Food on Foot

On Christmas Sunday, Kathy and I went to volunteer at a homeless ministry in Los Angeles (FOOD ON FOOT). We didn't know what to expect, but we came away with a reminder that "consistency breeds confidence".

This group has been feeding homeless people in LA for 10 years - EVERY SUNDAY! And, this Sunday was a special Sunday, where the group was not only feeding the homeless but also giving them free bus tokens and a warm sleeping bag for everyone.

However, the key to this organization was not just to feed the homeless every Sunday but to also find them jobs. As they meet these homeless people week after week they would give them daily jobs first such as collecting garbage (for $10 worth of food coupons), and eventually they would find them part time and even full time jobs – in partnership with some of the nearby businesses.

Kathy and I didn't do much, but we felt grateful to be part of this special ministry. They do it every Sunday, so we can possibly come as a church again, or even regularly. I also thought about some things we possibly could do in the areas where we live. Perhaps for some of the recent immigrants who are having financial hardships??? Lord, open our eyes to see what is needed in our areas. Bring us to where you want us to be. And help us bring Jesus into those areas!

p.s. In these pictures, you see a long line of homeless people who had collected garbage to receive bus tokens and food coupons, a homeless gentleman who is 107 years old (receving a special gift from the organiation - free rent for the rest of life), and my brother and sister's family who came out to join us.

Christams Party (12.18)

Not everyone could make it, but it was a great time together! Merry Christmas everyone!

A wonderful evening!

It was a wonderful evening yesterday. A time of worship, sharing, and prayer. Being with people who are beginning to care for one another. Beginning to build a community of God... And, of course, the food was great! (I wish I had my camera with me...)

I feel like we are finally coming together as a community. The number doesn't seem to really matter. In fact the smaller the group, more likely that real relationships happen.

I know that God wants this church to grow, and in order to keep up with God's pace of growth we would need to make some changes along the way. But, for now, is God interested in sheer number of the group, or is He saying that we need to work on how we can serve one another better? Being blessed so we can be a blessing!

May the Lord keep us strong!

Now What?

So, now what's next???

This is what we know for now.

We are no longer following the vision we had in the beginning - becoming a church that meets in a shopping mall - in our case, the Block at Orange. In the beginning it was a vision that I was introduced to by the outside organization that was willing to support us, and even though I once thought it was a right match with me and the core group of people who have been gathering around me, now it is apparent now that it was simply a mismatch. To give an example, out of the 20-30 people who have gathered to be part of the church, no one really lived close by the Block at Orange or considered it as their own community. Just looking at the people we now have, it's clear God has brought us for something other than ministering to the community at and around the Block at Orange.

Now the question is, if not for a vision to start a church at the Block, then for what is God bringing us together? Upon much prayer and reflection, the obvious reason seems to be something about our multicultural makeup. You see, we really had 2 major visions for our church. One was to become a "Mall church" and the other was to become a "Multicultural church". In the beginning we thought we could pursue these two visions concurrently, but now it seems clear that God wants us to focus on one over the other. And, the main one for us is to build a multicultural community of God, and if it doesn't happen to be at a mall.

So, we are no longer meeting at the Doubletree Hotel right next to the Block. There really is no reason for that anymore. For the month of December we are meeting at people's home - for more intimate fellowship and prayer. And, we will start meeting at an office space in Santa Fe Spring in January - while continuously looking for a more permanent place. As of now, we aren't completely sure of exactly which city, but it seems like God is moving away from central Orange County to somewhere in South LA county.

And, our overall vision? Becoming a church for many ethnic groups in LA that need churches. The Korean community, which I'm personally part of, has a lot of large and growing churches. But, some other ethnic groups, such as Indonesian, Malaysian, Vietnamese, and many Middle Easterners, do not have healthy growing churches to go to. Whether they are the first generation immigrants from these countries or their second generation children, they are in need of a lot of outreach and ministry. And, our church seeks to minister to them as best as we can. And, I believe the people God has already brought amongst us - from those countries mentioned above - are for this very reason. How wonderful it would be to redeem, equip, and send new followers of Christ from these largely unreached ethnic groups into the ends of the earth!

