The Nativity Story . . .

We are excited about the release of the movie "The Nativity Story". This story has the ability to impact our community for Christ, like no other movie since the "Passion". This story is told from Mary and Joseph's point of view. This story line is developed very well and is the best quality.
Davis Park Church of Christ has purchased the seats of an entire theater for December 2, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for guests of members are free, members cost $6.00. Make sure you invite your friends and family. The trailer for the movie may be seen at www.thenativitystory.com. If you live in Modesto and would like a free ticket to this screening please contact, Buddy at 209-522-7226.

NOC 2006 . . . National Outreach Convention

The national outreach convention has come and gone. Three days in gorgeous San Dieago. Lots of vendors with good outreach stuff/ideas. Classes that fire you up and make you want to slap yourself for not thinking of the idea sooner. No heavy theolgy to contend with, just practical ideas how to get people to Jesus for the first time or to learn to share him.
Good ideas . . . The Nativity Story will be coming to a theater near you, why not get excited about it and bring friends to see it and then invite them to church.
Publish a book with the great stories of transformation from you congregation. We will be work on this in the near future. Work on your stories now, be ready.
Comedy night! Christian Comedians come to the church to put on a show, we invite people who want to come and laugh. Many other great ideas were shared by those attending. It was good to be involved in the convention and to learn so much more about outreach.

Harvest Festival, aka Trunk or Treat

Our largest outreach event of the year has come and gone. Awesome! What a night, over 1000 visitors were on our property. This year we had many incredible stats, like 1000 meals served, 500 hot dogs and around 500 bowls of stew. The food crew did a great job of keeping the food coming until it all ran out. Candy, around a half ton of candy was handed out by the 38 decorated trunks. The most decorated trunk was Frank Munian's Pig house (three little pigs), he actually built a house that went over his car, 2x4's and shingles. Our 6 kids games handed out over 1200 prizes plus candy. Our goal of course is to win souls for Christ. This year we added invitations and goody bags to hand out from our info booth (250 were handed out), which was the only place to get hot chocolate and coffee. Over 10 gallons of hot chocolate and 3 gallons of coffee were given out.
All of this took alot of effort on the part of the whole congregation. Thank You Davis Park for Reaching Out to your neighborhood!

An unmistaken sound. . .

Sunday evening a few minutes into Dave Ramsey' FPU, a phone rang in the auditorium. My eyes rolled back in my head, thinking about the disturbance that had been created(much like the one I created on Wednesday night with my phone). The disturbance was followed by a look of tragedy on the face of the one who received the call. Pam Gonzales had just been notified. Notified that her son had been in an accident and not survived. Tragedy visited the meeting place of the Lord's people.
When I saw her face I new something bad had happened. She yelled to Lorenzo that they needed to go. I got there and grabbed her and hugged her. She looked me in the face and said, He's seeing God's face now. I nodded and said yes. Then the sound happened, a sound I have heard as a chaplain many times, the sound much like a wail and a sob combined. A sound that comes from deep within a mother's heart. A sound that means a part of the mother has left this world and gone on, thank goodness for Pam and family, gone on to be with God.
I was proud of the response of God's family Sunday. Many wept for the loss of Pam and her family. Many associated this event with one they had experienced in their own family. Many asked what we needed to do. We have to let Pam and Lorenzo experience the loss, that's what I repeated over and over. There are no words that fix this, all words seem trivial or even trite. We held them, hugged them, paced with them. We took them to a private room and let others come and speak their condolences. We called their family for them. Finally, we helped them get home, make arrangements to go to their son's and daughter-in-law's home in the mid west. We washed their dishes and helped them pack their clothes. By the way I did not do this alone, many people helped them in this time of need. Thursday we will lay Sean to Rest, then,Pam and Lorenzo will try to sort it all out. Thank God for the church who will support them through this tragic event.

I do not look forward to hearing that sound again, I am sure I will as I serve God and this community as a law enforcement chaplain.

