hardships that their parents face day in and day out. Dad does not make much money on his job, and Project Prevention has helped his family for almost a year now.

When someone sees a need and does something to fill it, many lives are impacted in a positive way. That family and others that we visited are in the process of seeing their lives restored, and Project Prevention can continue to aid them in that effort. Any amount of help that they receive adds up, and so many families have been helped by the faithfulness of this ministry.

-Shimmy

Wake up sleepy head…

2009-10-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

There aren’t many things that I would get out of bed on a Saturday morning for. I could drink all the coffee in the world and I would still be annoyed by having to get up from my cozy, warm bed. Adopt-A-Block is one of the few reasons I get up for. I have been going to serve the community of Pueblos, with Alfred and his team of volunteers for a month now. It’s a really great feeling when you start to have a connection with a community that you never even knew existed before! I was pretty surprised when I realized that Pueblos was located in south central L.A., which is infamous worldwide for its gang violence and poverty.

I’m glad that stereotypes that I would have had, didn’t have the chance to consume my thoughts before I got the chance to come out to Pueblos. Otherwise I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to meet the people here and seen the impact that Dream Center is having there by meeting the needs of this community. It’s been great to meet people like Christina who every week supplies us with free ice cold water after we have finished giving out food and baby supplies to her and members of her community, who have lined up all morning for us to bring them their provisions.

It’s the first place that I reached out to a woman named Stephanie and was asked to pray with her for her family. I like the fact that now my Saturday mornings are serving a purpose that is far more rewarding than just getting an extra hour in bed.

-Chaka

Living for the Lives of Others

2009-10-19T15:07:00.000-07:00

I’m a people watcher. I love observing people and thinking about the life they must have lead, or the life they are now living. During our trips to Skid Row, my heart aches as I watch its’ residents. Some tell of their sad story, others don’t say much, and you can tell by their demeanor that it hasn’t been easy.

As I watched and talked, I came across a girl named Tiffany. She was extremely under weight, and her makeup had been smeared from what looked like a rough night. Her shirt was too small and her pants too big for her malnourished body. Going in and out of consciousness as we talked, I knew she was under the use of some kind of drug. “Heroin…” the lady next to her said, “and she’s five months pregnant.” Her stomach was the biggest thing on her. And I couldn’t help but think of the poor child inside.

Knowing that the baby would be born addicted to heroin, if it was born at all, we knew she needed help. I called several shelters for pregnant women, none of which would take her. We then talked with some people at a nearby clinic, and she was allowed to go there for further help. Though we assisted her with physical needs that day, we made sure she connected our help to the delivering love of Jesus, for we knew He is what will truly turn her life around. I share this story to show what God’s love looks like in action. That woman has most likely made many bad decisions in her life, but is deeply loved by Him regardless. And though we all have the same story of bad decisions, we are children of God and are called to show her the saving grace and love we receive. What would that girl have done that day if we had not been there? Where would she have slept that night? What is that child’s chance of coming into this world healthy? What would that percentage have been without our intervention?

God commands of us to give. Give of our time, our money, our life. We already have the blessing of knowing Him, and sitting under His blessings daily. The least we can do is simply obey what He asks of us. It is crucial in the happiness of our life and in the lives of the people around us. For me, it was crucial in Tiffany’s life and in her unborn baby’s. Who’s life will you affect?

-Courtnay, Ohio

Getting to Know Skid Row

2009-09-28T11:24:00.001-07:00

Skid row. It has made national news, it’s been the subject of movies. Prostitution and drugs gone ramped; Skid Row is the real deal. Coming from a small town in southern Ohio, I was not sure exactly what to expect on my visit. I really don’t think I was scared at all, I tend to become oblivious to that sometimes. Though I don’t want to only attribute naivety for the way I felt, I think my excitement to sit and talk with some of the most hopeless people in LA helped; I wanted to show them real Jesus love!

As we got closer to the streets of Skid Row, you could see a visible decline in the neighborhoods. And even before the van stopped at our destination, I knew we had arrived. Clumps of people lined the streets, mostly sitting or pushing all they owned, in carts. The men started unloading the food from the trucks we drove in. My job was now to socialize. It was my second day interning for the Dream Center and I’m not the most outgoing, so it took a bit of mental preparation to go out and talk with these people one-on-one. But after diving in, I wanted to talk with each and everyone there. The stories were heartbreaking, and when words were short, the look on the faces of these people broke my heart even more. I often asked (as did the other interns) if they would like prayer. Some would reply no, but most jumped to the opportunity.

One lady in particular touched my heart while we prayed. Her name was Don. She was a frail, middle-aged woman. She told me of the life she lived, filled with prostitution, drug use, physical and mental abuse. Her eyes were heavy from lack of sleep and nutrition. Her story was sad, she was lonely and looking for happiness in the abusive men around her and I told her only God can fill that void. I took her dirty hand and we prayed. She wanted God, I could feel her desire to turn from the mess she was in. We both cried as I asked God to deliver her from this life. We ended the prayer and I told her I would continue to pray for her well-being. She thanked me again and again. And that, my friend, is exactly what it’s all about. It’s about showing Christ’s love to the people that society says don’t deserve it, “They’ve done it to themselves.” Sure, maybe they have! But it’s only by God’s Grace that we are not in their exact position. ALL good comes from God. That means any good in our life is not only our doing. So why condemn others for not having “good?” It’s not condemning we are called to do, nor unconcern we should feel, it is the loving. And what greater way to show that than talking one-on-one with the most hopeless people of LA? Granted, we all are in desperate need of Him, but their needs are tangibly life threatening. And as members of the body of Christ, we should be the hands that hold theirs in the prayer that changes their life.

-Courtnay

Grateful Smiles

2009-09-25T15:29:00.000-07:00

It was my first day on the job. Arriving in LA only two days before, I was anxious to say the least. A friend and I had heard about the Dream Center six months ago and knew that we had to be apart of the heart that beats here. With the collaboration of its’ volunteers, that heart beats with a pure love for God and for serving the people He created. And that heartbeat was seen in my visit to the streets of South Central yesterday.

The truck packed with food, we drove to the corner of 20th and Oak Street. Immediately, we saw the faces of these people in need. And instantly, I could feel the grateful spirit each one of them had. Living from paycheck to paycheck, (if income was even in the picture) these people counted on the food truck for the health of themselves and their families. And they knew exactly when it came, because they were all waiting and ready.

I’m not usually apart of the food truck crew but was asked to come along to take pictures and experience what it is the Dream Center actually does in its community. I was also able to pass out bags of food to the people in line, in need. Thinking to myself, what about the somewhat sense of embarrassment that they must feel? Aren’t they at all ashamed to admit they need our help? And would this feeling make them not as openly grateful? No. They smiled, thanked and blessed us for our generosity again, again and again. Their incredibly great need for help had blocked any feelings of embarrassment that maybe you or I may have had. This very thing, I think goes to show how blessed we are and how great their need is. Today we are going to Skid Row to do the very same thing. I’m excited to see the grateful smiles again, for it is the direct effect of the outpouring of God’s love, and I am so thankful to be apart of that.

-Courtnay

Night of Dreams

2009-09-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

Night of Dreams

I had no idea what to expect for the first week of my internship at the Dream Center. Being from Chicago, I came with nothing other then four suitcases and my husband; ready to serve in whichever capacity we were needed within the ministry.

Having heard very little about the L.A. Dream Center was enough to make me want to see more and experience what the much-praised phenomenon of the Dream Center was all about. Upon arrival, Terrel and I were shown around the vast building and then taken briefly to our respective workspaces.

The week we arrived fell on one of the busiest weeks, the build up before the ‘Night of Dreams’ the largest fundraiser event of the year that the Dream Center puts on. This year the focus was on victims of human trafficking and new outreach called The RE:scue Project. I had been involved working with a friend at a non-profit in Chicago which had really opened up my eyes to this cause and I was excited to be a part of an organization that was actually doing something about it.

At the end of our first day, with tomorrow being a brand new day working in the marketing department, I found myself pondering, “What have I gotten myself into?”

