The Lomelinos in Isla Vista, CA

Friday Night in IV

2012-02-13T10:06:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of the house across from where we serve the Jesus Burgers every Friday night...picture the loudest sound system you can imagine, now picture a louder one. That is what is going on here, not to mentioned the biggest party on the street. Every Friday night this is pretty much the look, fortunately the DJ plays music that brings a happy party vibe to the street. After the music goes off at midnight, which is a law in IV (crazy you can play music as loud as you want till then), some of the people flood into our house to hang with us and have a Jesus Burger.

Why We Live in IV - LOL

2012-02-12T00:37:00.000-08:00

The Word (Jesus) became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. (John 1:14)

IVC FAMILY HOME GROUPS

2012-02-11T10:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a pic from the Wednesday night Family Home Group in SB...we just finished reading the book above together...I love learning, growing, and discovering more of Jesus as a family!

A Longing Fulfilled | Jesus Loves IV

2012-02-10T11:46:00.000-08:00

A Longing Fulfilled | Jesus Loves IV

This is from our friend Dani, she use to live at the Jesus Burger House about 2 years ago...super stoked for how God is using her life to love the poor and those who have not heard about Jesus!

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to captives
and freedom to prisoners;
to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn,
to grant those who mourn in Zion,
giving them a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified."
(Isaiah 61:1-3)

IVC Sunday Gathering

2012-02-10T10:13:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pictures of the church we meet at each Sunday...the IVC Family Gatherings have been amazing this year! It has been such a blessing worshiping God together, encouraging one another, and teaching each week. We usually meet from 4pm to 7pm every Sunday, which often is still not long enough...I guess we love Jesus and one another a lot!

Deeper

2012-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is part of an email that my (Jason) dad sent me yesterday about this album, "I listened to entire cd again today & really like it. Although, I am not familiar with the songs, they are very strong worship songs that bring you into God's presence. I feel best to listen where you can close your eyes & meditate on Him & His presence."

Amen, I couldn't say it better dad!

Your Love is So Big

2012-02-09T11:51:00.000-08:00

Mac Montgomery & The Family Band

Get it on iTunes

Anchor of Hope

2012-02-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

Here is the video Anchor of Hope - it was recorded
last Friday night at the Upper Room

Mac Montgomery's new album comes out 3/3/12

Brotherly Love

2012-02-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

One of the main things that impacted my journey of coming to Christ over 10 years ago was spending time with my sister and her Christian friends for 8 months...in 2001 I moved into a home with three Christian guys and I remember being tripped out by how much they loved one another - hugging one another and loving on each other, and they were sober! I mean my friends and I would hug from time to time, but usually after a few beers or so. This new kind of love confused me, as it was so sincere and heartfelt. Later after coming to Christ I cam across this verse, which made more and more sense to me.

"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." - Jesus

The love of God changes the entire person...Christianity is not about trying to be a better person, it's about becoming an entirely new person by faith in Christ - sharing in the both the death and resurrection of Jesus!

"Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)

Love Your Neighbor

2012-02-07T10:24:00.000-08:00

This picture is from our street...and no we did not do this or anyone we know. The city of Isla Vista thrives when it comes to community - mostly centered around the party scene. Overall, we feel safe in IV - besides a few incidents where random people have come to our door at 3am in the morning drunk trying to get in we have not had any problems. Due to 20,000 people in a one mile square radius it kind of builds a safety into the city where people are looking out for one another.

We love IV and we love the words of Jesus, "Love Thy Neighbor."

Prayer Before Jesus Burgers

2012-02-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

"Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

This a picture from last Friday night at the Upper Room...we broke into groups of 5 or so to pray for the IV and for His will to be done...it was a powerful night, as I personally saw God answer a lot of our prayers!

Thank you Jesus and thank you for the great love you have
for the city of Isla Vista!

The Lion

2012-02-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

"The wicked flee when no one is pursuing,
but the righteous are bold as a lion." (Proverb 28:1)

Samuel Turns 7

2012-02-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

This last Tuesday Samuel turned 7 years old...CRAZY that we have a 7 year old now! Wow times flies, as he was just one month old when we moved into the community house called Shiloh with 20+ people for 2 1/2 years.

As I dad I could not be more proud and thankful for the son that God has given Holly and me...he has such a caring and compassionate heart, and is doing such a great job as the big brother of the family. We love Samuel - it is an honor being your father!

A Blog About Jesus Burgers

2012-02-01T08:47:00.001-08:00

A blog about Jesus Burgers from our good friend Derika Sims:
http://www.derikabrendsel.blogspot.com/

Jesus Burgers

2012-02-01T08:29:00.001-08:00

These are a few pictures from last week at Jesus Burgers...every week God does amazing stuff with these hamburgers of love...this last week I got in several conversations that had a powerful impact on those that I was sharing with. One was with this gal who was trying to get me to go out with her friends to party. Once I shared that I have been married for almost 10 years she was so shocked...I then waited for her to calm down from the initial shock before I shocked her again by sharing how I also have 4 children. It was hilarious and awesome to watch her react the way she did...God used it to open up a great conversation about Him and life.

Please continue to pray for us on Friday nights - the harvest is plentiful, but the labors are few.

Alive to God in Christ Jesus!

2012-01-31T08:43:00.000-08:00

This a picture from a baptism earlier this year (school year)...Biblically you never see alter calls, people praying a prayer to accept Jesus, or anything for the matter besides people going to the waters to give their life to Christ.

"Now when they heard this, they were acutely distressed and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'What should we do, brothers?' Peter said to them, 'Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" (Acts 2:37-38)

Baptism is a powerful act of faith where we declare the old is gone and the new is here - sharing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus! Dead to sin, alive to God in Christ Jesus. No longer married to the Law or the world, but rather to Christ Jesus Himself (covenant).

"Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God." (Romans 7:4)

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." ( 2 Cor 5:17)

A Word On Performance | Jesus Loves IV

2012-01-30T15:28:00.000-08:00

A Word On Performance | Jesus Loves IV

This is a word from our brother Masa who goes to Westmont...it was during a testimony time at IVC.

His honesty is refreshing both in the church and in life - God is good, always faithful!

Prayer & Prophecy

2012-01-29T07:45:00.000-08:00

Every Monday night from 7pm to 10pm we pray & prophecy over people in the prayer shed...one of the best things about this night, besides people encountering God and being loved and encouraged, is all the people coming from different campus ministries and churches.

Our heart is to be a blessing to IV and to strengthen the greater work that God is doing in this land...we as a church are honored to be able to host this night and speak God's heart over His people.

"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy...But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort." (1 Corinthians 14:1-3)

http://jesuslovesiv.com/event/isla-vista-prayer-prophecy-6/

Sabbath Rest

2012-01-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

Sabbath Rest | Jesus Loves IV

God works, you rest...He is so good!

The woman in this video is Marilynn, she is a pillar in the IVC family...her husband Joseph leads the Jesus Burger ministry on Friday nights. Please pray for God's hand of blessing to increase in their lives.

SB Family Home Group

2012-01-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

The 2 Family Home Groups are on tonight in
IV & SB...this pic is from last week in SB:

Mac & Braelyn's house
302 Piedmont RD, 93105

The Upper Room - Friday Nights @ 8pm

2012-01-23T10:01:00.000-08:00

These are a few pictures from the Upper Room this last weekend...the Upper Room is the time before Jesus Burgers (consisting mostly of worship, teaching, and prayer). Erik & Justin lead the time and have done an awesome job this year preparing the family to go out and love the city. Please pray for these two guys (pic w/the hands up) and the IVC family on Friday nights.

Here is a little video about the Upper Room: http://jesuslovesiv.com/portfolios/upper-room/

IVC FAMILY HOME GROUPS

2012-01-20T14:43:00.000-08:00

We began two home groups this week with the IVC family...one in SB and the other at our house in IV. Each of them are around 15 people, and they are open to all!

We are calling them, The Normal Christian Life, since we believe the life of Jesus modeled what normal is for every son and daughter of God - how to live in right relationship with Father God: doing what He is doing and saying what He is saying.

