Unique Day Yesterday

Yesterday was my last day working for Bayshore Christian Ministries. It started out very appropriately by having breakfast with Kimberly Marsheck (Li) who I worked with for about 4 and 1/2 of the almost 6 years at BCM. Kimberly was key to helping me transition into the organization. Last Thursday they had a lunch for me. It was great to see old teammates like Susan Martin, Steve Joh, Ben Rodriguez and others.

I had to stop at the end of the BCM driveway for a moment and thank God for allowing me to serve BCM for the last season. It seems like ages ago I was at Youth For Christ in Modesto. I appreciate Andy Hartwell for allowing me to serve. I clearly remember the early September day I drove in from Modesto to start work at BCM. I remember how different EPA was from Modesto, LA, NYC, Tijuana and the other cities I know. I remember how intimidated I was by the BCM staff, they all are so educated, passionate and committed to the cause. As I reflected I also thought of the unique transition moments I've experienced - when I was 18 years old, sitting on the bus from Dallas to Tyler, Texas for my school with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). When Melissa and I were newly married and driving down to the YWAM location in Tijuana to live. When Samuel was a baby and moving to Escalon, CA to work with Joe and Brian at Stepping Stones Christian Fellowship. All of these times proved to be important and key transitions.

Now, looking ahead to NCUDC and serving at St. Samuel. Wow - it's not been easy - but also it's not been boring. I really can't ask for more.

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YWAMers Praised for Faith and Leadership

The Denver Post reports on the memorial service at the Denver YWAM base: "We're going to celebrate a life, we're not accentuating a death," said Faith Bible Chapel pastor George Morrison, in opening a memorial service today for two people killed at a missionary training school in Arvada . The service is called "A Celebration of Life for Tiffany and Philip." Philip Crouse and Tiffany Johnson died Sunday when a gunman opened fire at the school's dormitory. Youth With a Mission director Peter Warren said today both Crouse and Johnson embodied the spirit of the group. First the service focused on Crouse . "Phil gave his life to Jesus Christ and was never the same again," said Zach, a friend of Johnson's who met him years ago at a youth ministry in Alaska. At the time, Crouse was tough and wouldn't let people get close to him. "Over the years, Phil became a humble, teachable, sweet guy" who was able to reach kids with rough e

Non Profit Payday Loans?

Here's a recent New York Times article sent to me from Katie at NCHM on payday lending. I know that the NCUD / CTCU-EPA partnership is going to have to create the right program addressing the needs for short term lending for low income families. We don't have the answers yet, but it's definitely on our radar. APPLETON, Wis. — This city of 70,000 has five McDonald’s franchises, three Pizza Huts, four Starbucks shops — and 19 payday loan stores, brightly lighted storefronts with names like EZ Money and Check Into Cash that offer two-week loans without credit checks. Peggy Truckey, 53, knows the allure. Last year she owed nearly $1,300 to four of those stores, and was paying about $600 a month in finance fees alone. “I thought I was going to have to take a second job just to pay off the interest,” Ms. Truckey said. Then she heard about a new nonprofit program operated out of a Goodwill thrift store, one of several hundred lower-cost payday loan products that are now bein

Samuel Liotti TV Interview about Obama's Nomination

Check this out this link! Samuel, his best friend Malik and other students at East Palo Alto Academy were interviewed on TV where they were asked about their views on Obama. The students has some interesting and revealing comments. With all the politics, it may be easy for some to overlook the significance and importance of the first truly viable African-American candidate for president. Obama's nomination to especially many young people in our community speaks volumes about who they are and what they can become. This is an exciting and important time in our history. Please join me in praying for both our candidates, but especially Obama. I've felt impressed that I should pray specifically for his safety during the next months. Follow the link and check out the interview! What about you? How significant do you feel is Obama's nomination?

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