The Back Packs are Here!

I've already handed out over 200... and that great big stack of boxes still occupies the corner of my office. You're invited to get a free backpack, fill it with everything you think you'd like if you were homeless and return it for Jackets for Jesus Christmas Party on the streets of LA, Sunday night, December 21, 2008. As in everything we do: You're Invited! If you've never been to skidrow- it's a great first night to go. Call me for info... or backpacks!

blessings,

Eric

Thanksgiving Update

2,850 dinners served on Thanksgiving Day. Over 500 volunteers. One ton of potatoes peeled in just 28 minutes. 2,231 dinners prepared in 58 minutes.

One amazing day for God.

He's too good.

thanks so much

If You've Volunteered to Cook a Turkey... God Bless You!

Volunteers have been bringing in roasted turkeys all day long... and Thanksgiving is still a few days off. My last blog was all "turkey talk." Here's more of the same. A video recipe that claims to get a 24 pound turkey cooked in just 2 hours! I'm giving it a try. Why not spend $10- bucks, buy a 20+ pound turkey and try it yourself? Cheap fun, you can impress your friends and when it's golden brown- do a good thing and donate it towards our Thanksgiving dinner.

just a few days off and I can't wait!

many blessings,

Eric

Incredible Turkey Recipes - Simple and Complex

What your turkey could look like... without the ribbon



That's the link to the LA Times hot tip for your Thanksgiving turkey. They give 4 options- 4 results -tastes tests and some really simple how to do it yourself instructions- click this link to their article. Give it a try on one of your turkey's this year. Everyone should cook more than one... one for your own household and however many you can cook to give away. We need them at Central Community for our 21st Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Cook a couple for us! We'll be feeding well over 2,000 people this year.

Mom's recipe- or at least one of her simple turkey recipe's -is foolproof and puts out a great bird for the table every time. You can find it here at one of my blogs from last Thanksgiving.

Only one thing better than waking up to the smell of roasting turkey on Thanksgiving morning- taking some time out of our day to serve the less fortunate -who might be alone or hungry without our help. Get involved this Thanksgiving. Volunteer at your local church, food bank, whoever's helping out.

If you living in Southern California, share Thanksgiving with us at Central Community- volunteer -cook a turkey -come eat with friends... whatever works best for you. You're invited. We don't want anyone to be alone or hungry this Thanksgiving.

Know that I'm thankful for you,

many blessings,

Eric

moderation

we are what we eat... ouch!

From a list on MSN this morning covering the "worst drinks in America" this calorie vault from 31 flavors: the large Heath Bar Shake. Check out the stats:

1. The Worst Drink in America

Baskin-Robbins Large Heath Bar Shake

2,310 calories
108 g fat (64 g saturated)
266 g

I've been trying to lose a few pounds. Think I'll listen in to the good doctor's advice on this one and remember "moderation in all things."

blessings...

We're #1

one of many empty homes in 92508

92508, our zip code. We rarely hear about our enclave on a hill outside of Riverside, California. We've lived here 16 years- watched orange groves come down -gas stations, shopping centers, department stores, fast food and dozens of other little businesses spring up like wildflowers in a field with the changing of the seasons.

We've enjoyed watching the value of our home rise over the last decade. It's been fun living in the heart of a neighborhood that became "the" community to live in if you wanted good schools, safe streets, great parks, etc... We've loved Orangecrest.

Last night- while working in the kitchen -national news on in the background, I heard Brian Williams on NBC talking about 92508... our zip code... the Orangecrest neighborhood of Riverside, CA USA. According to NBC we've earned the distinction on the most repossessions of any zip code in the nation. Tried to confirm it online this morning but found no other details. Just the same- there they were -interviewing homeowners and those losing their homes, in my neighborhood- on national news.

Better than a plane crash or natural disaster- but I'm not losing my home... yet! 1 in every 5 homes in our little zip code- well little by California standards -is currently being surrendered to the bank. We've watched friends pack up and leave in the middle of the night. We also have friends who've bought the home of their dreams at rockbottom prices. The real estate crash is a mixed blessing. Just one year ago we were equity rich beyond our wildest dreams... while our adult children had no hope of ever owning a home. Today? Our 24 year old son is getting ready to buy a house at the lowest prices in over 20 years- maybe more.

When we lived in rural Indiana, in years when the crop yield was particularly good and farmers were getting rich on high prices- some wise old farmer would always point out that "if it's good for us now, that just means someone else is losing their farm somewhere."

Today- we're #1 -hopefully in these difficult financial times we all learn to lift each other up, build community, help our neighbors who are hurting, (it could be us), and love The Lord. He's with us through it all. He's #1

many blessings,

Eric

If I Was In Charge of Our Pension Plan

I have a small pension through the Pension Plan of the church of God, Anderson, Indiana. The people of Central Community have done their best over the years to give to it as the church was able. Debi and I don't have any plans for retiring... but I've learned from my friends that age and retirement comes upon us whether we plan for it or not... so we're thankful.

Our retirement is in the "aggressive" portion of the portfollio... just couldn't stand to be anything less than aggressive :-) It's cost me big time. Out about 30% or more of our investment in the last month alone. That's nothing compared to lost equity in the house! I've always struggled with the church participating in general mutual funds... the folks at the pension board have heard... or at least listened to my complaints as pastor's pensions were invested in tobacco, alcohol and abortion funds... that doesn't even begin to mention the military/industrial complex. There are plenty of really good socially and morally motivated and directed mutual funds- we're not serious participants and they haven't been broadcasted.

Sad.

But that's just one guys opinion. Industry needs investment and if the church feels good sharing a bed with these guys... more power to them.

If I was in charge of our pension plan? This week I'd invest everything in Ford and General Motors. Not just because they're trading at all time lows. Definitely not because I'm a huge supporter of the auto/oil industry or that I even drive a Ford or GM vehicle, though I have owned both. I'd do it now because I believe in the American worker. These two company's employ almost 400,000 US workers between them and countless other industries around the world depend on them. If I'm going to lose my retirement... and I get to choose- call me old fashioned, but I choose going out with working men and women.

The people leading our auto industry haven't always led the pack... but I believe the right people will rise to the top and the best decisions will be made. Lord only knows what GM and Ford may be producing a century from today- rapid transit?, smog free, oil free vehicles...? jet packs?! You go George Jetson! Wouldn't it be fun to be a participant in a worker based industry that keeps the world moving?

Just my morning thoughts on todays economy. Hope your retirement- more importantly, your eternity, is safe and in His Hands today. To all of you who served: Thanks So Much. Think of you all often as I visit Mom's grave at Riverside National Cemetary. Happy Veteran's Day.

many blessings,

Eric

The Optimist Creed

from a friend in my email yesterday... I Believe It!

Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something special in them. Look at the sunny side of everything. Think only of the best, work only for the best and expect only the best. Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give everyone a smile. Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Be too big for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble. Christian D. Larsen

Buckets of Love... and Thanksgiving

21 Years of Free Thanksgiving Dinners at Central Community. Each year we go through hundreds of turkeys, thousands of potatoes, hundreds of pies and more love than could be measured on the Richter scale as we serve thousands of turkey dinners- with all the trimmings -to all those in need in our community. It's an incredibly expensive endeavor and we could never do it without the loving and generous support of the people of Central Community. They're amazing. Along with their friends and family's, they peel a ton of potatoes, cook a couple hundred turkeys and work non-stop for as long as a week making sure everything is just perfect. Whether it's taking a reservation or delivering a dinner to someone who would otherwise be home and alone... it somehow all gets done... it's amazing... our very own opportunity to share in the miracle of giving thanks. God is too Good.

Love Buckets! That's a picture of one. Our staff put them together to hand out at this weekend's services. People will take them home- set them on their kitchen table, a dresser, atop the TV, and each day they'll dump their change in the slot. Sunday, November 23, we'll collect them- bust 'em open -have a crew of people count the change and use it to pay for everything that's not donated for the dinner. This year we plan on feeding at least 2,500 people. We'll need $5,000- to make sure the job gets done. It'll happen- one little love bucket at a time.

Jesus fed thousands by multiplying just a few fish and a little bread in a kid's lunch bucket. We want to do the same. In fact Jesus promised that we'd do even "greater works than these..." Kind of hard to imagine. But we're entering another November, another season of Thanksgiving, in faith believing. Our first Thanksgiving dinner together at Central Community- Thanksgiving Day, 21 years ago -we prepared to feed 200: cooked the food, set the tables... and no one came.

We shared Thanksgiving dinner together- then tried to find something to do with all that food! A home for battered women... filled with nearly 200 taking shelter at the holidays... welcomed it in joy... they'd prepared nothing. Jesus used our first Thanksgiving Day Dinner to remind us that someones always waiting to be loved... if we're just willing to not only open our eyes to the heartbreak around us but to open our lives and share in Thanksgiving. In 2008, we plan on doing it by the bucket full!

What are you doing with your "buckets of love" this Thanksgiving? God's been so very good to us... a struggling economy can't take His Grace, Mercy, Healing... his invitation to share in Thanksgiving, away.

You're invited to Thanksgiving with us. If you're not able to make it out- we even deliver -we don't want you to be alone or hungry on Thanksgiving. And if you're like me- and God's blessed you by the bucket full -you're invited to fill up a love bucket to help share the Thanksgiving expense. Or maybe you know someone who can donate pies, turkeys, fruit... don't let this miracle season slip away without taking note, without getting involved. God created us to be a blessing. It's what our hearts yearn for in the darkness. We can fill this Thanksgiving with buckets of love.

many blessings,

Eric

a genuine heartbreaker

some rumors... you just hope are true :-)


guess I'm still buying lunch today!

it's my new favorite picture because...

Abbie and Vanessa

Every Wednesday afternoon, almost without fail, I have the opportunity to take a pretty wonderful group of people to Siempre Para Los Ninos, our children's home in Tijuana, Mexico. The first thing I do is hand off my camera to one of the kids to take photos for my email updates. Kid's use to fight over the camera... now, not so much. Some weeks pleading is required to get someone, anyone, to assume the responsibility.

I don't blame them. I can't stand looking at my one afternoon a week at Siempre through a viewfinder instead of out on a bike ride with the kids or just hanging out. Some weeks, dozens and dozens of photos are snapped- I'll use 3 or 4 -the rest stay in exile on my hard drive. Each week, it seems that a new photo captures my heart - usually because it captures the very best of Siempre. This photo definitely fits that category.

Life isn't always pretty... it's a hard lesson every child abandoned into the loving arms of Siempre was forced to learn the hard way... watching a family, friend, a stranger... walk away after signing them into our care, for the rest of their lives. Life can hurt. Every child at Siempre knows this as well. There's not a child on the planet who, having been abandoned- for whatever reason -by their biological family, doesn't lie down at night with dreams of reconciliation, of a fantastic return, of some sign that they really were loved and cared for...

Hope! That's why I love this photo. Hope, through times of hardship and heartbreak, somehow, miraculously, God restores Hope. He's too good... He's God. This snapshot of a fleeting hug between girls born thousands of miles apart- totally different tragedies -today, loving one another like sisters is one small part of the miracle God invites us to share when it seems that life has slipped away and there's very little left to live for... hold on! Hope- just like Abbie and Vanessa have found -is waiting.

"God's not slow in keeping His promise, He's patient..." Wait on God. He always delivers. Hope, restored, is His specialty. He did it for Abbie and Vanessa. He can do it for you. Don't give up. Hold out for REAL Hope in Him. It's on the way.

That's why I love this picture. Besides, aren't they great looking kids?

many blessings for new hope in our lives today,

Eric

a "banner" year

me... again.

I've never been overly comfortable with photos of myself. We've rarely used them in our outreach materials and each time we have- it's a battle for me. Vanity...

That version of our logo goes up on a new banner this week in front of Central Community. The sign's 16'x4', I occupy about 3 feet of it and I'm hidden behind the churches name... even still... it's hard to adjust to. I'd make a lousy movie star- all those glossy 8"x10"s to autograph. So many people looking at your face!

"You're Invited!" is pretty much all the banner says: church name, service times, phone # and web address. Our vital statistics for anyone who might be searching for a church- a welcome mat to the thousands who drive by each day -"You're Invited!" On each side there'll be a banner for our upcoming craft fair, (October 25th, you're invited to that as well!), hopefully this will be the beginning of a "banner" year.

I'd like to learn to effectively use our corner to reach out to everyone who passes by. When you see the banners, let me know what you think. And if you never get to Riverside, You're Invited to listen in through our podcast or at our website, my pictures there as well... don't let it hinder you :-) Just remember: You're Invited!

H.A.L.T. something to consider

"It is "unthinkable" that legislation would not pass by end of week, White House says."


The Last Judgement... not for the American way of life... but reading/watching the news these days one would think Michelangelo's great work had jumped out of the Sistine Chapel and now cruises Wall St. stalking our banking system... waiting for a wrong... or even worse, a delayed decision.

Big expenditures- from buying a house, car or boat -it's hard to find a financial adviser who doesn't recommend taking your time, checking out all the options, looking for the best deal and talking it over with your family as you evaluate how hard it's going to hit the pocketbook versus a positive return. Interestingly enough, many nationally known financial guru's seem to ignore their own advice when it comes to the current crisis. Don't need to name names- you've probably read and seen them on TV just like I have as they talk up a plan, not even a week in the making that will be one of the largest financial expenditures in the history of humanity. A little bigger than a new home, car or boat.

The entire situation's reminded me of a simple lesson my old friend Ed Jones, Colonel in the USAF, retired... now with The Lord... as a member of our Pastor Management Team - when things would get tough - not uncommon occurrence in a church - he'd ask us to take a deep breath before making a big decision, to pray about it and tell the little story of the acrostic that helped keep his decision making balanced: H.A.L.T.