Here is a link for more info on the home group/class: http://www.ivsod.com/the-normal-christian-life.html

Family Lunch

2012-01-18T11:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Holly and I took the kids to have lunch with our friends without homes...the kids loved serving tacos to their new friends...especially to Pirate (they guy sitting next to Jeremiah) who received his name from the patch over his eye and the way he talks.

God is good, faithful to provide for the least of these both with love and food.

Peoples Park Tacos

2012-01-16T09:55:00.000-08:00

The church Light & Life Goleta is giving away free tacos every Sunday from 11:30-1 at a park right in the middle of IV...it started 2wks ago, I have gone both times...it's a lot like Jesus Burgers, but most people are sober and it attracts more of a homelss/friends without homes group.

Sometimes we all need to get out and serve others, remembering as we do this we are really serving Jesus;

“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'" (Matt 25)

Epic - UCSB

2012-01-13T10:57:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of a Christian campus group called Epic - their heart is to reach out to Asian's at UCSB with the message of Jesus Christ. Please pray for them - there 2 leaders are David & Amanda. David has lived at the DP House the last two years, super thankful for this man and the life he is living!

Mission: EPIC exists to give every Asian American student at UCSB an opportunity to know and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through gathering, growing and going.

IVC Presents: Upper Room

2012-01-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

Every Friday night @ 8pm in the Prayer Shed - Jesus Burgers to follow!
IVC Presents: Upper Room | Jesus Loves IV

Jeremiah - LOL

2012-01-01T18:58:00.001-08:00

This was during a Christmas musical...Jeremiah forgot
to stop playing (we love this kid).

Jesus Burgers - Winter Quarter

2011-12-29T20:38:00.000-08:00

IVC Presents: Jesus Burgers | Jesus Loves IV

Friday January 13th is when we will begin serving the hamburgers to the city of Isla Vista, as UCSB begins their Winter quarter on the 9th...pray for labors to be sent into the harvest, as God is growing hunger in the city to know Him.

And He (Jesus) was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." (Luke 10:2)

Merry CHRISTmas

2011-12-25T09:41:00.000-08:00

"As we celebrate the Christmas season the greatest gift wasn't placed under a tree but He was hung on a tree."

Merry Christmas everyone! What a joy to celebrate Jesus and His birth!

Holly and I are beyond thankful for all the gifts that God has given us in family, friends, health, love, IVC family, and seeing His kingdom grow more and more in our city.

Here is a picture of our 4 greatest gifts that God has given Holly and I this last year:

Amazing Fall Quarter

2011-12-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

The Fall quarter was full of many amazing testimonies of God doing what He does best – saving, healing, and delivering lives. It is my privilege as a pastor to be able to speak to different groups of people at UCSB, including the beloved IVC family. This quarter I was asked to come and share at the Christian Fraternity in IV. One of the guys in the group lives at the DP Home (Larry, the guy to the far right). I ended up sharing on 1 Thes 5:1-11 and we concluded the time by applying verse 11, encouraging and building one another with our words!

God is good, His word is alive!

“Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Hope & Jeremiah

2011-12-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. (Jeremiah 1)

Redefining Cool | Jesus Loves IV

2011-12-20T13:26:00.000-08:00

Redefining Cool | Jesus Loves IV

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61)

Merry CHRISTmas

2011-12-19T11:28:00.001-08:00

Joanna Joy 7 months old

Raw Worship from the Prayer Shed

2011-12-15T14:44:00.000-08:00

http://vimeo.com/33198872

Michelle, David, & An worshiping late one night in the prayer shed...we were made to worship God, to be in awe & in love with Him...enjoy!

"But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers." (Jesus)

Baptism (October 2011) | Jesus Loves IV

2011-12-10T11:33:00.000-08:00

Baptism (October 2011) | Jesus Loves IV
I love watching this, God is good...He saves, transforms, and makes all things new!

Mac Montgomery & The Family Band - Holy Spirit Rock Anthem

2011-12-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

Isla Vista Church & BSSM: Halloween | Jesus Loves IV

2011-12-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

Isla Vista Church & BSSM: Halloween | Jesus Loves IV

DP House Family

2011-12-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

Last night we had the DP House over for their once a month dinner and hangout at our house...they decided to do a Secret Santa gift exchange...it was awesome! Tons of laughter and plenty of "special" gifts like David's new pool & backpack or Bryce's outside glowing Jesus that Hope wanted to take a picture with (picture @ the bottom, Hope really loves Jesus).

The home has been such a blessing to so many lives this year! We are beyond thankful for the group that God picked to do life together and bless both the church and the city by who they are in the Him.

"make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose." (Phil 2:2)

Live From The Upper Room - Deeper

2011-12-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

IVHOP

2011-11-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

Prayer House art from the Isla Vista House of Prayer

http://jesuslovesiv.com/ivhop/

THANKFUL

2011-11-23T08:50:00.000-08:00

I could not be more thankful for the DP House - 8 guys, 7 gals.

These lovers of Jesus are beautiful people who love Him and one another well. God is so good...he has been faithful to fill the home for the last 10 years with people who love His name!

If you would, please pray for these people by name:

Daniel
Larry
Andrew
Andy
Justin
Bryce
Robbie
David

Claire
Cassie
Michelle
Heather
Tenaya
Marissa
Lina

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thes 5:16-18)

Jesus Burgers - Friday Night

2011-11-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

This last Friday was a crazy good night and just plain crazy! 3 people accepted Christ, several got healed of different physical aliments, and tons of love was poured out from His church onto the city.

Jesus wins, always. His kingdom is growing in IV, please pray for more labors to be sent into the harvest.

He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." - Jesus

As for the pictures:

- a gal found herself at the Jesus Burgers house throwing up on herself in the shower as her friends took care of her. Two of the guys who live at the house and I ended up driving her home to her dorm. (the picture is of her being dropped off at her dorm, sorry for the raw footage).

- the guy in this picture is from Holland. He lost her friends and didn't have a way to contact them...he had one to many drinks, which did not help in locating his friends. I ended up taking him to my house to sleep in my shed/office for the night. When I woke up in the morning he was already gone. He said he was going to take the bus back downtown.

- the Jesus Burger buns being decorated with crosses and smiley faces.

Get it, get it....

2011-11-18T09:54:00.000-08:00

I couldn't be more excited to announce our worship leader and church family released our first album ever from Isla Vista...these are the songs we have been singing the last two years, they're full of His love, goodness, and presence!

Get it on iTunes for $9.99, you will not be disappointed. It's a live recording from the Upper Room.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/live-from-the-upper-room/id481137258

Psalm 126:1-3

2011-11-15T23:49:00.000-08:00

When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight

2011-11-15T12:01:00.000-08:00

This painting is up in our home (it's actually in color), but I like this picture that my friend took of it in black & white...Jesus is still healing hearts, lives, and our bodies today!

"As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, 'Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.' He called out, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!'

Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 'What do you want me to do for you?' 'Lord, I want to see,' he replied.

Jesus said to him, 'Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.' Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God."

(Luke 18:35-43)

Isla Vista House of Prayer

2011-11-14T11:20:00.000-08:00

Check out the IVHOP site and the video:

http://jesuslovesiv.com/ivhop/

And He (Jesus) said to them, "It is written, 'MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER'

Worship the King

2011-11-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalm 100:2)

Uganda Pastor

2011-11-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

We had an awesome time Sunday with our Uganda friend Hudson! He spoke on the anointing and how God uses us to do what we could never do in our own strength and abilities.

We are so thankful for all the amazing people God sends to us in IV...His love for us never ceases to amaze us - if He is for us, who can be against us! (Rom 8:31)

http://www.godshouseofmiracles.com/

Halloween Recap

2011-11-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

THIS IS A RECAP FROM DAVE, THE GUY WHO LED THE TRIP FROM BETHEL CHURCH TO IV DURING HALLOWEEN WEEK:

My supernaturally amazing team was made up of nine radical revivalists in their second year at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, though two would be driving down later to meet up with us in Santa Barbara. I had the pleasure of driving South on Tuesday with David Coy, Christian Tapper, Kevin Franklin, Ingrid Andreassen, Debora Bettler, and the engaged Marissa DiMarco and Jeremy Howard. Jesse and Jessica Skinner joined us in Santa Barbara after a four day trip with Chuck Parry out East.