Family Promise final comments for this Rotation. . .

A seven day stretch is all each of the visits lasts. Sometimes it seems shorter, sometimes longer. Our guests this time were very subdued. One family has the routine down pretty well and were very helpful. One family seemed to follow well. One family overwhelmed as they were just entering the program.
The families left a thank you note on the fridge in the multi-purpose room thank us for our hospitality. I hope they saw Jesus at our building. I cannot imagine what it like to go home to a different church building each week. But the church building is better than a place by the river or sleeping in a car.
One of the families left a prayer on the whiteboard in one of the rooms. A lot of fear eminated from the words of the prayer. I pray that God will give them peace.
I want to thank the 7 couples/families that stayed over as night hosts. Also, I want to thank those who provided the meals. Glenn's group, the Cowan's group, the Natzke family, Corey Long, My Wed night fellowship/dinner group, the Higganbotham Family, the Cobleigh Family and any others who provided food.
This is a great team effort to pull off. I thank God for everyone's continued interest in serving the homeless population through the Family Promise Network.

Give God the Glory,

Buddy

Family Promise . . .

So far we have had an uneventful week. Uneventful from the coordinators point of view that is. For the families involved in this process/program it has to viewed as an adventure. The rooms that they call home will be classrooms tonight and then later their home again. The dining room will become cluttered with many people looking for their classrooms for this evenings bible study. I am sure its difficult for them, however, they are not by the river or in some alley. In fact they are in God's house, a place where we attempt to create a safe haven of rest for them.
We have had two different small groups provide evening meals, both smelled and looked wonderful. Thank you to the Cowans' group and to Dr. Glen's group for a job well done. Sheila and Jennifer have done a great job, my thanks to them.

We have three familes and a total of ten people. 5 Children and 5 adults. One family just entereed the program yesterday. Pray for all of these individuals. Pray for them to find jobs, housing and that they will find or remain faithful during this struggle that they are in.


Buddy

Family Promise Rotation # 4

It always seems like yesterday we were delviering the beds to the next congregation and then here the beds are being delivered again. Here is how it really happens . . . Two weeks out from when our new guests arrive I notify our food and overnight coordinators that FP is coming. They start recruiting so that we will have all our bases covered. One week out I always wonder if it will be covered. Then it happens, everything fills up and we wait for people to show up. I am always excited for each rotation to occur. Pray for the seven individuals coming our way. Pray that we will be a blessing to them. May Christ be seen in us.

Buddy

Sister Holly. . . .

The greatest gift God gives is eternal life. Ranking next to that is how He lets His followers to work in that process. What an awesome blessing it is to be a part of the birth of a "new" Christian. Holly has been seeking God for a long time and has lifted up many of her families struggles to God in the past few years. Last during our opening prayer time she requested a prayer for her bosses' wife who has been stricken with and aneurysm. She asked after services why she (Holly) was not addressed as Sister Holly. The discussion that ensued ended up with her wanting to become a sister in the faith by putting on Jesus in Baptism. Praise God!

Welcome to the family Sister Holly!

Buddy

Change for China

Martin and Marcus Rodriguez brought the word of God in tandem this past Sunday at Davis Park. These young men are on fire for God and spreading His message in multiple languages. Just 3 years ago they left Californinia to "go and teach" in China. Even when their Chinese skills were limited God's word convicted people of their sin and many come to know Jesus as their savior.
Their work continues, as they spend time in language school learning more and more about China and the language of the people there.
The message was insightful and direct to us in the American Church. The China Team is approaching evangelism through the use of stories. Each person is changed when they come in contact with Christ and must decide how He will impact their life. Will Jesus be your savior or your judge? The new Christians in China are taught that it is OK to tell your conversion story. They are taught that the conversion story will be upsetting to some and hurtful to others. However, no matter how someone reacts to the story, you still tell the story. Martin's comment, If it means going to jail for telling the Christ story, thats OK, because God wants His story told. Arrested for the gospel means only one thing. Prison Ministry!
Here is some information regarding telling your story. Learn to tell the story of how your life is different because Christ has become a part.