WWII, Korea and Vietnam- and a collection of other military actions -from props, to jets, to squadrons of B-52's, Ed had been in more tough spots than most of us will ever imagine. Even still, I can still hear him counsel me, as we struggled to meet Central Community's humble financial needs or stretched to do all we believed God created us to do... to H.A.L.T.

Never make a big decision when you're:

Hungry
Angry
Lonely
Tired

I've tried to remember these simple words. Too often I've failed to heed them and it's usually cost me. I miss Ed. He was one of the many people God's placed in my path to build, enrich and encourage me... he was a trusted adviser, great friend and brother in Christ. His witness speaks to me still. In his 60's, retired after serving his country for a lifetime with great distinction, he'd left God out. On the golf course one day he felt a strong urge, as if he'd heard a voice, to "come home." He left the course immediately- never one to disobey and order -went into the house to check on Jesse, his wife. "Every thing's fine here. Don't know what's bothering you." Doubt, an uncommon and unwanted guest in his mind, filled him with dread. The words of a buddy in arms from WWII came back to him: "When in doubt, read Philippians." Digging through old mementos until he found his unopened new testament, he read straight through Paul's little note with the BIG MESSAGE to the church. Strangely moved, walking into the kitchen, he said: "We're going to find us a church home!"

Breaking into a smile, hugging him gently, Jesse praised God. Years of prayers were suddenly answered. Then the phone rang. Picking it up, responding in joy, Ed said: "We'll be there this Sunday!" Central Community was in the middle of calling tens of thousands of residents of our community inviting them to check us out. Ed and Jesse did. Ed led many of our ministries for years, stood by his pastor through thick and thin and on the day he died was surrounded by the men of the church. His funeral was in our sanctuary and afterward the large crowd walked into our park for the well deserved honor guard and air force fly over.

I miss him still.

After Ed received Christ he longed to be baptized. We baptise by full immersion: pool in front of the church, family gathered round, hand on Ed's shoulder, I asked if there was anything he'd like to say before he went beneath the water. He thanked God for his family, for a call home, for a phone call from the church... and then he said something I'll never forget... as I held that old warrior in my arms the last words he said as he went beneath the water were: "I never want to hurt another living thing as long as I live."

Ed had seen horrible things. He'd led squadrons of B-52's as they carpet bombed villages filled with people. He was following orders... but he couldn't get it out of his mind... he'd told me so much... now it was ready to leave it with The Lord. God is too good.

Ed was far from perfect. He knew the consequences of spending a lifetime carrying the dark nightmares only a soldier knows. He was quick to encourage every man and woman in uniform, to thank them for their service... he knew the burden they carried. And he reminded me that no matter how great the crisis, it's a good idea to check ourselves before we pull the trigger on that life changing decision. Are we hungry, angry, lonely, tired? Wisdom might be far from us- better to wait -some decisions go with us to judgement day.

Watching TV, looking at all the tired faces of leaders so sure of themselves, can't help but wonder if they've had a friend like Ed... someone honest, wise and experienced enough to remind them to HALT before they jump off this cliff. Don't know what big decisions you're facing today but they very well might change the course of a thousand lives... a million possibilities... have you taken the time to eat, calm down, seek wise counsel from good friends... to rest? To HALT? If not, before you change the course of history, you might want to sleep on it. Judgement will wait. What's the rush?

blessings,

Eric

One Trillion Dollar Bailout

Would You Feed The World?


It's serious business. I'm curious,if you'd been in charge of fixing the financial mess- would you have bailed out the banks from the top down? If you're a US taxpayer- it's what we're in the process of doing.

One Trillion Dollars: one million, million- if they stretched dollars from your house into space- it'd reach the sun, if you started a business when Christ was born and lost a million dollars a day, you'd be in business for for another couple hundred years before you lost a trillion dollars... if you started counting to a trillion right now, as fast as you can, you'd still be counting in the year 32,000ad and you'd still not get to a trillion!

Over 1.2 million homes went into foreclosure in the US in 2007. Most experts believe another 1.7 million... possibly as high as 2 million will go into foreclosure in 2008. Spend one trillion dollars from the bottom up and the US taxpayer could have given every family facing the loss of their home a cool $500,000- to get their house in order. Imagine- 2 million Americans saved from losing their homes, able to pay their lender, settle with their credit card company, get a fresh start... and all that money... every penny of that same one trillion dollars would still have ended up in the hands of the bankers.

Too generous a bailout? Why not $50,000- to 20 million US families facing a financial crisis? That's still one trillion dollars. Talk about an infusion of cash into the economy!

Top down or bottom up? What works? What last? What steps apart from the political arena and steps into the crisis with care and compassion?

God reached out to heal our relationship with Him from the bottom up. Gave His Only Son, Jesus Christ, to live poor, abandoned and rejected... eventually crucified by the power brokers of His day... but the dispossessed, the sick, rejected, the working stiffs... followed Jesus. Because He worked from the bottom up, in love and sacrifice, His church is still healing around the world today. Not everyone believes in God or has placed their faith in Christ... but there's almost universal acceptance of His Love, His Life, His Lessons... it's hard to resist people who give completely from the bottom up.

Hurricane Ike devastated Galveston and much of the Texas coastline. Imagine for a second that you sent money to help out, only to discover that it went to a collection of wealthy leaders in Dallas... when you complained, you were told that your giving would "trickle down" and eventually reach those hurting on the coast... once everyone in Dallas had their house in order.

Sound crazy? Sort of like sending a trillion dollars to bankers in NY, hoping to save a family in Riverside?

Credit... it comes from the Latin, credos: it means belief... as in I believe in you- so I'll give you credit. (Wish I could find a link to the radio commentary I heard on this so I could give them the credit!) In church we're more familiar with the term as "creed." I believe our political leaders need our prayers for wisdom- now more than ever. We can also pray from the bottom up... remember, 2 million homes in foreclosure means 2 million families at the end of their hopes and dreams... so many of them live in our neighborhoods, attend Central Community. Please keep them in your prayers as well.

Me? I'm still trying to calculate the tithe on a trillion dollars!

blessings,

Eric

a shadow of talent

Trestles - 9-8-08 -Boostmobile Pro

It's happening out there in the ocean...really... we sat on the beach, like we do every year, when the world's greatest pro surfers come to "our" break... our son John and I hang out, dream of surfing like the stars and sit in the midst of the very, very best of surfing. I snapped this shot with my cell phone to remember the day.



Kelly Slater snaps all the way back.

John, sitting right next to me on the sand, took this insane photo of 8 time world champion Kelly Slater absolutely destroying lowers. Admittedly, he has a much, much nicer camera than my cell phone offers... he also has way more experience shooting live shots, surfing and otherwise... even still... my photo doesn't deserve to be on the same page.

This move, you don't have to be able to do it, (few can), or understand how difficult what's happening in a split second, (few do), to appreciate it's beauty. John's captured an artist at work in one of his finer moments on a very cool wave on a sunny southern California day... what more could you ask for?

