Philippians 2 (6/29/17)
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
Philippians 2:1‭-‬3

Here Paul is referring to the body of Christ. As followers we are charged with valuing every part of the body and being of one mind and one spirit to serve the same intended purpose. Because God's love for us is made new each and every day, we are able to readily experience God's love and comfort for ourselves. But Paul points out how truly divine joy is only made complete when we are able to come together as the body of Christ, no matter what state we're from, what church we go to, what our past experiences were, or even what any present conflicts within the body are facing.  The key to achieving complete joy is when we are able to humble ourselves and value others before ourselves, and adopt a servants heart in the same way that Jesus did.

I'll be honest, right now I'm struggling. Struggling with my own insecurities that the enemy is casting fear and doubt towards as the leader of this trip and group. I'm not sure if we as a group have been able to come together fully as one mind and one love to seek God's mission for us on this trip.  And I take absolute blame for that.  I have been good about shepherding to accomplish the tasks of the trip like the assigned ministries, but not always placing humility and love at the forefront of my thoughts and actions. I love each and every one of the members on this trip and in my heart, value them above anything that I've chosen to leave behind in Hawaii: work, rest, comfort... but I haven't always shown it. I make this promise to value my team and others above myself, and see that God's fruition for this trip is exemplified before the week is over. And in doing so, I humbly request that we are able to find a moment within the next two days, where we can all exemplify not only a love for one another, but an exalting of grace and praise towards the brother on our left and right that will enable us to serve as one like-minded body of Christ. 

-Brandon 

Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device

Justin's Devotions

Devo #1

1 Peter 4:10 NIV

[10] Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

We observe from this verse in 1 Peter that God has designed us specifically and uniquely so that we may go out into the world and each make our own unique impact on Gods kingdom. It says we need to use these gifts that were given to us to serve others. We need to use our gifts the right way and not take advantage of them to please ourselves or others in this temporary, self fulfilling world. We need to be faithful and use these gifts to glorify the Lord and build others up.

This verse is applicable to me especially this week as the main idea of this trip is to SERVE. Looking over my spiritual gifts test, I need to recognize my strengths, weaknesses, and my design in which God has made me to be. That way I can begin to more effectively develop these gifts and strengthen my strengths so that I can make my own unique impact on Gods kingdom. 

Please help us all to develop our hearts for serving others and help us to all be disciplined this week as we begin this experience together. Let us draw closer to each other and through this time let us draw closer to you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!

Devo #2

Philippians 2:12-13 NIV

[12] Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed---not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence---continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

These two verses are talking about serving the Lord because he made the ultimate sacrifice for us. We owe it to him to do our bests to glorify his name and this trip is the perfect opportunity to do so. We must be open to let Jesus enter our hearts and be willing to sacrifice the pleasures of this world in order to fulfill his good purpose. We shouldn't be prideful or arrogant, but we need to have the fear of the lord that will keep us humbled, grateful, and inspired to serve. 

I can apply this to my life by just serving the lord with a mindset that this is not for me, but this is for you, God. Through all the fatigue and aches and pains, we need to push through because Jesus went through so much more in order for us to get to where we are today. 

Devo #3

Philippians 3:8NIV

[8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. 

Paul says As we become closer and closer to Jesus, we must realize that we must become less in order for him to become greater. This happens when we begin to cultivate our relationships with the Lord on a deeper, personal level, which is much more than just knowing who Jesus is. Jesus must be put on the forefront of our minds, and in this way we can "gain Christ" and grow in our relationships with him.

This is applicable to this trip. As we serve everyday, we get a taste of what it's like to give away and lose things for the Lord. We've given up our vacation, time, bed, shower, good food, etc in order to serve. But we are still no where close to the level of ultimate sacrifice that we need to be in order to fully "gain Christ." This verse also speaks to me because we are giving out these HE>i wristbands that represent the verse John 3:30. It says that we must DECREASE, in order for Him to INCREASE. Jesus help me with this and help me to consistently have you on the forefront of my mind in everything I do!

Finally In-N-Out. Pretty busy for Burger Place. Why is this place so popular?

Recognized at Angelus Temple

Thurs - prayed over the seats at Angeles Temple. Prayed for Carters gramma and our parents. Powerful testimony at food truck in the afternoon. We have midweek tonight... Ready to worship!

Food truck and construction taught us about serving!

We stripped and mopped floors for days.. Nah seemed like days. Proud of these Iolani going men.

Someone say All You Can Eat Korean BBQ. Hae Jang Chon. We came to serve and eat. #hanahou #gomakana

El FlaminTaco. 2xscheehoo. Late night reward. #meandoots #beanfarts #dcbonding

Pastor Tacos

DC Food Truck - blessed to be a part of this blessing to others.

