We have been deeply grieved by the pain all around us in our country right now. With Covid19, job losses, stress of quarantining, sicknesses, churches unable to meet, the death of George Floyd bringing the pain and injustice towards people of color to the light, high emotions and pain all around us  – 2020 has been a HARD year.  But we have hope for our future. There have been many eyes opened to the pain and injustice around us and we have been praying, listening, learning and engaging in many conversations.

Part of the Statement from Cru:

We believe every human being is made in the image of God and we affirm the God-given worth, dignity and equality of men and women from every tribe, language, people and    nation. As followers of Jesus we are instructed to pursue righteousness and justice, personally and throughout our  culture. The Bible calls us to love one another (Matthew 22:39), bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to consider not only our needs but the needs of others (Philippians 2:4). We are commanded to act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). To read the entire statement: https://www.cru.org/us/en/about/response-death-george-floyd.html

Joseph was also a part of a Racial IQ Zoom time with Epiphany, a local church we helped plant in South LA.  These conversations were to help the leadership learn how to speak, think, have  conversations with multiple ethnic communities in a multi-ethnic church, about racism, justice and reconciliation. It is so important for us as believers and the church to speak in a way that’s Christ centered and gospel centered. If we don’t, unbelievers will continue to see the church as irrelevant.  We are helping the church to have winsome spiritual conversations and equip them for discipleship in the area of justice.

We recently were so happy to be able to participate in a drive-by baby shower for this sweet girl, *Tamara (not her real name).  A ministry we work with often, EveryOne Free in Pomona, organized a drive by baby shower to bless *Tamara with much needed  supplies.  She was in great need for supplies for her unborn baby and we were able to help gather some friends and many others from Purpose Church to decorate our cars and show love in a tangible way.  *Tamara was freed from Trafficking and is now choosing life for her unborn baby.  Please continue to pray for *Tamara as she  adjusts to being a new mom and continues in her own healing from the past.

First there’s a few, then there’s some, then there’s many, then there’s many more.

Online Sent 6:7 and Changing Face of Evangelism Training

We recently hosted 310 pastors, church planters and mission leaders at four online training events – in both Sent 6:7 and Changing Face of Evangelism curricula.  Joseph was one of  6 trainers during the 3 days of training. People attended from four continents – from Mongolia, Finland, Slovakia, Costa Rica, Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo – and from over 40 US cities. 
 
Sent 6:7 is a disciple-making process to equip people to initiate, build, and multiply faith communities (churches & discipleship groups), so that every follower of Jesus has a place for connection, growth and training for mission.  The Changing Face of Evangelism and the Well-being of the City  focuses on motivation, theology, tools and training for conversational and comprehensive evangelism. 

Look at What God is doing!

 “Thank you very much! It was great, Glory to the Lord! God strengthen you and bless your heart for Him!” – Simon, Congo 

“I will introduce Sent 6:7 to all the leaders in our country. Can you join us as a coach?” – Vili, Finland

 “I trained 20 church leaders to use our launch strategy in each of their small groups.”– Mark, Kansas City

“I coach 9-10 church planters, and will introduce this process to them!” – John, Minnesota 

Some of our Favorite Stories:

“We’ve been trying to fish without the manual for how to fish. This (training) helps us teach others how to fish without just telling them to go fish.” – Wisconsin

“I personally have been a Christian for almost 40 years and the Changing Face of Evangelism was truly revolutionary to me. The week after the training I used the “Sometime” strategy, which helped me figure out how to move from meaningful conversation to spiritual conversation with a friend from the gym.  We have gotten together many times for coffee since then, and I was able to share the gospel recently and introduce her to the idea of having a personal relationship with God.” – Missouri

“I started two Launch Groups for Pastors/Christian workers in my area (each group has three participants) just before Covid-19 forced us into isolation. My pastor friends have enthusiastically embraced doing Launch online. In fact, my pastor (who is among the trainees) has asked me to join his discipleship group to walk the four young guys he is discipling through Launch. We are also exploring/planning avenues for offering more Launch Groups or Launch trainings this summer or next fall at our church.” – Atlanta Metro 

“The Sent 6:7 training renewed my hope. My hope that God will make new creations through evangelism, He will make new Christ-centered communities through equipping the church and raise up new laborers through discipleship. I believe Sent 6:7 is a path that God is using to achieve that hope.” – Texas

This month we celebrate Daniel’s High School Graduation!  It has definitely been a Senior Year he didn’t expect.  We feel his sadness about missing out on all the Senior activities such as Prom, GradNight, Senior Sunsets and even an in-person Graduation to walk across the stage. He is especially missing just being with friends before they all go off to different colleges. He continues to work hard and finish his year virtually in the midst of it all, as well as working many hours at Chick-fil-A to save for a car for college.  