Look closely at the heart of the photo. Waves come and go in a moment. Riding a wave's so unlike hitting a golf ball, running a race or most other sports. The wave, the rider, the moment... it's all so transitory... here for but a flash... gone as quickly as it came... impossible to predict exactly what might happen... so fleeting.

That's why I love the heart of this photo... a shadow of the moment. Even a wave, the rider on the wave, here today and gone today, for a moment, cast a shadow. A shadow on the water... in seconds the water changed, lighting changed, ride ended... nothing that was just seconds ago remained... and yet this photo captures the shadow of a surfer, of a life... a shadow of talent.

The writer of James said:
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

So much that is good in this life is brief: a day in the water, a great wave, time spent with your son... but every good and perfect gift is from above... unlike shadows on water... so brief an entity most would never notice... they're eternal: love, hope, joy, all gifts from God... all remain... as we remain in Him.

John's outgrown me as a surfer and as a photographer. Makes me proud. Sitting together on the sand made me miss so many mornings sitting together in the line up... this evening I realize some of that time may have just been a shadow... not to be missed but to reflect on in thanksgiving. God's given us something more lasting that we share- His call on our lives -the opportunity not to sit but to stand together for Him, our Father in Heaven, The One Who gives every good and perfect gift. He is not shifting, He's eternal in love, hope, peace and joy.

I took a random shot of the ocean with my phone- and remembered a good day together. John took time to focus, to catch a shadow of the talent of a great surfer and in the shadow... God spoke to me... a little focus... the right tools... The Gift of God... When we humble ourselves to the gifts of those around us, we have the opportunity to discover the wonder of His unchanging love for us as He speaks in His Still, Small Voice. Are you listening? Looking?

blessings,

Eric

You Can Do This!

I usually edit the walk through video's before posting them online. Add a little background music, cut out most of the garbage, put some cool titles at the beginning and end... think it helps me express my otherwise suppressed artistic "self." It's fun.

This little video clip was taken with my Nikon Coolpix digital camera in the movie mode. Just push a button or two and start walking and talking. When I connect to my computer- the movie- actually something called an AVI file -uploads right alongside my photos for the day... sound and all. It couldn't be easier or less complex.

Interestingly enough- people are usually very impressed with the video. Once edited, I normally upload them to my yahoo video page. Where I've got a couple dozen or more random videos from Siempre, Kenya and life.

You can do this. Whether you'd like to build a home for a missionary, take a simple video, learn to edit it, figure out how to post it online or even how to make a blog with the video as a lead in... You Can Do This. If I can - You can.

You're Invited! It's a thread that runs through all we do together in our ministry. If you're ready to do something new in your life- something worth sharing - or you'd just like to let people know what's already going on... something you'd like the whole world to read, watch or hear about... I can help. I can point you in the right direction... in fact... if you've been reading- you can do exactly what I did- just what I wrote about in this blog -and publish to a potential audience larger than most people can fathom. Or not. It's up to you.

Something real... I like the walk through videos because they show that at the end of our talk- when it seems that so much faith is beyond our understanding -a little good work leaves something real behind. Are you making an impact with your life today. You can. I can help.

blessings,

Eric

too much talking

Siempre's Boys dressed and ready for school - 9-1-08

Siempre Para Los Ninos - our children's home in Tijuana - one of my favorite spots on earth. A few of us spent Labor Day Weekend, laboring around the place, mostly sanding and painting in our new mission's house at Samaritan House @ Siempre Para Los Ninos. This morning, Monday, September 1, 2008, Theresa woke up early and started cooking her final meal of the weekend for the kids before they headed off to school. I snapped this photo with my phone just before the boys walked off with Brenda and Bianka guarding over them. After a great long weekend together- couldn't have felt better about our work in Mexico -what's gone on in the past, what's yet to come in the future and especially what's happening right now. God's incredibly good.

Jumped online this evening and cruised through the sites I track on a daily basis when home. So much of it seemed trivial in light of housing kids so recently abandoned into our care. We'd slept in the new building- in sleeping bags on air mattresses -dreaming about the day Samaritan House is packed every night with groups from across the country and around the world sharing the hope and vision of Siempre. Our time in TJ wonderfully renewed my perspective yet dampened my enthusiasm for the bloggers I follow. Writers were putting their theology into posts and comments with long threads of online arguments... not what they'd call them... but it's what they are.

Don't want to minimize the depth of their concerns or come off as prideful, arrogant or condescending... I mean... truth be told, each debate sucks me in and I want to respond and put in my .02 cents... sometimes I do. This evening, wasn't nearly as tempted to enter the fray- reading their Jack Handy like "Deep Thoughts," I wanted to say: "Wish you could have been with us last weekend." "Wish you could have had breakfast with Siempre's kids."

So very thankful I had the opportunity to be there- no computer -cell phone off -working at something that feels so real... if you ever feel like there's just too much talking going on, you're invited to share the miracle at Siempre. Every visit's a gift from God.

blessings,

Eric

a night with my siblings

My sister said the best part of last night was looking over and seeing her brothers and their wives enjoying the night together... this morning... it's the most important statement I take away from our evening with John McCain, Barack Obama and Pastor Rick Warren at Saddleback's Civil Forum.

We're not together, all of us in one place, all that often. Incredibly appropriate that we were when a preacher, one we all respect and love, invited a couple of politicians to share their views on some of the tough topics of today. It's how we were raised... Kat pointedly reminded me of that as we left the church. Even still, listening to her lecture me, inwardly I was smiling... thinking how proud I am to have such a fantastic "little" sister. Such an amazing brother-in-law in Dan. The evening didn't challenge my politics or sway my vote... but it did remind me that we've been blessed with the gift of family. Thanks Kat and Dan.

Tolerating older brothers... and we're a trio who often require a great deal of love... must be a special gift God gives little sisters. I use to look at my Aunt Lois with such love- I can barely write about her because I've missed her since the day she died... almost 20 years ago. She had all these older brothers. My dad was one of them. She was the baby. Uncle Meredith and Aunt Lois raised a wonderful family, discovered great success, shared a beautiful love for each other and were fantastic on the social scene. They would have loved being at Saddleback's Social Forum. Only thing that would have made it better for them would have been if Dad, Mark, Glenn and John could have been there as well, as their guests, enjoying the moment in the limelight... fighting over politics... united in Christ.

I really didn't learn anything new last night... not about the candidates- but it was very cool to see and hear them in person -not about Saddleback or Pastor Rick, I still stand in awe of all they've accomplished and all they continue to do in His service -not even about my sister, she's loved and tolerated me... all three of us her entire life... God is too good.

Last night I was reminded of how very blessed we've been to have a little sister. How blessed I've been to have a great friendship with her. I realized it's what I liked so much about dad and Aunt Lois... they were so very close. Kat and me, well, we couldn't have asked for any better. Danny and Timmy have been just the older brothers we needed. Last night- we were all together -and it was good. Kat's friend was right... it was "just a little like Heaven." Made me think of one of the angels in our family- Aunt Lois -this morning, can't get her off my mind.

