So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7

Joseph recently had the opportunity to be a part of a week long Cru Church Movement training in Dallas, Texas with 60 other Cru Church Movement staff, pastors and partners of the ministry.  Sent 6:7 (from Acts 6:7) is a discipleship process for helping  believers to be trained in discipleship and evangelism.  Joseph is now coaching 2 men in the training material, Pastor Sammy Expinoza and Joel, a staff member in Cru. 

Pastor Sammy Espinoza is from Kingsborough Ridge Baptist Church in San Antonio, TX.  Joseph is working with Pastor Sammy as he implements the training from Sent 6:7 in his own church.  He is also helping him as he begins to focus on Easter and helping his church share their faith.

Pastor Sammy is beginning by training 15 of his community group leaders in topics such as: walking in the Spirit, sharing your story, sharing the Gospel, building bridges with people, reaching out in your neighborhood, etc.. It is a 10 week process and after the 10 weeks of training the leaders will be encouraged to start a group teaching similar topics, for new believers or others who have not been discipled before.

Joel is a Cru Church Movements staff member from Chicago and is the founder of the Think Institute (https://thethink.institute/)  Joel teaches apologetics and evangelism at various churches within Chicago.  He also hosts an apologetics podcast and a weekly apologetics training where he addresses the difficult obstacles to faith in Jesus and encourages believers to bring their friends who have questions about God and the Bible.

Joseph has been coaching Joel in developing a process to reach Chicago through apologetics and evangelism trainings.  He has been helping him develop leaders through utilizing the Sent 6:7 training and other material.  They are good friends and enjoy connecting and calling one another for coaching times. 

Trafficking Prevention in the Junior High Schools

Joseph and Caitlyn (from EveryOne Free ministry) recently had the opportunity to do another sex trafficking prevention presentation.  The health teacher of a Junior High here in a high risk area of Southern CA has asked Joseph to come every quarter and share with all 800 7th graders in her health classes.

When Joseph and Caitlyn ask the   students who has been approached by a potential trafficker through apps, chat rooms, gaming consoles, etc.. About 50% of the students raised their hands. One brave girl also came up to Joseph, Caitlyn and the teacher and shared how she recognized the signs of trafficking in her community and wanted to report it.  The teacher stood by her side and helped her call the trafficking hotline to seek help.

At the end of the presentation we break the students up into small groups to talk more and this past time a handful of the girls shared with Caitlyn about sexual abuse they were experiencing. We are now talking with EveryOne Free on how we can address this aspect, which makes children very vulnerable to trafficking, and how to help teachers be prepared to help when it comes out.  

The teacher, Joseph and Caitlyn in Junior High classes

Family Update …

2020 is in full swing and 3 teenagers and an 8 year old keep us active!  Daniel is enjoying his Senior year in High School, working a lot and now deciding on College options (how did that happen?!) Luke is plugging along in college and working part-time. Jessica is loving her freshman year and being a part of the Show Choir at the High School.  They have won their first two competitions, so that has been fun!  And Aleeya is doing amazing in second grade at home,staying busy with friends and now doing Lyrical dancing (which she LOVES!)

Thank you for your prayer and encouragement and continual to support to us and the ministry here in Los Angeles.  We are so thankful for each of you!!