The Next day, I found myself painting words onto one of the walls for the Night of Dreams instillation and cleaning headphones. The day after that I was setting up tables and chairs, hanging from the entranceway threading lights, and twisting, pinning, tying gold and white fabric almost everywhere. And on only my third day of work, the day of event, I felt a sense of comradery between staff, volunteers, interns, men and women from the dream center discipleship program (DCD).

Finishing touches on lights, table centerpieces and napkin designs were being perfected. From the early morning start until when the first of our guests arrived there was constant activity of cleaning, re-arranging and run-throughs for all the discipleship waiting staff and volunteers.

I was exhausted! But to see the transformation of the grounds into the magical place it had become made it well worth it. It was powerful to see what the people who worked at this place could accomplish and I was glad to have been able to witness it first hand.

-Chaka

*****

Night of Dreams is more than just a big event that is put on every year. It is more than fancy decorations and nice food and an auction. It is an opportunity to step out of the comfort zone you have developed and figure out how you can really make an impact that is going to last.

This year’s Night of Dreams focused in on the horrific crime of Human Trafficking and the theme was "Shine".
The RE:scue Project is a new outreach that is making it possible to help rescue these victims, rebuild their lives and return the hope that was stolen from them. This night was an example of how each and every one of us can make a positive difference and really impact this rising crime by fighting to stop it. It was a night designed to show how we can shine our light into this issue and really be a light into the darkness.

For more information on the Dream Center or The RE:scue Project, please visit our websites.

www.dreamcenter.org
www.therescueproject.com

A Time To Speak

2009-08-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

My friend and I were walking from church the other day when we met a man, who approached us and asked if we had a token for the Greyhound bus. We did not have tokens, and he was hesitant to accept money. He had just come to Los Angeles from Mexico, and looked tired and desperate to get to his next destination. I could smell alcohol on him, and he was doing his best to communicate with us in English.

He asked us to pray for him, and we did. We offered to walk him to church, but he was in a rush. Before he left, I said to him, “Cristo Te Bendiga”- Christ bless you. He froze and stared at me, and said, “Otra vez,” or in other words “Say it again”, so I told him again. He was grateful to hear that, and went on his way.

Our words are powerful, and the Name of Jesus brings life to those who are broken and hurting. A simple phrase made a big impact on that man. I felt like Peter and John from the book of Acts, when Peter said to the beggar: “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

We can build people up and tear people down with our words, and every, little thing that we say carries weight, whether we realize it or not. I didn’t expect that man to respond the way that he did to my words. What’s coming out of your mouth?

-Shimmy

Look At Them

2009-07-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

We don’t have to look to the slums of Africa to find poverty. Most of it is in our own backyard. When it does not personally affect us, we tend to overlook the needs of others. Maybe we have enough food every day, and hunger lasts but a moment before we are able to fill our stomachs again. But there are people who don’t have that option. In Los Angeles alone, there are thousands of people who are not living that so-called American dream because they are burdened by poverty. You can look away from these people…but do you REALLY want to?

Sure, nearly everyone in our country is dealing with the descending economy, but some of us are getting hit- hard. Hardworking parents are now struggling to keep their children fed. People who never would have imagined losing their homes are now living in homeless shelters and are praying for a way out.

The “junk” mail comes into your mailbox: ‘Please help Lucy get a meal this week. Your gift can prevent her from starving’- maybe you didn’t read that part of the letter because you saw that sad picture of Lucy and didn’t want any part of her life. You tossed her story in the garbage bin because she isn’t your daughter or sister or niece. But she is a real person with real needs who really needs your help. Alma, Carmen, Paul, Victor, etc.- they all exist and all have stories that have been shared from coast to coast. They live in the inner cities and destitute communities of Los Angeles.

Maybe like them, you are struggling with money. Times are tough and our checks aren’t always enough. But you can make a difference in someone else’s life. Sign up for the Adopt-A-Block newsletter or read stories on the Dream Center website and allow yourself to feel love and compassion for your distant brothers and sisters. Whether you can give financially or not, God can hear your prayers for these loved ones. Nobody is asking you for a million dollars- we are asking for your heart. Will you continue to look away?

-Shimmy

Getting off the Skid Row Streets

2009-07-17T16:48:00.001-07:00

On Sunday afternoon, I went with a group from the Dream Center to Skid Row in downtown L.A. to give out sandwiches to the homeless people living down there. One homeless man explained his story to our team of why he has been staying in Skid Row. Someone from the Dream Center told him about the shelter that was available for him to stay at in the Dream Center. Our team took him off of the streets that afternoon, and before driving him to the Dream Center, one volunteer treated him to a frozen yogurt on that hot day.

This man is now a disciple in the Hope for Homeless Youth program at the Dream Center, where he has the opportunity to get his life put back together again, and learns about how much God loves him. The Dream Center truly acts as the hands and feet of Jesus every, single day.

-Shimmy
Credit: Red Eye, Inc.

Shining

2009-07-13T23:24:00.000-07:00

Colossians 3:23-25 (Message) says:: don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.

I have a bad habit of doing just what is asked. Not in all areas, but in some. One of those places is my second job, Starbucks.
I work at the Dream Center and then go work another 5 hours at Starbucks. I sometimes, honestly, think 'I did great at the Dream Center today so it's okay to slack at this job.' I do what is asked and what is expected without going that extra mile. Without running to win the race. But tonight, God grabbed my attention and brought that verse into my head. "Do all of your work to the Lord." If I was doing it for God would I leave ANYTHING unclean?

I started cleaning a little bit more and then started to notice how dirty the store actually was. Not just what could be seen by the customers but things only we as employees would see if we really looked. So there I was, on my hands and knees on the dirty, coffee covered, wet, soppy floor scrubbing down walls and holes and crevices that no one had obviously touched in months. Scrubbing and rescrubbing trying to get the chocolate and caramel sauces off that had been plastered to the sides of things. "No one is even going to see these, God. Why does it matter if I clean them?" I thought. To which God quickly replied, "How many deep, dirty crevices of your life have I cleaned that no one else will see but you and I?" Talk about a humbling moment. My coworker looked at me like I was crazy but I just kept cleaning. I couldn't stop. I couldn't stop scrubbing away at the dirt and grime and filth even though I knew that tomorrow it would be just as dirty and tomorrow night when I went into work I would have to start all over again.

What a moment that was for me, one of those times where you realize you are no better than anyone else and God can help you realize things about your life whether you're on a mountain top with him or scrubbing the floors and cubbies that only you and He will know you scrubbed. But if you think about it...our work is representing Christ... Wouldn't we want everything we do to shine like we have cleaned it 30 times over and scrubbed til nothing could possibly be stuck anymore?

Marvelous

2009-06-30T00:42:00.001-07:00

God’s love is marvelously breathing taking and extraordinarily humbling when I see how God works through every single individual at the Dream Center. The hope and security found through walking with Christ is everlasting. Seeing how God works in the most desperate situations, shows me God cannot be put into a box. Through my short time here, God has shown be how powerful and life changing his love really is.

The Dream Center has shown me how God can truly use anyone’s life and turn into some beautiful for his Kingdom. Through hearing people’s testimonies of their life before the Dream Center and seeing how God came into their life and transformed their heart, is truly miraculous. Seeing how God can restore the most broken hearted, desperate souls, has made me realize in the end, how the only one true answer to fixing any issue is God.

Having a little faith and passion for the people of a city can change a community around you. God has shown me, how all people really need in this world is Christ’s love and the willingness of people to share the truth about him. God everyday reminds me of how powerful is love is through showing me how he can transform anyone’s life into something lovely. Through interning at the Dream Center God continues to show me how great his grace and love is.

Melissa Conklin

An act of Kindness

2009-06-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

Here at the Dream Center we extend a helping hand to those in need, open doors were they appear shut, and make a way for those who are less fortunate. With over 273 ministries working together as a team is a key element we need to keep the dream flourishing and very much alive. As we lift one person, that person shall lift another and we’ll ascend together.

In one of our ministries in particular “The Family Floor” has modeled after that completely. In this time of our country there is a substantial need for housing for many families who’ve become homeless due to the recession, limited work, and help. This demand has brought our family floor to its maximum occupancy with 15 families and 55 people total already living there. However this did not stop the hearts of the people within this ministry from extending more help.