Just South of San Jose, in a little town called Morgan Hill, we stopped at an In 'n Out for lunch. As we were leaving, I started talking with the drive through worker since there were no cars coming through. I had only told him where we were going, and a few other friendly but trite details, when I asked if he had any pain in his body we could pray for. He had pain in his back, and I prayed a short prayer commanding the pain to leave his body, and releasing peace. I did not even lay hands on him (he was concerned about his boss thinking he was not working). As soon as I finished praying, he looked up and said, “have you ever heard of Jesus Burgers?” I was shocked to hear this from him, since we were still four hours from Santa Barbara!

“Yeah, those are the people we are going to connect with!” I told him.

“I've been there a few times,”he commented, “they have good burgers.”

We then asked him about his pain, and it had gone. It was as if as soon as he had been healed, he instantly thought, “I've met people like this before – who pray and God listens – at Jesus Burgers.” What a crazy divine appointment!

So much of our whole week in Santa Barbara was just living life with the Isla Vista (IV) family. We had many great meals with them, and prophesied over various groups of them almost every day. We probably prophesied a couple hours a day on average. We also had the opportunity to pray and prophesy over some key locations around the city, drawing down the purposes of Heaven for Santa Barbara. God has immense plans for this region. Lou Engle has prophesied that as California goes, so goes America, and more recently he prophesied that as Santa Barbara goes, so goes California. There is a destiny like King David being drawn out of this city, and it has been anointed for great things. Soon it will come out of hiding and slay giants, and lead the Kingdom of God to a place of strength and influence in America. And my team and I had the great honor to speak out of the heart of God for these things. More than that; every healing, every salvation, and every love encounter that happened spoke a word about the purposes of Heaven, and the character and nature of the heart of the Living God. Santa Barbara; Jesus loves you.

Thursday:

On Thursday afternoon we led Treasure Hunts in IV. We were joined by about a dozen people from the IV family, and many of them had never done a Treasure Hunt before. Many of the teams found a great openness with the people on the streets for miracles and healing, it seemed like a perfect place to do this type of ministry. I spoke with a released mental patient as he was drinking beer on a bar patio. He had pain through most of his body, and so I asked if I could pray for him. I started by praying for his shoulder, and I asked him to check it out. He started moving it around, and through the expletives he said, “wow that's totally better – there's no more pain!” I prayed for his thumb next, and as he checked it out he said, “you're really freakin' me out man!” He was feeling totally healed up! By the time we left him, I asked if he had any more pain in his body, and he said, “no man, I feel great!” We found out that he had recently been hit by a car while he was riding his bike, and one of the words of knowledge that a guy on my treasure hunt team had was “guy on a bike hit by a car.”

Some guys wearing wigs and fake mustaches were approached by some of our team, and Ingrid had a word of knowledge for knee pain. After they prayed for his knee it was healed, and then his back and ankle were healed as well. They were very excited about God being among them.

Jesse was wandering around with Sunshine and Bridgette, two girls from IV who had never been on a Treasure Hunt, or seen anyone healed before. They found a girl who had pain in her elbow because she had fractured it. In fact, this was the first day she did not wear a sling around it. Jesse had Sunshine pray a short prayer, and her elbow was dramatically improved! Then Bridgette prayed a quick prayer again, and her arm was totally better. She was exclaiming that she could do things with it that she could not do before! She was talking about being a “patient,” and Jesse noticed that she was holding a Tupperware container with medicinal marijuana. She started saying, “this stuff [the marijuana] doesn't even help,” as she celebrated what God had done.

Two more backs were healed, and a man with pain in his head. He said, “this stuff really works!” Also a lady with shoulder and neck pain saw some improvement. Some people received prophetic words and really encountered the love of God.

In the evening we held a meeting at a local church, and people from churches all over the city were invited to come. The whole team prophesied for a while, and then Kevin shared about sonship and Christian led a healing activation. None of my team prayed for anyone that night, and there were about ten to fifteen who were healed. Five or six people saw Jesus work their first miracle through their own hands – that will change them forever! Legs grew out, several people had their sinus' healed, and several backs were healed. A gentleman had the lower three discs in his back compressed, and he was completely healed! One lady had neck and lower back problems for five years, and it got totally better right then. Two dancers were healed – one in her back, and one in her legs. One young man had a stomach condition that would keep him up at night, and it gave him great trouble while sleeping. He received prayer that night, and found me the next day, saying that he had the best sleep ever! He was actually looking forward to sleeping again the following night for a change. Gus Hamborg, who joined our team as an “auxiliary member,” gave a word of knowledge for “mild itchiness.” One of the guys in the crowd had recently had a tattoo, and it was scabbing over, feeling irritated and itchy. As soon as he stood to respond to the word, he felt as if someone has wrapped a bandage around his arm, and all the itchiness left! Jesus is so good!

Friday:

Isla Vista is the student ghetto to the University of California in Santa Barbara (UCSB), and it hosts about 20,000 students in about half a square mile. On Friday and Saturday night, we joined up with the Jesus Burgers crew. They live on the busiest party street in IV, and hand out free burgers to all the drunk party-goers. They have an atmosphere of love, with no agenda, and a sign across the street that reads, “free prayer, healing, and spiritual insight.” Halloween is the busiest party weekend of the year, when about 20,000 additional students join the existing 20,000 in a region of about half a square mile to essentially mob the streets in one giant party. The road turns into a river of students, drunk and on drugs, looking for a good house party to come to. In past Halloweens, there have been so many people in such a small area, that cell phone signals are impossible to get because all the bandwidth is being consumed. It is impossible to accurately and fully communicate the scope of what happens there without actually being there, and even then it is hard to comprehend. But where sin increased, grace abounded all the more (Romans 5:20).

We started the evening with two hours of worship and prayer ministry (called the Upper Room), and then we went to the street. By eleven o'clock the street was so full of people, and they were all continually moving, that it was hard to connect with anyone to pray. But there is always a strategy in the Kingdom of Heaven. A friend and I were standing in the middle of the street, like trees being overtaken by floodwater, and the people were streaming around us. We decided to just start a fire tunnel around the flow of drunken students. Within twenty seconds our tunnel had grown from four people to about thirty, and scores of people were going through, getting blessed by the Spirit of God as they went. It was such an atmosphere of chaos, we did not see any immediate fruit since we were not connecting with the people much at all, but they were getting blasted by the love of God nonetheless. A few of our team heard various comments from the people leaving the tunnel about how amazing it felt. There was a huge shift in he atmosphere through that though, and there was a noticeable bubble of the presence of God and peace around and in front of the Jesus Burgers house.

At one point in the evening I was sitting on a wall at the side of the road, and a guy dressed as a ghost buster walked up to me and Christian. I had a word of knowledge that he played sports, and then Christian had a word of knowledge that he had trouble with his right knee. He had pain that was a level five on a ten point scale, and after prayer it went away totally! He was super excited.

One of our team had a word of knowledge for back pain, and it ended up being one of the fellow Christians we were ministering with (there were several campus ministries joining us on this night). They ended up getting completely healed as well! Several of these Christians from other ministries became activated in getting words of knowledge, and the prophetic, and they were immediately trying it out on the street – it was amazing to see their boldness!

Marissa and Jeremy were talking with a girl who was rolling on Ecstasy, and after their conversation she had come down significantly! Come on Jesus – the presence of God brings peace and deliverance!

One of the Jesus Burgers guys, Justin, was talking with a girl who wanted to drink (alcohol), and he said, “you don't need to do that, that's not who you are.” She asked for prayer, and after Justin prayed she decided that she was not going to drink!

At the sign across the street for prayer, a pre-believer had her back and neck totally healed, and then she instantly began to testify about it to other people on the street, “Jesus just healed my back!”