We are so very proud of him and know the Lord has great plans for his future!  We thought it would be fun to bless Daniel with words of encouragement from others—and ask, if you would desire to, please feel free to send him a card or letter at our address below.  We know he would feel so loved and celebrated by knowing others care and are praying for him—as we are unable to truly celebrate him with a large gathering during COVID19.  Thanks so much!! 

Please also email us if we can be praying for you specifically during this difficult time as well. 

“How do you have peace in the middle of a pandemic? How do you have faith over fear and an unknown future? Here is how- you trust Jesus with your life.”  David Platt

Our lives and ministry has been turned upside down during this time, as we are sure yours has as well.  Zoom is a new member of our family as we speak to Zoom multiple times a day! Our children are home from school—everything is virtual, Aleeya’s therapies are virtual, dance classes (which are quite a sight to watch!), art classes, our weekly small group, youth group, doctor appts, seeing friends, game nights, and ALL ministry is virtual now.  We miss the face-to-face, are mourning Daniel’s High School senior year and  graduation that has been cut short and made virtual. We are trying to be creative in connecting with others around us, supporting friends and reaching out to neighbors. We pray you are all doing well also—and please reach out if we can pray or help you in anyway, or even just to talk!

During this time with the coronavirus, fear is gripping the hearts of people around the world. There is a mountain of anxiety and alarm, and it is still building. It is as real as the virus itself—but it is treatable. There are people in need that we can reach out to help. Like a fireman runs to the fire, the church needs to respond to crises around us. We who are the church need to stand up and be the hands and feet of the Lord Jesus Christ.”   Franklin Graham

Joseph recently had the privilege to help install a new pastor at a church plant in Claremont. Solid Rock Church (which Joseph helped plant 2 years ago) has now planted a new church (First Love) that is currently reaching out to the Claremont Colleges.  Joseph helped them walk through the qualifications for an elder/pastor, pray and install Pastor Michael.  We are excited for Michael and his wife, Lani, as they minister to the city around them and we love seeing churches plant new churches to reach Los Angeles!

Michael & Lani at their new baby reveal and Joseph and Michael (before social distancing!) Joseph and the elders from Solid Rock discussing qualifications for pastor/elder (Zoom style)

Ministry has also been about changing all trainings and conferences to virtual—this was/is a busy Spring as we had multiple trainings for staff and church leaders planned.  Now we are attempting to make them virtual with virtual teaching, breakout rooms and application) 

Our family has been trying to be a source of hope and encouragement to those around us.  Giving out free fruit, creating fun mazes for kids on the sidewalk, window paint for Easter and trying to meet others on our daily walks.

Thank you for your continual prayers, encouragement and support to us during this time. Please let us now how we can be praying for you as well.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:7

Over the past years Joseph has partnered with the North America Mission Board to be an assessor of church planters.  This past month he served as one of the coaches for all the assessors.  The assessors evaluate and assess strength and growth areas in 9 different areas of each church planter.

(on Left) Kirk, Pastor Alex and Joseph. Joseph assessed Pastor Alex a few years ago and now he was back serving as an assessor himself, with Joseph training him.  He is the pastor of Ridgeview Church in Fontana, California.

The 9 Areas Being Assessed

. Calling (their personal calling to church planting and personal relationship with Jesus)

· Family Dynamic (strong & healthy marriage, boundaries for their family in relationship to the church plant)

· Emotional & Spiritual Health (prioritizes personal health)

· Leadership (ability to draw others in, equip and empower others)

· Missional Engagement (bold drive to share their faith, lead others to Jesus)

· Disciple-Making (ability to develop & implement an intentional discipleship process)

· Communication (ability in communicating biblical messages)

· Vision (faith-inspired vision for their life & ministry)

· Social Skills (initiative in friendships, welcoming others, conflict )

There were 10 church planters being assessed during this time. They were given either a Green, Yellow or Red Light afterwards.

GREEN = Ready to plant in the next 6-18 months.

YELLOW = Wait—more development needed.

RED = Stop—Redirect away from church planting.

(top left) Joseph with Pastor Johnson (an assessor of Communication)

(bottom left) Joseph with Pastor Noel (Assessor or Leadership)

(middle) Praying for the church  planters before sending them off.

(far right) Church planters answering questions related to church planting.

Family Update …

Light in the Darkness. My God, That is Who You Are.  In just what felt like a matter of days life was turned upside down. Kids were sent home from school, restaurants and entertainment closed down, and people began panicking on food and toilet paper shortages.  We continue to hold tight to the Lord during this time and know He has us—He is the true light and peace the world needs so desperately right now.  The first death from COVID19 in our city came out on the news today so fear continues to increase. We are quarantined to our home for the most part. This past summer we moved to an older neighborhood with many elderly so we are praying we can be a light and serve those around us in need.  Walking the neighborhood for fresh air, praying and trying to see if anyone needs help or supplies. 

