1-25-2012
Hello friends,
This time of year, as is the norm, we serve fewer souls in the park due to the cold, dark and at times, raining weather. The children have just gone back to school so until it lightens and warms up we serve mostly adults including the homeless. Last Monday the park was rained soaked so the outreach did not happen. We've gone in the past in the rain but this time we did not. The number of attendees has nothing to do with our reasons for being faithful to this location of ministry. The Lord knew He would only meet one women at a well that day as He went through Samaria on the way to Galilee. The Jews and the Samaritans hated each other so it was unusual for Jesus a Jew to tarry there. Of coarse the woman got saved and she brought the whole town to the Lord and they got saved. Which is a great example that keeps us encouraged during this time of year.
Speaking of encouragement, we are grateful to all who have supported us these past four years since this ministry began. We run a lean mean outreaching machine so our expenses are quite low. This was by necessity as it began as, and at times still is, a self funded ministry, though we are mindful of the fact that even our personal incomes are just another good gift from our heavenly Father. Still, while others don't have jobs, we do and therefore returning/investing a portion of our heavenly allowance in this and other ministries is a happy arrangement. We rent the park for $16 per Monday which represents $8 per hour. Our weekly food and grocery bill averages $44. Fixtures and materials about $20. Gas $10. Insurance $8 and benevolence fund about $20. So for about $126 per week or $6552 per year this ministry is sustained. Sometimes we'll take the kids fishing or other extra activities which bump that up a bit but all and all MYC is much bang for the buck in terms of outreaching dollars.
Be that as it may, about a year ago Neyra and i began praying that the Lord would start providing financially through others to this ministry and He has been answering that prayer. We did this partly as a test to see if this ministry was completely of the Spirit as apposed to an exercise of our flesh. As a matter of praise, this will be the first time that the expenses to operate this ministry have been covered by recent donations enough to cover all expenses for two months. And to all those involved who's reward is safe in heaven (Matt 6:1) we say, God bless you and the white horses you road in on! We are equally grateful for those who have donated their time to volunteer and just as important the many prayers that the known and unknown have offered up on MYC's behalf. And of coarse the Lord Who makes all things possible!
John 6:26-27 26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
I've included the scriptures above to shed light on an occasional reality part and parcel to this type of outreaching. Sometimes discouragement comes as you start to wonder, if it were not for the free meal, would the people show up? Subsequently, I ran across these verses in John 6 and realized even Jesus, God Himself experienced the same dynamic as described in verse 26 while reaching out to people who at times were not as enthralled with His gospel message as much as they were the free food He provided. And in verse 27 we see how undaunted He just pushed right on in love and offered them eternal bread of life anyways. This is why it's so important to get into the Word daily for gems of encouragement like this. And not only for reaching out but life in general.
Additionally we've learned by reaching out in Angel's park on a street corner that there's a reason why a brick and mortar church is often referred to as a sanctuary and not just as shelter from the elements. In a public outdoor setting we are challenged on all sides like party crashes as we have not been invited here but rather have staked our claim for the Lord. In this hood we compete with Catholics teaching the worship of Mary and other traditions of men, G12's saying we are illegitimate bcz we don't have 12 disciples of our own, JW's denying the deity of Christ and Mormons who claim Jesus is god but you can be one too! And it's all wrapped up in a mixture of works and grace while these groups prowl this area seeking whom they may confuse and devour. This is why we use much of the ministry time in the Word and send those we serve home with copies of the message notes to share with others. There's even a tendency for the local church's to foster an us verses them mentality in spite of Eph 4:4-6. So to many we are seen as invaders in what's basically a spiritual turf war. Thank God we're on the winning side!
Well that's our update this time. Lord willing we will be providing more updates in the future however from now on monthly instead of every two weeks. Thanks for your interest and taking the time to read this. We value your input so feel free to drop us a line care of: mobileyouthchapel@hotmail.com Or you can always reach us by phone at: 714-788-9984
John 21:25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
If you would like to join us some Monday night in outreaching fellowship just show up to Angel's park at 3rd and Flower in Santa Ana 92701. We operate between the hours of 6:00 ad 8:00 pm so even if it's a short fact finding visit that's just fine. If you wish to lend a helping hand you can help us set up, break down, serve food. Or perhaps encourage and/or pray with someone in need. If you would like to encourage this ministry with financial support please mail a check to: Journey Christian Church 4849 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92604 Please make checks payable to Journey Christian Church and write "For MYC" on the memo portion of your check. Mobile Youth Chapel is a partner ministry with Journey Christian Church.
We believe you should only financialy contribute to MYC if God has blessed you with an abundance over and above what is required to meet all tithe and offering obligations to your home church and the souls entrusted to you by the Lord. And remember we covet your prayer as we pray for you!