A drunk man approached David and stared into his eyes, “I see the Spirit of the living God in you,” he said. He was amazed by what he saw in the spirit over David, and he wanted David to pray for him. He said that he had never seen the Spirit of God resting so much on a man before. Ha ha – talk about the fulfillment of Zech. 8:23.

Jesse was able to bless so many people by just saying, “You're amazing!... and you're valuable!” They would stop and be hit by the fact that someone actually cares for them.

One of the Jesus Burgers girls wanted to experience more of the joy and drunkenness of the Presence of God, so Jesse prayed for her and they both fell on the ground in the middle of the street, laughing. Some paramedic rescue workers who were patrolling came by and asked if they were OK, or if they needed any help.

Kevin prayed for a drunk guy who wanted to experience more of the presence of God. So Kevin had him hold out his hands and say, “come Holy Spirit.” He said he felt a fireball go from his fingertips to his chest, and then up to his head. He immediately became sober, and as he wept he started confessing everything he had ever done wrong. After this went on for about half an hour, Kevin asked him if he wanted to receive Jesus, and he said yes. Kevin had him close his eyes and picture Jesus, and then say to Him what he wanted to say. He completely gave his heart to the Lord. Yes Jesus! Ha ha, there were at least another two people who gave their lives to Jesus that night.

Ingrid was sitting on a wall, and yelled out to a guy who was walking past in a funny costume, “Hey you, nice costume! And do you know that you're valued and loved?” Then she prophesied over him a word that was dead on accurate. He was blown away by how much she could know about him without having met him before. She told him that God knows him, and that He is a living God who speaks to His children, and then she asked if he wanted to feel the power of God. Ingrid had him hold out his hands and say, “Holy Spirit come.” And as he did that, he was instantly hit by God's power, and started laughing hysterically. Then she had a word of knowledge that this guy had knee pain, and at first he said no, but then he admitted that he had been hit by a car, and did have problems in his knee. So she prayed and his knee was healed!

Saturday:

Saturday afternoon we had a lunch with all the leaders of the IV family, and it was amazing. There was great connection time as well as some sharing, impartation, and of course, a lot of prophecy. We finished with a never-ending fire tunnel that started on one side of the back yard, and ended on the other. As soon as someone would get out the end they would join in praying for people, and as soon as the last person went through, the prayer servants in the tunnel would follow. It was fantastic.

In the evening we had the Upper Room worship, and then Jesus Burgers. We wanted to have a fire tunnel again because of how it had affected the atmosphere the night before, but we waited until around 11:00pm when the streets were more condensed. It was just as awesome as the night before, with hundreds of people going through, we laid hands on each of them imparting the presence of God and blessing them. There was such an atmosphere of peace that pervaded the entire area, even though the rowdy crowds were carrying the opposite spirit.

One guy on crutches with a right ankle brace had all the pain leave after prayer.

After Christian prayed for a guy's right wrist, and saw it healed, they talked for over an hour. This guy poured out his heart, and probably hugged Christian five times throughout their conversation. He was moving up to Chico (near Redding), and so Christian got his phone number so they could stay connected. Such a divine setup.

One of the party-goers on the street was asked if he had pain in his body, and he said that his muscles hurt from working out. Someone prayed for him, and all his pain left! That is amazing – God is so good.

Kevin prayed for one of the IV guys who was helping with Jesus Burgers. He was baptized in the Holy Spirit and started speaking in tongues, and then Kevin activated him in the prophetic. He started giving people on the street prophetic words, and came back later to Kevin saying, “it's so easy!”

Mac, the worship leader for the IV crew, was just standing in the middle of the road, with people walking past; he was not dressed up in a costume at all. A drunk guy walked up to him and asked, “what are you supposed to be?” And he replied, “I'm a physical manifestation of God.” Which actually kind of rocked the guy, and Mac prophesied over him, and got a word of knowledge that he grew up in the church. Then the guy said to Mac, “will you pray for me?” And his friend asked for prayer too. They were both pretty impacted.

At one point in the evening, Marissa and Jeremy were inside the Jesus Burgers house. A big, drunk German guy came in to the house because he had fallen flat on his face and his nose was broken. It was completely swollen, bloodied, there was bruising under both eyes, and it was bent sideways. He was not so drunk that he was numb to the pain either. Marissa and Jeremy brought him into the kitchen, and prayed for him. All the pain left, and they watched the swelling go down and the bruising disappear! He could not believe it was happening, and furthermore, his nose straitened out completely! The only sign it had ever been broke was a slight spot of bruising on the sides of the nose. He was so shocked that God was healing him, but he said, “can God heal my back too?” And so they prayed for his back, and his ACL, and both were healed! “How are you doing these things?!” He asked. “Jesus lives in us,” Marissa said, “would you like Jesus to live in you as well?” And so he received Christ right there in the kitchen, and Jeremy prayed for him to receive the Holy Spirit. Then he came out into the living room and started telling the people in there that God is real, and that he was just healed. But he did not know that he was witnessing to a room full of Christians. When Ingrid told him that they were all Christians, he was very excited. Ingrid also led him to encounter the Holy Spirit more, and then explained to him that he can talk to God, and God will talk back. So he asked, “can God tell me where the best party is?” Ingrid replied, “Yes, that's easy – it's here, because Holy Spirit is here, and wherever he is is the best party.” And he said with excitement, “that's right!” Then he wanted someone to sing the American national anthem, but people either did not know how, or did not want to. So Ingrid started singing “Amazing Grace.” He kept saying, “sing it again,” and Ingrid must have sung it ten times. He confessed that a friend of his had recently committed suicide, and that he was still hurting from that, but every time the song was sung, he felt inner healing happening. Eventually Ingrid told him, “if I am going to sing it again, you need to hold out your hands and close your eyes – this song is about God and when I sing it, you are going to encounter Him.” And he did.

There are many on campus Christian ministries, and several of them come to help at Jesus Burgers, but not all of them carry the same revelation of God's love and goodness as the IV crew. In past years, they have had people out front of their house holding signs that say things like “repent or perish,” which in case you were wondering, is not a good way to let people know that they are loved and valued. That was not happening at this location this year, but I did come out of the front of the house during the evening to see some guys holding up a large, wooden cross. I went to talk to them to get their heart, and potentially ask them to leave. After talking with them for a while, I challenged one of them to leave the cross holding, and come across the street to meet Scott, the guy who was activating people in healing and prophetic. He agreed, and within 30 seconds of meeting him, he had his neck prayed for and healed! He talked with those guys for another 30 minutes and learned more about the Kingdom, potentially to get connected in the future. It felt like a bridge had been made between several campus ministries that have different approaches.

There was also a girl with knee pain that saw almost complete healing.

Jesse had a word of knowledge for shoulder pain while he was near the line for Jesus Burgers, and after asking around, he found a guy who had recently broken his collar bone. His arm was still in a sling. Then after Jesse prayed, he was able to lift up his arm without pain! Then shortly after that, Jesse was able to pray for another guy's shoulder that was healed.

Jesse was also able to connect with a lot of people by just telling them that they were amazing. He looked one guy in the eyes and said, “you're amazing!” And the guy took a step back, a little unsure, as Jesse added, “and you're valuable!” Then this guy says, “you're freaking me out man.” Then Jesse was able to lead him in an encounter where he felt the love of God and said, “oh, I get it.” As he finally understood what he was created for.

Caleb was approached by a guy who was pulling around a girl by her arm, and he asked Caleb, “do you have a girlfriend?” Caleb said that he did, and this guy continued, “I need a guy for this girl to hook up with or go home with, and I have a girlfriend.” And in that moment, just as he was leading her away, Caleb looked her in the eyes and said, “you're worth so much more than that.” He continued to lead her away, but her eyes filled out wide as it seemed as if someone had spoken words of value over her for the first time. Her face melted, and for a moment, she knew she was loved.

Sunday:

In the evening, or late afternoon, as it was only 4:00pm, we had a church service in Isla Vista. We shared testimonies of the weekend, we prophesied over the congregation, and then Les Coombs spoke about our identity as kings and priests. After, we called out words of knowledge for healing, and watched as Jesus did what He does best!