Remember when God came to you in your deepest need and reconciled you to Himself. Forgiveness and Salvation were given to you, this message that changed you, will still change the world. God calls you to bear witness about Christ in everything you do so that the truth of the Gospel of Christ may go out to the rest of the world.

What should my story include?

Gratitude to God for His ability to reach you.

A brief bio sketch about yourself.

Talk about how you bumped into God or how he bumped into you.

Learn meaningful scripture to include in your story.

Talking about what it felt like when you realized you were saved.

Make a brief statement of belief.

Remind people that God helps people survive the problems of this world.

Thank you God for changing my life and allowing me to have Christ in my story.


Buddy

This Week. . .

So far we have no activity in our as on-call chaplain this week. One of the items brought to light by being on call is how active our police are in keeping us safe. This aint Mayberry, Andy and Barney would not be able to keep up in Modesto. My hats off to all the officers everywhere who are "just doing their jobs". Even though doing the jobs may at some point put them in danger, they still do it. In our city calls are qued up and waiting for the officers to work them. Higher priority calls when safety and welfare at risk are pushed to the top of the list. A lot of good men doing good work for all of us.

Family Promise is coming up! Don't wait make sure you have signed up for a night at the church as a host or come and enjoy a meal and an evening with our guests.

Phillips, Craig and Dean were at Big Valley last night. These guys lift their voices up to the heavens and praise God. Many of their songs touch your heart. BTW, this group did not hurt my old ears. It was also good to hear the sweet sounds of Texas dialect. Two of the group members are from the Great State of Texas. Amen.

Highlight of the week this week. Covers Apple Ranch. I went with Matthew's Kindergarten class to the apple ranch. Matthew loved the train ride. Matthew's comment, this was not like a regular day at school.

make a differernce for God today,

Buddy

Local Ministry is Community Response . . .

Sorry for the dry spell in posting to the blog. I may have had blogger block. Last Saturday I was allowed to lead a celebration of life for a dear friend. I have only known Rubye Long for 6 years, butn in that time she became very dear to me. She was a Christian wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grand mother. Her family will miss. The Ladies who meet on Thursdays will miss her too.

I am presently on call with MPD. Pray for peace in the city. Pray that if peace is disrupted I can bring God's light to it.

Coming to a church near you. Family Promise is going to be here Oct. 8. What a great time we will have with the families that arrive.

Congrats to Leonard Higginbotham. He earned a promotion at work. County Probation has a new Christian Supervisor. Praise God!!!!!!!

The tropics have been quiet, what a blessing for the Coast(Gulf) to have a year to rebuild.

A lot of scattered thoughts. Keep working for God.

This week in my Sunday class we will talk about listening. I know I can improve my listening skills.

Family Response . . . Wedding in Central TX

I spent the better part of last week in central Texas with my sister and her family for the wedding of my niece. The wedding was different than most weddings that I officiate. Usually, when I perform a ceremony it is in a Christian context. Sadly, my sister and her family are only nominal Christians. It hurts to think about it or talk about it very much, so I pray about it, that is their relationship with God.
I was raised in a non-Christian home, one very committed to alcohol and its ability to numb the senses. Watching the events of the wedding unfold reminded me of why I worked so hard to not follow in the footsteps of my father in regards to drinking. Helping the newly married groom to a sofa to pass out on, reminded me of carrying my father to bed when he had too much to drink. Driving the bride and groom reminded me of doing the same for my father, once I learned to drive at 12 years old.
I love my sister and her family. If they read this post I want them to know how dear they are to me. However, I am forever grateful for God and Jesus taking me away from the drinking and all the ill affects it has on one's life.