Settling in to our home for the week

We are at the DreamCenter

Prophetic word from Keane - I keep hearing the memories and the relationships that you build on this trip are more meaningful than the tasks the you will accomplish.  God will do a divine work in binding these young men together to stand apart from the world and to sharpen each other for His kingdom purposes.  

More food :)

Pit stop for dessert at California Donuts

All you can eat Korean. Brenner and leb are hangry

Road to Seoul Restaurant.  I got sick watching them eat.  

On our way! Imua Jesus

Dream Team

We arrived home safely tonight from a week at the LA Dream Center, a week that will be etched on our hearts forever! I know I speak for everyone that we were so humbled to be able to serve in such a small way and were transformed by every waking moment there. There were hundreds and hundreds of faces and eyes that we looked into this week- from the countless homeless men and women we encountered on Skid Row, to the fatherless children left to fend for themselves, to those that did time in jail for the wrong choices they made, to gang bangers roaming the streets looking for acceptance, to the prostitiues that didn't know any other way to make a living, to the heroin addicts living a life spun out of control and the list goes on and on...and what we saw is that at the core they were no different than us, all longing to be loved. It was never about the works we did this week because that isn't what will get us into heaven. What counted this week was Jesus and bringing God's power and light into a dark world, offering hope & seeing communities touched by God and using the Dream Center to become a Holy Spirit center of divine activity. I believe that we saw God do miracles just as He did before, since He has never changed. The only changing that occurred was within us and we are eternally grateful! 

To this Dream Team, no words can truly capture what we all experienced this week and the forever bond that we now share. We went from the WATER to the WILDERNESS to the WATER and now may enter the WILDERNESS like Pastor Brett said...but remember who you are to the core: YOU are loved, YOU are a child of God and He is pleased with Y❤U!!(Robert Madu) You each were courageous enough to go on a spiritual journey that probably shattered every idea you had of this short term mission trip, but you were mighty men and women of prayer and faith, and there was and is no limit to what God will accomplish through you going forward. I'm excited to see the fruit of our labor someday and maybe we never will until we get to heaven but all I know is that I am so proud to have been a part of HIStory and each of your lives that impacted so many. To God be all the glory! 

To the Home Dream Team, we truly believe that we couldn't have done it without you! You may not have been with us physically but we felt your prayers and know that it was the lever that unleashed the power from heaven! Your prayers moved the mountains of fear, shame, offense and every attack that the enemy tried to throw at us but we were not shaken. Instead we experienced love, joy, peace and all the fruits of the Spirit. There was a newfound freedom as we ministered knowing we were covered in prayer, love and support back home. Thank you again from our hearts to yours! 
To our fearless leader Pastor Brett! Wow, wow, wow, I cannot say enough about your leadership on this mission. We couldn't have been blessed with someone more suited than you for THIS exact mission trip and this team. The mantle of leading us was on you and you stepped into that role wholeheartedly, coupled with a lot of love and grace! We 'failed forward' at times but you had us look at it not as a 'failure' but as a stepping stone for success the next time around. You recognized and responded to allow God to shape you into an amazing leader whose faith we desired  to imitate as you answered the call. Thank you Brett for investing in all of our lives and we know that this is just the beginning! 

❤Love all of you, Aunty Di
"For I was hungry and you gave me something eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
~Matthew 25:35
www.dreamcenter.org
#LADreamCenter#wegettoserve

 

Team Devos!

"Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened'... For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteousness, to bring you to God."--1 Peter 13,14 & 18

Whatever it is you accomplished today—whether you felt it was big or small, successful or maybe not so successful—know that it was worthy. Your effort and intentions alone are so worthy of God's purpose. You are doing exactly what he intended all of his followers to do, to bring people to Him as Jesus brought you. I know it's not always easy. Sometimes it's HARD—it's hard to choose service and compassion and grace; it's hard to choose courage over fear; it's hard to choose trusting Jesus despite everything that could possibly go wrong. But every time you choose, it is so, so worthy. "Do not fear," God says. Jesus suffered, and sometimes you will too, but He is always right there with you through it because He went through the same thing. And in the end, regardless of what happens, God says, "you are blessed" because your heart is in the right place. You all are so worthy and so blessed for being here.--Leilani Ly

Not ready to go home...