Don't know how long it's been since you've spent an evening with your siblings. Don't know if it requires "America's most powerful religious leader" (Rick Warren, according to Time Mag) and the two people fighting to hold the title of President of The United States of America, to get you and your siblings together... that's what it took for us... that and a loving little sister. (Mom use to be able to do it with just a birthday cake!) Whatever it takes- I suggest you do it. The four of us have lived through a bunch of presidents and we'll probably survive whoever's elected this time... can't imagine having lived a day of my life without each of my siblings in it. Last night was a great reminder.

Just a little like Heaven after all...

blessings,

Eric


Thanks Guys

You're Invited! Samaritan House @ Siempre Para Los Ninos

Samaritan House Walk Through 8-6-08 @ Yahoo! Video

Wednesday afternoon we'd been hanging out with Siempre's kids when I suddenly remembered my camera was still in my pocket! No photos! I quickly handed it off to the children and asked them to take a few quick shots. When they were done, I asked Pastor Israel to walk me through our newest building, our newest ministry - Samaritan House @ Siempre Para Los Ninos. What a blessing.

The video's nothing special... but the images... your work... your investment... your gift to a community in poverty, the children of Siempre, the church and so many others waiting to serve. Thanks so much. Some day our new missionary will live in the missions house 3-4 days a week and travel the rest of the week in the US telling the story of Siempre -inviting people to come and serve at Samaritan House @ Siempre.

Until then... it's still me doing the inviting... Debi and I are going down Labor Day weekend. No big hotels, big plans or big expenses... just work. We'll stay in Samaritan House- bring sleeping bags and blow up mattresses to set on the ground. We'll wrap up the last days of summer the same way we opened our summer- working at Samaritan House. In the evening we'll head out to Rosarito for dinner- we might even bbq. We plan on having fun! We plan on serving Him.

Best part of the whole deal? You're Invited!

Watch the video- the song is Healer, by Hillsong. Then email me- or call -we'd love to close out the summer with you.

blessings,

Eric

He Gets the Job Done

Ken, getting down to business

We make a good team. Ken and I started serving together when we were 30 something... the TV show "30 Something" was still on the air. Our kids were young and the work at Central Community was just getting started. We worked hard through our 40's - the entire decade -now, entering the middle years of our 50's, Ken's got a birthday coming up... but I'll still be older... we're still pushing. Our work in Kenya barely began until we were 50. Our kid's aren't "kids" anymore- they're all grown up. Ken and his wife Trish, (who's got a birthday also), are grandparents. Not many pastor's... not many people... are blessed as richly in their careers as we've been. God's been too good to us- we still enjoy working together and I think Ken would agree, we make a good team.

A leader in his own right- I've never... and I mean never -seen Ken get bent out of shape because he didn't get the attention he deserved, the raise or the pat on the back... and Ken's deserved more attention, raises and pats on the back then he's received. He's not only preached when I've planned to be away- but stepped up when I've not been able to preach: whether it was the Palm Sunday I'd spent a week in the hospital or the Sunday after mom died... and everything in between... Ken's always stepped up to the plate. He's counseled, married, buried, visited more people than I could count, writing his ministry across countless lives in our work together. He's been there for my family in our times of crises... and we've had them... and when the big and little decisions of our work together have been made it's almost always been after a closed door meeting with Ken- seeking his advice and perspective. He tells "the truth in love" and after so many years has learned to anticipate our steps as well as spur us on to greater work.

He gets the job done.

Together... I don't think God wants us to build His church any other way. I'm thankful I've had the opportunity to share so much of our lives and ministry together with Ken and his family. If you've never taken the time to get to know Ken- you should -you won't be disappointed, I promise. Don't know what the next 16 years has in store- but I'm sure thankful for the last 16 working side by side with Ken.

Great leaders build great leaders. The group of people Ken's worked with in Mexico alone... building 17 homes, 14,000 sq ft in and around Siempre and the church at Siempre, rebuilding a burned out church while ministering to the pastor who'd lost his family- horribly burned to death in the church... hundreds have sweat and labored by his side- in total humility asking for nothing more than the opportunity to serve... just like Ken.

I'm not preaching this weekend- Ken is -you'll grow by sitting right up front and listening in, giving your whole heart. Ken knows what he's talking about. He's lived it. More importantly, He knows Jesus. I'm just proud to know him.

Have a great month Ken. Happy Birthday Trish and Ken! Thanks for everything.

blessings,

Eric


Pastor Ken... looking up on life

weep with those who weep...

God did incredible things at Central Community last Sunday morning... The Holy Spirit was moving up and down Arlington Ave! Below is a video clip of Pastor Greg Laurie's words Sunday concerning the death of his son Christopher. Please keep his family and the fellowship at Harvest in your prayers through these days.

Debi and I watched this together and shed tears, wept and prayed for the family. Let's remember: "This world is not our home."

Pastor Eric

we write with our lives

photo from www.Harvest.org


'Last Lecture' professor dies at 47

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (AP) -- Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist whose "last lecture" about facing terminal cancer became an Internet sensation and a best-selling book, has died. He was 47.

University spokeswoman Anne Watzman says Pausch died early Friday at his home in Virginia.

Pausch was diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer in September 2006. His popular last lecture at Carnegie Mellon in September 2007 garnered international attention and was viewed by millions on the Internet.

In it, Pausch celebrated living the life he had always dreamed of instead of concentrating on impending death.

The book "The Last Lecture, " written with Jeffrey Zaslow, topped best-seller lists after its publication in April.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.


I wrote about Randy Pausch and posted his famous video, here, early this year... today, he's gone. Thanks for your parting thoughts.

Most people don't get the opportunity to write a book, give a speech, say goodbye... Pastor Greg Laurie, of Harvest Christian Fellowship, the church I've pastored next to for over 20 years, lost his son to death- tragically, in an auto accident, Thursday, July 24, 2008. I'd never met him... I've learned more about him in the hours since I've learned of his death than in the 20 years we've been next to Harvest.

My loss.

His name was Christopher- he leaves behind a loving family, at home and in his church -because he was writing his book with his life every day. Read more about his life and pending funeral plans at www.Harvest.org. No "Last Lecture," as nice as that would have been for the world to capture insight into his heart, soul and dreams was necessary. We see his witness at work in the church and the world. He wrote with his life.

The beautiful and timely graphics that support the ministry of Harvest Christian Fellowship, Harvest Crusades as well as most of his dad's work- books, speaking, conferences, etc... were designed by Christopher. They remain on bumper stickers, book covers, program headings and in so many other places, known to his family... known to God, that tell a small part of his story... part that will be left behind for everyone to share, enjoy and remember him with.

Pastor's do funerals. I've presided over the burial of far too many children... held parents in my arms as they've had no choice but to trust God in their greatest trial... where else would we turn? Only God can speak to that darkness, that pain... Only God can restore hope when we're left with heart break.