9-11 remembered

I remember answering the phone and Kareena Campell telling me that I would not be taking Mike to the airport for his family's trip to Argentina. I was stunned to see the building on fire when I turned on the TV. Katie(Couric) was already miles away broadcast from a safe vantage point. I still get quite emotional when thinking of that day. I was so ill prepared. I was naive, I did not realize the radical islamists really wanted me and you dead. No matter what anybody says thats the fact. But thats not the point of this blog.
I look back and remember how we responded and how we have responded since that day. We responded with prayer and lament. We put on resolve to make the best of this moment in history. We preached Jesus and a peace that passes understanding. That was all we could do.
Since then we formed our response team. It was birthed in the ashes and in the wake of 911. The Red Cross called for chaplains and people to be ready to go to "ground zero's" of the future. We have trained to provide shelters, we have had WMD training, we have many other types of training so that we could respond to emergencies of all types. Our team wants to take Jesus to people affected by disaster, natural or otherwise.
911 remembered. . . tears on my cheeks . . . hands raised. . . looking up to God . . . Lord come quickly!

American Diabetes Association . . .

The smell of coffee in the morning . . . this morning Leonard Higginbotham and I got up at 2:30 and started working around 3:00 a.m. to prepare 800 cups of coffee for the ADA Walk around the Capitol Building in Sacramento. 32 gallons of coffee is a lot of coffee, coffee time is over just before lunch, so the prep time is compressed. We were able to keep up with demand. Lots of happy coffe drinking consumers. It was a beautiful lcation on the North side of the capitol. Only glitch was the sprinklers going off near us for 20 minutes. We meet a lot of people and spread a lot of Good News today.
This is the longest road trip in the ERV so far. Thanks to Kevin, Randy and George Woodward, the ERV is a vehicle to be proud of!

Buddy

Today's Response... A Single Mother

Divorce is the #1 cause of poverty in my opinion. Every year I meet women who struggle with trying to make ends meet after their men have left with all the money and most of the woman's dignity. Today I met "M" for the first time. The rent is due, she owes for utilities there is little food in the cupboard. The car insurance is due, she has meds that need to be filled. Mostly she feels hopeless, hostile towards her man and cannot see a way out. She knows Jesus but has taken much time to talk to Him lately. Her biggest question is, why? Why did God let this happen? Why did it have to happen now?
We listed things she has to be thankful for. 2 Children who love her more than anything in this world. A job as a secretary with the state of CA. A car that runs. Tuition paid at college this semester. All of these are positive. Everything is not bad. Afterall, she knows Jesus. Today we talked to Him for her. We asked Him to comfort her, help her and for Him to be with her. Tomorrow, she is coming back for some more conversation. Pray for her right now, she needs to feel loved. Pray that we can help her in ameaningful way tomorrow.

Buddy

Response Team Update. . .

I have just started a new class on Sunday Morning, titled, Uncomfortable Ministry for an Uncommon God. Here is a blurb about the class and the lesson titles :

God has called us to be His hands in this world during times of crisis and struggle. Most of us feel uncomfortable or ill-trained to serve others during these times. This class will provide information and skills training to equip Christians to serve family and friends during times of struggle and Crisis.

Lesson 1
Practical Needs Ministry part 1

Lesson 2
Practical Needs Ministry part 2

Lesson 3
Essentials of Visiting part 2

Lesson 4
Essentials of Visiting part 2

Lesson 5
Learning to Listen Better part 1

Lesson 6
Learning to be a Better Listener part 2

Lesson 7
Providing Emotional First Aid

Lesson 8
Ministry in Times of Crisis

Lesson 9
Ministry in Times of Grief part 1

Lesson 10
Ministry in Times of Grief part 2
Lesson 11
Ministry When Cancer Strikes part 1

Lesson 12
Ministry When Cancer Strikes part 2

I am excited about this class. Please attend if you can. The class will be placed on the Davis Park Church of Christ website. Amazing my class will be podcast on the www.