I prayed for a man named Michael who received healing for tendinitis in his leg, and saw the pain in his arm nearly completely vanish. I had a word of knowledge for his heart to be healed as well, and I really feel like God went ahead and did that one.

There was a girl who had pain in her feet, migraine troubles, neck pain and back pain, and she was totally healed after she laid hands on herself.

Two girls were healed from “scattered thoughts” and “wavy vision,” and they felt an amazing peace in their minds.

Our host mom, Wendy, had her hearing improve.

One young man, Daniel, had his back healed.

A young woman, Heather, had her shoulder healed right when she stood for the word of knowledge – nobody had even prayed for her yet!

One young man had neck, back, and hip problems. For one year it had kept him from running – which he used to love to do to spend time with God. After praying twice, all the pain and pressure left.

Ingrid prayed for a row of people. The first person had lower back pain, and they saw it mostly healed right away. The second person had pain in her whole body, and after prayer she felt mostly better, and she felt peace. The third person had pain between her shoulder blades, and from the hip down the right leg, when Ingrid prayed she felt like her body was on fire. She was healed the moment that Ingrid touched her. The fourth person had her ankle completely healed when Ingrid prayed for the previous person, and so she did not even need prayer anymore – God is so good!

The Aftermath:

Some of these testimonies have a lot of details, and it is easy to be impacted by them. But try to remember, when I write “their back was healed,” it is just a story without details. They had their lives forever transformed because they came in contact with the Living God. Who knows how deep these stories go. God is bigger than we think, and He is better than we can imagine.

Jason, the pastor of the church family in IV, announced that it was the best, most God filled Halloween that he has seen in IV since he started with this ministry ten years ago. On Friday night there was a realm of peace that surrounded the Jesus Burger's house like a big Holy Spirit hug, and on Saturday night there was a peace that extended over the whole region, impacting hearts for Jesus. The impact that our teams had was phenomenal, and Isla Vista will never be the same. God has not given the fathers of this community a mandate to impact a subculture, He has given them a city to transform, and people to take from glory to greater glory. The road that the IV family walks will look different as the realms they are influencing start to transform with greater and greater momentum. There will never be an end to Jesus Burgers, because it is all about love, but I feel as though we saw the beginning of the end of radical party ministry in this region. Why? Because soon people's minds will be renewed to the point that they no longer feel the draw to fill the void in their life with that lifestyle. Soon the culture of darkness will be replaced in full by a culture of light, and the kings and priests of Jesus in Santa Barbara will be pressing into the greater glories that He has for us. Of the increase of His government and of peace there is no end. But it is exciting for me to look forward to me continual involvement, bridging the relationship between the house of Bethel and the family in IV. It is exciting for me to instigate the celebrations of God on the streets of Isla Vista, until all counterfeit celebration's have been swallowed up by the overwhelming light that is Jesus Christ. As the Lord said, and as the motto of UCSB reads, “Let there be light.”

Halloween - Our God Reigns!

2011-11-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

I can honestly say this was the best Halloween in all my years in IV...God showed up powerfully saving lives, healing lives, and bringing incredible joy to the hearts of every believer!

Our God reigns in Isla Vista...He is changing our city and making it a praise in all the earth! We are so thankful to see God answer our prayers and do more than we could ask or imagine this weekend. We believe 24/7 prayer played a major role in what God in our midst, along with all the prayers coming from SB and beyond!

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chron 7:14)

Westmont - Halloween

2011-10-31T11:06:00.000-07:00

HERE IS AN EMAIL IN REGARDS TO WESTMONSTS STUDENTS COMING TO IV FOR HALLOWEEN...IT'S BETWEEN ONE OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY MEMBERS SAMI AND THE VP OF STUDENT LIFE:

So, I got an email from Jane Higa, the VP of student life at Westmont,to all the students at Westmont concerning the dangers of going out to IV this Halloween and warning us not to go down there. I felt that it was a wise thing, but it also could create fear and judgement in people, so I replied to her email, trying to respond in the opposite spirit (love and hope). Then she sent my email to all the students at Westmont! Looks like Westmont is praying alongside IVC for Halloween weekend! Feel free to pass this on to the rest of the family! Yeee!

-------

Dear Students,
One of the things I love about being at Westmont, are the constant reminders that I have had the privilege of working along side so many amazing students---who have such amazing hearts and who are doing such amazing work. Did you know that I think you are AMAZING???

After sending out the email regarding Halloween weekend in Isla Vista (IV) a few days ago, I received several emails from your fellow students, including an email from Sami Miller, a senior here at Westmont. She shared with me her church's work in IV and her desire to encourage the Westmont community to pray for IV this weekend. Below is an excerpt of her email:

Hi Jane,
I just wanted to thank you for sending this letter out, as the risks of going to IV on Halloween are very high. I am a senior at Westmont and a part of Isla Vista Church, which is the church that does Jesus Burgers in IV every Friday night. Our church is having a 24/7 prayer week for IV this week and this weekend we will be at the ministry house on Del Playa giving people free burgers and loving on the people who are partying. Jesus Burgers has been a safe place for many of the kids in IV, has probably saved some kids lives, and many souls. So though it is a very dangerous and crazy place, God is moving in this city and does amazing work advancing the kingdom of Light, even on such a dark weekend. I'd appreciate if you could encourage students to pray for IV this week. Though it is wise not to go out there, I think we should try to be compassionate, try to see IV the way Father God sees it and pray for the safety of those who are out there. Last year, after having a week of 24/7 prayer, it rained on the Friday of halloween weekend and the streets were empty by 10pm! What could happen if the Westmont community stepped up to intercede for their fellow students in Santa Barbara?!

Thank you Sami for your word of encouragement and I would like to invite all of you to join Sami and the Isla Vista Church in praying for safety, protection, love and peace in IV this weekend, because as Sami said "Jesus reigns over that city."

Jane

Halloween In Isla Vista | Jesus Loves IV

2011-10-28T17:14:00.000-07:00

Halloween In Isla Vista | Jesus Loves IV

Baptism (October 2011) | Jesus Loves IV

2011-10-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Baptism (October 2011) | Jesus Loves IV

Worship Album

2011-10-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Our worship leader and one of my best-friends (Mac) recorded an album live from the prayer shed about a month ago...I am super stoked to watch the whole recording and listen to these songs we have been singing for the last two years!

Halloween Week - 24/7 Prayer

2011-10-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

It's Halloween this week in IV, which means people from all over will being coming to our city to party. The party will begin Thursday and end Monday, as Halloween falls on a Monday this year.

We as the church began 24/7 prayer in our prayer shed on Sunday and will end on Saturday...please join us as we pray for this weekend and the safety of thousands of lives. They say the city doubles in population during Halloween, which means 40,000 people will be in a one mile square radius.

"if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Jesus Saves

2011-10-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

This last Sunday a student strolled into the church building at the end of the gathering...he had just accepted Christ and asked God to connect him with other believers. He saw a Westmont van parked at the church, so he decided to check if it was a Christian church. I wish I could share the details of his life, and what has God delivered him from, but I want to honor our new brother in Christ...hopefully you will watch his testimony in the next few weeks.

The picture is from Monday night at Prayer & Prophecy time. After he shared his story, a group of about 15 of us laid hands on him and prayed over him for about 45 minutes. It was great, we asked him if he was ok with that many of us praying for him, and he responded "I want as many Christians as possible to pray for me!" Please continue to pray, as lost sons and daughters are returning Home to their Father in IV!

"But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." - Jesus

A Few More Baptism Pics...

2011-10-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

Baptism Sunday

2011-10-15T23:35:00.000-07:00

This fall quarter has been crazy good...God has been changing lives, saving lives, and doing what only His grace can do. This last Sunday three gals entered the Pacific Ocean to declare that their life belongs to Jesus and is being lived for Jesus!

"having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12)

The church family in IV is growing as God is relentless to love this city to Himself. Please continue to pray for His church in IV and for the city, Halloween is rapidly approaching.