With this new vision, the numerical growth of our church might be slow. But, now that we are completely on our own - apart from any expectation and goals from outside, we believe all we need to do is simply be faithful to what God has called us to do. As I'm writing this, I'm being blessed by God in my spirit with a new ounce of joy and faith! May the Lord nurture and multiply this mustard-seed faith in us!

Lord, you are my Lord, and the Lord of our church! Be glorified!

A Re-start?

It's been aaaaaaaa while since I last wrote here. Waiting for the right time to summarize, update, and give future plans on what's been happening at the church... But, that perfect time, as often is the case, never came. And, today is as good of day to write as any other previous days.

For the past month, it is true that I have felt a little knocked down. About a month ago from today, the outside organization that has promised to be our financial supporter has decided to back out. And, since this organization was the only major supporter we have had (comprising about 75% of total budget), it was big enough news to reexamine everything we have been pursuing - at least the way we've been doing things.

In the beginning, I only treated it as a "financial" issue. I said to myself... "Alright. We lost our biggest donor. Tough! But, so what? just go out and get some other donors. And, we will be on track again!" However, as the month has passed by, I began to realize that this was more than just a financial matter. God has revealed to us that it was almost a restart for our church. You see, what happened to us financially really gave us an opportunity to look at ourselves in terms of everything from our identity, our mission and vision, and our goals and strategies.

I tell myself and others that the past 6 months was like a paid-internship. We were financially supported to do something we didn't have any previous experience of. And since it was paid by someone else, we were doing things largely based on what we were being told by the one who has hired us as an "intern". I, among others, learned a lot - all good lessons. But, the time finally came upon finishing that paid-internship whether we would continue on the path we were brought into or go out and do something on our own. Both voluntarily and involuntarily, we are now following the latter route. The only upsetting part is that I wish we would have been prepared better for this turn of event. I wish we would have known this to be a temporary paid internship, not as a permanent support system which we had thought...
Oh well, life goes on.

The bottom line: We are no longer dependent on anyone for our finance. Also, we are not following anyone else's suggestion as to what kind of church we should build. Of course, it's God's church and his vision for us. We now simply don't have to hear God via others. For this, we are more scared than ever, yet more freed and motivated than ever also. It is said that whenever there is a crisis there is an opportunity. It is a financial crisis for us, but I believe it also is a new opportunity to build our church on the right foundation - one that is more solid than anything else we have had until now.

Where to go from here? We are currently reassessing everything. We are no longer meeting where we used to meet. We are looking for a new home, even new vision and people. Financially, all of the 3 staff members will go unpaid (we lost one staff member but gained a new one). Perhaps we will all live together and share things together - yea, the way how the original church was in Acts!

May God protect us! May God show us the way. Yes, we already know the true way in Jesus Christ. May we be faithful to the calling God has given to us...

Thanksgiving Dinner (11/26)

"New" people

It's always great to see new faces joining our Sunday worship. We had few this past Sunday, and some of them were not just new to our church but new to church, period. The very reason our church, and for that matter, any church exists is to provide a place and time where people can question, seek, and find God. How great it is to be reminded that God is always working on "new" people - new to church, new to God, and eventually a new eternal life. Those of you who came for the first time, we welcome you in God's love and hope! May God bless you as you seek God in your life!

A new partner in Christ

This past Sunday, I had a guest family visiting me for lunch. His name is Joel Harlow, a pastor at Journey Church in San Jose. He's actually their church planter getting ready to begin a "Mall Church." We got connected because of our similar vision, and it was great for me and my wife to hear someone else sharing a similar vision as we do! Joel and his family is still doing the planning work and soon have their first launch team gathering meeting. They hope to gather a good 20-30 people from the mother church - Journey.

Too bad they couldn't stay for the sunday worship at our church (a long drive back home and their kids needed rest). But, may the Lord keep them safe and strong as they begin their new exciting journey. Thanks Joel for your encouragement and prayer!

Open to the public!

