RAVEN team~ please come tonight to minister to the near 350 families tonight ~ bring your message of salvation! Many of the families were at Jose's funeral~ they are grieving~ come lift them up! If you are a worship leader/team member, please consider bringing your guitar~ let's lift up the ONE who has lifted us up out of our sorrow~ PLEASE wear RAVEN black~ Jose's murder happened just 4 hours after we were in there~ we want to make a presence known that the enemy has NO PLACE on those streets, the LORD regins! There are a lot of officers in the area and they need to identify us quickly and easily~ if you haven't got a RAVEN shirt, buy one from Deb ($15) and/or wear BLACK~ NO RED OR BLUE. If you aren't a believer, come see what the Lord has done~ just come as you are~ see you at 5pm at the Living Well. GO4GOD!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
UGO4GOD Schedule!
Thursday: 5pm The Living Well for SR outreach and Guerneville Outreach! Next Wednesday packing groceries at The Living Well 5pm then Thursday Outreach 5pm from the Living Well! Next Friday the 8th San Francisco! More details to follow~ Love you all!
Pastor Troy Bohn, August 30, 2006
16 year-old new convert murdered "execution style"Pastor Troy D. BohnAug 30, 2006
While ministering in Amsterdam I received the unfortunate news that a young sixteen year old man that we had led to Jesus had been murdered execution sytle near his home. On January 7, 2006 Pastor Terry Shuff of Raven MidWest and I joined Pastor Rudy Gonz ales of Raven West Coast for an outreach in the gang infested area of Santa Rosa, California called "Papago Ct."
The reason for our being at Papago to begin with was because of the compassion of a little girl, Maddie Gonzales, who challenged her parents Rudy & Lori to be not only hearers but also doers of the Word of God. Even though the Gonzales family and the Raven Team who join them on the streets of this crime ridden neighborhood have faced much criticism and opposition in their quest to bring the love and truth of Jesus to this area--they have continued to carry groceries and Gospel to the families that call this place "home."
It was on our trip to Northern California that Pastor Terry and I first had the blessed opportunity to meet Jose and two of his friends there on the street that afternoon. As I look back to that day, I am so grateful that our mission and motivation was not limited to "making friends" or "building relationships", but instead to preach the Good News of salvation to the lost and dying. In Pastor Terry's own words, he describes the events that were chronicled in heaven, on our heats and minds, and fortunately by the camera lens that captured the images that afternoon. (Above) Pastor T erry shares the Truth with Jose (behind the vehice), Sergio (center) and Edgar (behind Pastor Terry)
"I was going through the area inviting people to come to eat when three kids came over a six foot fence not far from me. They had their backs to me and did not know I was near them. I was caught by surprise at how they all came over the fence so quick, but I wanted to be the first to speak so I yelled "HEY". I don't know why, but that is what came out of my mouth! All three turned to look at me with a "what does this guy want" look on their faces.
The next thing I said was "guys, I've got a question for you" walking towards them. "What" they inquired? I said &quo t;If you were to die today would you go to heaven or hell"? All three laughed and said, "Oh, we'd go to hell." A holy boldness suddenly rose up in me as I took control of the conversation. I said, "You guys might think that is funny but, it is not alright with me for you to go there".
The smiles left their faces as they started to intently look at me. I described to them that they would have all five of their senses in hell and went into detail on each sense. I told them that this would be for eternity and that life here is a blink of an eye compared to eternity.
I then said guys I would really like it if you would come over and have something to eat. Their reply was "we might come over a little later" and at that point I had not asked to pray with them. I was really thinking that I would not see them again. They walked off and so did I.
It was close to an hour later when they showed up and it was such a blessing to see them. I immediately went over and started talking to them. As we continued to minister to them the tears began to well up in their eyes. I remember Jose being the one that laughed the most at the beginning, but I believe that it was an embarrassed and nervous laugh because he knew that the gang lifestyle he was living was wrong.
As we explained to them that there was no magic in a prayer and that this was all about changing their lives and living them for Jesus I then prayed for them. I remember the joy on their faces and I also remember the nervousness they talked about because they were still going to be living in that same area. They were still very happy and at that point; changed young men!"
Praise God for the opportunity to share the life-transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ with these young men that day. Tonight as I make this entry, I hur t for Jose's family but rejoice that his name was written down in the Lamb's Book of Life that afternoon as he was given the only thing that brings salvation--the message of Jesus Christ. Good works and good intentions will never serve to rescue a sould dangling perilously over an eternal hell--the Gospel alone was designed to deliver soul-saving faith to the heart of a person.Not long after that meeting with destiny in Papago Court this past January, Sergio (pictured above) was attacked and stabbed seven times in the neck and face near his home. Upon his release from the hospital he stated that even though this happenedto him, he was never going back to his old life. He later moved with family to Mexico to escape the gang related threa ts to his life following his conversion to Christ.
I cannot help but view the condition of the "church" in comparison to these two young men's lives. They not only surrended their lives to Jesus, but also put their physical lives on the line as well. Many in the church whine and complain about their plight or circumstances as if they plan on spending eternity in this temporal enviroment. Let this be a lesson on the frailty of life and the urgency of this hour.
The next time that you think you have a good excuse for not sharing your faith with someone or the next time you believe there is "plenty of time" to go preach the Gospel--c onsider Jose and Sergio--one losing his life and the other risking his--and someone willing to put eternity in perspective for them both--before it was too late.
More so now than ever, I realize the enormity and urgency of the great task that God has called this ministry to across this nation and beyond. Stand with us--lives and souls are at stake.