A young woman and her child were homeless, living on the streets of LA with nowhere to go. This woman turned to the Dream Center for help. Even though all the rooms were filled, the leaders of the Family Floor ministry searched for an alternative solution. Not wanting to leave this woman and her child on the street, they asked another family already living on the floor, if they would share their room with her. As an act of kindness with no hesitation the family said yes and welcomed this young woman and her child with open arms. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said “we may have all come from different ships, but we’re on the same boat now”. As we opened the door for one family, that family opened a door for another family.

Here at the Dream Center we believe in the ability to work together toward a common vision to accomplish a greater objective, and that is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results together. Kindness is an inner desire that makes us want to do good things even if we do not get anything in return. It is the joy of our life to do them. When we do good things from this inner desire, there is kindness in everything we think, say, want and do.

-Celes Obispo

Imperial Courts

2009-05-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

Adopt-a-Block is the greatest form of out reach I have ever witnessed. Not only does it offer people in need food, shelter, and invite them to church to learn about having a relationship with Jesus, It also builds strong relationships and friendships between people of all walks of life and spiritual backgrounds.

Through working with Adopt-a-Block God is teaching me how to build relationships and friendships based not on my own personality and being but through his love shown in my words and my actions. I feel as if I learn as much, if not more, from these kids and parents that they learn from me. It is truly one of the great learning experiences of my life.

Jordan Brugger- Imperial Courts

Being a Dream Center Missionary

2009-05-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

I have learned so much as a Dream Center missionary. I moved here from a small town on the opposite side of the country, and I had to get adjusted to the big city of Los Angeles. I had come several years ago to help out as a Dream Missions (formerly Short Term Missions) missionary for a week. I loved what I experienced so much that I decided to finish college and come back to be a one year volunteer. Now, over two years later, I have gained hands-on experience that is unparalleled to anything that I have encountered.

It’s easy to have sympathy from afar for someone who is struggling with life issues, but the Dream Center puts a story with the faces. During my first year at the Dream Center, I was a child supervisor of the teen girls living in the group home here. These girls came from broken homes and difficult situations, and I had to learn how to not take what they did to heart, but instead love them as Jesus Christ loves them. It was there that I really understood what it meant to be selfless and sacrificial because there were times that I did not want to deal with their attitudes and backtalk, but had to shine the light of Jesus Christ no matter how I was feeling on a given day. God enabled me to love each of them.

During my second year, I have been privileged to use my college writing degree to contribute various newsletters and stories to the Marketing department at the Dream Center. I had previously wanted to write for the Dream Center, but did not know how to go about doing that. Since working in the Marketing department, I have not only written articles, but have also participated in various Dream Center outreaches and have met so many people in the inner cities who have been impacted and helped by the ministries, and had stories to share. I have learned the importance of listening to their stories and sharing them with those who are helping to make a difference in their lives.

Being at the Dream Center has allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and depend on God in a more meaningful way. It is a blessing to be a part of something that is changing the city and changing the world one block at a time the way that the Dream Center is.

-Shameka

Attaining Excellence

2009-05-05T16:36:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is already May.

Doesn't it feel like you were just celebrating Christmas with your family?
I think it's amazing how quickly time goes. Sometimes I have to remember that time is only an earthly thing and God doesn't really operate that way. What feels like a lifetime to us, is only a brief moment for him. What a strange thought.

It's coming up on summer which means the crazy seasons of the Dream Center are about to kick into gear!
There's always something exciting going on here, always exciting new projects and events to be a part of, but come the middle of summer, everything erupts. There are so many awesome things that go on here everyday that we get to be a part of and help in that sometimes it's almost overwhelming to think of all the things we can accomplish for God if we really work to our full potential.

Every day I remind myself that what I am doing is helping to make a lasting impact on the people, and the city that I am around and in everyday. By choosing to live up to the full potential that God has for each us, we can live with a sense of accomplishment. Not just in our jobs, or our relationships, or our marriages...but in everything we do. If we choose to live with integrity and do things the right way, we can leave each place we come to with something positive and lasting.

Isn't that a great thought?
And the cool part is that, with God being the motivator and source that is guiding, pushing and stretching us, it is completely attainable.
Choose to live up to all the things God wants you to be.
It's bigger than you, but that's what makes it so cool.

Stay tuned for blogs, things are about to get crazy here!

Renovations

2009-04-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

I had to laugh last week when I ended up telling someone I am a volunteer at the Dream Center. Their reply was, "Oh my gosh, are you guys tearing that place down?"

Right now--the majority of the Dream Center is covered in huge black tarp like fabric because the main building (the part that has no one living in it) is under construction to be renovated. From the highway, you can see the whole building and every time I drive by I can't help by think how amazing it is going to be when the building is finished.

Once this building is done, it will more than double the capacity that is being housed at the Dream Center right now. These floors are going to be filled with people coming to dedicate their time to a cause bigger than themselves and people coming to get a second chance at life, people coming to experience God in a more tangible way. These floors are going to be a place of restoration, power life changing tools and home to so many.

Its so exciting to be a part of history in the making.
Pretty soon the floors will be done and people will hardly believe there was a time when we didn't have the ability to house the amount of things we will have there.
I can't wait to see what God does.

Team Season

2009-03-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

Right now is the big push when all of the Short Term Mission teams come down to L.A. to volunteer at the Dream Center.
Hundreds of people come for what we call "Team Season." It is a crazy, packed, awesome few months. Because there have been so many new additions to the Dream Center, such as our family floor, a lot of the rooms where these teams would stay have been taken over for something else so there are teams sleeping in the gym!

These people are dedicated, excited and come here to serve because God has called them to be here.

If you've never been here and want to experience what it is like for a week of two, I would really recommend coming down. You can see what all the ministries are like, meet tons of awesome people, see God move and have your life changed while you are helping to change others.

We love STM's, so definitely come down if you get a chance this summer!

Burns

2009-03-07T09:51:00.000-08:00

Twice a week, usually on weekends, I work over at Starbucks so that I can pay for school while I am volunteering at the Dream Center. Today I opened at 5 AM--in the middle of our morning rush I was getting someone their coffee when, somehow, the 20 oz cup of freshly brewed 200* coffee spilt all over my exposed arm and where my sleeve was covering. It immediately started stinging and my eyes started tearing up. I began laughing, I think more from shock as my arm was burning. I could feel it begin really hurting as I didnt have time to put it under water because we had a line of 20 people waiting for their drinks.

I kept ringing people up and wiped the tears streaming down my face that came nonchalantly. I wasn't crying but my eyes just wouldn't stop watering. One of my co-workers started giving me a bad time and telling me to "deal with it" and I joked back and forth with him like it wasn't a big deal. BUT IT HURT. So, after the line was gone, I pulled my sleeve up and realize my arm was still a deep pink and had started swelling. The coworker who has made fun of me went into the back and grabbed this burn medicine for me to put on my arm but instead of being grateful and taking it to get rid of the pain, I become proud and said "No, I don't need that." I didn't want to give in because he had made fun of me and made me feel foolish. After about 10 minutes I realized how stupid that was. Why would I sit there in pain if there was something that could take the pain away?

I was walking home with this big yellow sponge like thing on my arm and gauze wrapped around it and I started thinking about how we deal with so many problems like that. We are hurting. We are dealing with something painful. We are in, someway, over our head and don't know how to make it stop. But we are too proud, too embarrassed, feel too foolish to ask for help.
We have the grace of a God that loves us so much that He had his son die for us.
I know we talk about that a lot, but really think about that.
Think about your child or someone's child you love so much--and think about having them be crucified, the most painful and humiliating death, to save a bunch of people who sometimes don't even care or would rather just get by without the help.
Imagine that.
Imagine GIVING UP your child.
Now-- why do we waste so much time being unhappy, being in pain, hurting...when God is there to be the relief? Why do we wait to seek out what will make us better?

Just a few thoughts
My arm feels a lot better.
I know once I take the little pad off, it will probably still hurt, but the medicine helped almost immediately to eliminate the pain. God does not always miraculously make us better right away--but he definitely brings a sense of hope that you can't describe. Don't be too proud to ask Him for help.
He loves you.

Change the way you think

2009-02-20T17:51:00.000-08:00

I was reading in my bible yesterday and found a verse that has really challenged me.

Leviticus 5:1 says :if you sin by not stepping up and offering yourself as a witness to something you've heard or seen in cases of wrong doing, you'll be held responsible.