Aloha, 

My name is Dante Park & first of all I just wanted to say thank you to all of you back home for praying & supporting us, and encouraging us throughout our days here in LA. The home team are the ones who truly keep me going each and every day, even if I get 10 hours of sleep or 2 hours of sleep. Yesterday was truly a blessed day as we drove out to MacArthur Park to hand out food to the ones in need for our mission that morning. Out of the 4 food truck ministries that I did throughout this past week, yesterdays was definitely the most impactful out of all of them. There was one man that I met, named Victor, and he truly made me feel blessed and loved on the inside because of his generosity and opening up of his heart towards me. We were just talking about how he was doing and also about his phone company and he just kept asking me how he could get involved in helping out the Dream Center. But long story short, he ended up saying that he would come back down every Friday to help out DC. I was just moved because although he had so little, he was willing to give so much. His time to serve the Lord was his offering and that's what truly touched my heart that day. 

Another experience that was even greater than what I just shared was our night walk through Skid Row. On Monday, we traveled down Skid Row & I didn't know what to expect & I thought it was just awkward and uncomfortable for me to try to talk to others that I didn't even know. But last night was something that forever changed my eyes & how I look at the world. It was very moving to see others with almost nothing & I felt that darkness played an even greater impact on last nights mission. We also met a man named George, who reeked of alcohol but showed me love through his actions. We were talking  about his life & when we were about to part ways & say goodbye, he then came back to talk to us. We talked some more & were about to leave each other once more, but then he came back to me again and just kept hugging me and thanking me.  It showed me how much other people cared about me & I felt loved. This man made me feel very good & warm on the inside and it showed that once you actually get to know these people on the streets, they're really not what you think they are. Serving at the Dream Center has been an amazing experience & I can't wait to see what God has for me not only here but back home as well. I thank God for everyone who has either impacted my life or even prayed for me on this trip. It has truly been a blessing!
 Love, Dante

 Praying for friends I had just met at MacArthur Park....

 My friends at the skate park for Adopt A Block. 

 

 

Yesterday morning we cleaned up around the neighborhood, we all cleaned up a lot of trash. During lunch time I met a little boy named Xavier. Him and I played around after lunch. We all came on this trip with a shell necklace and was to give it to someone who we felt God was putting on our heart to give it to. I ended up giving the necklace to my little homie Xavier. We walked around We went to Mcaurther park today and helped serve with the food truck. I prayed for 2 people. Last night we went to SkidRow and we prayed over a lot of people and fed people. We gave them clothes to wear and to keep them warm. It was a really good feeling. This guy named Rodney told us that "we will not view things the same. our whole body will be transformed." This morning I woke up feeling different, more better. It was a true blessing to be able to plant a seed in people. A seed that will draw them closer towards God. I'm so thankful we are able to be on this trip. Thank you for all your support throughout our trip. ありがとうございます。 Thank you🤙🏼

Aloha Family! 

I was asked to share today's devotional for the team with everyone on the blog 😁

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”--Micah‬ 

Our encouragement for all of you today as you do the work God has placed before you in LA is to embrace. Embrace the hard work & challenges, embrace all the people-those you're serving and those who serve alongside you, embrace moving out of your comfort zone and into what God is calling you to do! In doing so we hope this draws you deeper in love not only with Him but deeper in love with His people. To love & embrace one another as He loves and embraces us. 

Father we pray for our Ohana as they embrace whatever you have planned for them on this day! May you encourage them, give them confidence & strength through your Holy Spirit and guide them during their time in LA. As they learn to embrace, Lord will you help them to ACT JUSTLY-to do what is right & fair in Your eyes Father, LOVE MERCY-to be in love with extending kindness & compassion to all and to WALK HUMBLY alongside you Lord every step of the way depending and relying on You to counsel them & be their strength on completing the mission You have set before them. In Jesusname we pray! Amen❤----Cierra Saito

Aloha Family!

These are devotions from Sarah Young's Devotion book called Jesus Calling Morning and Evening. God spoke to me to help encourage the team as we went through our day. The main thing that stuck out to me about the two devotions was being PRAYERFUL! We just have to be in constant communication with Him with everything that we are going through. When we give it all to Him there is so much things that we can do. One of the lines that spoke to me was "Think big when you pray, but remember that I always think bigger! We should not fear about dreaming big because God is already at work. There is nothing to be scared of. He will help us to conquer anything!

I AM A GOD of both intricate detail and overflowing abundance. When you entrust the details of your life to Me, you are surprised by how thoroughly I answer your petitions. I take pleasure in hearing your prayers, so feel free to bring Me all your requests. The more you pray, the more answers you can receive. Best of all, your faith is strengthened as you see how precisely I respond to your specific prayers.
Because I am infinite in all My ways, you need not fear that I will run out of resources. Abundance is at the very heart of who I AM. Come to me in joyful expectation of receiving all you need - and sometimes much more! I delight in showering blessings on My beloved children. Come to Me with open hands and heart, ready to receive all I have for you.