Blessings,
Pastor Troy D. Bohn
To all of Albert's family
Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
people are people
My dad raised me to not step on people when they're down... EVER. It didn't take a church building or even a church for me to learn that~ but I've come to find that for many people it does take a church and a gathering place for people to learn that. I've also come to know that there are many people who can't get there~ to the building~ to learn that you don't step on others when they're down but that the Lord will lift you out of every circumstance...and I've also come to know that there are many people who aren't raised with loving parents like my own. So, today, I am urged by the Lord to share with everyone who is reading this to stop seeing people as "church" people and/or "not church people." Myself included. My mom just last week told me so. I live between both~ most of my friends aren't Christians. Most of my family doesn't go to church. Most of the people I gather with do both. Many long to be Christ-like. When people ask me where do I go to church I'm stumped that I am to identify with just one church and rather say, "I'm a follower of Christ." When there is division between church and people I believe that's caused by Satan. There are many hurting, lonely, grieving, lost people in buildings, homes, churches all over this city and on the streets. It is them that I long to gather with and share the hope that comes from the Lord. So, please consider today, to GO4GOD and be a follower of Christ~ find yourself not only in a building worshiping the Lord, sharing the gospel with another or lifting someone up in prayer~ be a follower of Christ whenever and wherever you are! Dear Jesus, forgive me. Forgive me that I long to be understood even when my words don't come out right and you already know me inside and out. Help me Jesus. Help me to see others as you see them. Help me to be more like you and less like Satan. You are who I seek. My heart aches for many today. Thank you that there are many in my life who declare you above all names to be holy. Help me to not differentiate between church people and non-church people~ so as NOT to offend a brother or sister who's in church or never been in one. Help me not perpetuate the lie that just because you go to church you are more worthy than another who can't make it there~ we are all sinners~ and help me not perpetuate the lie that if you go to church and sin, you are a hypocrite~I thank you that the reason JESUS died on that cross isn't so that my mission is to go to church~ I thank you that the Bible tells me otherwise, that JESUS is bigger than church, HE loves the church and my mission is to GO and tell others of the good news of salvation, not to tell them about church. AMEN
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Albert
This morning Rudy called me to tell me that Albert died last night in a motorcycle accident. That is all he knew. I just read the article in the newspaper. It is a terribly sad day for his family. Please everyone lift them up today~ Please join in me in prayer: Dear Jesus, yesterday we attended Jose's funeral and our hearts were heavy since his murder a week ago. Today, another day we mourn for Albert. My heart is broken for Katie and Sara and all his grandchildren. When I told Maddie and Cece they were shocked and sad. Cece said, "No more welcome, welcome!" and then she said, "I am so glad he is with Jesus now, mom." So Father, I pray for mercy on his soul today~ I thank you that he will be with you for eternity~ and I thank you for the memory of holding his hand in prayer a week ago and his voice on my cell phone wanting to come help this week. I thank you for his daughters, for his grandchildren~ that you blessed him with an amazing family~ I thank you for his heart of God and ask Lord that you draw near to his beloved as they grieve. Bless them and fill them up oh merciful God~ in JESUS name, I thank you that you were there with him at the accident and said, "welcome, welcome" to your child, our friend, Albert as he entered into heaven. AMEN.
UGO Schedule this week! Help Please!
Hi to everyone!
We are getting the keys to our new home on Thursday morning (hopefully wed night)!
If any one could please stop in even for a short time to help us load before the weekend we would be so grateful!
We are all packed!
The boxes are ready!
Please come be a part of this incredible blessing!
We can't believe we are moving into our first home!
Here's the "details" of the move...but you know how I am about details:
Thurs: 9am-2pm meet at 3115 Sonoma to move whatever fits into your suv, car, trunk or truck!
Thurs: OUTREACH from The Living Well to Papago Ct, Roseland, West Ninth, Guerneville, Apple Valley from 5pm-7pm 350 bags of groceries, hundreds of families to minister too!
Friday: 9am-12pm move whatever fits into your car or my van!
1pm-? big uhaul truck comes! Please come help load or unload!
Saturday: morning, cleaning 3115 Sonoma Ave Monday: Gathering at our new home 3pm bbq! Bring toys 4 tj and a testimony, side dish to share and friends!
Our new address is 815 Pacific Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Please pray all goes well and really, even if you have just a moment to stop by we would so appreciate it!
Love
Rudy, Lori, Anthony, Maddie, Cece
Phone # on Thurs: 206.2748 Rudy
478.7061 Lori
New Phone #: UGO4GOD 360.0155
Home 360.0106
FOLLOW HIM
Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
Monday, August 28, 2006
The Living Well Announcement
Hello all,
I pray the LORD is blessing you today. You have received this mass email because at one point in the past, you have influenced our church, The Living Well (formerly known as Hope Chapel West). I write you with some exciting news!!
I announced this past Sunday that we will be moving out of our current location at the end of September. The landlord has entered into a long-term lease with another church after our decision not to do the same. While we do not have a new meeting place that I can tell you about yet, what I can tell you is that we are excited! The LORD has great plans for His Church. I look forward to living them out with Him guiding us the whole way.
Would you lift us up in prayer? Please pray for the following during your quiet time with the LORD:
Wisdom for Terry and I to make wise decisions about the direction and new home of the church.
That the LORD would draw others to us that want to be part of what He is doing through our church.
The leadership team would be united in their focus to bring the Gospel to the un-churched.
Thank you for your prayers. Would you let me know that you are praying for us? If you would like to join us for a celebration of our last Sunday service in the building, and the beginning of our new season with the LORD, join us September 24th beginning at 10:00am.
Thank you again, and may God Bless You!
Pastor Russ
JOSE AYALA 22November 89 - 19 august 06
(L-R) Jose, Terry Shuff, Pastor Russ Clifford, Edgar, and Sergio after these threeNetscape. Just the Net You Need.
Jose is with JESUS!
This morning before 7am I received a phone call from Tonie. She told me she remembered that back at a Street Church in Papago Ct when Pastor Troy and Terry Schuff (RAVEN MIDWEST) were here one of the boys with Sergio that gave their heart to the Lord was named Jose and she wanted to see the picture to see if it was the same Jose who was murdered last week. I quickly looked for this picture. It's him. It's Sergio who was stabbed days after this picture that was taken, 7 times in the neck and face and left for dead on the very streets we minister and Jose on the far left who gave his heart to the Lord when Terry asked him, "If you died tomorrow, would you go to heaven or hell." "They had replied, "Hell." And Terry responded, "That's not okay with me." These same young men are the ones Shawna was off ministering too earlier. The gospel was shared and I remember her admitting that she wasn't sure if it had made a difference~ she was sowing the field. Then Terry reaped. This morning as we prepare to go to Jose's funeral what a difference going knowing that this young man is in the arms of JESUS. I cry out to you LORD: Father! Hear my prayer! Thank you for my brothers and sisters who stand in faith of expecting more hearts and minds to turn to you and out of obedience GO and preach the gospel that saves! Lord, come today and be the comfort in this tragedy to Jose's family and friends. Let their hearts find solace knowing that he is with YOU. Lord, I am amazed by you. In JESUS NAME, AMEN
Sunday, August 27, 2006
RAVEN MIDWEST
Sunday Experience in Michigan
posted by Raven Midwest at 6:29 PM 0 comments
Saturday, August 26, 2006
RAVEN HOOKS UP WITH "FLOWFEST 2006"
Brother Jermaine Sanders of Ol' Rugged Records is loaded with musically talented people that love JESUS!! Below is a picture with Jermaine, Kim and Eileen & I. Our team today consisted of Kim Dubash, Steve Ignowski, and Rob & Kristi Woodwyk. The team did an awesome job serving the people of the southside of Elkhart and we ministered and prayed for many!!! We love showing the people the love of JESUS!!!
