Spring Break Trip - Redding CA

21 of us went about 10 hrs. north this last week during the UCSB spring break.  It was such an epic time of being together and encountering God!

God did some incredible stuff in each of our hearts and binding us closer together as a family. Over the last few years the IV Church has really turned into a family, a family that has grown closer together by being in the battle of winning souls to Christ. There is a bond of doing life together, which is sweet; however, there is a greater bond of doing life together and going to battle together...a bond through battle.

We are excited for this final quarter before summer; may God bring many sons and daughters to glory!

"This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

Baptisms - Heaven on Earth

Honestly, two of the most amazing things I get to do in life are baptisms and officiating wedding ceremonies. Both are extremely similar and both welcome heaven into earth like nothing I have ever experienced!

This last Sunday 7 beautiful people got baptized and experienced the resurrection of Jesus - buried with Him in baptism and raised to the newness of life. (Rom 6)

The gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to set men and women free, completely free - free from sin, self, and death and "alive God in Christ Jesus." (Rom 6:11)

Jesus Burgers

This last Saturday was our final Jesus Burgers for the Winter Quarter...it was sweet to have some Westmont "Warriors" join us for their first time in partnering with God & us for His glory in Isla Vista.

Over the last 10 yrs. of passing these hamburgers out week-in and week-out I have come to see them as seeds for the kingdom of God...seeds of faith, hope, and love...seeds that God uses to bring people to His Son and others back to their first love.

The amount of prodigals in Isla Vista alone is stunning, but after witnessing 7 baptisms yesterday, several of whom where prodigals coming home, I know that God uses every kind of seed and prayer for His eternal purposes.

We are super stoked for the Jesus Burgers to begin again in early April. Finals are this week and UCSB spring break is the following week.

"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." (Gal 6:9)

Big Bear Retreat

There were close to 25 of us packed into a cabin last weekend in Big Bear and enjoying Jesus and one another! The weather was incredible...blue skies and snow everywhere, which made for some fun outdoor activities. The weekend can be summed up by saying one big thank you to our Father in Heaven..thank you for family, friends, food, & tons fun!

"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."  - Psalm 126

Spring Break

About 15 people from the IVC family went north to a city called Redding over Presidents Weekend...there is a church up there that God is doing great things with, plus it's such a sweet time of being together for several days...family!

I was not able to go on this trip due to work and other things, but I plan on taking another crew of about 20 people over Spring Break. It's such an incredible privilege for Holly and I to be in the lives of so many amazing young people...we are in awe of Christ in them and how He is working through them!

"I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." (3 John 1:4)