Don't we as humans use the excuse that "I'm only human" when we do things wrong? We think that because we are flawed and we fall short, that it almost gives us the excuse to do things wrong? Now, this isn't all the time or with everyone, but I think a lot of people can agree with me that we fight for reasons to avoid feeling guilty. so when my friend said this to me tonight..it almost made my heart hurt for God.

How do we make Him feel when we aren't even willing to try and go that extra step for Him? How do we make Him feel when we don't even think what we are saying, or doing, or thinking, is wrong? Why AREN'T we willing to go to that extreme?

It boggles me that, when we KNOW, the things God can do...we STILL aren't willing to try and change.

Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
We HAVE to change the way we think.
WE HAVE TO.

If we don't change the way we think...if we don't 'renew our minds' we will continue to find ourselves in the same situations feeling like we just aren't willing to go any further. We are responsible for the things we say...but we also are responsible for the things we DON'T say and SHOULD have said.

Start changing the way you think---The closer we get to God, the more what HE wants becomes what WE want.
Isn't that the best place to be?

Creativity

2009-02-10T14:47:00.001-08:00

You know what I have learned (over and over and over again) while volunteering at the Dream Center?

You can never be more creative than when you are in-tune with your Creator.

God created each of us with unique talents, gifts, attributes, personalities....and the time, I think, that those REALLY shine is when we give up our own agenda and adopt God's.
It's hard. Trying to live for an audience of one is TOUGH. But wow--is it freeing.
Suddenly you have new perspective, new motivation, new desire.

So just a little something to think about---
Are you following your path and trying to take God along or God's path and following blindly?
One may sound scarier than the other, but I bet one is also more rewarding.

Happy Tuesday!

Join the Cause

2009-02-03T18:01:00.001-08:00

Every night in Los Angeles, someone goes hungry
Statistics are a mind blowing thing.

But nothing compares to being able to see those statistics first hand.

I have the opportunity to work at The Dream Center and be a part of the Adopt-A-Block program.
I see the need here everyday, overwhelming the streets and hearts of people who are hanging on to their last string of hope.

We have the chance to make a difference in their lives.
Not a difference that will take place a year from now or next week, but a difference that will take place RIGHT NOW.

By donating, you provide these families and individuals with food, a place to stay, mentoring, hygiene needs and most importantly, the chance for us to continue to go and tell them that we love them and God loves them even more.

I don't have statistics for you but I do have my first hand experience. Los Angeles is in need. The people are in need.

And you can be their hope.

Wouldn't you agree that RIGHT NOW is a good time to make a difference?

Visit this site and JOIN THE CAUSE!!!

www.dreamcenteraab.ning.com

Find more photos like this on Adopt-A-Block

Homelessness

2009-01-31T18:03:00.001-08:00

Did you know that California has the highest amount of homeless people in our nation?

Our state has more homeless people each night than some states have in PEOPLE all together.
(Maybe I am exaggerating) The last thing I read, said that there was 80,000 homeless people A NIGHT in Los Angeles.

How is that even possible?

We were extremely blessed to have three photographers come down to LA and shoot for us all day today. They have been here since 8:30 AM and they are great. I have been telling them about the Dream Center all day...but you know what has been the most amazing thing for them?

I sent them all out on different sites today with Adopt-A-Block. One of the girls came back and she told me, "I had no idea there was this much need here. It is so beautiful and moving what you guys are doing..."

Do you KNOW?
It's so hard to SEE it sometimes, isn't it?
Even for people who are in these neighborhoods everyday...for those of us who live here...we see it everyday.
But do we REALLY?

Do we let ourselves see the need here? Do we let ourselves see the hurt? Or do we become desensitized and distracted?

If you want to volunteer, if you want to come see what's going on here, if you want to come and have your life impacted and REALLY impact other people's lives, PLEASE contact us.

The need is real.
And we really can help.

Nameless

2009-01-28T14:10:00.000-08:00

Pain and hurt covered her face.

I first saw her when she was lying on the concrete with a tiny puddle of vomit on the sidewalk next to her. I said hi and told her that the Hope for Homeless outreach from the Dream Center would be handing out free sandwiches and water later if she wanted to stop by. She stared off into space, not acknowledging my existence. I sat with her for just a moment longer and then I smiled at her and walked off. As I walked away I heard a muffled “thanks.”

We continued on, walking down the Venice Beach Boardwalk. We prayed with some people and told them about the free food. As I watched The Hope for Homeless Youth put on a short drama about the love of Christ I saw that same woman in the corner of the group. Her head was down and she was softly muttering to herself. When it was time to hand out the food, I saw her standing in line with her head down ashamedly. I tried to make eye contact with her to smile at her, but she never looked my way. Finally she had made it to the front of the line and a lunch bag was lovingly handed to her. She looked up, said “thank you,” and then quickly put her head back down. She walked over to her own private corner and quietly ate her sandwich. I decided to start talking to her again.

I sat down next to her and said, “Hi! My name is Carrie. What’s your name?” She looked at me with heartache. It looked as if she had been through so many horrific circumstances in her life. She began to shake her head as she scowled and asked me why I even cared. I looked deep into her eyes and told her that I wanted to get to know her. She grunted displeasingly and looked away. I sat with her quietly for a few minutes. I decided to try again. “Is this the first time you’ve talked to people here from the Dream Center?” Without looking my way she said, “Why are you stilly talking to me?” My heart broke for her. There was a vanload of people who came out on the outreach, ready to pour the love of God into the lives of everyone there, including this woman. “Would you like to eat alone?” I quietly asked. “Yes, leave me the f--- alone,” was her response. “Ok! That’s fine. Enjoy your day sweetie,” I said as nicely as I could. As I left her, I turned around to smile at her.

She looked at me like she was ready to erupt in an ocean of tears. I wanted to hug her and let her cry, tell her that its ok, but I knew she wouldn’t let me. Each week as the Hope for Homeless Youth outreach goes there and hands out food and the love of Christ, I believe that her guard will drop. One day she’ll smile and be open to conversation. But it takes persistence. I think it’s important that the outreach goes out there every week. There were some homeless people who walked past us and yelled out, “Hey Dream Center!” Those are people that the ministry has developed relationships with.

The outreach helps show them hope, and the love and grace of our Savior. There were two people who almost came back to stay at the shelter then changed their minds at the last second. They wanted to stay on the streets where they were comfortable. But they know that the outreach will be there faithfully every week if they change their mind and decide to start a new chapter in their lives.

I pray that one day the woman I met will make that choice.

-Carrie

A Bouquet of Flowers

2009-01-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

Nearly every week, I watch adults and teens who are in the Discipleship programs here at the Dream Center get up on the stage at church and share how their lives have been positively changed. Many of them are trying to break away from a life of drugs, alcohol and abuse. People look on with hopeful expectation for these individuals who desire to go in the right direction and let God take over their lives.

There was this one man that I met who was in Discipleship not too long ago. He was a smiling, energetic man who greeted people walking into the DC Cafeteria with a "God bless you!" and a large smile on his face. To me, he always seemed to be in a joyful mood and excited to allow God to change his life through the program.

Some time had passed and I hadn't seen him, but I didn't think anything of it because there are so many men in the program that you tend to not really realize who is still there and who isn't.

I went out on an outreach about a month ago to Skid Row and to my shock and terror, there he was, right in the middle of the most impoverished community of Los Angeles, where thousands of people sleep on the streets. The same smiling man who seemed so filled with joy was there, almost disheveled and with a black and blue eye from getting punched in the face by one of the homeless individuals out there. He still sort of had a brightness in his face and kindly greeted me and told me he remembered me, but a light in him had obviously been snuffed out.

I felt remorseful- why did he leave the program, which makes such a great impact in people's lives, just to go back to a defeated life out on the streets? What inner battle could he be facing and what lies has Satan been telling him that would cause him to think for a moment that he can't make a better life for himself?

So, I was walking to church last night with a few friends, and there was the smiley guy, with a bouquet of flowers, nearly dying in his hand. Smoking a cigarette and looking a lot emptier than when I had seen him in Skid Row, he walked up to me and extended the flowers to me. I motioned to him that I couldn't afford to buy a bouquet of flowers, but he insisted that I take them. He proceeded to thank me and told me that he hopes to go back into discipleship.