(Below) We served polish sausage with grilled onions, hotdogs, grilled cheese (Kim's idea which was a hit), chips and donuts. Thanks Dixie Cream for donating the donuts again!!!
Steve talks with a couple of ON FIRE FOR JESUS brothers from Three Rivers, Michigan.
Rob & Kristi drove in from Grand Rapids, Michigan to join us!!
Today was awesome and we look forward to hooking up with Jermaine and his crew in the future!! NEXT WEEK IS THE BENTON HARBOR OUTREACH FOLLOWED BY SILVER BEACH (if the weather permits). We need more hands come join us in serving JESUS!!!!!posted by Raven Midwest at 8:13 PM 1 comments
"FRIDAY NIGHT STREET CHURCH"
(Below) Eileen is with Stephanie, a mother of seven with no husband. We minster to her and her children on a regular basis. As is common in many places, there are not too many dads in the area.
(Below) Eileen plays with some of the kids of Washington Gardens. The kids love to see the RAVEN van coming down the road and we love to show God's love to the kids!!
After leaving Washington Gardens we headed for Louie & Kelly's parking lot. On arrival we found the parking lot loaded and people hanging around everywhere. Immediately the Lord gave us dominion over the area and many fell under conviction as we ministered to them. Steve and Kim ministered to a man that seemed very hard and he ended up weeping as they ministered God's Word. A regular named Julius fell under conviction as he saw the van pull into the parking lot. He tried to hide but I yelled out "Julius, Julius, how long are you going to let that devil run your life"?? Larry was wearing a shirt that had a huge cross on it and I immediately thought of Pastor Troy's comment to a cross wearing gentleman in Amsterdam where he yelled "hey preacher". I walked up on Larry and said "you must be a preacher with a cross that big" and Larry immediately fell under conviction. Eileen and I ministered to him for a long time and he knew that he was wrong and his party night was ruined. Walt asked if we would call RAVEN Anthong LeBlanc because Anthony had touched his life in a big way a few weeks ago. Below, Tianna with tears in her eyes dumps a 40 oz. in the trash can as she told us that we were telling her the exact same thing that her grandmother had told her recently. She said that us talking to her was confimation that God wants her to get her life in order and that she was all done with alcohol. PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!
Kim and Steve tag team ministering to a lady that ended up coming back for more on Saturday.
posted by Raven Midwest at 4:37 PM 3 comments
Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
In his gentle way....
Pray for me
GO PT IN AMSTERDAM!
The Fire is Falling in Amsterdam!Pastor Troy on location in AmsterdamAug 26, 2006
Raven: Amsterdam 2006
(Above) Amsterdam is obviously a very beautiful city; rich with class ical European architecture and stunning views, but there is a very obvious spiritual oppression upon this City. Many of the local believers that work in various Christian ministries such as: The Shelter Christian Hostel (where we are staying) and the "Cleft" ministry to the homeless and the community expressed such deep gratitude for the team coming in and bringing with it a "Fire!" We took out one young man with us the past couple of evenings to a bridge in the Red Light district with crosses. He was so hyped! by the whole experience and said, "This is what it is all about!" He is from Holland. (Above) One of the many canals that run throughout the City of Amsterdam, providing bo th flood support and a means of transportation. These streets are lined with sex shops (pornographic films, etc), brothels, and coffee shops (that don't sell coffee---but various forms of marijuana). These places exist much like a Denny's restaurant or a BlockBuster Video Store would in suburban America. They are literally EVERYWHERE you look in this section of the city. While this is certainly a disturbing and disgusting condition--it does provide us a ripe fishing ground for the ministry of Jesus! (Above) This is one of the many "coffee shops" where people flock to in order to get "stoned out of their minds." We have met many "Americans" who have said they moved to Amsterdam because smoking pot was leg al. Many of them are just mentally "burned out" after having succomb to the seduction of this tool of satan. We have been offering them the REAL HIGH and have had many opportunites to preach and pray for them as well. (Above) Just a typical street. You will have a sex shop, then a bakery, a restaurant, three windows with prostitutes behind them, then a souvenier shop...etc. Having lived and ministered in New Orleans for several years, makes me wonder how long it will be before places such as Bourbon Street--take it even further because they stand unchecked and unchallenged by the Body of Christ.
(Report from Friday Night) Last night was just an amazing time! I was going to try to include some pictures that I had taken but a pickpocket stole my camera. (I have since had to go a back up route!) While it was not a good thing to have my $300 camera stolen, I sure would have loved to have shared with you the 25o pictures that I had taken (many of them the dozens that we have ministered to and led to Jesus).
Perhaps the thief will see the images and get convicted and get saved--$300 would be a small investment for a soul! (I already had a person walk up to me and hand me $100 and say, "That is to help replace the camera the devil stole!)
We took our place on the bridge spanning the canal that runs the length of one of the main thoroughfars in the Red Light District. This location is surrounded by brothels, marijuana cafe's, night clubs, and a drug dea ler every 20 yards! We set up our cross and immediately started drawing them in! You cannot image the impact that a cross standing in this place has--fortunately this place has not grown so oblivious to the image of the cross. In America every thug has a 14ct Cross-"Bling" draped around his neck and the cross has been reduced to fashion pieces, tatoos, and earings---but not here! It is still the SPECTICLE that it was 2,000 years ago when Jesus hung and died upon the one atop Mt. Calvary!
From about 8:00 PM to the time we departed at 1:30 Am it was "Non-Stop Holy Spirit". The Atmosphere is so different because many have never heard the true Gospel and the people who have the most to say about Jesus are the Muslims (who call him Asa and show more respect for Him and His name than most American Christians!)
