Family Photos

Our friend Rob Wang took our annual family photos for us this last month, here are a few shots - check out his website: http://robwang.com/2010/12/lomelino/

Derika's Blog - Jesus Burgers, IV, & More

Our really good friend Derika, who has helped plant the church in Isla Vista with us and others, blogs about Jesus Burger's, IV, and her life...she is a good writer, I always look forward to reading her latest entries:

Check her blog out from time to time:

http://derikabrendsel.blogspot.com/

Isla Vista - Winter Break

We returned home from visiting friends in Palm Springs and then family in San Diego Christmas night...I took this picture Sunday morning. If you have visited IV or live in IV you know how rare of a sighting this is, as the streets are almost always lined with cars making it difficult at times to find a spot anywhere on our street.

The majority of the students return back this weekend, we are stoked for another quarter - God is making Jesus more and more famous in our city!

God looks like Jesus

Ever wonder what God acts like, talks like, or thinks like...the answer is simple = Jesus

Hebrew 1:3 says this of Jesus, "And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature..." Jesus wasn't kind of a representation of God, He was exactly like God, an imprint of God - this is why the more we get to know Jesus the more we get to know the Father.

I read this today and it reminder me that Jesus is like God and that God is like Jesus:

Jesus spent his ministry freeing people from evil and misery.
This is what God seeks to do.

Jesus wars against spiritual forces that oppress people and resist God's good purposes.
This is what God does.

Jesus loved people others rejected - even people who rejected him.
This is how God loves.

Jesus had nothing but compassion for people who were afflicted by sin, disease, and tragedy.
This is how God feels.

And Jesus died on the cross of Calvary, suffering in the place of sinful humanity, defeating sin and the devil, because he passionately loved people and wants to reconcile them to God.
This is how God saves.

By Greg Boyd, Is God to Blame? Moving Beyond Pat Answers to the Problem of Suffering

JESUS

Over the break our family was able to witness a Living Nativity in the Palm Springs area...it was such a sweet reminder of what this season is all about = Jesus!

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:6)

* The picture on the man was Isaiah the prophet reading a scroll announcing the coming of Jesus from his book.

Church is a Family

This is part of an update from Francis Chan about his current life situation.  I really like it, as it touches on two important truths:

1. church is not a place we go to, but a family we belong to.

2. the church in America is not the model or the example of how to do it.
 
"Speaking to underground church leaders in China was equally enlightening.  Most surprising to me was their response when I told them about “church” in America.  I did not expect the response I got when I explained how common it is for people to switch churches if they find another with better child-care, better music, or a more gifted speaker.  They laughed really hard.  It was weird.  It was like they thought I was joking.  It opened my eyes to the uniqueness of our situation.  Remember that India and China combined represent almost 40% of the world’s population.  The U.S. represents about 4%.  Too often I have looked at other cultures as being strange.  I forget that we are the minority..."

http://www.francischan.org/#/updates

Post by Jason

He loves us just as we are, not as we should be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQi_IDV2bgM

"to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:19)

Merry CHRISTmas

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The Sunday Gathering

I took a few pictures before the gathering yesterday while the worship team was getting ready...this first school quarter has been an incredible season of family, love, and growth for the church! God is good - we are so thankful as we see Jesus become more and more famous in Isla Vista!

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

God's Creations Declares His Glory

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse - Romans 1:20

Thank You Jesus

Holly and I are so thankful for our kids...Samuel is almost 6, Hope turned 4 last week, and Jeremiah is 2. Life is full, baby #4 due in May - thank you Jesus!

DP Family Thanksgiving Dinner

The DP House had a family Thanksgiving dinner last night after the gathering...these people are amazing, genuine treasures in the kingdom of God! Please remember to pray for them, as they serve on the front lines living at what is known throughout IV as the Jesus Burger House.

