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The Cause Within You

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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?

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

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

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

“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

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:

1. 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…

2. 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.

3. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.