Pray 4 Peace in IV

2011-10-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

"Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." (Jeremiah 29:7)

On Saturday morning around 3 am I was awakened out of a dead sleep by a car slamming into another car...being disoriented, I got up to check it out, but didn't see anything out our window. After I woke up on Sunday morning I went outside to discover the damage. It was not long before the owner showed up to go to work, only to see his car plowed by a unknown driver. The car that slammed into his car was left abandoned in a driveway across the street, as it could not be driven due to the impact. The police filed a hit & run report...most likely the driver had been drinking.

Please pray for IV, as this could have easily been people who got hit while walking on the street...God has been good to our city in light of the amount of crazy drivers and people drinking & driving. As you can see from the picture, our home was right behind where it happened (our van on the driveway).

Do You Believe

2011-09-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

This is a testimony from our friend Sola, he lives in London. Watch this, it is such a good word/reminder about having faith in God and His Word that we read.

http://jesuslovesiv.com/portfolios/do-you-really-believe/

Testimony of New Life in Christ

2011-09-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a testimony from Joseph who is our next door neighbor...he came to Christ less than 6 months ago!

Check it out: http://jesuslovesiv.com/portfolios/a-myth-busted/

Gloriouse Weekend

2011-09-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

This weekend was marked by glory...the glory of God!

We had an amazing time Friday night worshiping the King of kings in the Upper Room...then we moved out to the front yard to put the love of God on a city that so desperately needs it...hamburgers of love.

Saturday was an all day conference on the topic of Inheritance led by Jacob Reeve at our home...tons of worship, fellowship, teaching, and encountering God!

And then Sunday we moved back to the church building on our street. The King was glorified and the IVC family was encouraged...a sweet time of ministry broke out at the end (picture # 3)

Here are a few pictures from the weekend, I should have taken more.

Baptisms in 2011-2012

2011-09-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

It's an honor to be able to baptize people in the name of the Father, the Son, & the Holy Spirit...I can't wait for our first baptism this year, hopefully sooner than later!

Here is a video of a baptism that I participated in last year...the glory of God is clearly seen through these lives that joyfully entered the waters of life declaring that their old life is gone and their new life in Christ is here!

"Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. " (Rom 6:4)

Check it out:

http://jesuslovesiv.com/portfolios/baptisms-june-2011/

Upper Room & Jesus Burgers

2011-09-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

UCSB started yesterday...and tonight we begin both the Upper Room & Jesus Burgers!

The Upper Room:

http://islavistachurch.org/getinvolved/upper-room/

Jesus Burgers:

http://islavistachurch.org/getinvolved/jesus-burgers/

Please be praying for another year of His kingdom increasing in IV and beyond...Isaiah the prophet declared that at the increase of His government and His peace there would be no end (Is. 9:7)...Jesus is King of IV!

IVC Leadership

2011-09-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday we had an all day family leadership meeting for IVC in Summerland...we spent the day playing, talking, eating, encouraging one another, and getting on the same page for the year...I am beyond honored to be doing life together and leading His church in IV with these incredible men and women of God! We are so stoked for this next year in IV and all the amazing things King Jesus is going to do!

http://islavistachurch.org/about/leadership/

Jesus Burgers

2011-09-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

If you're faithful to the ministry of Jesus Burgers you are grateful for the summer...a time of rest, recovery, and renewed strength for the following year. This year we are moving the ministry to Friday nights, which is traditionally a little bit bigger of a party night. Same setup: worship and prayer beforehand (Upper Room) in the prayer shed, then transitioning around 10ish to the front yard, and then begin serving the JB's closer to 11pm and going till late!

Please be praying for the ministry and the harvest that God wants to bring in from the streets of IV...we are back on in about a month, crazy!

God is good, beyond thankful that God has kept this ministry going for 10yrs now...He is faithful to His work in this city!

"Behold, the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth, say to the daughter of Zion, 'Lo, your salvation comes; behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him.' And they will call them, 'The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord'; And you will be called, 'Sought out, a city not forsaken.'" (Isaiah 62:11-12)

"Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, " (Psalm 115:1)

http://www.vimeo.com/24969380

Conference Weekend

2011-09-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend is going to be amazing...Jesus Burgers Friday night and then a two day conference on the topic of Our Inheritance in Christ...Saturday is an all day event at our home, it should be a blast!

The guest speaker is Jacob Reeve, who also did a conference last year on the same topic:

http://lomelinosiniv.blogspot.com/2010/11/conference-weekend.html

God is good, excited to start the year off with tons of fellowship, worship, and teaching!

http://jesuslovesiv.com/event/jacob-reeve-conference/

IV Prayer & Prophecy

2011-09-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

We as a church family are super stoked this year to offer people in IV and out of the city the opportunity to be encouraged and refreshed through being prayed over and prophesied...this Monday from 7pm to 10pm is our first meeting...if you live in IV text in to reserve a time or walk-in!

This is going down every Monday...please don't be shy to come a get some prayer:

http://jesuslovesiv.com/event/isla-vista-prayer-prophecy/

Chris Curry

2011-09-13T15:34:00.000-07:00

This is a testimony from our friend Chris Curry...I (Jason) absolutley love this brother! I helped disciple him while he was in college and we have stayed friends since..he is one of the more honorable men I have ever known.

I am so thankful for Chris and for his heart of worship that has continued since leaving IV several years ago.

http://jesuslovesiv.com/portfolios/encountering-love/

Jesus Loves Isla Vista

2011-09-12T23:28:00.000-07:00

Check out the new website: http://jesuslovesiv.com/

This site was created to reveal the glory of God in Isla Vista and make Jesus more famous in our city...we are stoked for this year and all He is going to do in our midst!

"One generation will praise Your works to another, and will declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4)

Kids Are a Gift From the Lord

2011-09-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior's hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates." (Pslam 127: 3-5)

Family Pictures

2011-09-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year that our friend Rob Wang takes our family pictures for the year...Holly and I are super thankful to be raising these kids in IV and in a home that loves Jesus!

"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward." (Psalm 127:3)

Days Away...

2011-09-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

We are days away from launching http://www.jesuslovesiv.com

The site is dedicated to the glory of God in Isla Vista. It will consist of 3 things:

1. Videos (amazing stories, jesus burgers, testimonies, weekend recaps, sermon clips, etc)

2. Calendar (classes, conferences, etc)

3. Isla Vista House of Prayer (this begins at the end of September)

The site will hopefully be live in 9 days...we are super stoked to put on display some of the wonderful things that God is doing in IV and beyond. Our hope in creating this site is to encourage faith and a greater devotion to Jesus & living for His kingdom!

I can't wait, as I have been watching the videos that all you will be seeing soon...God is good!

Favor

2011-08-29T20:03:00.000-07:00

This last week Mac, the worship pastor, and I went to pick up a drum set. The add on craigslist said $100, as the mom wanted the drum set out of her life asap. Mac called and said we can come right now and asked if she would be up for taking $75. She repliled by saying yes, so we decided to go right away and pick it up.

When we got to the home we noticed a bumper sticker from Calvary Chapel in SB...when I walked into the house I asked if her family attended Calvary and she responded with a yes. I then shared that we were from IV Church and I was the pastor and Mac was the worship leader. As soon as I said that she said we could just have the drum set. Ah, the goodness and favor of God.

In a church located in a college town these kind of gifts from God are greatly appreciated and a reminder of His faithfulness to His church and IV. This picture is from this Sunday, with Erik on the new drum set. We are still meeting in our backyard...we move to the church building at the end of September, the family is excited as we are getting a bit full with Santa Barbara City College returning last week.

9 Years of Love

2011-08-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

Today marks 9 years of being married...it has been by far the best years of my life (hopefully Holly can say the same)!

In these 9 years we have had 4 wonderful children and we absolutely love the life we have been called to live together...I can't say it has been easy, but I can easily say it has been worth it! God has been faithful to us and faithful in growing our love for one another..I am way more in love with Holly today than when we first got married!

Holly and I are finding that married life only gets better every year...growing more and more into the one flesh that Jesus promised us when we entered into the covenant of marriage on August 17th, 2002.