This Saturday the ERV and I are going to the Capitol Plaza Area of Sacramento where we will dispense coffee for the 800 plus walkers for the American Diabetes Association annual event. Should be a lot of fun.

More News later. . . .

Buddy

Labor Day Weekend . . . Thoughts about the past few Labor Days

This marks the first labor day in three years that I have been at home. The last two years have been spent in wind torn and water battered areas near the Gulf of Mexico. The summer of 2004 trip to the GOM was interesting in a lot of ways because it was the first Red Cross deployment for me. It was also interesting because I ended up being in close proximity to several storms. Never in any real danger, but the storms were lurking around and causing chaos for us. Flexibility and patience were the lessons from these storms.
After developing relationships with people on a route, it was certainly hard to evacuate and leave them behind, many had run three times previously and were not going anywhere for the fourth storm of the season. They did not have any "run" left in them. It was strange staying 35 miles away from ground zero of the "Charlie" strike. It became much like a morning commute, see the same cars and drivers at gas stations, stoplights and fast food restauraunts. The transition when I came home was difficult, it seemed surreal that we did not have blue roofs and piles of debis on our streets.
Last year I left for Louisana on the 27th of August. After a few days on the road I ended up in Baton Rouge, LA. We arrived after Katrina, amid a population that for the most part was still in shock from the storm. We, too were in shock at the unusual events that were taking place. American citizens trapped by water on roof tops, trapped in shelters of last resorts, trapped in relatives houses because their houses were gone. Part of the shock was the lack of accomadations. Only by the grace of God had I purchased a sleeping bag and a tent at a Walmart along the way. Additionally I had purchased a good quality air mattress. The tent became my home for over a month, part of the time in Bogalusa and part of the time in Slidell. If you had told me I would live in a tent when I was 49 years old, I would not have believed it. Fuel Trucks and food trucks had armed escorts. People in Bogalusa were hungry when we brought the first meal and subsequent meals to them. People responded well to the Red Cross and when we went to Slidell they responded to the Real Cross. Exciting times to be a minister of the church and a soldier for Jesus. Well my son Matthew wants to go swimming this afternoon, I need to spend time with him and Krista. I know I value them more because I have met people who lost wives and children in the storms of life. Pray for those who were hit by the storms of life and pray for those who responded to them.

Buddy

Katrina,May She soon Rest in Peace

C
Vaults in the streets, Group with a homeowner

Life's possession's after the storm, A Home now floating in canal.

I am still working through the grieving process from Katrina. I will forever be changed by experiencing the devastation of the storm, and the personal devastation of so many lives. Spending time with homeowners, while we slammed sledge hammers into there once pristine walls, or as we carried load after load of possesions out to the street. Spending time with good people and fellow christians from all over North America and beyond will never be forgotten. I pray that we continue to do this great work of Disaster Relief. What a moment to let someone see Jesus!

Back to School Bash

School does not start till you have had your Bash. Well, we have had our "Bash". The 3 bounce houses and the 2 interactive games went almost non-stop for three hours as did the feeding line. We served over 350 meals and served up over 100 gallons of lemonade. The event was a great success. The new addition this year was an information booth promoting Mike's new sermon series, "Final Destination". Additionally the info booth handed out info packets with info on the Davis Park Church of Christ and the ministries we serve the community with.
The joust is always fun to watch as fathers and sons square off with the extra-large que-tips to demonstrate their affection for one another. Many of our teen boys demonstrated affection for one another as they swung the jousting sticks at one another. Several members of the local community came by for the fun and games.
These events take a lot of manpower to make sure it all happens as it is supposed to happen. I want to thank all of you who took time out to volunteer for the event. It was all of you who made it a great success. If I named the volunteers I know I would miss one. You know who you are. Thanks a million.

Thanks for making a difference,

Buddy

Ernesto is on Track for US coast

It will be real hard for this storm to miss the US. Pray for weather to not be favorable for intensification. For those in the Central Coast of Gulf Region, please begin preparations as soon as possible.