Luke is finishing the semester at college all virtually and Jessica and Daniel are awaiting how to finish High School online. It is a disappointing time for Daniel as it is his Senior Year and events are being canceled (Prom, Grad Night, and maybe graduation ceremony)  Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support to us.  Know we are praying for all of you as well during this time and please stay connected.  Feel free to email or call us if we can be praying for you in anyway specifically also –or just to talk.   

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!!

5000-6000 Women and Children are trafficked every year from the Nepal border into New Delhi, India

About two years ago after Joseph spoke at an outreach to fight sex trafficking, a local Pastor (Pastor Krishna) approached him and asked if we could partner together to end this evil in his country of Nepal. This was the beginning of a partnership with us and the ministry, Mercy Nepal.  Pastor Krishna and Joseph prayed and planned and formed three phases to start micro-enterprises to combat the poverty that makes women and children very vulnerable to sex trafficking.

Phase One began last January when we were able to send 2  Nepali women to Mumbai, India for training in making garment bags, sewing skills and creating jewelry. They were there for 1 month learning these skills.  Phase Two began in February when the 2 women returned to Nepal and   began training other women at the sewing centers. One of the women trained, Devi, a young mom, has now decided not to be part of the Nepal project.  Ranjana, a college grad, is at the sewing center and a part of the project and is receiving further training in sewing design as she trains other women in what she learned in Mumbai.

We are now beginning Phase Three!  Phase Three is establishing the 6 existing sewing centers to become self-sustaining to empower and share the love of Christ with more women. Every 9-12 months a sewing center will become self-sustaining—starting in the city of Bardia. The six locations are: Kathmandu, Chitwan,  Kohapur, Bardia, Kailali, and Salayam.

We are hopeful and overjoyed with this partnership because it is based on local pastors within Nepal having a vision to be a part of ending the trafficking of  women and children in their country as well as sharing the gospel with these women and their families. Please pray for these local pastors.  Pray for wisdom for them, opportunities to see families come to Christ, and protection over them.  There is a new law in Nepal now that if someone is caught evangelizing they would face 5 years in jail and a 50,000 Nepali rupee fine.  We decided to establish the first self-sustaining sewing center in Bardia because it is farther from the central government and will face lesser restrictions as of now.  Pray many women would find new skills in these sewing centers that would prevent them from being trafficked and that they would come to know Jesus as their Savior.

70% of trafficking victims come from the Foster Care System

We were recently a part of an event that connected the realities of the foster care  system here in Los Angeles and the real realities of sex trafficking around us. Human traffickers will prey on individuals who are most vulnerable, which is why foster children have a greater risk of becoming victims than those who aren’t in the system.  Children who grow up in the foster care system from home to home usually experience depression, sexual abuse, trauma, isolation and feeling unloved. Our friend, Patrice, shared her story of growing up in Foster Care and the vulnerabilities that came from that.  She gave those who attended the event a real, honest look into the   foster care system and helped them understand the greater need for permanent, loving foster homes and how that in itself is part of the solution to ending trafficking of young girls who run away from foster homes or age out of the system.

It was a great evening helping EveryOne Free (the trafficking ministry of Purpose Church) connect with Chosen (the fostercare/adoption ministry of Purpose Church) and encouraging those in attendance to be involved. Joseph is on the leadership of EveryOne Free and helped plan the night.

No One Can Do Everything, But Everyone Can Do Something.

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”  Isaiah 1:17

Family Update …

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years Celebration!  It is hard to believe it is 2020.  We enjoyed slowed down times with family, having Luke home from college and family adventures together. It was our first Christmas in our new home after moving —so bittersweet as we created new memories yet also missed our old home traditions at times.  Thank you for your continual encouragement, support and prayers for our family and the ministry here in Los Angeles.  We are always so humbled knowing any praises we have are a result of the prayers of so many.  Thank you!

Depression is not having a “bad day” but living day by day trapped in that silence and all you want to do is shout out the pain inside.

 “And they assume that if you cannot see it, then it’s not really there. As if pain does not exist, unless you’re bleeding or slung in a cast or staggering with a limp.”

This past month we partnered with a local church, Christ First Espanol, to host a community outreach on anxiety and depression which affects over 40 million adults in the U.S. alone. We had a panel who shared their past and current struggles BUT how they are able to find true HOPE and STRENGTH in Jesus. 

There was hours of planning and prayer by Joseph and Pastor Marco leading up to this event and it was so encouraging to see how the Lord was glorified.  People from within the church and especially the community filled the church and SIX people gave their lives to Christ !  We were on the prayer team as well to pray for the many people who came forward in need of prayer and for those who made commitments to Jesus for the first time! Another amazing aspect was that we promoted this event for weeks leading up to it and the response was humbling, as many reached out for help even before we had the event and Pastor Marco formed a support group filled with believers and 3 others from the community.  There are now 2 support groups at the church bringing hope and healing to those struggling with anxiety and depression—from within the church and non-believers within the community. To see a highlight video we made of the event check out this link!