Hope's B-Day Party

Hope turns 4 on the 24th of this month...we had a b-day party for her on Saturday at our house, her only request was no boys besides her dad and brothers. A few extra boys (dads & some younger siblings) came too, but she still had a wonderful day!

The picture above is funny for me as Hope never sucks her thumb, but as soon as all 20+ people started singing she got a bit shy and put it right into the mouth.

10 Books I Recommend

Before I came to Christ at the age of 21 (I am now 30), reading was not my thing...however, as those who know, accepting Jesus into your life and making the King your life will change it in more ways than you could have ever imagined. Reading has definitely been one of those life changing things in my life.

It will be 10 years with Christ this March, and since 2001 I have probably read several hundred books concerning the Christian faith - everything from devotional reading, commentaries, biographies, and much more. God has used the reading of books as a significant way to communicate to me and grow me in Christ.

Here is a list of 10 books I would recommend to all believers, these are in no order of my favorite or greatest significance in my life. Almost all of these are devotional in nature, and most of them I have read multiple times. The best books for me are those that cause me to glorify Him more, know Him more, and provoke me to be like Him more.

And no the Bible is not mentioned, as every believer who has access to it should have it as their most prized possession they own. It's the only book that I have ever read and agree with 100%, as Jesus is the only person I have ever met and agree with 100% (Holly is about 98.7%, as we see food a bit different).

1. Imitation of Christ - Thomas à Kempis

2. Practicing the Presence - Brother Lawrence

3. Humility - Andrew Murray

4. Victory Over the Darkness - Neil Anderson

5. The Final Quest - Rick Joyner

6. The Ragamuffin Gospel - Brennan Manning

7. The Cross of Christ - John Stott

8. Celebration of Discipline - Richard Foster

9. The Pursuit of God - A.W. Tozer

10. Church History in Plain Language - Bruce L. Shelley

* maybe I will post another 10 in a few month, it's ridiculous how many good books I wanted to include on this list

Conference Weekend

This last weekend we had over 100+ people at our house for a conference that began on Friday and ended Sunday...it felt somewhat like a retreat, being at our home and having a few meals together. About 1/2 of the people where from out of town (Kansas City & Orange County). As you can imagine it was a full weekend, especially since from Thursday through Wednesday we were housing lots of people each night...people slept everywhere, outside on couches and pews to inside on the floor and in the kids room (our kids slept with us).

The Kingdom of Heaven Belongs to Children

But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."


Our children praying over our friend Brittany from Orange County this weekend.

Prayer 4 IV

On Tuesday about 30 of us went up the mountain to Lizards Mouth to worship Jesus and pray over IV...it was such a sweet time, as 20 students from a ministry school in Kansas City known as IHOP joined us to celebrate the King and His kingdom over our city!

"Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

My Boyz

I love these guys, it's such a honor to father these boys!

Encouraged - Jesus is good news!

These 2 amazing women of God, Rachel & Allie, were a part of the fellowship a few years ago, both are living incredible lives for Jesus today...this video is the two of them talking about the goodness of Jesus & IVC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrFMbp1Lxls

Halloween Weekend in IV

Here are a two pictures from the weekend, more to come. God did some amazing things both Friday & Saturday night...several people prayed to receive Christ, others who have walked away from the faith got reminded of Him, and a lot of people got loved-on through variety of ways like a bathroom to use, water to drink, a hamburger to eat, a place to throw up, or a ride home.

Jesus loves, His kingdom is advancing in Isla Vista.

Jeremiah Turned 2

Baby J turned 2 this month, we are beyond thankful for our little man!

Fun Picture of Hope

Our friend Derrin took this picture of Hope in front of our home

24/7 Prayer - Halloween Week

It is that time of year, where the church in IV is on their face asking God for miracles, protection, and salvation in IV concerning Halloween weekend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlNFmOCamPk&feature=player_embedded

If you are not familiar with 24/7 prayer it means people are praying for 24 hrs. a day for 7 days...feel free to join us from a distance or come to the prayer shed (behind 6686 Del Playa) beginning this Saturday.