"and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh." - Jesus

Here is the home that Holly and I first met at in 2001...it's located in IV on Sabado Tarde. It was love at first sight, just playing...our love grew with time, not sight, and has only continued to grow over the years!

I love you Holly, happy 9 years today Beautiful!

* bottom right corner is the unit we met in

Problems in Life

2011-08-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

Jesus will not end all the problems in your life, but He will walk through them with you.

There is a subtle pervasive lie today that tells us if we believe in Jesus we will not experience problems in life...that if we can arrive to a certain place of maturity or order our life in a certain way we can avoid problems.

However, we never see this in Scripture - from the OT to the NT it is full of conflict, problems, and trials. The life of Jesus was full of them and the apostle Paul lived a life that was never without them:

"Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches." (2 Cor 11:24-28)

Life is hard, challenging, and scary at times...there is nothing easy about it if we are really going to live it and face the curve balls that get thrown at us. However, the good news is that we have a God who promised to walk with us through each of them, even when we strike out along the way.

Problems are a common denominator to life, not an abnormality. Our faith is not about arriving at a state of utopia, it's about facing the life we are living...knowing that God uses problems to grow us, love us, and make us more like Him.

We all have core values we live from, regardless if we know that or not. One of my core values in life is never to waste my trials...knowing that they come from a good and sovereign God. I never pray or ask God for them, though they come all the time into my life. One of the ways I allow God to use them is by letting them remind me that life doesn't have to go my way...less of me, more of Him.

It's a good reminder to remember that Jesus is our Savior for a reason...we all need to be saved daily, as we have daily, if not hourly, problems we are facing. This shirt is a depiction of the mindset we need to shift from: mindset that thinks that once we come to Jesus all of our problems will be eliminated.

I get the shirt, as long as it's not saying push the Jesus button and problems in your life will be no more.

Here are two great verses about what problems can do in one's life if we choose not to waste them:

"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4)

* If you are overly familiar with these verses check them out in The Message Bible

Our Home & The Sunday Gathering Home

2011-08-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of our home that we have lived in the last 4 years in IV. We have such an amazing testimony of how God provided it for us last minute, the amazing landlords He gave us, the location, and so much more...God is good, beyond good!

Over the last 10 years IVC has probably met in over 20 locations (IV Elementary, IV Theater, Embarcadero Hall, homes, parks, the beach, the prayer shed, the study shed, our backyard, etc.). Last year and this coming year we have been given permission to meet at the church building located on our street about 3 homes away.

"One generation will praise Your works to another, and will declare
Your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4)

Joanna Joy

2011-08-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

Our friend Ashleigh took this picture at the family gathering (IV Church) yesterday...Joanna Joy has been nothing but joy and love since she has been born. This picture is funny, not sure what she was doing?

IV Culture

2011-08-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

Isla Vista is our promise land! It is a land where we believe we will see the glory of God in a tangible and real way one day...a city that will one day no longer be known for its infamous parties, but for its radical love of Jesus!

Holly and I feel beyond honored to be called to this city, neither one of us picked it, our Father picked it for us...though like all things, He knew what would be best for His kingdom, our family, and this city. We are stoked for another year of seeing heaven touch earth in this land!

Here are a few pictures taken by our friend Josh Morton of IV culture:

Del Playa House - Men

2011-07-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

This is the 10th year year of the Jesus Burger House - 8 guys on the bottom, 7 gals at the top. Today the guys from the house and I (minus our friend Larry) spent the day together eating, hiking, playing bocce ball, and talking about next year. I keep saying it's an all star group living at the home next year...please be praying for those living there as their lives are being poured out daily for Christ and His kingdom.

"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity...For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore." (Psalm 133)

Samuel From Nigeria

2011-07-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

This last Sunday we had a father in the faith visit us from Nigeria...he encouraged our hearts to believe in the God of our fathers and to trust Jesus with all of our lives. Samuel is a pastor of a church in Nigeria, he also started a school there that began with just a few students and now is around 1,000!

This summer has been such a gift as we have met each Sunday in our backyard to worship the King of kings together with music, testimonies, prayer, teaching, and eating together...God is good, faithful to His church in IV and growing His kingdom that has no end!

"There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this." (Isaiah 9:7)

The Love of the Father

2011-07-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

Embracing the love of Father is crucial to the health of any child of God...Jesus said in John 17 that eternal life (not a duration of time but a quality of life) was to know Father God. The knowing that Christ is referring to here was an intimate knowing, not just a head-knowledge about Him, but genuine heartfelt knowing. We as humans were created for intimacy (in-to-me-you-see)...to know Him as our Daddy, our Papa, our Abba, our Father, and for Him to know us by name as His son or daughter.

I believe the greatest need in this generation is for fathers to step into the role that God designed them for, and in so doing giving their children identity, safety, value, worth, provision...making it easier on the child to understand what Father God is like.

The OT closes with a profound verse, reminding us of the importance of family and heart connection between fathers to sons and sons to fathers.

"“Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD. He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse.”(Mal 4:5-6)

9 kids, 4 Adults, & 2 dogs

2011-07-12T19:38:00.000-07:00

Our friends from the Palm Springs area came and visited with us Friday through Tuesday...we met them at a family camp in San Diego 2 summers ago and have visited each other about four times now. They have 5 girls, the oldest is 7 years old and the youngest in 8 months, as you can imagine they're full! On Sunday the parents, Cory & Becky Jo, led worship at our gathering (may I add with an 8 month old strapped to the mom) and it was awesome...the presence of God showed up and refreshed the IVC family! We are honored and thankful for the gift this family has been to us and how they love God so powerfully as a family...the only thing that was hard in the 5 days was saying goodbye.

Love = Covenant

2011-07-11T11:31:00.001-07:00

The Bible open up in a marriage (Adam & Eve) and ends in marriage (Jesus & the Bride)...and from eternity past God has always been Father God...a Father that has a heart for many sons and daughters!

God the Father is the God of covenant. Covenant the relational bond of unconditional unity. The sacrifice of the Lamb of God on the cross not only forgave our sins, but it restored us back into a covenant relationship with God. A covenant is the only form of relationship that God will enter into with humans, because it's the only type of relationship that offers complete safety, security, and trust. God the Father promised us that He will never leave us or forsake us, not to mention that His love never changes (it remains the same on our best days and on our are worst days).

"...for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down!" (Heb 13:5 AMP)

Children in the natural flourish were there is covenant between dad and mom. I strongly believe if the church can understand covenant, not solely as a doctrine, but as a lifestyle, we will begin to see lives, cities, and nations changed for the glory of God! Jesus said that the world would know we belong to Him because of our love for one another - covenantal love, sacrificial love, love that expects nothing in return, love that comes from heaven into the heart of men and women that have said yes to Jesus.

The other day we had a gal over who was sharing her life story...it was filled with divorce, broken covenant, and separation. Samuel was listening, and I could tell he was a bit confused, he finally asked me while she was talking, "what is divorce daddy?" For my children that word is not in their vocab, nor do they even have an understanding that people would do such a thing...may we as the church learn to enter into covenant relationships with our spouse, friends, and His church...we live in a society that wants intimacy without covenant, benefits without the willingness to sacrifice, and love without commitment. In a covenant you are called to always give 100% of yourself, scratch someone else's back regardless if they're scratching yours, and give and continue to give, expecting nothing in return...Father help me and help us your children to understand covenant.

"We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." (1 John 3:16)

New Strength

2011-07-06T23:56:00.000-07:00

Over the last week or so God keeps bringing Isaiah 40:31 across my path...the promise in this verse is astonishing, in that those who wait upon the Lord will gain new strength...ponder that for a bit (selah)...NEW STRENGTH...strength you never had and never would have if you didn't wait upon the Lord.

Often in life we want to take things into our own hands and do it our way and in our timing...waiting requires trust, trust that God's ways and timing are far greater than our own ways and timing. It reminds me of Ecclesiastes 8:5, "...for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure." I believe waiting is a posture of our hearts toward God where we live surrendered, where we take time to reflect, and where we ask and wrestle with God through real life issues and questions. Waiting is relational. Waiting on God takes trust in Him.