I just felt bad. I took the flowers and felt kind of strange about it, but sad about his situation, as he seems to gradually get worse.

Pray for John.

-Shimmy

A little= A lot

2009-01-08T17:13:00.000-08:00

One man stopped to tie his shoes on the sidewalk on the way to work.
One woman turned around to turn her coffee maker off before heading to work.
One man pulled over to take a phone call from his mother that morning on the way to work.
One woman took the long way to drop off her children at school because it was September and the leaves were starting to change color…

These people are some of the few who changed their routine just a LITTLE and it changed A LOT in their life. Each of these people didn’t make it to work on time on September 11th because of something they changed just a little. Certainly made a difference in their life, didn’t it?

Sometimes we look at people’s situations and we think we don’t have enough to make a difference in their lives. But guess what?
YOU CAN.
It doesn’t matter what you give, it matters how you give it.
You may not believe me but sometimes that one dollar is the difference between feeding your children at night or having to hear their little tummy’s growl.
Sometimes that dollar buys that extra little bit of gas to get you home and off the streets of downtown LA.
Our society sometimes makes us feel like if we can do it all, we can’t do anything. But that’s not true.
You can do something.

Giving just a little can help to change a whole community.
How amazing will it feel to look back on Los Angeles when the streets are safe…when people have homes to feel safe in…when God’s presence is so overwhelming it’s hard to breathe and know that YOU had a part in that. Even a small part, is really a huge success.
Everything brings us step closer to reaching that next person who needs to know that they can start over.

Sometimes we don’t realize how the little things can impact us…but like the people in 9/11 who did something different and ended up having their life saved, if you give, even just a little, you can help save someone’s life.

Just a little encouragement to know that small things make a difference.
And you can change a life today.
Right now.
***
If you want to donate to the Dream Center, visit our donate page.
http://www.dreamcenter.org/donate/index.html

The Year 2009

2009-01-01T00:14:00.001-08:00

What are you going to to do this year to make a difference?

New Year Resolutions

2008-12-29T01:31:00.002-08:00

I heard a quote once that said...
"If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, Let it."

I feel like after Christmas there are two groups of people.
1-Those that spend a huge amount of time trying to think of a quality new years resolution they can stick to.
And
2-Those that never have the idea of making a resolution cross their mind.

I have to admit, I rarely consider it. I have always thought of resolutions as sort of silly commitments that no one sticks to. We make them and stick to them for a few weeks and then the business of life takes over and we forget about those promises we made to ourselves to '...Do better at work, To do better in school, lose that ten pounds...'
But I was thinking today as I was thinking about my life right now and I wondered...what if we made resolutions for our LIVES and not just the new year?
What if we resolved...determined and made up our minds about something that REALLY mattered to us?

What is that thing for you?
I know you have something.

It's 2AM here in Vancouver, Washington where I am spending the holidays and I cant stop thinking, for some reason, about the people all over the world who will be making these resolutions.
Here's a little encouragement--
I BELIEVE in you.
Wherever you are, whatever you are dealing with...
Whether you are hoping to be a better parent...Whether you are dealing with some sort of addiction...Whether you are depressed, struggling with your life, worried about the economy and caring for your family...whether it is school, or relationships, or habits or a lack of people loving you in your life...Please know..there are people praying for you.

People you don't know. People that don't know your name or where you come from..but people are praying for you.
I am praying for you.
I want to see us make resolutions that will help change our lives.
Once you figure out what that resolution is, please know, no matter how far fetched it may seem, there is someone praying for you. And believing in you.

If you get a chance, take it.
If it changes your life, let it.

This is your chance.

Merry Christmas Eve!!

2008-12-24T14:57:00.000-08:00

Are you home for Christmas??

I left Sunday afternoon to fly home to Portland to spend the holidays with my family.
I don't know if anyone heard, but flights had been cancelled to Portland for DAYS.
I got to the airport at 2 in the afternoon and at 5 pm my flight was cancelled. I caught a flight to Sacramento in hopes of getting on stand by to Portland. Slept in the airport that night and at 4:15 AM got on the stand by list. Around 1pm all the flights to Portland were cancelled again. I cried. A lot. I couldn't stand the thought of being stuck in the airport for Christmas. Determined, I switched to Seattle Stand by and switched my bags and went through security (that was the third time that day). A plane was a half hour late leaving and luckily, SO VERY LUCKILY, they had one open seat and out of all the people waiting..I got on.

I got to Seattle, got a hotel room and my parents picked me up the next morning. The whole city is COVERED in snow. Everything is white. It is so beautiful.
I just wanted to write a little quick blog and remind you to be thankful for what you have right now.

There are so many families that I know personally who are stuck at home with no way to get to their families, no presents for the kids, and trying to think up ways to explain why Santa didn't come. There are hundreds of people stuck in airports until christmas day...If you can do anything this Christmas, appreciate the people in your life that love you, are there for you, and make the Holidays warm.

Merry Christmas from the Dream Center!!

On to the Next

2008-12-16T01:27:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen the face of a little girl who had just been handed the only Christmas present she would get that year?

I heard a story this week about a mom who was scolded by her friends because she refused to tell her children that Santa was real. It wasn't because she didn't want them to believe, or to imagine. It was because, come Christmas day, she couldn't bear to look into the eyes of her little ones when they saw that there was nothing under the tree for them. She had tears in her eyes as she watched her little girl open a package wrapped in snowman paper and saw a huge gleaming smile come across her daughter's face. "Some people come out to these toy giveaway's just because they are free...." She told me. "But some people come out because this is the only real Christmas that their kids will experience." My heart dropped a little as I looked down at the cute spanish girl who probably lived in one of the areas we bussed in for the show. She smiled up at me and held up her new toy to show me. I smiled back and wished them a Merry Christmas.

I haven't been able to get that woman out of my head. I don't know her name, or her daughter's name. It was the only Toy Giveaway I went to after the shows. We had 7 of them. Can you imagine how many ecstatic children there were? And not only that...but can you imagine how many grateful parents there were?

There are only 9 days until Christmas.
9 more days.
What can you do in 9 days to make a permanent difference in someone's life?

There are so many opportunities here at the Dream Center to get involved that sometimes we take it for granted. Don't miss those opportunities where you are. They are all around you and people are just waiting and praying for you to come and be the person that makes a difference in their life. You can be that person. Stop waiting, and just go do it.

Figure out what is holding you back and then get rid of it.
Christmas is a good time to make a difference.
Right now is always a good time to make a difference.

Opening Night

2008-12-10T21:59:00.000-08:00

Tonight was opening night of Joy of Christmas.

The show was great but let's be honest, the tickets and organization were a bit rough on the end of our team.
I have spent most of the week stressing out about getting things printed, getting things on time, making sure things are in order...and guess what? I still didn't have things printed, I still didn't have things on time and things were still a bit chaotic.
What good did worrying all week do me?

I was standing in the back of the auditorium tonight watching part of the show and it was so beautiful. There is a scene where two fantastic singers sing a song called "The Prayer" and a ballerina dances, and it is one of the most powerful parts of the whole show. The whole time I am standing back there I am wondering, "Who is realizing right now, for the first time, how passionately and deeply in love with them God really is?" If we put aside the busyness and calm ourselves down long enough...we can remember why we are doing what we are doing.

To let people know.
To tell them.
To help save them.
To give them the greatest Christmas present they will ever receive...Everlasting love, salvation, peace and hope.

It has been so easy for me to get sidetracked.
I love what I do, but on those days when you are confused, frustrated and just find yourself wanting to cry and give up, it is so so easy to do just that. Give up. Throw in the towel. Walk away.
But I think, and this is just my opinion, that those moments are the ones where we need to remember the most.
We are doing this for Him. We are working and trying to get things done on time and trying to get things accomplished so that more people have the opportunity to hear about Jesus.

So in the midst of a night where maybe some things could have gone smoother, I have to just breathe and remind myself of what REALLY matters. And that's despite our mistakes, the message was strong, the message was loud, and the message was clear.
God loves you.
And people heard it. People listened to it. And people reacted to it.
There were people saved tonight. People that came home to God.