We have finally begun to "open" our sunday gathering to the general public! We still have a long way to go, but the core group that has gathered feels ready to make ourselves available to the public and begun to make some changes in our overall approach and programs.

1. Sunday gathering (6:30pm) will now be a worship service - a small yet significant move from being focused on developing a core group to a gathering of everyone and anyone to "taste the glory of God" in worship. The current series is called "Who is God Anyway?", and everyone's welcome! This past Sunday, we had some new faces joining us. Welcome to those who came for the first time! And thanks to the worship team and the production team for putting together a great worship service - both musically and visually!

2. Life Groups: a little more intimate gathering than the Sunday worship service... We will meet twice a month (2nd and 4th Friday) for a time of fellowship, bible study, and prayer. This is where we become closer as a people of God, for new people to get connected. Eventually we will break off into smaller groups meeting weekly in their neighborhoods. The first meeting is on 10/28 at Paul and Sharon's house. Call me for direction (714-362-1806).

3. Triangle Business Group: As a part of our community service, we are sponsoring and organizing a monthly business group. Two purposes: 1) to provide local businesses an opportunity to connect with one another and share their "leads", and 2) to promote high ethical standards in business and to participate in community charity work together. It is a way for our church to serve the business community so that they can better serve their communities. The first meeting is on 11/2 (wed. 12pm) at the Block (Dave & Buster). Contact me for more info.


God has been faithful to us in the midst of challenges that come with planting a new church. I've personally learned so much that I wouldn't change this experience with anything else. However, I know God wants our church to be more than a learning experience. And, for that, we will keep asking for God's spirit and his hands. And, we will keep doing our very best to be used by Him. May the Lord find us in his grace.

"BE a LINK"

This past Sunday, we had David Trotter from Revolution Church come and do a workshop for our church. The workshop was called "Be a Link" - a creative and practical way for us to share our faith with those around us. The idea is that everyone would need a number of links (contacts) with Christians and the truth of Jesus Christ that we possess before actually being able to make their own commitment to Jesus. This was the case for all of us and also true for those around us who are not believers yet. Now, the key is to know this "process" and not try to be the "final link" all the time. We might be the final link to help someone make that leap of faith, but we might very well be "a" link in this sovereign process designed by God. No it's not to give us excuse not to share the gospel boldly, but it's to put things in bigger perspective and be freed to trust God rather than be pressured to do everything on our own in a very short amount of time.

Many people I've known (including myself) WANT to share the gospel of Jesus Christ but we just don't know where to begin or how to do it. Yes, the key is to do it with our lives not just in words, but it does require our effort and skills. For this reason, the workshop was great for those who attended. We were motivated, freed, and equipped. Thanks Dave!

Here is an excerpt from his outline:

What does it mean to "be a link?"
1. I have a depth of compassion for those Jesus misses most.
2. I am seeking out opportunities to introduce others to the love of Jesus.
3. I don't have to be the final link - just one of the links.
4. I am equipped to be the final link when God wants to use me.

3 steps:
- Define What's At Stake
- Develop Intentional Relationships
- Discover Their Story

Who IS God anyway???

*click the image to view.

Check it out!

A Mall with a Daycare Center

Why not a mall with a CHURCH???

Outreach

This week has been a full-week of meeting people and sharing ideas on how to serve the surrounding communities we belong to. Yes, we live in Orange County, and the common perception others have on this community is that the place is full of affluent people. This is certainly true, but as is true with any other big cities in the world, wherever there are rich and affluent, there always are the poor and the lost living right next to them. The fabrics of social ills in a city are common whether you live in Orange County or some other foreign cities.

Now that we have been gathering as a group for few months, we begin to ask what are the social and spiritual needs that our Lord is having us to see and feel. The homeless, teenagers in trouble, new immigrants, etc... We are not perfect nor able on our own, but because we have the truth and love of Jesus among us we dare to go and become a way of blessings for these people. To serve as we've been served, and to love as we've been loved!

Anticipate hearing more from us soon! We will start bringing God where people are... one person at a time, and one community at a time.

A reflection and another push!