This is an e-mail sent from Annalisa, the gal spearheading the week of prayer:

My name is Annalisa Morris and I am a 4th year at UCSB. I was just e-mailing to invite anyone and everyone to join in on a campus-wide 24/7 Prayer Week that is being put on. The week of 24/7 prayer is not under any specific ministry, we want it to be a campus-wide event where all the movements unite together to cover UCSB and IV in prayer. We believe that there are college students that are hungry to see Jesus transform this campus and city, so we're inviting any and all of the different Christian movements on campus and in this city to come and join in a week of 24/7 leading up to Halloween. All of the prayer will take place in the prayer shed behind 6686 DP it will begin midnight the 23rd and end midnight the 30th. If you are interested I'd love to have you email me a time slot you would want. I'll attach a sign up sheet that's blank so you can look and choose. There are 1hr slots and we're hoping to get all of them filled. You can sign up as a movement, or Bible studies can sign up together, or individuals. Please feel free to contact me for further information.

Phone: 408-464-5291
Email: annalisamorris@gmail.com

Thank you so much, blessings Annalisa

Inheritance & Idenity

In a few weeks IVC will be hosting a conference on Inheritance & Identity led by Jacob Reeve. I may be sharing a few things too, but I will be incredibly full this weekend with all the people visiting from out of town and those that live locally...it should be an amazing weekend and hopefully a refreshing one as we will be cooking up the Jesus Burgers both Friday & Saturday night the weekend before, which is Halloween weekend!



A 3-Day Jesus Encounter hosted by IVC and led by Jacob Reeve
Why ask God for the things He has already given to you?

November 5th - 7th
- Friday @ 7pm
- Saturday @ 10am & 3pm
- Saturday @ 8pm (ministry night)
- Sunday @ 4pm

Cost: $10 - suggested donation (includes lunch Saturday)

Location: TBD

http://www.jacobreeveministries.com/

Jacob Reeve is a man of faith who loves Jesus. He is an author and an artist with a powerful teaching gift. He is the founding pastor of Isla Vista Church and currently a pastor on staff of a church in Camarillo. Jacob enjoys sharing a life of faith, hope, and love with his beautiful wife and six children.

Jesus Burgers

It has been 3 weeks of serving up Jesus Burgers this school year and God is blowing our minds...tons of great things are happening on the street of Del Playa every Saturday night! God is good, so good!

Keep praying for IV, for the church to be courageous, and for His prodigals to come Home.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34)

IVC in the Westmont College newspaper

An incredible bother named Lucas Bell, who is apart of the IVC family, writes for the Westmont newspaper and did an article on Jesus, heaven, and IVC this week...check it out:

http://homepage.westmont.edu/horizon/articles/?p=1477

We Love Our Kids

Our friends Nate & Derika took some pictures of the kids this weekend.

We are so grateful for the different stages of life that each of them are in right now...so much fun and so much learning going on for everyone!

Need prayer, healing, or a spiritual reading?

This Saturday during Jesus Burgers we dragged the recycle bin into the middle of the street right in front of the DP house - on one side of the bin there was a sign that said, "free prayer" and on the other side was a sign that offered spiritual readings and prayer for healing.

As you can imagine with hundreds of people walking up and down the street the signs grabbed people's attention and caused them to stop and begin conversations with us. The spiritual readings is just a term that people in IV can relate to more than prophecy. And sure enough, we had people approach us all night wanting to get prayer and a spiritual reading. I wish I had the time and was able to record all the stories from this night, as I know they would be such an encouragement to many! Maybe one day we will do some kind of video and post a few of these stories each week as the love of God shows up in such powerful ways over people both sober and drunk every weekend in IV.

