The Juvenile Hall Ministry Begins

I'm exited to tell this story about God answering prayers!  Last night Justin spent his first evening ever at the Juvenile Hall telling these boys and girls about the Savior, named Jesus, who died a horrific death, taking upon Himself, willingly, all of our sins!  Let me tell you about the events leading up to last night and how amazing our God is at answering prayers! 
A couple years ago, I shared with Justin, my desire to meet the kids at the juvenile hall and share our testimonies about an awesome God who takes our crimson red sins and washes us white as snow!  I laid awake some nights thinking about these kids and the paths they were choosing.... paths riddled with parties, sex, drugs, alcohol, gangs and anything else to fill the gaping hole in their hearts.  Oh the pain of their pasts, the people who failed them, the hurts so deep that only Jesus can remove.  Truly, Justin and I were no different....troubled teens looking to the same sinful, earthly pleasures to bring some short moments of pleasure that only heaped more guilt and shame on us. 
Again, a few months ago, I had this burning desire towards the Juvenile Hall.  I knew it would take a miracle from God to make this happen but I know I serve a mighty God who can open any door.  He said ask for anything according to My will and it will be given to you!  To be His hands, to be His servants, to be His light, and to tell others the good news is His will! 
Justin and I talked about the juvenile hall at length and his heart started burning for it too.  We had our pastor and wife, Paul & Lucy Berry over for lunch a couple months ago!  We told them about our desire towards the juvenile hall.  Disappointingly, they didn't have any contacts for us.  You can't just walk into juvy and say, "Hey, I'm here to tell these kids about Jesus".  I don't think you would be welcome to come back a second time.  Justin and I continued to pray.  Lord, we know that You can open the doors and we ask to be Your servants for You.  On a wed. night at church, Justin was out of town, I was blessed to pray with James and Carol Howe.  I told them our desires for God to open the door for a ministry opportunity!  We continued to pray telling the Lord, it would be an honor to serve You! 
The breakthrough came last Sunday at church, as Pastor Paul walked up to Justin and said hey Justin, I just learned of a man who has been going to the juvenile hall and you need to speak with him.  Justin had a long talk with this individual, Karl, early on in the week.  Karl, old and using a walker now, told Justin how he had been praying for the Lord to send someone to help!  What an amazing God we serve!  So within days, Jesus took a desire dating back a couple years and turned it into reality!  More amazing, Karl hung out with these kids for the last couple years, building rapport.  He hadn't been allowed to say Jesus yet.  Last night was the first night that the name of Jesus was allowed to be spoken.  The juvenile hall finally gave Karl permission last week.  A few of the kids opened up to Justin.  They wanted to know why Justin so strongly believed in Jesus and Justin shared bits and pieces of how Jesus transformed his life.  We serve an amazing God!  Believe!
I am reminded of Kay & Chuck Smith.  She had a burning desire to meet hippies and tell them about Jesus.  She shared her heart with Chuck.  Her husband ultimately led thousands and thousands of hippies to the Lord.  I'm excited for the day I enter the juvenile hall with Justin and see these kids worshiping their Savior, set free, and on fire to tell their gang member friends about Jesus!  I am excited to see how God uses Justin in this ministry!  Believe!

Thanksgiving 2010

We had an awesome Thanksgiving at home this year!  Despite the turkey catching on fire, Justin managed to pull off an incredible tasting smoked turkey.  Love our smoker!  I made key lime pie for the first time and it was a huge hit!  Runner up was an amazing apple fennel arugula spinach salad!  Thank you sunset magazine!
After all of Justin's traveling this year, it was so nice to curl up by the fireplace and enjoy one another's company.  We enjoyed a vist from Uncle Andrew the next day!  Always a joy to have Andrew visit us!  I got in a hike to Pt Sal as well.  The air was gin clear and you could see the the coast for miles and miles from the top of Pt. Sal.  We love the central coast!!!

Here's a pic of Thanksgiving Day with two of our guests.  Joe Morales and his daughter Noemi Morales are in the center.  What a blessing to be with these two!  We are so thankful for the friends God has blessed us with!