It's been a while since I last wrote here. It surely has been crazy the past 2 weeks, including a 3-day trip to Korea for my sister's wedding last week. It was good to see my family (especially my grandma...), but it was good to be back home doing the things I know God has called me to do.

The summer is now gone and a new school year for many students is here... This summer truly has been crazy - to say the least - and I look forward to this harvest season. What kind of surprises would God have for me and our church? I believe I've taken the steps God asked me to take and worked as hard as I could, and I know I need to continue to work hard to reap the benefits of God's blessings and my work. But, I can't help but wonder what kind of harvest God has planned for all these work. Would it be something I can see and touch in near future, or perhaps not for a long time? Will God allow me to see the promise land sometime soon?

I know this is a long journey. I have come afar, but it's only the beginning. Many things have happened but many more things will happen. I finally come to an end and there is a whole new road ahead.

How miserable it would be if it weren't for God my Lord? How sad, I work and work and there is no end in sight! If it weren't for my Lord this all would be nonsense. But, I know it is the most sensible thing I can do. I push for another step, knowing there is no end, because I have what is the end already in my life - that is Jesus. I already have the end of all things, and I'm just enjoying the presence and partnership with Him. Yea, I'm already reaping the harvest of good work - not mine but Thine. All the work I need to do is simply to go out and collect the harvest.

Lord, I'm so glad for what you have done to put me where I am. I take a moment to rest, reflect, and to evaluate. And, yes, I make another push - not because I know exactly where I'm going but because I know who I'm going with. And, that's you. You make it all worth it, and you make it all sensible. Have mercy on me, so I may keep my eyes on you.

pictures from the picnic

Coming together as a church

Yesterday was the third Sunday of our current 4-week series on "When God Starts Something New". We see from Acts 1-2 that when God starts something new one of the things he normally does is gathering of his people for worship and fellowship. Now for the past few months, we've been gathering together at a hotel meeting room for a time of worship and some fellowship. And, in time for the Labor's Day holiday, it seemed appropriate to meet at a home for a time of worship and, yes, an extended time of meal fellowship!

We had a lot of food (thanks to Rick and Hollie who hosted and to many who brought dishes from home), and a lot of time to simply sit and eat and talk. Many of us are still new to each other, and it was good to see everyone making an effort to get to know each other better. What a great group of people we have! From college students to those who have college-age kids of their own... From Asians to Hispanics to our good old Californians... I sometimes wonder how we can all get along together, but I was reminded again yesterday that it is the name of Jesus who brings us together - and, of course, a lot of food doesn't hurt!

After dinner we played a round of botch ball - declaring Paul and Nadia as the new champions. We then gathered around for a time of worship and prayers. We thanked God for all that He has done for us so far, and lifted our prayers for those members in need, for our vision and future as a church, and also for the Hurricane Katrina victims.

I really want our church to be immersed in prayer. We have just begun the culture of prayer by having our first prayer meeting last Sunday and going through the 2 weeks of individual fasting/prayer. It's still not natural for us to pray together a lot, but I sense that we are coming along and we will get better at this. I sense that as I lead the group as pastor I need more prayers daily and I thank God that he is continually reminding me of this reality and truth.

May our people come together as a church of Jesus Christ! From all walks of life, let us come together in one spirit and one prayer. May we come together in worship and in generosity! May we look to Jesus as our head and extend ourselves to each other as our beloved brothers and sisters!

More sign-ups for fasting!

Several more people have signed-up for fasting prayer since Sunday. Specifically, we have added one Monday all-day fasting, two Wednesday dinner fasting, and two Friday all-day fasting. Some of them are actually from outside our regular church members. They have been receiving our church update and decided to join in.

Thank you Lord for these people and I have no doubt that you will powerfully use these prayers to transform us and transform through us. May you will be done here as it is in heaven!

news from Harrel in China!

