Blessings in Buckets at Ramona Gardens

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?

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

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!

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

#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

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

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