Another day has passed here in LA. Today was quite an adventure. I am putting a few pictures in this blog, but if you would like to see more I will try and post them to “fosyouth.com” when I get the chance. Here is an update on the day: We started with a mini-service/performance by “The Movement.” The Movement is a group of students that form a sort of Master’s Commission style education program here at the Dream Center. They did a great job leading musical worship and putting on a few skits. The kids responded well, and most of them are now temporarily considering being a part of the program (which is awesome).
After this performance, we headed to a campus wide tour. The Dream Center is a hospital that was formerly owned by Nuns, and they abandoned it in 1980. In 1995 the massive building was for sale for 16 million dollars- in an absolute act of God Matthew Barnett, the current pastor, bought it for 3.9 million. He has been serving God with it since then.
After the tour we headed to devotionals, which I will write more about soon, and then to lunch. Immediately following lunch we got to be a part of something that was pretty cool. A few months ago DC started a Youth Ministry called “Reach.” We partnered with a guy named Marcus and went to Belmont High School (the second biggest school in the country) and handed out flyers. We didn’t merely pass one off to any kid walking by, we struck up conversations, we learned their names, we smiled and joked with them, they made fun of us- and we laughed with them. It was amazing to see the boldness of the FOS kids as they moved towards kids who they did not know, and barely spoke the same language, and talked to them about coming to a church service to have a good time. I was so blessed by our students willingness to serve. Even those who are a bit uncomfortable meeting new people put forth a huge effort in talking to others, and were completely stretched in their faith. It was funny to see a bunch of suburban white kids from Olympia talking to Inner City Urban Hispanic kids and making genuine, real, fruitful connections. Being called "cracker" and "marshmallow" didn't seem to phase anyone :)
After dinner, we ended up going to the "Reach" service we were inviting kids to. It was absolutely incredible to see how many of the kids we invited showed up to service. It is one of very few times in ministry that you see immediate fruit from your labor. It was so encouraging for the kids to see, and they couldn't stop talking about it afterward. Our first full day of ministry is complete. Kids are in beds and fast asleep, and I will be soon too. Thanks for all your prayers, they have lifted us so far!
For the Glory of God,
Jake
Side Note- Davy Butler also got 3 corn rows of hair- awesome!
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