"for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matt 5:45)

One quick story: a guy approached me, definitely a little under the influence, telling me he is an atheist, but wanted prayer...I thought that was a little comical, but prayed anyway. As I began to pray for him God started showing me stuff about His family, divorce, broken friendships, stuff about music, and a few other things. After I got done praying he just looked at me and said, "That was gnarly. That was absolutely gnarly man." I was able to witness to Him, as I often do after these kind of reactions that God knows him, desires a relationship with him, and how good Jesus is!

One more: another guy approached a few of us as as he has been in and out of jail and wanted prayer...as we prayed, the love of God came all over him and he began to open his heart and receive what we were saying. Afterwards I talked with the guy and was able to share my story of how I started drinking at 12, got into all sorts of problems, and how Jesus set me free to be a son of a King!

Be praying for IV, God is on the move...pray that believers would be courageous, full of love, and walk in the power of God to be able to do stuff that only God can do!

Growing in Life

Often I find myself reminding people that growing in God is a process, which is why it's important to enjoy the journey of faith that God has us on...it seems at times b/c of our culture we are made to feel that we always need something else - the grass is greener on the other-side syndrome. As the result, believers in Christ can be made to feel like they need to arrive somewhere in God. When truthfully they've already arrived as they're in Christ today, seated with Him in heavily places, complete, have been given everything pertaining to life and godliness the day they accepted Jesus into their life, and our sons and daughters of the King (Eph 2:6,Col 2:10, 2Pet1:3, 1Jn3:1).

This is why I find myself reminding people that the Christian life is not about trying harder, but learning to receive more...grace is what grows us, not self-effort, which is why only God can grow us, change us, and make us like His Son.

Watching baby J eat His meals is messy, due to the fact that he is learning how to eat. As for Samuel, who is four years older, there is a noticeable improvement. To me this models a lot of the Christan life, as we abide in Him and believe in Him, we grow in Him. We learn to eat without half of the food on our face, on the floor, and in our hair...growing in God is messy, life is messy, and if we are going to love His people we must become ok with mess.

People grow in the soil of grace, not in law...if we want to see people grow in God we better give them room to fail, take risk, and try to feed themselves. Fathering and mothering is what the generation to come will need to become the sons and daughter they're made to be.

"For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel." (1 Cor 4:15)

Jesus Burgers

Tomorrow night around this time the "Gideon Army" will be giving out Jesus Burgers and sharing the redemptive love of Jesus with countless lives...please pray for us as we worship and pray from 8pm to about 10pm in the prayer shed, then hit the front to be greeted by hundreds of partiers.

Jesus' love is the solution to the problems of IV, may His church demonstrate this tomorrow night.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom 5:8)

Family Pictures

Our awesome friend Liselle took some family photos of us last week...all 4 of our kids are in the picture, one in womb!  If you have not heard, Holly is pregnant - we found out Sunday morning!

"Just as you don't know the path of wind and how bones are formed in the womb of a pregnant woman, so you don't know the activity of God who makes all things." (Ecc. 11:5)

Our New Sunday Location

The end of this month will be the completion of our 8th year in IV as a church, and the beginning of our 9th year...in that time IVC has probably meet in about 25 locations throughout IV, including parks, beaches, backyards, houses, theaters, etc.

We have always been able to relate to the call of Abraham, as it says in Hebrews 11:8 that "By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going."

IV is our promised land, and like I am always telling the fellowship, church is not a day of the week, a building you are in, a meeting you go to, but it is a family you belong to...our mission is to see IV redeemed by the redemptive love of God, IVC is blessed to be apart of that.

This next year God is moving the IVC family to a church building located less than a 1/2 block from our home - literally you can easily see the steeple and the church from our house.

We are so thankful for this bigger location as we are rapidly outgrowing "The Sueno Tabernacle." And due to the location of the church building, we will be able to maintain our dinners together, which is always a sweet time of fellowship afterward.

Ah, God is so good to us - faithful to the end! We believe this next year will be a significant year in the history of IV, as we are seeing a move of God arising in our city!

Be praying for IV and that believers would live radical lives of faith for Jesus and His kingdom - "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force." (Jesus)