Stephen - is a 37 year old man that came to the Lord 2 months ago following a heavy drug problem. He has been living at a local hostel, but has had relatively no fellowship and no close relationships since coming to Jesus. He joined us on the bridge and we began to talk. I jsut bega nto "disciple" him and speak the Word of God to him. He spoke of spending his life in Amsterdam and the struggles that he has had in the enviroment--but his determination to never go back to that life! I shared with him about the Holy Spirit and how that he came to empower the believer for service and for worship. I asked him if he would like to recieve the Holy Spirit and he said that he did. We prayed right there in the middle of some of the most wicked things you could imagine--but BOOM he got HIT by the power of God! We are meeting today for a late lunch to talk some more and to try and get him connected to some people here locally. Pray for him!
Ron - is a middle aged man who has battled sever depression. His countenance was so down as he talked with one of the team. We had previously met him earlier in the week when we helped feed the homeless and needy at a local outreach center called "The Cleft" and he was very downcast then as well. I began to share with him concerning the Joy of the Lord being our strength and that "in His presence is fulness of joy." I told him that happiness is temporal and circumstranial, but that joy was eternal and supernatural. He allowed to pray for him and BOOM he got HIT and you could slap the grin off of his face! The peace and the presence of God was so strong that Sharon (the team member standing there with me) got hit as well!
Razi - was a 22 year old Muslim whose parents were born in Pakistan, but he was born and raised in the UK. He shared with me about losing his mom to kidney disease when he was 15 years old and how hard it has been to cope with that loss. He said that "He was a Muslim, but had really grown away from it all and was searching." I had the chance to spend a good deal of time revealing to him the REAL Jesus (not the mere mortal of Islam) and you couold just see his openess to the Word. He asked for my card so that we could correspond. He told me, "I don't nned any of these things (the sex, drugs, etc) and I just want to go home because I feel so out of place)
Patrick was a thirty something year old man that John and I were able to minister to! He looked over as we stood there with the cross and called him over by saying, "Hey! Do you need some prayer?" He hesitated but slowly walked over. When asked him name he said, "Patrick" to which John replied, that's cool, like St. Patrick who was responsible for taking the Gospel message to Ireland. This "Patrick" immediatey grabbed the marijuana cigarette from his maout hand through it on the ground saying, "I am DONE with this stuff!" Come to find out, he was a backslidden and struggling Christian who had been involved in the ministry! He said that he was ruching through trying to catch a bus--but just had to stop. As I prayed for him the fire of God fell and he began to pray in tongues!
The whole night was just incredible as we had drug addicts empty their pockets and toss their drugs in the canal. I had a dru dealer whom I have ran into 5 times! this week came over to me and hug my neck! We have prayed and witnessed to members of the local mafia. In short--we have seen Jesus do EXACTLY what He said He would do if we simply obeyed His wor d to GO and preach the Gospel---and that is save and transform lives!
We'll be back at it today and tonight and covet your prayers for us as well as our families back home.
Blessings,
Pastor Troy
Note: if the images do not load and you are unable to see them, go to www.ravenoutreach.blogspot.com ALSO -- thank you all who have emailed us such encouraging notes! THEY are so much appreciated! raven@biggrace.com is where you can send you email--I check it each day
Friday, August 25, 2006
Gathering Sunday
Come gather at the Bennett's Home this Sunday! Bring toys for Tijuana, a sidedish to share, a testimony, your family and friends! 3pm~ call Brian for directions: 327-7518 and/or RSVP Come gather to lift up JESUS and celebrate this past week of ministry and get fired up for the week ahead!
CHOICE
So, today I am praying about "choice."
I have listened with my two ears and read with my two eyes a lot about "choice." I've seen a lot this past year and the Lord has broken my heart and I ask him constantly to keep my heart broken that it won't turn back into a heart of apathy towards those I have come to love. Those I love including the strangers I’ve met across the country on the streets and in homes bigger than my own.
My family and friends who know the Lord bring comfort to me as I know they alone have made the choice to live a life seeking the Lord first before every "choice." Praise God!
My beloved who haven't made that choice I constantly pray for~ that it will happen in God’s timing as every tongue will confess.
My beloved who have made that choice but aren’t walking the walk just hearing the talk I constantly pray for~
Narrow is the gate and few will find it.
Some have made the choice to be saved~ said the sinners prayer when they were six~ others have said it with eyes closed and head bowed down. It's for JESUS, not for me to know~ but oh how I long to know!
I think the choice God gives us shouldn't be hidden from others~ but rather shouted~ we talk everyday about things of this world unashamed or boldly~ why then should this choice be kept quiet?
Some believers tell me people living out on the streets are there by choice~ I totally disagree.
Do they not know that many of those people they are referring too are actually saved?
Many of "those people" are sisters and brothers in Christ who I have personally done nothing for except gone my way and chosen to left behind. I think too often we walk on by and use “it’s their choice” as an excuse~ that is NOT how Jesus sees them. If I am to believe in JESUS then it’s my prayer that I will follow his ways all of my days.
Some believe that Jose "chose" to be in the gang and therefore died because of his choice living on the other side of town~ when I read the local newspaper I was disgusted at the hatred and things of this world that were commented by my "neighbors." Jose didn't die because it was his choice to get shot in the head at 16 years old on a Thursday night driving in a car~ he died and it was my choice whether or not to tell him about the Lord before the enemy got to him~
I haven't seen Jose’s picture but wonder if he was one of many who came to know the saving grace of JESUS before that fateful night? Rudy said his face looked familiar. Deb said he looked like a typical good looking young man. My heart aches~ I have a 16 year old son.
I wonder this morning if Jose was the young man who I smiled at as I found myself alone in Apple Valley that Thursday night while the team went on to Roseland, Guerneville and West Ninth last week. There was a group of young men assembling and a lone police officer walking around Apple Valley and as soon as the RAVEN team left and I had finished loading beef jerky into Tonie's car, I noticed I was alone and that's when the boys came out of their doors and I caught one of their eyes as I made a uturn.
I remember wanting to stop to talk to all of them but didn't, knowing I was there by myself which wasn't what Rudy would have allowed me to do~ and when I smiled at the young man, his eyes caught mine and his face changed from mr tough guy to eyes sweetly bowed and a soft smile back. I wonder, simply wonder if it was him who was murdered or one of his relatives or friends just four hours after our eyes met?
I won't know until I go to the funeral~ I won't know until I see him again.