Just thought I'd send an e.mail your way to let you know how things are going here.... I'm in Hong Kong right now, so finally I have found some internet connection again. In Shanghai I had limited access (found it, but it was expensive), and none when I visited Yellow Mountain. Shanghai was really fascinating, especially the fake market they have there, and of course, I had to buy some DVD's (amongst other things) since they were about $0.62 USD per movie. The upside to the trip so far has definitely been Yellow Mountain where I got to experience some of God's creation at its finest. The scenery was ridiculously beautiful. The only downside to this part of the trip was that my memory card for digital camera stopped working and I lost the pictures I had taken of the trip up to this point. I have another card, so the rest of the trip should be documented, but not of Yellow Mountain. Good news though: My friend Danny took several pictures as well, so I can get them from him when we go back home.

Hong Kong is a wonderful blend of west and east colliding into an interesting blend. I'm staying at the most rundown hostel room I could imagine, but it's home for now. Tonight I'm moving into another room with another hostel so I can experience things a little cleaner. I have a couple friends here in Hong Kong who've shown me around a little, so it's really nice to get a local view of the culture/food/etc.

Following Hong Kong, I'll be visiting Macao, then flying to Thailand, over to cambodia, and lastly back into China where I will stay in Yangji to attempt to interview the North Koreans. I'll be arriving home Sept. 16th, I believe, which is a Friday, so I will be back in time for service on the 18th. Please keep me informed about any new locations so I can be prepared. It sounds like God is really blessing the foundation of our new church, and as such, I'm excited about the vision you have (repeatedly) shared with us. How is Bible study going? I've been keeping up with the workbook here, as time permits, and look forward to catching up with you guys the following thursday of my return.

The only real downside to my trip so far was that I got pickpocketed for $400 RMB which is about $50 USD. $50 isn't so much money to lose, but $400 RMB could've lasted me for about a week in China. The exchange rate is 8 RMB to $1. To give you an idea, I eat my meals for about 5-10 RMB, and stay in a room for 40 RMB. Well, I've got to get going, there's someone else waiting for the internet here at the coffee shop I'm in (that has FREE internet access), but I will write again as soon as I can. Please share with others how my trip is going, and I'll be joining the prayer requests for our church this week as well. Due to money constraints, I'm fasting a meal or two per day anyways (haha), but will focus a few on the prayer requests from your blog.... Hope as is well back home, and God Bless....

In Christ-
Harrel

Common Prayers for Church In The City

We have many people who signed up to fast and pray for a meal or a whole day during the next 2 weeks. So far we have 8 Monday breakfasts, 2 Monday lunches, 6 Monday all-days, 6 Tuesday breakfasts, 2 Tuesday all-days, 4 Wednesday breakfasts, 2 Wednesday lunches, 3 Thursday breakfast, 4 Friday breakfasts, 2 Friday all-days, and 2 Saturday all-days. This means, we have someone fasting and praying every day of the week, and every single meal except Wednesday dinner, and Thursday lunch and dinner.

These are some of the prayers we have as a body. Feel free to add anything more and join our effort by leaving comments here. May God move us and move through us in our prayers!


Thanksgiving
1. God and His sovereignty, faithfulness, and grace upon us
2. Vision and many blessings God has given
3. People God has brought together
4. ...


People—each other
1. Unity amongst our diverse background
2. Members who are in need (Harrel, Moon…)
3. God’s passion and heart in everyone
4. To discern our individual roles in church
5. For more workers (Children director...)
6. ...

Vision
1. Holy Spirit - His anointing and leading
2. Clear discernment on next moves
3. To find creative ways to reach out
4. For the Block and Orange County
5. Next 2 weeks of prayer fasting
(personal revival & filling of HS as church)
6. “Be A Link” workshop on 9/11
7. Unity with other churches

More Picture from meeting on 8/28

What a meeting tonight!

What a great blessed meeting we had tonight! It was our very first concerted prayer meeting, and not only we had 40+ people for the first time but it was truly a wonderful, spirit-filled worship with a lot of praises and prayers.

First, Elliot and his band led us deep into the presence of God. It was great to have a female singer for the first time and also percussion for the first time.

Next, we were reminded from Acts 1-2 that when God starts something new he calls his people to pray before anything else. Through prayer God changes us and those around us.