Because of your faithful prayers and support to us we are able to serve full-time and share the love of Jesus here in Los Angeles.  Thank you so very much, we are so eternally grateful.

Not everyone can be a foster parent, but ANYONE can help a child in foster care.

There are 21,000 children living in foster care in LA County, who need caring people in their lives. We recently hosted a Foster Care Info Fair with keynote speaker Bishop Martin. His inspiring story has been seen on Dateline NBC, Oprah, and Good Morning America. The decision he and his wife made to open their home to 4 siblings in foster care. He then inspired his church to change the lives of 72 additional children. The Info Fair brought together 14 different agencies and ministries that offer a variety of opportunities to help kids in foster care. 

The Info Fair allowed people to come together and hear about God’s heart for children in the foster care through hearing a panel of former foster youth, learning about the foster care system from experts in the field and hearing abut the many volunteer opportunities available. These include: being a mentor, advocate, friend, camp counselor, tutor, prayer supporter, job/life skills coach, foster/adoptive parent, and more!

Partnering Together to Plant Bilingual Spanish Churches!

Chad Wolyn is a missionary with World Impact. Michelle and he grew up together in the Bay Area and went to youth group together through high school! It has been so fun to be reunited here in Southern California and meet one another’s families – and see how the Lord brought them both into full-time ministry. And now to be able to partner together in ministry! Chad was able to attend the evangelism workshop that Joseph led earlier this year and he asked Joseph if he would help him with his church. Pastor Chad has a passion to help his church plant 10 bilingual Spanish speaking churches here in the Los Angeles area.  Joseph and Chad have been meeting to develop a discipleship processes, leadership development, and raise up future church planters.  Please pray for them as they partner together.  Pray for Jorge, who is a part of Pastor Chad’s church, and who could potentially plant a church next year.

Thank you so much for your continual prayers and support to us and the ministry here in Los Angeles. We know it is because of the prayers of so many that we have the blessing of seeing the Lord change lives here Thank you.

Thank you also for praying for us and our family. This Fall has been flying by with a Homecoming Dance (Daniel), Show Choir Performances (Jessica), New Roommates (Luke) and Soccer Fun (Aleeya)! Thank you for your prayers.

To be a Disciple of Jesus you must Make Bold Moves and Continue to Make Bold Moves…

1 Thessalonians 1:1-4

 He Boldly Chooses Us—⁴ For we know,  brothers and sistersloved by God, that he has chosen you.

 He Boldly Changes Us—⁵ because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.

He Boldly Uses Us— your faith in God has become known everywhere.

A Bold Obedience— ³ We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

This month we had an amazing opportunity to travel to Greece for a Cru Global Church Movements Conference.  We joined 275 others from around the world, representing 84 different countries!  It was an inspiring experience to be in the presence of Cru staff planting churches all around the world in the midst of persecution and hardships. We heard from speakers, worshiped together, prayed together and worked daily in table groups talking about the ministry and gaining wisdom from one another. 

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”    Revelation 7:9

Learning, Praying, Worshiping Together with missionaries from Africa, India, Philippines, U.S, Australia, Kazakhstan, East Asia and so many more!

The theme this year was be•cause.  Celebrating the cause that God has called us to and the fact that God also wants us to be… be in His presence and be in love with Him.

This past July we traveled to Colorado for our biennial staff conference.  One of the great highlights of our time there is the camp/conference that Cru provides for our kids at the same time as the adults.  Being a missionary kid is unique and has its own challenges and it is wonderful they have this opportunity to come together with other youth that understand them in this way!  Their conference had amazing worship, speakers and small group time to process every day as well as fun activities throughout.  They had a day of workshops they could choose from such as: sharing your faith, battling, pornography, relating to and loving those in the LGBTQ lifestyle, your personal testimony, etc..  There was also a day of outreach where our kids were able to go into Denver and other cities to talk with people who were interested in learning about Jesus.  We are so thankful Daniel and Jessica had a wonderful summer of fun and most importantly growing in their relationships with Jesus.  

Encouraged and Challenged by so many speakers such as: Gary Haugen (founder of IJM—anti trafficking), Hung Thach (Cru), Darryl Smith (Cru)Latasha Morrison (Be the Bridge), Steve Douglass (President of Cru), Pastors Daniel Hill and James White, Beth Guckenberger (Back2Back Adoption Ministry) and others.  It was a full week that        encouraged and equipped us to continue in the ministry here in Los Angeles.  Thank you for your prayers and support for us for this summer.