My prayer is that I would be a man who knows how to wait upon God, trusting Him and relying on Him, not my own wisdom and strength in life.

If we want to soar like an eagle we must learn to wait upon Him.

"Yet those who wait upon the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."

Embracing the Mindset of a Farmer

2011-06-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

"Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." (James 5:7-11)

This last weekend I gave a short word to the IVC family about us being in a season of farming. Farming requires great patience, trust, and work without seeing fruit right away...a hard concept to grasp for us who are part of the microwave generation.

In my early years in Christ I had a lot of zeal..a zeal that caused me go from hype to hype...always looking for the next great meeting, sermon, book, worship experience, encounter, etc. (granted I was hungry too). However, when we live like this over a long period of time, never learning contentment in Christ and life, we can become a lot like the man described in James 1: double minded, driven, tossed, and unstable in all his ways.

This last Sunday morning God spoke to my heart and reminded me that His sons and daughters go from glory to glory, not hype to hype. He was also reminding me personally, as a loving Father does, to not measure growth and success by what I see but rather by my obedience to His word (Joshua 1:7). I have been a bit restless coming off of an incredible year and entering into summer where everything changes, and the pace moves from running to a slow walk as about 60% of the fellowship scatters for the summer. Having ministered in IV for a decade now, I know the summer season is a crucial time of resting and preparing for the next year, though each year by the grace of God I have to adjust to it and embrace rest.

In a culture filled with messages of instant gratification, the kingdom of God gives a message of eternal satisfaction...which means at times you might not always see the fruit, the reward, or the promise. Yet you know you're sowing and laboring for something that pays great dividends both in this life and the life to come.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)

Art With the Kids

2011-06-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago our dear friend Allie, an IVC and DP House alum who now lives in the Bay Area, came over to do some art lessons with our children. She teaches art to 4-7 year olds in her hometown, and was excited to share her expertise with our family! The kids had such an amazing time and it was so great seeing their creativity as she encouraged them and showed them some new mediums to work with and new ways to use them! We try to do art once a week in our own "homeschool" and have used lots of different mediums before, but oil pastels is one of the few we haven't used and that was what she brought for them! They did a combo of oil pastels with watercolors and made some impressive creations. Thank you Allie for doing this, and thank You Jesus for all the different people You've put in our lives with so many different skills and gifts that they share with our family!

The Del Playa Gals

2011-06-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

This year concluded our 9th year of the Del Playa House (aka the "Jesus Burger House") where 8 guys live on the bottom and 7 gals live on the top.

I am beyond thankful for the people that God picked to live in the home this year...these 7 gals are women of faith and are going to be missed greatly from the home! Fortunately, a few of them are sticking around after graduation and Claire (the one in the zebra shirt) is living at the home again next year.

The last picture is of Lindsay and Annalisa who are like daughters to Holly and I. We met the two of them their freshmen year and have been family since...Annalisa is beginning a House of Prayer in IV this summer, we are super stoked for what God is going to do!

The Covenant of Marriage

2011-06-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

The Bible opens up in a wedding and ends in a wedding...God is all about weddings, especially those that are rooted and grounded in Him!

Mac & Braelyn got married this last Sunday, it was absolutely a beautiful day - full of love, joy, and celebration! Both Samuel & Hope were in the wedding too, as they love M&B so much!

I couldn't be happier watching our worship leader take another step into the destiny that God has made him for...and Braelyn is a woman of faith, hope, and love...these two individually are amazing and now they're one flesh!

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church." (Ephesians 5)

Jesus Burgers - Video

2011-06-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.vimeo.com/24969380

Consider It Joy...

2011-06-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1)

It's that time of year...the great exodus of students out of IV for the summer and the extravaganza of our friend Mitchell collecting furniture and everything else from the streets of IV to bring it back to our house to sell.

June is a crazy month for us, fortunately we love IV, we love Mitchell, and have been given grace to live where we live and do what we do. It's easy in life to waste our trials (ie complain through them, take on a victim mentality, etc), rather then see the sovereignty and goodness of God in allowing them into our lives.

June has traditionally been a month of trials for me, tbd how this month goes...I am stoked for growing older in God and having a greater perspective for life and why curve balls get thrown at you.

And the end of the day the bedrock foundation never changes: God is good, always!

DP House Brothers

2011-06-09T13:13:00.000-07:00

This year concludes our 9th year of the Del Playa home...8 guys on the bottom and 7 gals on the top...I always say if it wasn't for Jesus the majority of these people would not be living together. However, because of Him it brings people together from all different backgrounds, interest, and life experiences. And not just together, but it bonds them as brothers and sisters and allows the world to see a love that is really supernatural!

"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity...for there the LORD bestows his blessing,even life forevermore." (Psalm 133)

"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)

Baptisms & More Baptisms

2011-06-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16)...these last two weekends 10 people have entered the waters of life and experienced the joy of their salvation!

My heart is overwhelmed at the goodness of God this year, as this last Sunday marked the end of the school year...finals for UCSB are this week and once done many students begin the great exodus out of IV for the summer.

This year has been a 'more than we could ask or imagine' year (Eph 3:20), as we have watched God transform and set so many people free! Not to mention, the family in IV continues to grow and become stronger in Him...more faith, more hope, and more love!

I believe God is positioning the believers in IV for a major move of His Spirit in the coming years...please continue to pray for IV and like Paul said in Ephesians 6, "pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,"

The Glory of God in IV

2011-06-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

This is a video that captures a bit of what we are doing in IV...this video is specifically about the Upper Room, which is what we call the time together before Jesus Burgers on Saturday nights.

http://vimeo.com/24588120

Jesus Burgers

2011-05-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures taken by a beautiful sister in Christ from the Jesus Burgers night...before we serve them up their is a process of getting them ready, along with some other stuff. These pictures are from the before time...it has been such an amazing year of watching the love of God touch so many lives in so many tangible ways. God is good, honored to serve the King of glory!

Family Time

2011-05-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

This is a picture is from last Sunday...church is a family, I am stoked to be a part of one that loves Jesus and people so well. Our friends Bryan and Mercedes, along with their son Patrick are in this picture. The two of them spoke last week at the gathering...we had an incredible time of ministry afterwards, heaven on earth!

Here is their website: http://www.graceworldmission.org/

The 2 Shall Become 1

2011-05-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

I had the honor and privilege of officiating Nate & Derika's wedding two Saturdays ago...it was a beautiful miracle to be a part of, watching two lives become one. I never cease to be amazed at how tangible the presence of God is when two of His children decide to enter into the covenant of marriage together.

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church."

Derika is a close friend of ours and has been a part of IVC family from the beginning...she is a pillar of faithfulness, we are so thankful for her faith, hope, and love. And we are beyond stoked to see her marry such an incredible man of God in our brother Nate!

Check out Derika's blog for great stories over the years about Jesus Burgers and other related info concerning Isla Vista: http://derikabrendsel.blogspot.com/

Joanna Joy

2011-05-13T15:35:00.000-07:00

Joanna Joy was born on May 12th @ 3:48pm - 7.2lbs / 19in

The labor was beautiful - full of Heavens peace, joy, & love

6686 Del Playa

2011-05-10T23:34:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the home where we serve the Jesus Burgers out of every Saturday night...7 gals live at the top and 8 guys live at the bottom. Please don't forget to lift this home up in prayer, as it's a beckon of light in the midst of a dark city!

I realized the other day, as I was reflecting about my last 10yrs in IV, that I have more hope than ever of seeing this city redeemed and become a praise in all the earth! As the Word says: "where sin increases, grace abounds all the more."

Thanks to everyone of you who pray for IV and the work of God in this land...the prayers are being heard and answered, keep them coming for the saints to not grow weary of doing good and for the lost sheep to come home!

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)

A Few Pics by Hope

2011-05-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

On Sunday one of the gals took a risk, something I am always encouraging, and allowed Hope to use her nice camera to take pictures (lol)...Holly and I feel incredibly blessed to watch our children grow up around men and women of faith.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen...And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." (Heb 11:1,6)

* all of these pictures were taken by Hope, besides the one of her.