And I don’t know why there aren't more of us "I SURRENDER ALL" Chrisitans out there to spread the word alongside my daughters and Rudy and the RAVEN teams to our dying youth right now in Santa Rosa. There are so many choosing to let others die without doing anything about it except commenting on their deaths. I am pretty sure the song says, I surrender ALL~ I can’t help but wonder what the city would like if the body of Christ was more important in the news headlines for what they were doing rather than for what they were saying. Can we save lives? Could I personally have stopped the bullet from killing Jose? Well, I certainly could have done more to assure him a place in heaven where there are no more bullets. Forgive me JESUS.
Time is short here~ it doesn't cost much to get to the other side of the town~ and it's our choice to claim JESUS then it’s our obedience to love and follow the commandments~ "love your neighbor as yourself." CHOOSE LIFE TODAY.
Dear Jesus, I come before you pleading for you to have mercy on Jose’s soul. I come before you asking that the HOLY SPIRIT fill me up so as no more 16 year olds that I come into contact with will go without being fed the loving kindness message of salvation. Father God, I am determined to get rid of my reluctance to share you and I ask that the churches who are filled with Christians hearing the word would foster an environment not of eyes closed and heads bowed, but rather voices lifted unashamed to claim YES< I CHOOSE YOU JESUS so as to equip others to boldly in churches, on streets, in homes, online not feel reluctant to share your word! Come Lord Jesus! Let no more sons of mothers die across town while the rest of us choose not to go and love them. I thank you for your perfect will to be done. Merciful God, reign~ not religion, but only you JESUS, amen.
JOSE AND HIS BROTHERS
Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
True Repentance of a Nation
Josiah was a godly king in Israel. However, before he came to power, the nation had fallen into all kinds of evil. One man, Manasseh, had brought the nation to a condition of inexorable evil. God finally had enough.
Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I am going to bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle. I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab. I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down (2 Kings 21:12-13).
Josiah came into power just before this judgment. He began to clean up the evil by burning all the idolatrous temples, ridding prostitution and homosexuality from the streets, and destroying occult shrines. He did this without the benefit of even reading God's Word, but through the Holy Spirit working in his heart. Then one day the ancient Scriptures were discovered in the temple that had lain dormant for years. They had a profound impact on King Josiah.
When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes. He gave these orders to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king's attendant: "Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the remnant in Israel and Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord's anger that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written in this book" (2 Chronicles 34:19-21).
Josiah was broken. He tore his robes in repentance. He fell to his knees and repented for the wickedness of his nation. He stood in the gap, and God honored Josiah; however, it wasn't enough. God still had to judge the nation for its previous wickedness under the reign of Manasseh.
"Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what He spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before Me and tore your robes and wept in My presence, I have heard you, declares the Lord. Now I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place and on those who live here." ... (2 Chronicles 34:27-28).
God spared Josiah during his reign, but after he died judgment came upon the nation.
No nation is immune from God's judgment. Pray for your nation today. Pray that your nation will have a repentant heart among the leaders and the people.
RAVEN IN AMSTERDAM
Witnessed to: Pilot of Airforce 1 and NBA Player Last Night!Pastor Troy D. BohnAug 25, 2006
JESUS IS LORD: Amsterdam
Joesi- I stopped this man from Suriname (South America) last night and began to share Jesus with him. He was a backslider that had walked with the Lord years ago before being ensnared by the cares of this wo rld. As he would offer an "excuse" for his sin, I would provide the "Word" on how he could be set free. As I would share the Word with him, you could see a deep conviction setting upon him. His eyes would gloss over with tears and he would grow silent. I was able to pray that the strongholds would be broken off of his life and like the Prodigal son he would "come to himself" and realize that he had a place to return to in his "Father's House."
Davice- A man of mid-forties stopped as he saw the cross standing on the bridge in the Red Light District. He was curious as to what we were doing---so we told him! He was a mariner who had ported there in Amsterdam for a couple of days. He docked to "party" in Amsterdam, but his plans "ran ashore" when his sink was sunk in the presence of the Lord! We prayed and gave him contact info.
Bro. Grampon was walking along the canal and I noticed a "cross" necklace hanging from his neck and plus he was wearing an "old school" Kangol hat exactly like mine! I yelled out--certainly NOT expecting the response that I got--"Hey, Preacher!" To which he turned around in the midst of the crowd to look my way. I went up to him and found that he was a minister, originally from Africa but now in Europe and establishing an "Army of God" there in the city. He had just returned from ministering in Romania. He walked me to their church building and we prayed together there and he invited us to come ANYTIME to preach on the streets with him!
Nick was drawn to the cross and the spectacle of the team standing around witnessing and praying with people. He approached and obviously wasn't from Europe--he was from North Carolina and was a pilot for AirForce One. He was there flying several congressman on a tour of Europe and this was their latest stop. I didn't recognize the politicians. We were able to share with him and then pray for him before he left. We said, "Tell President Bush that there are some crazy Christian people out there praying for him." To which he seriously replied, "...I will..he is a very Godly man." PTL that we were able to witness to and share Jesus with someone that regularly has contact wit the President of the United States!
Josh was a young man in his early twenties that we encountered there on the streets. He began to tell of his life and shared that he was in some trouble with the law because he had sex with a 13 year old girl and her parents had found out. We used that as a means to take the consequences of sin to him and reveal the true bondage that he was under. He did allow us to pray with him after spending about an hour talking to various members of the team.
Marcus Camby the 7 foot tall center for the Denver Nuggets (NBA) came walking by our table as we broke for lunch. The locals looked at him as just a "very tall man" but as soon as I saw him I recognized the face and soon it came to me that it was Marcus Camby. Two of us got up from the table and followed him down the street where we were able to by-pass his small entourage and spreak with him. Now I know where he is staying and I will continue to "go after him with the Gos pel."
These are just a few of the lives being changed, transformed and affected by the preaching of the Gospel here in Amsterdam! Thank you so muc for your love, prayers and support!
Blessings,
Pastor Troy
Raven International
119 S. Pal metto Ave. Suite 152
Daytona Beach, Florida 32114
http://www.biggrace.com/
raven@biggrace.com
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Jose's Funeral
Jose is the 16 year old who was murdered 4 hours after outreach last Thursday night~ he lived in Apple Valley. There was a retaliation shooting this morning at 4am. The following flier was handed to Rudy tonight: Jose's Funeral, Sunday, August 27~ Viewing at Daniel Chapel of the Roses Location: 1225 Sonoma Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95405; Time: 8am-9pm No gang affiliation (clothing, belts, shoes, bandanas, colors, etc). Monday, August 28 Funeral at 11 am We will start at Daniel Chapel of the Roses and follow to the Bennett Valley Cemetary. For more information or if transportation is needed call Mara Leon at : 477.6948 No materials left in coffin, due to respect the family. Please continue to pray against violence. Please do something, do anything.