I think that at the end of the day, THAT is what he sees and though it is so important to thrive in what we are doing, we have to remember why we are doing it.

This is only night one. It can only go up from here.
Don't miss the show!! Whatever you do, make sure you get to show!!

Shan

Where Are You?

2008-12-09T00:09:00.000-08:00

I was standing in this trash dump in Jalapa, Guatemala taking in my surroundings. There have been very few instances that have left me utterly speechless, but that was right up there with watching my Dad walk out on our family and flick his cigarette butt out the window when he drove away. I didn't know how to respond. I stood in the trash and let my feet be attacked by flees as my gaze stayed on a little girl with brown curls and browner eyes. Her feet were bare. Hair tattered. Face hard and emotionless. But she was beautiful. She held the hand of an older girl in torn up pink pants and looked at me with a look of confusion. We just stared at one another. Clutching the side of my bag, I watched, horrified, as dozens and dozens of flies crawled over her perfect face. She couldn't have been more than 4 years old. But she just kept staring at me. What was she thinking? What was going through her mind? Our gaze was broken by the older girl shooing the flies from the little girls brown skin. My steps faltered and I returned to reality.

The reality of the whole situation was sinking in. Children, as young as two, being drug through dirty trash. Walking barefoot on glass and things that could only harm you. I didn't know what to do. I immediately called out to God and asked Him, "Where ARE you in all of this?" It didn't take long before God replied quietly to me and asked me, "Where are YOU in all of this?"

And that's the true question isn't it?
We look at our world and we look at the horrible things going on in our world, and we say 'How awful. How terrible. How dreadful.'
We want to see change. I think a lot of people WANT to see change. But I don't think a lot of people want to go through the work to CREATE change.
Why do we sell ourselves short? Why do we expect so little of ourselves? Why do we think things are so impossible? Why can't we trust the vision, pursue the ideas, live the passion, make the difference?

Where are we in the mess of the world? What are we REALLY doing?

Because what happens if one day I look back on my life and I ask myself, "What did I do?" And the answer really is nothing? I went on a couple trips...helped a few people...gave some food out...But what real difference was made?
When God asks me, "Where are you in this?" I want to be able to stand confidently and say, "Right here. Holding the hand that needs me."

So...who's ready to be in it with me?

-Shan

Home Sweet Home

2008-11-29T18:11:00.000-08:00

It's been a couple days now since the World Missions Department and the team we had in Guatemala have been back in L.A.
We got back to the Dream Center around 2 AM on Thanksgiving night.

No words can describe the intensity of the month we spent there.
It was heartbreaking, incredible, touching, hard, amazing....People were healed, lives were saved, individuals were changed.
There are so many stories and moments that it's hard to think about writing it all.

I don't think I will ever have the same view of things again. Its so different to spend time in a place that is so desperate for so many tangible things and spiritual as well. But they don't know how to get it. We go down and we help. We do what we can and we pray for God to move, and He does. But then we leave. I find it a very hard thing to deal with that we go for a small amount of time and then we just leave. Its a struggle to remember that God calls us places and He asks us to do as much as we can in the time we are there and then the rest is up to Him. He will bring more people to water the seed you plant, but it's a struggle, huh?

I am amazed at how God works. Had I not been at The Dream Center for the time I was and experienced the things I did before going to Guatemala, it would have been an extremely unsuccessful month for me. Would God have still succeeded? Of course. But would He have accomplished what he wanted out of my life? Doubtful. He had been preparing me for that long before I knew.

Be careful in tough situations. Every choice we make affects our next opportunity and whatever you are going through now, God is preparing you for something bigger. Buckle up. The ride is sometimes bumpy...but the people you meet, the chances you get, the blessings you get to give...make it so worth while. God is big. Don't forget He sees the whole picture when we see just a cropped version.

love,
Shan.

P.S. JOY OF CHRISTMAS Is right around the corner!! Order advanced seating so you get great seats, the show is going to be amazing and you wont want to miss it.

Turkey and Thanks

2008-11-25T10:06:00.000-08:00

In a couple days it will be Thanksgiving. I cant believe that!!

I wish we could all take a moment every day to think about all the blessings we have been given, instead of just focusing on it once a year.
Have you thought about that lately?
Have you told your kids how much you love them today or your wife or husband?
Have you looked at the food on your table and thought, "wow I am blessed that I can have this"? Have you looked at the place where you live and thought about how blessed you are to have somewhere safe to go home to??

It's easy, as humans, to be unsatisfied with what we have or where we are in life.
It's easy to look at the things other people have and wish we had them.
I have only been out of highschool for a year and a half and in that time, and since coming to the Dream Center as a volunteer, God has shown me so much.
How can you see a child working in a dump, barefoot, sick and starving and still be selfish enough to wish you had more?? Personally, I am finding it hard to do.
Maybe this week and this holiday season, instead of focusing on the stress or the presents or the lights...we should focus on something a little more permanement.

Can we look past what we struggle with to see what we have been blessed with?
Can we see our families that love us, or our friends that challenge us? Can we see God's provision in our lives and trust that He has everything under control? Can we see the sky a little bluer and smile a little bigger?

YOU ARE ALIVE!!!
You have the opportunity to do ANYTHING with your life...Dont waste it.
Be Thankful that God has placed you where you are at for a reason and He knows better than us what is good for us.
Notice your blessings, because not everyone is fortunate enough to have those blessings.
Enjoy your Turkey and eat an extra scoop of stuffing for me!!

Shan

Faithfulness

2008-10-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

God never ceases to amaze me with the amazing, crazy, ridiculous ways that He works.

My life has been completely changed in the time that I have been here. In one week, I will have been here for a year.
I still remember last Halloween, sitting in the airport at 6 AM with anticipation so thick I could hardly breathe.
Now, I cant even imagine what my life would have been like had I not bought that one way ticket to LA.
My family has been restored, my life has been changed, my attitude towards so many things has completely turned around.
God has been so faithful in so many ways it's hard to even write about it.

On Wednesday I, and a team of about 14, will be leaving with the World Missions dept here at the Dream Center to go serve in Guatemala for a month. I had eleven days to go and about $600 + dollars to raise. I was starting to get weary. I had started opening on Saturday mornings to raise money for this trip. The great thing about Saturdays is all our regular costumers. One of them is this tall good looking older guy named Patrick. We started chatting a few weeks ago and my trip came up. I explained to him what I was doing and why I was going and he was so excited about it. I brought him one of my letters about my trip so he could read more about why I wanted to go. That was probably 2 weeks ago.

That morning Patrick showed up to get his iced grande red eye and gave me an envelope with "Shannon Rae Galford" written on the front. He told me that he probably wouldn't see me before I left (in eleven days) but to have an amazing trip. I had a huge line so I couldnt open the envelope. Once my line was gone and people were waiting for the drinks, I went to the back and opened the card. This is what the card read...
"Shannon,
I think what you're doing is a wonderful, giving, selfless gift to those children. That kind of spirit is what this world needs more of. You definitely do shine. I, too, was a complete mess and a discovery and surrendering to a higher power saved me and my life. Please take this contribution to your trip with all my love and prayers.
Best,
Patrick."
I was so touched. In the envelope was another envelope. Inside was a check for one thousand dollars. ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS. I started crying immediately. I could not believe that someone, who is virtually a stranger, would invest so much into something I believed in. Not only did this pay for my trip but everything else I would need. I went to thank him but he was already gone.

The really cool part, that Patrick doesn't know, is that not only is helping send me, but he created a walking testimony to so many people. A lot of the people I work with and even most of my family are not christians. But they have heard me going on and on and on about how I knew God was going to take care of it all. Even in my few moments of doubt, I told them. And now, they can see first hand, just how big, and how amazing and how faithful God really is.

The Dream Center has shown me in some HUGE ways and also tiny ways just what God really can do. Whether it's a nice stranger sending me to another country to help kids or whether its getting on a truck to go and serve food to a family who is struggling on the other side of town. God's faithfulness is real. His power is real. And His love is real.

I can't wait to see what the next few years bring and how the Dream Center will continue to help people, just like me, to see how faithful God really is.