And, we saw a video clip of "Transformation" - a story about how God changed a city in Colombia through prayers of his faithful servants. I still remember the pastor "Julio" and his family (his daughters who said their father's death lives on inside of them and his wife who says "it is well with my soul" even after his death). And, I remember how people joyfully gave testimonies, saying "it is a different life!"

Finally, we spent time together praying to our heavenly Lord! Not so much about our own well-being, but for the vision God has given us, the communities we live in, and the people God has brought together. There truly is something special about letting go of my self and giving my all to Jesus and for His mission. As Jesus said, those who lose their lives for him are actually gaining it to its fullest!

I believe many of us were touched by God. And, we also made commitments to fast and pray for the next 2 weeks. Some for a meal here and there and some for a whole day fasting.

Yes! God is starting something new here. And, we know for sure it is only through His power that this will succeed. And, it is only through prayer God will move through us.

May we have the faith and strength to continue praying. Continue to call upon the Lord of heaven, continue to proclaim that it is only by His grace that we are saved, and continue to ask for more of his power so that we may make a difference in where we live.

Thank you Lord for tonight, for your presence, and for your people. Thank you Lord that you are starting something new among us.

Indonesian Festival (8/20)

Some of us had a great time joining the celebration of Indonesian Independence Day on 8/20 (sat). Great people, good food, and many interesting things to see and learn.

I didn't know there are total 17,000 islands that make up the nation, and my quick research tells me 80% of the total population is Muslim. Maybe next year our church can join the festival for an outreach.

Prayer for this world

Lord, hear our prayer for this world, this world that you've given to us.
Out of the vast universe, you've given us our own very Jerusalem.
Here in Orange County, the Block at Orange, and the cities around.

Lord, today you gave us a new passion, a passion to pray for your city.
A city you died for, a city in need of new Spirit.

May this city be reclaimed in your name.
Where there is despair, may hope be found.
Where there is hopelessness and confusion, may you show the way.
Where there is brokeness and hurts, may your healing touch be known.

This city has so much - yet it is nothing without you.
Among many people and buildings, it needs Jesus and transformation.
A new church you have called - may your new work be done.
And, may your people be filled with your heart and prayers for this city.

Indo-American Festival on 8/13

Some of us joined PEACE CLINIC and JESUS FILM for an outreach event at the Indo-American Independence Day Festival held in Norwalk, CA. Peace Clinic is a group of Acupuncture doctors who shares a vision to reach out to the unreached ethnic groups in America through their medial skills. They have a free-clinic on every Saturday in Anaheim and go around various festivals year-around to give their service in Jesus' name. And, Jesus Film is of course one of the greatest mission tools that church has seen in the past century of christian mission. Recently, the film is translated to the various ethnic dialects of Indians and part of the outreach at the festival was to hand these DVDs out to the thousands of Indo-Americans that were there.

It was a great time being out there all day and being reminded how we have such a great field of harvest right here where we live. And, to remember that our church is to reach out to these people...

I was once again humbled by the dedication and compassion hearts these acupuncture doctors had for God and His service. Every Saturday for free clinic and many times a year for such an outdoor event at ethnic festivals... Some of them don't even speak English very well, and I'm always touched by their service whenever I get to serve God with them.

There are other festivals coming up in coming months. May the Lord bless both Peace Clinic and Jesus Film. And anyone who wants to join me on Saturdays to work with the doctors at Peace Clinic, let me know (they need administrative help). Anyone who needs Jesus Film DVD in different languages let me know as well. I can hook you up!

A Multicultural Family!

Yesterday, I met a new brother in Christ for the first time and ended up being invited to his home for dinner and a time of prayer. I usually would say no when someone I just met invites me to his home but something made me to say yes and boy I'm glad I did! It was such a blessing to meet his whole family and hear their passion for God and church.

Not going into the details about their life, one thing I can share is that the brother I met is a Vietnamese-American and his wife is a Mexican-American. The husband came to the States when he was really young so he speaks English fluently and Vietnamese a little, whereas the wife could only speak Spanish when they first met about 7 years ago. Now, she can communicate in English pretty well and he can understand Spanish pretty good too! Yesterday at the dinner table, we had some Mexican soup with rice and soy sauce. How more multicultural a family can be?