FOR GOD ALONE
Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
God's Recruitment Strategy For Leaders
by Os Hillman, August 24, 2006
When God calls one of His servants into service, there is often much travail. There are many examples where God makes His presence known through circumstances that tax the individual to his very soul.
Consider Paul, who was stricken blind on the Damascus road.
Consider Peter; when he denied Jesus after the crucifixion, he was in total despair.
Consider Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into the fiery furnace.
Consider Daniel, who was thrown into the lions' den.
Consider David, who was forced to flee his former employer for many years and lived as a fugitive.
It may seem strange to us that God uses such incredible adversity to prepare His servants for greater service, but this is God's way. God knows that the human heart is incapable of voluntarily stepping into situations that take us beyond our comfort zone. He intentionally brings us into hard places to prove us and to drive us deeper into the soil of His grace.
In arid regions of the world, trees cannot survive unless their roots grow deeper to where the water table can be found. Once they reach the water, these trees become stronger than any tree that can be found in tropical climates. Their root systems ensure that they can withstand any storm. In the same way, God brings us into extremely difficult situations in order to prove His power and drive our spiritual roots deeper.
Friend, God may take you through times when you will question His love for you. In such times, you must cling to His coattail so that you see His purposes in it. Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him" (Hebrews 10:36-38).
RAVEN AMSTERDAM
Drug Dealers & Prostitutes are EVERYWHERE!
Pastor Troy D. Bohn
Aug 24, 2006
Spurgeon said, "If sinners be damned, let them leap to hell over our bodies. Let them go with our arms around their knees. Let no one go there unwarned or unprayed for."
The past few days here in Amsterdam have just brought a greater reality of the devices that enemy uses to ensnare people. These images are probably troubling to some of you: Pictures of prostitutes on a Christian website! YES--that is exactly what you are seeing. THAT is the stark reality of the things that satan has utilized to destroy people...and I am not talking about the men who would go into a brothel, but instead the young women who have literally be ripped from their countries, their families, and their hopes and dreams and have been made to sell themselves like a piece of furniture on display in a window!ENIS--a thirty yeal old woman came up as a result of seeing the Cross that we were carrying down the street. Within minutes she was weeping and asking Jesus to save her! It wasn't anything that we did! This was a GOD APPOINTED time for here to come into HIS Kingdom--we were just obedient to point her to the one who had been seeking here out! What if we had made an excuse and not went?
She then asked for some of the Gospel tract and SHE started handing them out...even going up to one of the "Red-Lit" windows and handing one to the girl and telling here what had just happend in here life!
ROY--a man who was from another country was standing there preaching open air! He was excited to see other believers because he said it is just usually him trying to lift op the light of the Gospel to this dark place. He lept up and rejoiced as we all celebrated JESUS there on the street! Soon a man dressed as a waiter ran from a restaurant over to us! He was a Christian from Egypt and merely heard the words Hallelujah and had to run out to find the source!
MIKE-- a Police officer came over to where we had the Cross standing on a busy bridge to find out what we were doing. We had a great time sharing with this man (who told us that he was not "religious) we told him that we weren't either and the proof was that we were OUT THERE and not on in some padded pew! HE was really ministered to and allowed us to pray with him before leaving! We have had NON-STOP Jesus INTERVENTIONS with the lost, dying, and hurting and look forward with EXPECTANCY as to what Jesus has for us over the next few days! Today we will be at a place called "The Cleft" serving a hot meal to hundreds of homeless here in Amsterdam. Pray for the "anointing to break the yokes of bondage" and for lives to be changed as souls are brought into the Kingdom of God. If you will KEEP SENDING US then we will KEEP GOING FOR JESUS! Blessings, Pastor Troy ps...email me and let me know you are standing with us. I check the email at a side walk internet cafe once a day and would love to hear from you. This trip took an investment of about $2,000 and we were able to raise abo ut 1/2 of it before leaving. If you would like to "invest in the harvest" so that we can continue to "Go to the World" both in the US and abroad with the message of the Cross, please consider making a special missions offering to RAVEN this month or make Raven your monthly missionary that you support!
Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Our site and blog
Hey, everyone! Our website is back up (with the exception of the working store and donate feature). For those of you who are interested, please check our blog on the site to keep up with ministry dates and news.
Also, please remember to post your prayer requests on our site so we can be praying with you.
Keep going for God!
Love in Him,
Bobby & Dot
Streetwise Ministry
TODAY IS THE DAY
Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
AMSTERDAM JULY 2007
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| Deb-- good to hear from you sis and all is going well here in Amsterdam. Had to get here via an unexpected layover in Dousseldorf, Germany--but I considered it a divine appointment because of the people I had the opportunity to share Jesus with there. We hit the streets last night and my heart was broken as I saw the effects of a City given over to satan unlike any place that I have ever been. You walk by a and see window after window of young girls (someones daughter, sister, niece, etc..) put on display for their bodies like a piece of meat. Then you can't walk 10 steps w/o someone offering to sell you drugs of some sort--the best thing is that it gives you a chance to witness nonstop--and suprisingly the drug dealers are very open to hearing the Word and allowing us to pray with them. The homeless are also in vast abundance as well and I got to minister and pray with several of them as well. We witnessed to one whole family seated by us at an outdoor eatery and their 14 year old daughter just "got hit" and began to weep uncontrollably! The family freaked becaseu they just couldn't figure out what was happening to their child! God is good! Kepp the team in prayer as it only promises to get more intense from here. Big PRAISES for the report on your mamma! He is the Healer! Blessings, Pastor Troy Ps.. Pass the word. Raven Amsterdam set for July 2007! We'll be planning for 20 men and 20 women to hit the streets in force! "The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence..and the violent take it by FORCE" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE TONIGHT/TOMORROW
Beloved!
Opportunity tonight before your home group or class or dinner!
Please come help bag 700 grocery bags that will be distributed to hungry children and families in Santa Rosa and Guerneville tomorrow!
This may very well be our last outreach!
We are out of money!
The outreach is a blessing to so many!
Come be a part!
Men, women, children are all invited tonight~
Men, women, children are all invited tomorrow night~
Tonight is packing 4-6 at The Living Well formerly known as Hope West between Pump it Up and Vertex Climbing Center off of Coffey Lane in Santa Rosa~
Tomorrow is outreach~ meet same place at 5pm~
See you tonight, Wednesday!