Bus ministry

2008-10-17T19:33:00.001-07:00

Bus ministry.
Wow.
It’s a life-changing event, unless you’ve been through it- you truly can’t relate.
Someone came up with the idea to buy a school bus, fill it with gas and pay a driver to take it into the projects of Los Angeles and pick up juvenile delinquents, fatherless children, single mothers, gang members and others who will never be able to repay back all we plan to bless them with.

First, we load the bus up with bus pastors; imagine 4-6 (mainly White) suburban young adults who God had called to do missionary work in the inner city. Drive 30 minutes to Watts, knock on doors, wake up the teenagers, (who were out too late last night) mediate a couple minor disputes, load the bus, stop an argument from turning into a fight and head off to Angelus Temple.

Once we get all the kids off the bus, the true ministry begins; we must convince them that they can’t leave their seats during service so they must go to the bathroom before or after, attempt to persuade the younger kids that kids church is definitely more fun than big church and then corral the teenage boys to their seats, separate from the teenage girls. What a joy.
The service goes amazing, another wonderful word from Pastor Matthew, then back to the busses, and we can’t forget to grab the pizza and sodas along the way and get everyone comfortably settled.

The trips home are usually the best, engaging those beautiful children with the reality that they are children of God. We discuss everything from the sermon that morning to the latest rap CD. It doesn’t matter what you talk about, they are fully enamored with the idea that someone has taken time from their schedule to pour into them.
Sure it’s overwhelming and we don’t get paid to do it; but I find the blessings of watching these young men and women grow up to become Godly role models for the next generation is so much more rewarding than any amount of money.

If you haven’t done it yet, do it now, it will change your perspective and enhance your relationship with God more than anything else I’ve ever found.

Adrienne

Beauty in the City

2008-10-16T09:50:00.000-07:00

Something I have tried to teach myself while I have been growing up is how to see the beauty in everything.
That is one thing that the Dream Center does so well.

A lot of people come to L.A. and they see the glamour and fame. But they also see the hurt and the garbage. Some people will look at where we are and who we are helping and not see what is they really are doing. I think it is so easy to sometimes forget that the homeless man on the street has a family somewhere. Or that the prostitute on Skid Row once had dreams and ambitions that are probably boxed away in the back of her heart. Its easy to forget that God has a plan for all of these people. Something amazing about L.A. though, is that it has some of the most amazing sunsets I have ever seen.

Sometimes I will be in my office late, or walking by a window on my way to my room and my breath will get caught because it is so awe inspiring. How can something so beautiful fall over a place that has so much pain?
But thats the thing--- here at the Dream Center we look at this city and we look at these people and we see how beautiful they are. We see the masterpiece, wonderful and complex, that God created them to be. We see the hope for the city and the beauty that God has laid upon it.

There is so much more than just what meets the eye. Like a sunset, though it is silent and doesn't speak, our city and the people here often are so beautiful and so breathtaking that it leaves me with a loss of words.
Look for the beauty in things...God created them, I promise the beauty is there.

Am I ready?

2008-10-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

It was a hot and muggy summery evening. An almost absent breeze of fresh air made the smells of my surrounding environment so much more pungent. It was my first outreach with the Dream Center and I was feeling excited and yet a little apprehensive at the same time. Was I ready for this? Did I pray enough, was I filled with Faith and the Holy Spirit enough? Was I wearing the right clothes and not looking too much like a tourist? I came to realize that you could never be prepared enough to see what I saw on that first evening at Skid Row.

Some gutters were lined with pools of urine; rats were disappearing in and out of gutter holes, hundreds of people were lining either side of Skid Row, and there were makeshift tents - some made with cardboard, and others, shopping carts, plastic canopies, umbrellas, you name it. People were dressed in clothing I only imagined a third world would see. Groups of people were beat boxing, smoking, drinking, screaming and yelling obscenities. Some were, it seemed, taking drugs right in front of my nose, using needles and turning around so I couldn’t see properly. I was starting to feel overwhelmed and almost a little afraid.

Then on our right, a young lady was being consoled by some of her friends. She was high on drugs, drinking heavily, and not making much sense. It looked like she had had a really rough night. Her T-shirt was dirty and her black pants ripped and showing less than a little modesty. A thought went through my mind and in an instant the feelings of fear and intimidation were replaced by a sharp sense of disgust with satan’s vitriolic ways to heap upon mankind, guilt, shame, fear, a little humiliation, and pain to finally debase, disgrace, demean and turn God’s creation into an ugly mess.

Hoping to give her some sense of worth we were keen to give her a rose. “Hi, we’re with the Dream Center, would you like to accept this rose?” She stopped and looked at my friend and I, then smiled and said, “Oh that’s beautiful, thank you”. She seemed lucid for a little while and attempted to explain her situation. She had had a rough night the night before and said “it was never always like this. I once had a job and everything but then I just got hooked and ended up here. I wanted to go and get a job again but I don’t want to leave my friends here”. We saw her heart and her love for her friends and realized that even though she was living on Skid Row, God was still there. He was still waiting for His daughter and for so many of them to simply just call upon His name and He would answer them. But like so many of them in some way or other got hooked in by satan’s bait and never knew how to get out again. We ended up praying with her and gave her the scripture Jeremiah 29:11 and told her that god has a plan for her, plans to prosper her, not a life to harm her but to give her a hope and a future.

I realized that I couldn’t carry the burden of her pain and suffering, and that Jesus had already done this. All I could do further was to pray for her to understand that God loves her so much, and that He alone is the answer to her freedom from bondage. All God asks of me and from all of us, is to pray - The most powerful tool available to us.

Ladybug on skid row

2008-10-10T02:07:00.000-07:00

I was talking with Latonya when I first saw him. She was still getting over the cold she had the week before. We were on the corner of 6th and San Julian. He passed by, not noticing me, his eyes unable to fix on one thing. He had on jeans, a dirty t-shirt, and well-worn tennis shoes. He paused and turned around looking and watching everyone and every little thing that moved. His long, golden curls bounced with every turn of his head. Finally, his eyes fixed on mine, but only for a second then were distracted by something else. They were like two blue stars, captivating everyone that looked into them. Even in that brief moment they locked with mine, I had already fallen deep under their spell. I had forgotten about my conversation and could not keep my eyes off him. His sweet face, curious of the world around him. He ran up a ways and lifted his little hand up to place it in one much bigger.

"Daddy!" he said in his wobbly voice. He turned around, tugging on the big hand and pointing at something near me. They turned around to come back and look at a ladybug that was crawling up the lamp post. By then it was much too high up for the little hand to grab, so the big hand reached out and coaxed the little bug to crawl on. I looked up and smiled.
"What is his name?" I asked.
"Eddie"
"Hi, Eddie." He looked up at me and curiously studied my face and then reached out to hold the ladybug. I crouched down to be level with his eyes. "What do you have there?" I said. He looked up and stared at me for a second.
"Daddy's the only word he knows yet." The big man grunted with a raspy chuckle to follow. He then turned to talk with a friend sitting on some cardboard on the sidewalk.

I reached out and touched Eddie's head. His hair was soft and the only part of him that was clean. His face had dirt all over it and crumbs lined his mouth.
"What are you doing out here Eddie?" I whispered. "An angel like you does not belong in a place like this." I turned and glanced at the big hands, which were now holding a lighter and a small glass pipe. He was still talking with his friend. I looked back at the little body in front of me. He was engrossed watching the little bug crawl up his arm. A tear slowly lingered down my cheek.

Eddie jumped and giggled when the ladybug finally took flight. He watched it fly away until he could no longer see it. He looked back at me and suddenly gasped. His eyes widened and eyebrows rose with concern. "Owee!" he said. He took a dirty little finger and roughly wiped the tear off my face and then kissed the spot where it had been. He stood back and smiled. I smiled back.

"C'mon Eddie." The big voice startled me. Eddie jumped up and skipped past his dad down the sidewalk, exploring and studying everything he passed, sometimes lingering behind until the big voice called out.
I still see him occasionally. I gave him a stuffed bear last week. He now has a red wagon that the big man pulls him in behind him. I want to take him home with me. I could be a mom…maybe one day I will be brave enough to ask.

-Jess

First Impressions VS Lasting Impressions

2008-10-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

I had always loved inner city-on-the-streets-being-in-danger type mission work, so when I came to the Dream Center and was placed in the marketing department I was a bit baffled at what God was doing. At home, I taught at an alternative school that was filled with kids who didn’t fit the regular public school mold. Many of them were involved in gangs and drugs. Working with them was a huge passion in my life. Going from that to being placed in an 8-5 office job was a bit of a transition.