Right now they are going to a Spanish-speaking church where the husband uses a simultaneous interpretation device to understand what's going on. And, he has shared with me his desire to find an English-speaking church for himself as well so he can go to two churches on Sunday (one for himself and one for his family).

Of course, my mind immediately started to take off on how a church like CHURCH IN THE CITY can potentially meet the needs of a family like his. Could we possibly be a church that is predominantly done in English but still be available to meet the needs of those who might have limited English skills? I think we can and we will work hard toward that goal.

There was so much more to my meeting with him yesterday, and I was very blessed and encouraged to meet another brother and family fired up for God. May the Lord bless this family and use them in very special ways, and may the Lord equip our church so that we may be able to serve such a family!

Sunday gathering (8/7)

What a great meeting we had on Sunday! A great worship led by KK and his team (by the way, welcomes to KK and his family as they come on board as our very first worship director!) and several new faces joining us... it couldn't have gotten any better as we finish up our 2 1/2 months of sharing visions and getting to know each other!

So, we've now met for 11 weeks on Sunday evening - first several times at homes and the past 5 times at Doubletree Hotel. And, we've grown from a handful of people to now about 25 regulars - all ages, and several ethnicities. Of course, we still have a long way to go, but I do want to pause for a moment and acknowledge God's faithfulness and presence with us. Thank you Lord for keep encouraging us and providing for us!

Summarizing what we've talked about in our meetings:

OUR MISSION (our purpose): "Being a witness of Jesus Christ in this world (Matt 28)"

OUR VISIONS (our dreams): "Bringing God where people are!"
#1. Missional (outward-focused): church that is for the world
#2. Postmodern (culturally influential): church that is engaged in today's culture
#3. Multicultural: church that includes everyone and anyone

OUR CORE VALUES (what we believe in):
#1. Unity: being one with Christ and one with each other (Jn 17)
#2. Love: following the example of humility shown by Jesus Christ (Phil. 2)
#3. Faith: "good intention and faithful deeds" (2 Thess. 1:11)


We feel great about the visions God has given us. Now it's time for us to give our "good intentions and faithful deeds" - our hearts and bodies. May the Lord keep moving us forward!

My first Golf outing!

Yesterday, thanks to Paul S, I went out on the field for the first time. In my entire life, I've gone to the range few times but never to the field itself. And, I've been carrying around my dad's club for several years now, thinking one day I will eventually put it in use. So, when Paul asked me to come out to his weekly outing on Monday evening, I was so excited! And, nervous that I would be really bad - making everyon frustrated...

There were four guys total, and I had SO MUCH fun. And, I must say I did pretty ok for being out there for the first time (I didn't lose any ball on the field!).

Too bad I didn't have my camera with me to capture the moment. But, the weather was perfect, the guys were terrific, and the joy of watching the little white ball sailing over the hill to the wide open green field... I don't know how often I will make it out there on Mondays, but I must say I am very excited about it! anyone interested in joining? It's only $10!

SERVE DAY pcitures! (7/30/05)

July 24 Meeting

What a great meeting we had today! Some regulars couldn't make it, but we had several new people who came out. The theme was on "UNITY" and we even celebrated the communion table together. United with Christ in faith and with each other... We were reminded that it is only by faith we are made right with God and also united together as a church.

Afterward, many people stayed around to get to know each other more. Some people went to the Block to hang out and some to restaurants to have a late dinner.

I thank everyone who came out, especially those who came out for the first time. May the Lord direct you to the right place for you, and if it is with us we welcome you with our two arms wide open!

Orage, CA (92866)

I got a chance to get a "neighborhood report" on the city I live as well as where CHURCH IN THE CITY will be (Orange, CA: 92866) - Percept(www.percept1.com)

Here are some interesting findings. (the second %number in parenthesis is the national average)

1. AGE
Gen Z (0-3 years): 6% (5%)
Millenials(4-23): 27% (29%)
Survivors (24-44): 37% (30%)
Boomers (45-62): 18% (22%)
Silents (63-80): 8% (10%)
Builders (81 and up): 4% (4%)

* Compared to the national average, we have more "survivors" and less "boomers".
* I like how they labeled each generation. I personally fall into the category of "survivors" - even though I have no idea what I have survived from...