See the RAVEN team tomorrow, Thursday!
All good things,
Lori
The Art of Waiting
How are you at waiting on God? How do you determine if God is giving you the green light to move forward? Many workplace believers make the mistake of adding up all the pluses and then concluding that God has given them the green light. Several factors go into making a decision from the Lord.
It is important to do three things before you make a decision on a matter. First, you should gather facts. Fact gathering allows you to determine all the realities of a given situation. However, this does not ultimately drive your decision, but it can put a stop to it. For instance, if you were planning to build a shopping center and you knew the only way to lease the space was to rent to a porn shop, your decision would be made. God would not lead you to enter into unrighteous ventures.
Second, is the Holy Spirit guiding you in your decision? "If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm" (Ps. 37:23). George Mueller cites that the steps are also "by the Lord." God puts hedges around us, but many times we bull our way through the hedges under the guise of tenacity and perseverance. This too is unrighteousness. One wise workplace believer stated that the greatest success one can have in business is to know when it is time to pull the plug rather than keep forcing a situation. Not all businesses last forever.
Third, has your decision been confirmed? God has placed others around us to be used as instruments in our lives to confirm decisions and keep us from the deceit of our own heart. "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses" (2 Cor. 13:1b). This is God's way of keeping us within the hedge of His protection.
"Write your plans in pencil and give God the eraser."
PACKING FOR 700 FAMILIES TONIGHT! 4-6
Hi everyone~ please consider dropping in at The Living Well as we pack bags of groceries for 700 families! Many hands make light work~ come be a part! 4:00- 6:00~ Thanks!
RAVEN INTERNATIONAL GOING4GOD ACROSS EUROPE!
News for the Streets...of AmsterdamPastor Troy D. BohnAug 23, 2006
It is about 12:45 in the afternoon her in Amsterdam as I take a quick break at a local internet cafe' here in the Red Light District of Amsterdam.
I arrived here in the City late yesterday following an unscheduled stop in Dusseldorf, Germany. I was the only me mber of our team that got switched to a whole different airline before taking off from Orlando on Monday! So I am told that I will have to go to Germany before switching to another plane (and airline) and then flying back across Europe to Amsterdam! Raven Germany...hmmm.
Well it all worked out as a "Divine Appointment" as the airline gave me a couple of hundred dollars towards my next flight and I had the chance to witness and share Jesus in yet another country! As I sat in the airport and testified of the ministry that God has called us to with a Dutch couple on their way home from visiting their son in the States, many ears were listening to our conversation as I told of the power of God saving and transforming lives across the USA and abroad. I have given out many of our business cards to people desiring to see what we are doing and get more information about the ministry.
Upon arriving yesterday, we got situated at the Hostel where we are staying at: this one is a "Christian Youth Hostle" adjacent to the Red Light District. While it is Christian owned/operated, it is open to anyone with jsut a few rules--no drinking, smoking, etc.. You dont have to be a "Christian" to stay there and it is obvious that many of those staying are not. There were a group of 60 Palastinians that checked in just an hour or so ago!
NEWS FLASH!...as I was typing the last sentence a man named "Saba" appraoched me asking for money to eat. He was from Bosnia and was on the streets here. I shared the Gospel with him and th en prayed for him! This is as "Capt. John" one of the team members said, "A target-rich" enviroment!
Last night as we made our way through the Red Light District, my heart was broken by the hundrds and maybe thousands of young girls who have been enticed and trapped into a life of prostitution. Those represent someone's daughter, sister, niece or friend. Let's pray for sweeping revival to break loose in the brothels and streets of this city inundated with sin and godlessness.
About every ten feet weencounter someone offering us drugs...and we offer them a different type of HIGH---the Holy Ghost! One man, "Ali" a muslim, offered me "cocaine" and I was able to share the Gospel with him and pray with him as well. One family from England that we met asked about the meaning of my "Raven Shirt" and I told them that it meant that I "casted out devils, healed the sick, raised the dead and brought hope to the hopeless in Jesus name!"
Their young 14 year old daughter asked for prayer for her hurting grandmother and just melted under the presence of God and began to weep uncontrollably. God is so Good!
We're hitting the streets again right now and believing for the hand of God to move mightily! Pray for us!
Blessing s,
Pastor Troy
Raven International
119 S. Palmetto Ave Suite 152
Daytona Beach, Florida 32114
www.BigGrace.com
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Evidence of evanDelism!!
I was standing in line at the bank today that is located inside a grocery store. I reached over and grabbed one of the weekly flyers for the store so I could look at it while passing time in line.
I never get the top newspaper, ad, magazine, et cetera - don't ask me why - I just go to the middle of the stack! :) As soon as I opened the advertisement something flew out and hit the ground. Curious, I looked down and someone had "evanDelized" the stack of newsprint advertisements with Gospel tracts!
I started to pick it up but decided to leave it there for someone else to pick it up in hopes they needed to hear the Good News today!
Just wanted to share this with those of you who like to leave tracts, sow seeds, so that others may come to know Him.
Going with the Gospel,
Dot Chance
PRAYER ANSWERED
Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
Drawing Near to Darkness
Like the nation of Israel, we are each called to the mountain of God, but few are willing to pass through the darkness to get there. God wanted to reveal His glory to the children of Israel, but they were afraid to enter into His presence. They only wanted to know about God, rather than know him personally like Moses did. This grieved the heart of God.
Why wouldn't the people of Israel risk entering the darkness if it meant being in the presence of God? What did the people fear?
Perhaps they had fears like each of us. The fear of the unknown. The fear of what might happen. The fear that God might not like what He sees. Or, perhaps even the greatest fear: the fear of darkness itself and what lies behind that darkness.
Many of us have been satisfied to hear about God from God's messengers. But there is a greater calling for each of us-a calling to enter into His presence. Sometimes entering into His presence means we enter through an unexpected door-a door that appears to have nothing good behind it.