My prayers this morning are for the family of Christopher Laurie... a man I never met... but one who left an impact on our work as we strived to be better than we could be... looking at the high quality graphic designs of Harvest- in their printed material -knowing we could be better. My prayers are for his brother, his mom and dad... I work with my children on staff and know the blessing and pride Pastor Greg must have felt as well. Today, can't begin to imagine the feeling of loss... the heartbreak... how he'll return to the office, the pulpit... plan for Harvest Crusades... God alone gives strength for these moments... comfort? It's probably a long way off.

Pastor Rick Warren writes in "The Purpose Driven Life" that we need to think more about death, not less... he's right. Everyone who loved and knew Christopher will think more about death for the rest of their lives: in each empty moment- in every time they would have turned to him- in the eyes of his children... in his art... his unknowing "Last Lecture" that remains.

But Christopher's not lost... He's Home. Hard as that is for those who love him- he's home. My prayer today should probably be for Randy Pausch, don't know much about his relationship with The Lord... just his love for life... pray that today He's Home as well.

Life comes at us faster than we're ready for... we write our "last lecture" with our lives- one day at a time. Hope you're writing a Masterpiece for Jesus in all you say and do today.

Keep the family and friends of Christopher Laurie in your prayers. So sad.

blessings,

Eric

Buy Your Dad- brother, son, Mom, sister... someone... a sweatshirt

I bought one of each - at $9.99 each, here, at the ESPN store online. Should have bought one from every school they had. Sadly, they didn't have the great university's I graduated from - Cal State Long Beach or Anderson School of Theology. But I know folks who're going to love the one's I bought. Do something nice today- buy someone a sweatshirt and give it to them for Christmas. Don't forget to look for the $5- off code at the top of the ESPN page while shopping.!

my kind of afternoon

Riding off with Pastor Israel and the boys of Siempre on our bikes

Tuesday afternoons I meet with staff and work in the office. Thursday afternoons I finish the weekend message. Wednesday afternoons I ride bikes with the kids of Siempre. That's my new favorite Siempre photo- I'm the wide body in the midst -digging every minute of it.

Take an afternoon- invite the neighbors -go ride a bike. It's my kind of afternoon.

blessings,

Eric

I'm On Your Side.

More importantly, God's on your side. God loves you. God not only created you, He cares for you... today, right now.

The other day I read a blog on how all bloggers are complainers- haven't been able to get it out of my head -too much truth in it. When we write, it's easy to focus on the problem instead of the positive. Mentioned this to a fellow blogger and he got pretty defensive. No offense intended. But I think it's good occasionally to look at, to read, to listen to the message we're sending out to the world. Too often it's filled with unhappiness.

I want you to know that I'm on your side- even when we disagree -I believe in what God's doing in people... more importantly, I believe in what God wants to do in you. If I can ever help- let me know.

because, I'm on your side... I believe in you.

blessings,

Eric

Gasoline may be $4.50 a Gallon but...

pretty cool- an F-14 at its best!

"Those numbers may seem small, but military items can sell for pennies on the dollar compared with what the Pentagon paid. Last year, federal agents seized four F-14 fighter jets sold to domestic buyers by an officer at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, Calif., for $2,000 to $4,000 each, with proceeds benefiting a squadron recreation fund. When F-14s were new, they cost roughly $38 million each."

The quote's from this article on MSN. Couldn't remember the story- and they didn't give a citation... but I found it on the LA Times, here.

another cool shot

I'm no military genius. But I figure when you can buy four - count them: 1, 2, 3, 4! F-14 fighter jets- made with our tax dollars at a ballpark price of 38 million each -for less than $12,000- that's a bargain!

Just a little info for your afternoon.

Eric

before sunrise

I ran for years, every morning, before sunrise. So many hundreds, no thousands... (as unbelievable as that might seem), runs, that most of the sunrises have slipped from my memory. Many of the dark mornings, long before sunrise, somehow remain. Things happen between 4am and 5:30am that most of the world misses. As my wife would say- most of the world is glad to miss -but whether it was a long run alone or out with friends, surfing by the light of HB pier or just trying to find my way in the dark on my bike, kayak or our old boat... there's something cool about being out there before the world wakes up... being the first one to meet the day.

Then, there are the sad things you happen across.

A few years back, making the 9 mile run from home to church- I was pushing it pretty hard and feeling pretty fit about 7 miles out. A late summer morning, sun still at least an hour off, I saw a pick up truck stopped in the middle of what's normally a very busy road. Two men were talking and all I heard them say was: "Did you see that albacore?"

I love to fish for albacore. The prospect of albacore running on Arlington Ave., 60 miles from the nearest beach... not to mention another 60 miles from any normal current they might feed in, caught my attention. Not even Charlie Tuna hangs out in Riverside. Slowing my pace, I crossed the street and cautiously approahed the huddled men at the tailgate of the truck. There, crumpled on the ground, was the lifeless form of a man who had been hit at least twice. Once by the original vehicle and then by the man in the pickup.

Distraught, he'd stopped, and when the man driving behind him pulled up he'd run to him and asked: "Did you see another car?" Running, in my own world, I heard the call of the sea: "Did you see that albacore?"

I doubt the victim- already dead or dieing -heard a thing. We were not the best rescue crew in the world. One went to call for help. The man who hit him, struggled to put the pieces of his dark morning together. I did what I've done at so many accident scenes with too many people dead or dieing: quietly, in my running gear, I knelt on the asphalt and prayed... knowing that God hears, God sees, God knows... we can trust Him.

Help came- I gave my statement -then finished my run.

I've allowed some of my fitness to slip away and that early 9 mile run is still a couple of months off. But now days I run with my cell phone strapped to my shoulder. If I see something that touches me- I stop and use it to take a picture. If someone needs me- my phone rings and I walk while we talk. And if someone's ever crumpled in a heap on the road again- I'll dial 911.

I'm connected... 24/7.

Somedays I'll pass the spot on the road where we stood over a seemingly lifeless form and wonder if he survived. Other days, driving by the spot, I smile- thinking back on the brief run of albacore on Arlington Ave.

Before sunrise... so many things happen... they're waiting for you.

4th of July in Riverside

Debi and Julia enjoying pre-fireworks music at Fairmont Park. We decided to check out the local action after visiting Dad and going to lunch in Orange County.


Family's get ready for the big event- lakeside -in beautiful 80 degree weather with an incredibl sunset followed immediately by a "fingernail" moonset.


Over 25 minutes of fireworks... incredible show over the lake. We left with the masses after an amazing grand finale... all so close we lay on our backs to watch them explode overhead. Fireworks were still going off well after we left.

Kudos to city officials, volunteers, sponsors, community leaders... a great event- good fun. Hope your 4th was fantastic!

Eric

just one of those months...

Dow Jones Graph - May 26-June 26, 2008... OUCH!

after 5 years of work...

