Facts about the Family

As many of you know, I have begun a new series of messages called, “Family Matters”. Our focus is to lay a strong biblical foundation for family during these tough times. One of the hottest topics in California is the topic of marriage. What is marriage and what defines it? Christians are going to the polls in record numbers to vote yes on Prop. 8. If you are in doubt about marriage, just remember this: Marriage is God’s idea, not man’s. Marriage is a gift given to us by God. And God’s blessing is on the marriage of a man and a woman, who become one in the eyes of God.

Looking forward to this series of messages on Sunday Morning, I came across a bunch of information on family and marriage. It is literally impossible to share it all in a message so I have decided to post some of the information here on my blog for those who are interested in “Building Homes that are Blessed”. I hope that it is helpful, remember it is all in a random order.

Facts about Family

1. Sociologists found that people married for 35 years possessed the highest rate of happiness in marriage.

2. Marriages between 9-14 years were able to think of their spouse in a non-selfish way. Between these years marriages went from “me” to “we”.

3. Teens who say that religion is important in their lives or attend church services frequently are less likely than their peers to engage in risky behavior.

4. Youth whose parents talk to them about what is right and wrong about sexual behavior were significantly more likely to be abstinent then their peers whose parents did not.

The following is from a divorce lawyers legal website. Reasons marriages fail:

5. Marriages fail due to unrealistic expectations. When a person in a marriage expects something that the other party cannot provide for them.

6. Marriages that failed often referred to the fact of marrying to early. Or being unprepared for marriage or marrying for the wrong reasons.

The following is from a Columbia University study:

7. Studies found that frequent family dinners were associated with lower rates of teen smoking, drinking, and drug use. Compared with teens who frequently had dinner with their families, (five nights or more per week), those who had dinner with their families only two nights per week or less were twice as likely to be involved in substance abuse. They were 2.5 times as likely to smoke cigarettes, more than 1.5 times as likely to drink alcohol, and nearly three times as likely to try marijuana.

8. Compared to individuals from intact families, those living with divorced single parents or in stepfamilies at age 14 and did not experience any changes in their family situation during late adolescence (between the ages of 14 and 18) had, on average, lower levels of educational attainment, lower annual earnings, and less prestigious occupations at age 26.

9. Compared with peers who had not experienced parental divorce, young adult children whose parents had divorced were more likely to report that they felt close to only one parent or did not feel close to either parent.

10. Adolescents who reported becoming “born again” within their same religious tradition also reported improved relationships with their fathers.

So let me ask you a question? What do we do with this kind of information? There may be some who would view it as negative or too late to make changes. My thought is that knowledge is power for change. If we as God’s people can take information and apply it quickly within the opportunities that God has given us, we can see change that would be orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. Of course, nothing happens over night nor should we expect that results will be immediate, but just like anything else we do in life, Family Matters. If you are a victim of divorce, come from a broken family, a single mother or father raising children, just ask God for one miracle at a time! He will be faithful to answer.

Have a great week.

Pastor Al

A Journey to South Africa (part 3)

As I rose up early to pack and prepare to make my way back to San Diego, I would be making a stop at the brand new Urban Training Center in Cape Town. I knew the journey home would be long, but I wanted to spend the day at the UTC. It is hard to believe that just about 10 years ago, my wife and I were headed over to Bridgeport, Connecticut newly married with a small child to step out on God and start a ministry that would train and prepare young people for the work of the ministry. In those days, the young people of Victory Outreach were experiencing a powerful outpouring over their lives and many of them were feeling the call of God to the ministry. Our task would be to instill the discipline and vision they would need to make it in ministry. Our task was to create an atmosphere and training program where these choice young people could be developed into up and coming workers in God’s kingdom. Our theme for the past 10 years has been “Shaping Leaders for the Future”. From a humble beginning with 12 students, little did we know that we would impact literally thousands of young people and establish UTC’s in Los Angeles, Bridgeport, Manila, Tijuana and Cape Town. Right now we are looking at property in Chicago, Illinois. Real soon we will have a UTC there. Let’s just say, as I was packing, I was having a moment.

My arrival at the UTC was pretty much just like my arrival at every UTC around the world. the sound of students praying and worshipping God filled the atmosphere. I could hear them as we pulled up. Pastor Cesar and Monique Portillo have done a great job in building this UTC from the ground up. The spirit is identical all around the world.

My day with the UTC was spent teaching and answering questions. I could see that these young leaders are developing their minds for ministry. One student was struggling with their calling. My response was, “In the UTC you will find out one of 2 things: You are either called to ministry or you are not. But either way the experience is great.” There seemed to be an agreement. I was particularly impressed with how God is raising up the students from South Africa. There is a mixture of students from America and South Africa. You can see that God is doing a very quick work in their lives. It became apparent to me, when I asked a student about his vision in South Africa and he responded, “I can see an army of young people being raised up in South Africa who will impact all of Africa for Jesus.” This is the exact thing that I believe that God has called Victory Outreach to do in Africa. In just a few short years we have 27 churches in Liberia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa. I have heard our next move will be to Johannesburg. I know that many of these students will be a part of that.