“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭36:7-9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭132:15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost." So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:12-13‬ ‭ESV‬‬


THINK BIG WHEN YOU PRAY, but remember that I always think bigger! I look at the big picture - all the moments of your life - and I am doing more than you can imagine. You can talk with Me about anything because I understand you perfectly.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭5:3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭93:1-2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Aloha Family!

I've just received notice that our team is heading into Skidrow at this moment! May we please pray over each and every student and leader and all those serving alongside them! 

PRAYER POINTS:

1)Divine Appointments

2)Setting the captives free!

3)Spread the good news & be a shining light to the lost!    

Lord we thank you for this moment of opportunity for our team to be able to go out to Skidrow and be a light to all of those residing there. We humbly ask for your covering & hand of protection upon all those going out to Skidrow tonight! Allow them to be used and moved by The Holy Spirit to act and serve in obedience to what You have called them out to do tonight. Let them be fearless & bold for You Lord! Remove any fear, anxiety, worry, shame or comparison! Allow them to move beyond their comfort zone knowing & trusting that You are working in them and preparing way for them tonight! Fill them up with your love, your peace & your heart. Help them to be encouraged, to love the way you love & to shine brightly for Jesus! May they have your eyes to see what You want them to see & may they be your hands going out serving the lost in whatever way they possibly can! We already know you are setting up divine appointments & may they be attentive to what you are preparing in those appointments Lord. Help them to break the chains & set captives free! Lord we ask for your will to be done not ours! In Jesus name we pray AMEN!

Preparing for Skid Row Ministry

The Team is preparing spiritually in this last hour prior to going with a team of about 40 others to Skid Row. Skid Row is an area with the city. There are several blocks where the streets are lined with broken and lost.

Each one of us are doing our own process of ho'oponopono, getting right with God and others. We also refer to this process as taking out the trash with God and other team members to ensure are hearts are right.

Luke 12:23-24 says...

Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

"There is tension.... In the transition..." (Robert McDoo, City Church service 3/22/17)

God prepare the way for your love and healing tonight....Thank you that the way is already set before us. Thank you that you have every divine appointment scheduled and that the hearts of your chosen ones are ready to receive what you have for them. Thank you that you live in each of us and that your power springs forth in us.


The young men and women on this team are so amazing. Each growing in Christ in their individual  and flourishing ways. Maturing in love and humble service with each other and for the brokenhearted. It is an extraordinary experience to witness the light shining from each one of them.

From the water to the wilderness....the Holy Spirit send us ...

I am loved
I am a child of God
God is well pleased with me.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

This is the heart of each team member. This is an extraordinary experience this week. Thank you Home and prayer teams for standing in prayer with us. 

Helloo Family and Friends!

My name is Chara (car-uh) Higaki. I am so excited to have the privilege of being able to go to the Dream Center. This will be my first mission trip and I am very excited to see what God has in store for the team. When we started getting ready for this mission trip, God gave me two words; love and savior, and I can't wait to see how these words unfold to me throughout our journey.  

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understandings, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." -Proverbs 3:5-6

Food Truck Ministry

Day 5: 

We have been running pretty hard for the last 5 days with a project in the morning and afternoon BUT GOD has given each of us supernatural strength and endurance to minister each day. I have to say that the food truck ministry has been my favorite part of being here. GOD has met their physical needs and then their spiritual ones. After each person collected their portion of food, we were standing at the end of the line, serving them by asking their names, getting to know them one on one and praying for them! Blown away blessed by mothers petitioning for their children, men asking for employment, women asking for healing of their loved ones and countless others just grateful for they consider THEMSELVES blessed. In the midst of all of those people, I look into their eyes and I see how much Jesus loves each of them and how God is using the Dream Center to spread His love. No trendy gimmick, no flashy performance but just a pure, raw love for His people & meeting them right where they are at. God will do what only He can do. How He does things, when He does them, and in what manner are up to Him. All I know is that the Name of Jesus, the power of His blood, and the prayer of faith have not lost their power over the centuries. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow! 

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." ❤Hebrews 4:16
Blessed,
Dianne

 Unloading of our food truck in Pueblos, a housing project in Central LA. This is where The Game grew up and was filmed. 

 

Jose sharing with Rachel what we need to get done.

 

Now to bagging all of the groceries. 

 

 Jose, one of our DC team members with Briana.

 Kalen helping Blanca with her groceries. 

 

Sebastian being the humble servant...

 My new friend, Blanca who asked for prayer for her diabetes to be healed. Who knew that I my specialty now is in helping diabetics? Only G❤D! 

 My favorite picture, our fearless leader Brett, with Jose and Rodney! 

 My other sweetheart friend, Edna, 82, and the joy of the Lord is her strength! 

 Half of our Dream Team!