Siempre Para Los Ninos - September, 2004- the gray building was our first church, built in 2001, replaced with the new beautiful church in 2006. The little yellow house was Pastor Israel's old house, replaced in 2007, with his beautiful upstairs apartment. That's Siempre... the little flat roofed building in the back of the shot. This photo was taken from just about where the newest building, below, now sits.


Samaritan House @ Siempre Para Los Ninos - as we wrapped things up Sunday night of Memorial Day Weekend, 2008.

Building dreams with your life requires time, patience, hard work, faith and most of all God's Grace. Without The Grace of God to guide and undergird us in our work, where would we be?

Occasionally we'll take someone to Siempre on a Wednesday afternoon and they're overwhelmed by our 12 or 13,000 sq ft of work - at work for God in the little community we serve on the edge of Tijuana, Mexico. Looking at it all, getting to know the kids, our staff... shaking their heads, they'll say "How'd you do it?"

Smiling, I usually think of the five years of work before Siempre was ever built. I reflect back on names and faces of people who worked hard, gave sacrificially, drove trucks filled with food, tools, luggage across the border in the middle of the night when customs agents decided not to let it in. I remember the first families we built for, their children, the mom raising her kids under a tree... what it felt like to give away a home... the miracles... Pastor Israel and his family, Alejandro, Aracelys, Hernan, Alejandra, Bianka, Brenda... Mickey... so many miracles... most of them with names and faces.

Then I remember... we didn't do it at all- God did -we were just blessed to be used by Him. In those first 5 years we never imagined what these last 4 years have brought into our lives... so many wonderful children... the miracle of Siempre... it means always.

Sometimes, when people ask what we'll do next year, I get a little anxious and again I remind myself- this is God's Work -we'll do whatever He has in store. He hasn't failed us yet. Most people go a lifetime without ever genuinely experiencing the opportunity of sharing a work that's guided by The Hand of God... to know that they played a part in something that pleased Him in ways that we can't begin to imagine. To be touched by His Eternal Spirit in our work- and know it -know HIM- His presence in all we do.

At the end of each two day building trip we get a little cocky and say "We Built That!" and it feels great! But the longer we serve Him the easier it is to see that He's been using us to build all along... we've been tools in His Hands... He built that! and He invited us to share the miracle.

Miracles still happen. Some of us just take 5 years to see them coming. Now that Siempre's up and running you can come and share the miracle any Wednesday afternoon. Lord willing, we're going this week. You're invited!

siempre,

Eric

or check it out at siempre's web site

Worth the Drive to Town

Pastor's Dan, Dave (with microphone) and Martin... (I clicked the shot)

Panel Discussion Group

Drove into Los Angeles today to share in a panel discussion with a group of pastors who've stayed longer than most in their current ministry. I've pastored here at Central Community in Riverside, CA since February, 1988... over 20 years... guess I qualify.

It was a good time with good people. Listening to the other pastor's on the panel, I could relate to their stories, hopes and heartbreaks... listening to them share... even as I shared myself... realized how much was going unspoken. Pastor Dan talked about waiting on God to speak before moving... thought about how many times I'd jumped in with both feet without slowing down to listen. Pastor Dave shared about walking with a church through her pain... reflected back on so many minutes I thought would never make it into hours, much less days and weeks... the pain had been overwhelming. Pastor Martin talked about the craziness of trying to keep it all together, personally as well as in our ministries, while under the demands of church life and leadership and the need for personal escape time. I thought about how many days running with a friend, surfing with the crew, lunch with a brother, cycling on a Saturday, Kayaking in the evening had just saved me from going bonkers... these guys knew my journey and it felt good to hear their hearts and see how they're holding up under it all. I was blessed.

The church is a small building on Florence Ave, just west of Florence and Vermont... flash point for the Los Angeles riots... the pastor's new, his name is Brian, a young guy in his 20's, fresh out of beautiful North Carolina... his office window sits directly on the sidewalk of Florence Ave... a long way from the green beauty of Chapel Hill. Listening to him briefly, sharing a wonderful lunch of catfish with some of his people and the other pastors, couldn't help but wonder what the next 20 years had in store for Pastor Brian. Praying that God uses him to do more for Jesus and His church than he ever dreamed or imagined.

Life happens fast... 20 years will come and go before he knows it... before we know it. Living to make the best of today.

blessings,

Eric

unexpected sadness

Mom's death didn't sneak up on us... she was 85, had been very sick, hospice came to the house to help out... we knew she was going home. Even still, I find myself grieving in unexpected ways. Yesterday, June 6, would have been mom and dad's 62 anniversary, mom died 3 days shy of the big day. We took dad out to her brand new grave at National Cemetery and wept together.

I've kept myself busy all day long- trying to fight off the urge to return to the piece of dirt where I know mom's not -but longing to feel her presence.

Friday, driving home from the grave, my 93 year old father sitting beside me in the car- clutching a sun wearied rose from one of the remaining arrangements -wept and sang... it was heart wrenching... he's been singing the same old Irving Berlin song since the morning she died: What'll I Do?

"What'll I do
When you are far away
And I am blue
What'll I do?

What'll I do with just a photograph
To tell my troubles to?

When I'm alone
With only dreams of you
That won't come true
What'll I do?"

I've always loved to hear my father sing... but not this... it's too sad. We talk about mom being in Heaven, what it might be like, how she's with Jesus... and we take Hope... don't know how people without The Lord face death. Even still, today, this first Saturday without my mom in my entire life, I'm just a little blue... can't help but wonder: "What'll I do?"

in it together

That's my family- at Disneyland, November, 1961 -I'm the really cute guy next to my sister Kat, getting "cooked" up front. My oldest brother, Danny, is on the left and Tim on the right. Dad and mom seem to be getting a kick out of watching their kids stew a bit... we were all so young, each of us just kids...

Mom loved Disneyland- back in the days when entry was free and in the evenings it was easy to take a stroll down Main St., shop a little, and dole out tickets saved from past trips to us kids. Gold "E" tickets were a rare commodity... usually saved for the older boys adventures while Kathleen and I rode Dumbo or the Merry Go Round on the dreaded "A" or "B" tickets at the front of the book. I'm guessing that with four kids in the house any escape was welcomed and one that offered so much diversion must have been wonderful.

Mom died this morning, a little before 2am, June 3, 2008. We held hands and wept together, prayed and then released her, with tears, into the Main St. of eternity. Heart's broken, hope securely fixed on the promises of Christ, one more time we were all in it together... never to be all together again until we're Home with The Lord.

That's our family... that's my mom... she gave us more than we could have ever asked for or imagined. She loved us with her whole heart. What she always wanted most is for us all to be in it, regardless how hot the fire, together.

Can't imagine life without her. I'll do my best to keep her constantly in my heart, live out her practical faith daily, remember her sense of a "higher calling" and do my best to see God's Big Picture in everything. Our family stew, stirred carefully over the years by mom, has seeped to the core of my being. I'll keep her memory alive in my life, in my actions, in my love.