The UTC in South Africa is located on one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town called, Milnerton. Located right across the street from a golf course, God has taken “Treasures Out of Darkness” and put them in an atmosphere for development that is the best in the world. Pastor Cesar and Monique and their team are doing a great work.

As I prepare to leave the UTC for the airport and a long journey home, somehow I know that I will be back. My memories are great, my emotions are drained but my heart is full. At the airport, we all say our goodbyes. Many gifts are exchanged and hugs were given. I was excited to hear that Pastor Chucky and Chica had just found out that they would be having a brand new baby. The news was fresh and I was privelaged to hear it. As we enter security, we cried out, “See you at conference!”

The world will be waiting to hear their stories.

Pastor Al

A Journey to South Africa [part 2]

 

Sunday Morning in Cape Town

To much of my surprise, I did not feel jet-lagged. I guess the sleeping plan worked. I am glad I felt good because today would be busy. Our first task is to meet with Pastor James and the top level leaders of the church. Recently, a team of missionaries had been sent to assist with the rapid growth and expansion of the church. In just 2 short years, the Cape Town church has grown to over 400 people. Though this may not be the so-called phenomenal church expansion seen here in the States that is usually the brainchild of the marketing and demographic studies that  empty out surrounding churches in their area, but a supernatural move of God. A church that has been raised form the ashes of apartheid, despair and drug addiction. A church set against the darkest of backdrops. On the morning of our meeting at the Mega-Men’s Home I notice the very large mosque right next door, complete with 100 foot minarets, and a large dome. In fact, in one one of our evening meetings later in the week, we could hear the scheduled call to prayer. The speakers on the minarets came alive with arabic song calling the community to prayer. We continued, but I could not help to feel, the weekly cable news broadcast come alive in my mind. We were sitting in the center of what the world is dealing with right now. I think to myself, “It doesn’t get any better than this.”

Our arrival was greeted by our American missionary team and the many up and coming South African Leaders. Forgive me, but I was shocked to see the young faces of men and women who have taken on the task of leading this rapidly growing church. This church was a movement of young leaders who had been rescued by the power of God. Of the 75 leaders in that meeting and not including the missionaries, only  3 had transferred from churches in the city. I was amazed. God is in the business of raising up the people that will meet the needs of that city. I could see no greater demonstration of that.

What were some of the things we discussed for the further growth and effectiveness of the church in Cape Town?

• Maximize the team. The team sent to help the church is very experienced. The team consists of people who have actually pioneered ministries in Indonesia, Italy, Brazil and Holland. There was no time limit to their stay, but it was important to utilize every gift.
• Organize. Supernatural growth is touchy. How do you organize without quenching the move of God? Not an easy task, but that is exactly what this team has to figure out. A new leadership structure was implemented and hopefully will help to organize. The strategy is clear. 
• Build people. Probably the most exciting task. Taking a group of people to the next level. The task is to develop leaders who are from the region who will eventually take the role that each missionary is playing as of now. This will insure the growth and develop of the church to its endless potential!
• Promote. What opportunities are their for television or radio? What many of the locals told us is that, “What Victory Outreach is doing has never been done before in all of South Africa.” The drug epidemic is unparalleled and people are hungry for an answer. After one 20 minute segment on a local radio program in Mitchell’s Plain. 15 people from the community visited the church that night. That is pretty awesome.
• Keep doing what you are doing. Whatever has been done up to now has certainly worked. Nothing can replace the ministry of love and compassion that Pastor James and Barry have shown. It is amazing. People have responded to that. People are grateful for that love. james and Barry are always ready to give that love.

The day has come to an end, it is time to get back to the hotel. The hotel is right on the beach in the center of town. Maybe, I will read a little by the pool when I arrive. I am starting to feel jet-lagged. We walk into the hotel and decide to get lunch. After lunch I walk to the front desk and ask a question. From the corner of my eye, I can see a tall Indian young man staring at me, (fyi; people stare a lot in foreign countries). As I walk away from the desk towards the elevator he stops me. He introduced himself as Shamim, he works for the Virgin Travel desk at the hotel, his eyes are filled with despair. He asks me, “Are you a pastor? I saw you eating lunch with the group of pastor’s from Victory…?” I say yes I am…before I can say anything else, “he bursts out and says, “Both of my brothers are drug addicts. They are hooked on heroine. They smoke it all day in the street. They only come home to steal from my mommy. My father has sent them away. I do not understand what is happening to them. They were good students. They could have been successful in life. Can you help me? I will do anything.” I was so privileged to pray for him.

Here is a question? How could people know of VO 35 minutes away from Mitchell’s Plain? How could people in the so called Miami Beach area of town have problems like this?

Shamim, left a very strong impression on me. God is in this. The timing is perfect.

Pastor Al

A Journey to South Africa [part1]

Last Wednesday morning, I spent time with my wife and children and I spent the day preparing my mind for

a 22 hour flight via London to Capetown, South Africa. While I prepared for a full plane flight and a sleeping plan onboard, I could not have prepared myself for all the wonderful things that I would see this week. I had heard that revival was taking place in Capetown, but to see it is something entirely different. When I speak of revival, I am not simply talking of church enlightenment or a spiritual outpouring over christians, but real life transformation. Flying over the continent of Africa, my eyes grow tired, it is time to sleep. When I awaken, I will be in South Africa.