We do not need to fear entering the presence of God even if it means entering through a period of darkness. Above all else we must believe that God is a God of love. If He calls us into darkness in order to enter His presence, then that darkness will become an entry to new levels of relationship with a
Monday, August 21, 2006
reach out from my porch
Dear Jesus, thank you that my porch is full. Thank you that there are boxes and bags of your blessings to overflowing on my porch. Thank you that Lolita stopped by. A stranger to me, but not to you. She knocked on my door tonight. Just passing by... Her family is in need of a home by the end of this month. She wanted to pick some lemons. She said that after they pay rent they have hardly any money left and the lemons are good to squirt into water. After listening for a long time, her 9 year old grandson approached the porch and said, "BEEF JERKY!!!" I offered some. I explained to her what all the boxes were for and gave her some breakfast cereal that I have left over from SF. My heart is broken right now. Please JESUS forgive me if I get frustrated that my home right now looks and feels chaotic~ thank you that all Lolita saw wasn't a mess, but food for her grandchildren. Help me see things like you do. Thank you that I was able to listen for a long time and then pray with her. Thank you JESUS that she is trusting you to provide. Let your will be done. Thank you that she will be back on Thursday morning to claim what bags of groceries you will leave on my porch. Come HOLY SPIRIT~ AMEN.
THANK GOD AND THANK YOU
Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
PLEASE READ STORY FROM PRESS DEMOCRAT
The following story was printed in the Santa Rosa's Press Democrat. Maddie and I drove at this intersection on our way to Apple Valley last Thursday night about 4 hours before this murder took place. If you are not coming to outreach, please pray for these teenagers and for the violence to cease! If you are coming to outreach, remember to please follow our RAVEN guidelines and not get too comfortable~ rememer where we are ministering and be aware~ wear your black RAVEN shirts so the police in the neighborhoods can identify us as a group~ the climate will be intense in the next few weeks. Also, the comments to this story found on the internet are heartbreakingly filled with racism and hate. Please pray for our city to turn their hearts and minds away from hatred and focus on JESUS~ Please consider what God would have you do after reading this story and seek the kingdom of GOD in this situation~ move with compassion, not hate! Please pray that the Lord will have mercy on this young man's life. SR teen shot in head dies
Police investigate killing as gang crime; makeshift memorial erected
By MARY CALLAHANAND JEREMY HAYTHE PRESS DEMOCRAT
A 16-year-old Santa Rosa boy died early Saturday from injuries suffered in what appears to be a gang-related shooting, police said.
Jose Ayala Ramirez, known on the street as "Penguino," died from a single gunshot wound to the head, Santa Rosa Police Sgt. Craig Schwartz said.Ramirez was riding with three other Sonoma County teens - one only 13 - in a car on Westberry Drive when it was targeted by multiple gunshots from another vehicle at about 10:30 p.m. Thursday, police said.A neighbor reported hearing yelling in the street before the gunfire, but the specific motive and suspect identities were not yet known Saturday."We are investigating it as a gang crime, and we're still in the midst of trying to follow up leads and look for witnesses," said Schwartz, who supervises the police department's gang crimes investigation unit.Saturday evening, about two dozen people stood by a makeshift cross at Lance Avenue and Guerneville Road, near where the 16-year-old was shot.The streets enclose a field of dry brown grass partially surrounded by a barbed wire fence and mounted on the wire were a blue bandana, a small Mexican flag, a wood rectangle on which was written "RIP Jose" and another that said "RIP Penguino."The group kept a wary eye on passing traffic. None would comment. They ranged in age from young teens to mid-20s.A Virgin of Guadalupe candle stood on top of the cross. Lilies were taped to the cross, too, and a vase of red roses stood at its base, as well as two 16-ounce beer cans.A piece of paper bearing a photograph of Jose was held in place by a blue bandana. He appeared pale in the photograph, against a blue background on which the works "Santa Rosa" were visible.There was talk of where to post fliers bearing the dead boy's photograph and information about helping his family pay for the cost of the funeral."Elsie Allen and Piner," a girl said. "Montgomery," said a boy, "everywhere."The black Ford sedan of the county's gang task force drove by. Later, it returned and parked behind the group, and from the front seat a sheriff's deputy videotaped the gathering. The group turned its back to the car."Turn around, don't let them take pictures of you," someone said.A girl raising money for the dead boy's family held a boy closely, obscuring his face."This fool has probation," she said.Soon, she led him across the street and later returned without him.Sonoma County Sheriff's Sgt. Lorenzo Duenas, who leads the gang task force, said the officers responded to a call from a citizen that gang members were gathering."The majority of them were known gang members," he said.The remaining shooting victims, whose names are being withheld to protect them, have been unable to provide many clues, Schwartz said."It's still an open case that we're actively working, but there are no really good new leads that I can talk about that we're pursuing more actively than any others," he said.
URGENT PRAYERS FOR DEB'S FAMILY
Deb just called to let us know that her mom Angie, suffered a heart attack tonight~ she is at Memorial Hospital. Please join us in prayer for healing, comfort and God's mercy. Love, Rudy and Lori
UGO4GOD Opportunities this week!
Monday: PRAY for Pastor Troy and traveling mercy to Amsterdam and pray for all the children going back to school! Tuesday: Pray for men to join the RAVEN teams heading out in Santa Rosa this week! Wednesday: Join the RAVEN team assembling 700 bags of groceries at the Living Well (Hope West) from 4pm-6pm Thursday: Join many hands and feet going into Papago Ct, Apple Valley, West Ninth, Roseland and Guerneville to bring the gospel and groceries! Friday: Pray!!! Saturday: Pray some more! Sunday: Gathering at the Bennett's Family Home. Time tba. Love you all! PRAY2GOD! GIVE2GOD! GO4GOD!
NEW THINGS
Our past can be a hindrance or a help in moving toward God's purposes for each of us. For some, the past has meant pain and heartache, and grace is required so that we do not let our past dictate our responses to the future. If we allow our past to make us a victim, then we have not entered into the grace that God has for us. If we live on memories of past successes and fail to raise our vision for new things, we again are victims of our past.
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland" (Is. 43:19). Our past should only be viewed for what we can learn from it. We must move forward and avoid viewing the negative or the positive for more than what we can learn. Many have allowed their past to dictate their future. God is always about doing new things in our lives. He gives fresh revelation of His purposes in our lives. Do not live in the past. Do not hold onto bitterness that may hinder God from doing new and exciting things in your life. He turns our wastelands into streams of water to give life, not death.
How have you viewed your past? Has it hindered you in some areas of your life? Have you relied on past successes to dictate what you will do in the future? Put aside such thoughts and allow God to do a new thing in your life. Ask Him to help you see the new things He wants to do in and through you today.
"When your memories are bigger than your dreams, you're headed for the grave" [Author unknown].