Main St. in Heaven is packed with good folks I love. Tonight, as the little white lights in the olive branches begin to twinkle, I imagine mom just getting settled in...enjoying "The Evening Light" waiting, until we're all in it together again.

love you mom

Together... WE CAN!

Memorial Day Weekend, 2008... siempre fiel... always faithful. Enjoy the video.

siempre,

Eric

a few "raw" reflections

I took the little video at the start of this blog, Friday morning, May 23, 2008 - as they prepared to unload materials for our Memorial Day Weekend build at Siempre Para Los Ninos in Tijuana, Mexico. The photo was taken Monday morning, May 26, 2008 -shortly after we dedicated the building... 2 days, 3500 square feet, months in the planning, tens of thousands of dollars in fundraising... today, not completely finished but pretty darn close... not furnished or painted... but ready for the pioneering groups who'll be the first to lead mission's trips to Samaritan House at Siempre... it's hard to imagine another Memorial Day Weekend is behind us.

When we built our first church it took months to actually have a congregation- today -that little church has been torn down and rebuilt as Pastor Israel leads a thriving, growing congregation... they're planting a new church on their own in a new community. It took months after we built our children's home, Siempre Para Los Ninos, before we had our first children- today, our directors, Alejandro and Aracelys have their hands full with over 30 children, a full staff and face the challenges of who can get into Siempre... Don't know how long it'll take us to find a new bridge building missionary to live in the apartment we built atop the new building... or how long until each week is filled with work groups... but I know it will happen... God is faithful... even when we're faithless... but we're doing our best to remain faithful.

Watching the faithfulness of the workers- listening to the witness of their faith in a hammer's fall, the swoosh of a paintbrush, the constant cry of our generators producing electricity for the worksite... I was blessed just to partner with so many fantastic people... people with a heart for God, a heart for children at risk, a heart for people living in poverty... we had such fun... we shared a miracle... hope you can catch just a bit of it in the video and photos.

many blessings... many thanks...

siempre,

Eric

you should read John's blog

Our son John- at his college graduation last December, with our daughter Julia

You should read John's Blog. Today he wrote about a funeral we shared... Julia ran the office, John ran the media, I buried Mary... a woman ready to meet her maker at the end of a full life. John speaks his heart, my heart as well, in today's posting. Check it out here. I'm not going to write about it... not much anyway... my mother's dying... doing the funeral for another mother, so close in age to my own, took it's toll.

John tells the best part. My father's great aunt Laura... guess that would be my great, great aunt Laura, died in the early 1900's and is buried near the graves of my grandparents in Princeton, Indiana. Her final words are engraved in the black granite tombstone she rest beneath: "Tell the church I love Her..."

Visiting Mary, the woman I buried today, while she was in intensive care, some of her final words were spoken as she reached her hand to grasp mine, eyes closed... tears trying to work their way up into the dehydrated lids... same words as my great, great aunt Laura... you could have pushed me over with a feather... it was like I was standing in the spring grass on that little plot outside of Princeton again: "Tell the church I love her."

Today she's at Home with The Lord. Hope she gets to hang out with Aunt Laura in Heaven.

I've been doing my best to guard my heart against the days to come... sitting with dad, now 93, I told him the sweet story of Mary's passing, her final words to me. Reaching out, dad looked me in the eye and said: "Eric, when you know I'm near the end, remind me to say something really good. To 'tell the church I love her.'" Processing the words I'd share today, I realized again that there are no worries for dad, for mom... they've told the church they love her everyday, in all they do. She's been our life... and I'm glad, no regrets, only humbled that God would use us.

Those are our children- my parent's grandchildren, the great, great, great niece and nephew of Aunt Laura and they love the church. Today they told Her with their lives... and made their old man proud... more importantly, made their Heavenly Father proud. Hopefully, however eternity works, aunt Laura and maybe even Mary, were able to share the joy.

In the midst of the sadness, it was a good day. Thanks for reminding me John.

Tell the church I love Her.

Eric

money

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A Firm Foundation

He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. Jesus Luke 6:48

We built a house once that was hit by a flood. I drive by the house and the foundation weekly... they're about a mile a part. The house sat in a newly developed ravine where the poor of Tijuana were buying lots from the Mexican government. Central Community spent $15,000- in materials and a weekend in labor building a beautiful home to shelter a family. Several years later the 100 year rains hit- washed down the ravine - filled the house with mud in the middle of the night. The family escaped in the darkness, moving with the mud flow out the highest window. They spent weeks cleaning out the mud and eventually a truck came and lifted their home and planted it on higher ground.

The foundation, built firmly on the rock, still remains.

For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Jesus Luke 14:29,30

I took that photo yesterday at our children's home in Tijuana, Mexico. Lucio and his employees are midway through completing the foundation for our new building. They've laid every foundation we've built on for the last 6 or 7 years. Their work is strong and secure to work on... Me? I'm at the spot I always get to in the final days before our Memorial Day Building trips... I know it's going to happen, we've got over 9,000 sq ft of building on our campus as evidence to God's faithfulness- after this weekend we'll be well over 12,000 sq ft of building to serve our little community, to house the children of Siempre, to invite people with heart and passion to come share The Lord in serving the poor. Even still, must be my personal insecurity, I dread the thought that someone might look and say: "This fellow began to build and was not able to finish."

And so we labor on.

Pastor Ken's in Mexico today, putting the final touches on every last detail. He and John Juhl have gone over every possible plan, ordered lumber, nails, counted windows... Ken and I spent part of our morning yesterday doing one more run down on the finances- "if we have to build with just the money we have... if we raise x more dollars... if we meet all our goals..." We're giving it our best shot. Our workers will give 100%. Workers from the community will come along side us for the weekend and give it all they've got. God will under gird and in miraculous fashion- Monday morning of Memorial Day weekend we'll dedicate the new building. I'm sure of it.

That doesn't mean my mind doesn't ponder all the "What if's...?" A list too long to continue.

I was there Wednesday afternoon- I saw it with my own two eyes, stood on it with my own two feet: we have a firm foundation. It's almost complete. That can't be taken away. Property's paid for, foundation's paid for and almost ready, God's opened the door... now we're ready for builders.

Floods will come. Challenges and trials are part of life. The foundation remains and Siempre sits on high ground- The Highest -God's Firm Foundation.

I'm more excited than ever to be a part of all God's using us to do in service to lost, abandoned and impoverished children in TJ. Our new building's an open invitation- beds for 64 workers, a dining hall and kitchen, showers, and an apartment for a new missionary... we're praying that you'll come and fill it up with people who long to share a new work, bring a new hope, reach out in new ways... but build on a firm foundation.

Siempre. It means always. I can't wait for Memorial Day Weekend! You're invited to share the miracle. It's a James 1:27 kind of thing. We're building on The Rock - what we do in the lives of these children for God will never be undone. I can't believe God's invited me. Hope you'll join us.

siempre,

Eric