 

When we arrived, the Capetown church scheduled a series of tent meetings in a local housing project. It was amazing to see hundreds of people come to the tent every night to hear the gospel. Church members and people from the community were together to hear the life changing message and many people gave their lives to God. The music was rocking and people began to dance with joy and gratefulness. Pastor James, the pastor of Victory Outreach Capetown, politely asked the people to just dance for “1 more song” because we were going to gather again in the morning with leaders and pastors. The people were happy to obey.

For 2 more nights, we witnessed the power of God moving in peoples lives. The tent was rocking and this was just the beginning. After each meeting we would gather at the Mega-Men’s Home. What has made Victory Outreach International so effective for 40+ years, has been the unique vision to reach drug addicts with the gospel of Jesus Christ. At the Mega- Men’s Home, Pastor James can house and minister to over 200 men and women.

As I walked the halls of the home, I spoke with young men who had been transformed by the power of God. I was blessed to meet Nolan, a tall young man who had been delivered from gangs. His former gang the “Sexy Boys” has a membership of 100,000 people. Nolan is one who was snatched from the devils grip. He still has family in the gang, but he knows that God has a plan for their lives.

I also spoke to Patrik. Patrick was addicted to “tick”. Just another word for crystal meth. On the day that he was released from prison, he was desperate for change. He called his sister to leave 2 slices of bread in the mailbox because he hadn’t eaten. When he arrived he found the bread, but he had in encountered with his heartbroken “mommy”. She witnessed to him and told him in strong language that “only God could change him”. She told him to go to Victory Outreach. She told him that VO would help him. She refused to give him money, but she gave him 20 bottles. Patrik took those bottles and traded them for 2 loaves of bread and a gallon of milk, (they would not trade for money but gave him a voucher), and he sold it for bus fair and made his way to Victory Outreach. When he arrived, he came to find that 1500 men were on a waiting list for the home. But Patrik would not be refused. He waited in a park across the street for hours to talk to a pastor. When he encountered the pastor he was accepted and today is a leader in the home after being clean for over a year! When it comes to testimonies, these are only a few amongst many.

As our plane approached the southern most tip of Africa, I was awakened at 4:30 am. My eyes look outside the window from my seat and see the most beautiful sight I have ever witnessed, the sunrise over Africa. To my astonishment, I can see a rich color of red, orange and blue hovering over what seems to be the curvature of the earth. Utterly breathtaking. I can still see the stars in the sky, specifically, “Orions Belt” to the east, along with “Sirius”, the skies brightest star. I think to myself, “Where is my camera?”, it is in my luggage above the seat. Hmm. I guess some things are just between you and God. To be continued…

Have a great week.

Pastor Al 

Our time to GROW.

I can’t really say when God spoke to me about growth. It seems like it would come natural to some people, but I am finding that growth is kind of intentional. I am actually finding 3 things about growth.

1. Growth hurts. Sometimes it comes when we allow God to prune us from certain areas in our lives. In order to prune us, God must sheer off those areas that are dead. Old ways of thinking. Old behaviors. Old friends. Just all the old stuff. Maybe even an old job or an area code? It’s like God is saying, “You can’t take that old stuff with you to the next level”. When I have been in a season of growth, pressure has always been present. God has always applied pressure to my life in order to see where I am at spiritually. Think about it?

2. Growth comes through outside elements. How do you think plants or flowers grow? Just apply water and sunlight. I must admit that I am notorious when it comes to caring for my grass at home or the plants in my garden , but I have found that they will not grow without the application of water and sunlight. It just seems like when God wants to grow us, he will allow us to go through trying times. Someone once said, “Opposition dogs the trail of success”. Maybe that’s why growth hurts so bad. I have learned through my 15 years as a christian, that when I am facing hard times, it is usually because God is getting ready to bless me in some extraordinary way. I mean, there have actually been times in my walk that I would be complaining or whining about my life and in the middle of my sentence, God would bless me. Believe me, it is a humbling experience, just ask my wife.

3. Not everybody wants to grow. Now this is the part that is tough to talk about. Sometimes you can get the feeling that some people are just stuck and comfortable. They have found their lot in life and have decided to just chill. I have been thinking a lot about this lately. Here are the questions I have been asking myself. Are people fearful of the unknown? Do people feel burned by life? Do people think that this is all that life has to offer them? Have people just lost the desire for growth or is all their energy sapped from them?

I know that this can sound kind of negative, but its a blog and you know, I can ask the tough questions…I just want to know why? Here is how I want to end this.

I firmly believe that are best days are ahead of us and not behind us. I also believe that with God all things are possible with those who believe.I also think that we will see an end time revival like San Diego has never seen. I also know that God has chosen us as his people to make in impact in our city and in our world. I also know that “The Vision Continues…”

Keep your head up, your doing great!

Pastor Al