2. Diversity
Anglo: 53% (67%)
African-American: 2% (12%)
Hispanic: 38% (14%)
Asian: 6% (4%)
Native Am. and Other: 2% (3%)

* Compared to the national average, we have a lot more Hispanics. I really need to learn how to speak Spanish...


3. Faith Involvement
Not involved: 52% (35%)
Somewhat involved: 25% (30%)
Strongly involved: 25% (35%)

*This tells us we have at least 77% of the total population we can minister to.


This area is still new to me and Kathy, and we have a lot to learn about. This report was helpful in giving us the overall picture. May the Lord open the doors for us!

"Be a Part of Something SPECIAL!"

A full Sunday

Yesterday was a full Sunday for me. In the morning, I had the privilege to speak at a church called Christ Community Church. The church leadership invited me to share about Church In The City and shared their desire to partner with us in everyway they could. The senior pastor even told every0ne that they have his ultimate blessing to go and partner with our new church if God calls them - meaning leaving his church and joining ours! What an awesome thing that a senior pastor could say to his church. I was greatly encouraged and honored to be there.

Many people came up to me after the service and said they want to somehow get involved and will visit us soon. We really didn't know what to expect from this church but it was a great time for me. I just pray God will convict their hearts even more and guide us the find the best ways to have these people be involved. May the Lord guide us!

In the evening, of course, was our Sunday gathering at Doubletree. It was our second Sunday meeting over there, and even though we had several regulars who couldn't make it we had a good time worshiping, praying, and connecting with one another.

One thing I realized yesterday... This REALLY has to be a God-thing. Yes, there are a lot of things we can do and will do in order to make this church launch and grow. But, it really has to be the spiritual depth and power that comes from the Lord that will make things work. People are hungry for new things, but in the end, people are hungry for God and his presence. May the Lord keep me drenched in His spirit!

A Sunday gathering at my house (6/26). It also was a house-warming party for our new home in Orange. Thank you all for coming! 

A New Beginning

So, here is a little update on what has been happening in my life.

Sometime back in February, I decided to start a new church. There had been few changes with my ministry prior to that time, and after a time of reflection, soul-searching, and somewhat blindely following an inner calling that couldn't be resisited anymore, I shared my thoughts with my wife and we decided to accept this as a leading from God and give our best effort in making a dream come true for God's kingdom.

Now, it's been about 5 months since that morning when I finally made the decision. I remember the moment I finally made the decision how I was so excited and grateful to God. I knew it was from God - what he wanted from me, and I felt so happy to know that I would spend rest of my life doing something not only what I always wanted to do, but what I knew God wants me to do as well.

Well, the past five months certainly haven't disappointed me. Not so much because everything went perfectly well, but because I am constantly reminded that God is so faithful. It has to be!!! I am doing this only based on faith, and I know this faith didn't come within me but from God himself.

a summary of what's happened during the past five months:

1. Application to my denomination (Reformed Church in America) with a vision to start a multiethnic, postmodern, and missional church in Orange County. Plan approved by the denomination.

2. Gathering a core team: Thankfully I got connected to several new people I hadn't known and they were committed to get involved in this vision.

3. Securing a place at The Block at Orange. We were able to secure

me and my wife, Kathy

In case some of you are wondering what I look like, here is a beautiful picture with my wife, Kathy. (of course, it's my wife that makes the picture beautiful...)

Welcome!

Welcome everyone to my blog! Knowing that we will soon have our church's website up and running, I thought it would be the perfect time to start my personal blog - which I've been thinking about doing for a while now. I hope this will be another venue where I can share my thoughts and feelings. I have so much to share as far as what has been going on in my life lately. I will take some time to post them here soon. But, until then, hope everyone has a good night and sweet dream!