I spent a lot of time in prayer when I first got here. I didn’t understand God’s purpose. I went from gangs and drugs to being the red carpet check in person at an event we had my first working week! Of course, God revealed many things to me within time.

God reminded me that it was always my desire to learn more about ministries and possibly start my own one day. It occurred to me that I knew nothing of the business side of a ministry. I had always been in the streets, in places like Haiti, Jamaica, and Romania; but I knew nothing about raising support or marketing the ministry. Since I’ve been here, I’ve realized how important the marketing department is. Without the marketing department, we can’t do most of what we’re able to do at the Dream Center! We get the word out; we raise support. I feel like I’ve been attending college because I’m ingesting a surplus of valuable knowledge.

Last week I went out with the food truck. I saw the pain and hurt in some of their eyes; especially the families that came through. But then I also saw the glimmer of hope they received as their physical needs were being met by receiving free food and love from us. If we can take care of that burden in their lives, it frees them up to focus on working on bettering other areas of their lives. We can be “Jesus with skin on” and that beacon of light in the darkness; which is what all of us, as Christians, are called to do.

I’ve grown to deeply value and love my position at the Dream Center. Not only do I get to experience the marketing side but also publicity and public relations. Publicity is a field I never desired to work in but now I’ve come to welcome and love it!
I no longer question why God placed me in this department, but I feel blessed that I get the best of both worlds. I get to do my office work, but then I can go out on outreaches and see the effect of what we do. I can see the process as a whole. It’s important that we properly market the vision, receive support, and then go out and pour into the lives of others and restore their dreams and give them hope!

Carrie Miller

When God speaks

2008-09-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

God has been to speaking in new ways so much lately that I find myself constantly wanting to explode with joy.

Something I have learned being at The Dream Center is how to search and seek for God in new ways.
I have been reading Jeremiah lately and if you haven't read it, I certainly would reccomend it. It's blowing me away!!
It's so interesting to see how God reacts to Israel's unfaithfulness and how He offers them chance and chance again to redeem themselves. I have had quite a few verses that I have read just leave me speechless. I found this one tonight and I HAD to come share it.

Jeremiah is telling God that he is being ridiculed. That everyday he is mocked for the prophesies he is bringing to these people. That the word of the Lord is bringing him insult and reproach. But he goes on to say this in Jeremiah 20,
9 But if I say, "I will not mention him
or speak any more in his name,"
his word is in my heart like a fire,
a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
indeed, I cannot.

How powerful is that?!
I read that and was completely blown away. That is exactly what I want. I want God's word to be like fire shut up in my bones so that I have nothing I can do except tell people, and share it constantly because it is burning in me. I want God to be the flame in me that ignites me, inspires me and brings me to life. I want His love to burn in my soul. I want His touch to burn right to core of who I am to remind me of WHO HE IS.

Whoever is reading this, my prayer for you is that God would ignite something in you. That whatever is bringing you to read this blog would be a flame...a fire. A fire that is shut up in your bones like Jeremiah so that you cannot hold on to it and HAVE to share it. I pray that God would establish an atmosphere of freedom and that nothing would hold you back. I hope God puts a love in you (and me) that we cannot hold back.

He knows us the best and loves us the most.
Let that start the fire.

Praying for you.
Shan

Outreach

2008-09-23T15:47:00.001-07:00

Another of the exciting things at The Dream Center is that there are so many oppurtunities to help people.

I just want to remind you we also have an outreach blog (on the right of this blog) titled Beyond On The Walls.
Check it out to see what it's like beyond the walls of The Dream Center.

Adopt A Block

2008-09-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

I bet you have read a lot about what Adopt A Block is on our website.
It's a time where everyone goes out to different parts of LA and the sourounding areas and builds relationships with people.
Over the years, The Dream Center has built some pretty amazing foundations for this outreach.
We go to areas like Jordan Downs/Watts, Skid Row, Ramona Gardens, Imperial Courts, and hotels.
People that would probably never speak to you, eventually end up developing a relationship with you and trusting you.

It's amazing to see the same people every week. Sometimes it's really tough to see the circumstances people are in. The places kids have to play in and live, and they don't really have much of a choice. It's all they know and it's all they see. It's a huge blessing to be able to go into those neighborhoods that are gang infested, violence filled, and poverty stricken and be able to show those people they have another choice. It's amazing to see children just completely delighted by you wanting to play with them and give them the attention they deserve, and don't always receive.

By our actions, we hope to show them of a love much deeper than they (or any of us) can comprehend. By building trusting relationships, consistent relationships and unconditional relationships, we begin to see a real change in these people.
Sometimes it takes years of knocking on people's doors before they come to church with us. Sometimes it takes years of knocking on someone's door before they even TALK to us...but when they do...when you finally see that all your effort to help them has been well worth waiting for...when you KNOW that you didn't give up on them and they are finally sitting with you on that bus back to church...its a joy that can't be described.

Any chance to change a life is a chance worth taking.
The Adopt A Block meeting starts at 10 am on saturday mornings in The Dream Center gym and the busses usually leave around 10:30.
Come and see for yourself just how life changing it really is.
Gotta go catch my bus!!

Happy weekend.

Holidays and Magic

2008-09-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

What's your favorite part about the holidays?
I love Christmas time. I think the whole season is so enchanting and captivating. It's full of hope that you don't always see in people year round.
There are only 81 days until the Joy Of Christmas show starts.
Joy of Christmas is magical.
There is an amazing show (free for all ages) that leaves you feeling like you have stepped into a winter-wonderland-tale.
"I'm dreaming of a white christmas" becomes real when half way through the show snow begins to fall from the ceiling.

But what's even better then the magic of the holiday is seeing the magic in the people's eyes. So many families that come to these shows want so badly to take their children to events. To have big Christmas moments and to let their kids experience the feeling of it all. This show gives them that oppurtunity. It leaves them with eyes wide and imaginations sparked. Not only that, but it leaves people with changed lives.

At the end of the show, Pastor Matthew Barnett gives an altar call and I am not exaggerating when I say people truly leave with a new light in their eye. There is something special about taking a day that means so much and opening people's hearts to show them just how special it really is. It's pretty amazing to be a part of putting this kind of thing on. It's an event that virtually everyone at The Dream Center is a part of. Whether they are greeting, in the show or doing tickets, there is always a way for people to help.

81 days may seem like a lot, but it's really right around the corner! Keep looking at our website to see updates. These few nights are sensational and I want you to be a part of it.
You will leave feeling inspired and full of love.
I promise.

Shan

Welcome!!

2008-09-18T15:53:00.000-07:00

Hi!
So we are starting this new thing here at The Dream Center.
We really want you, reading this, to be able to experience what it is like to be here in sunny Los Angeles.
I know that if you are reading this then there are probably a few possibilities as to why you are here.

There could be a big chance that God has been speaking to your heart about The Dream Center and you are curious as to what it's all really about. Or perhaps you accidentally stumbled about our website and ended up at this page, though I don't really believe in accidents at all :]. Maybe you were bored and needed some new reading material. In any even, I'm excited you are here because I truly believe you are here for a reason.

My name is Shannon but most people here know me as Shan. I am one of the hundreds of full time volunteers here at The Dream Center and I work in the Marketing Department with an incredible team of people. I have been here for almost a year and it has been the most challenging, growing and exciting year of my life. There are constantly a thousand things to do down here. Not only are we sourounded by the world (it truly is another world) of Los Angeles, but there are so many chances to change lives and impact people here. DAILY there are outreaches going out, there are small groups being formed, new people coming in, miracles happening, families being restored and vices being overcome. Sometimes I have to remind myself to breathe because I remember just how blessed I am that God called me to a place where I can have so much influence, if I choose to have it.

If you have heard a calling in your heart to explore The Dream Center, I encourage you to do just that. Look at the website, come for a service if you are in the area, come for a short term mission, come volunteer for a day but whatever you do, don't ignore the call. God is moving in Los Angeles and, trust me, if He is calling you to be a part of it, it is something you DON'T want to miss.

More soon!

All in kindness,
Shan.