8 Words That Broke My Heart

Having traveled through numerous Arabic speaking countries in the past few years, Janny and I have grown to enjoy the language and culture.  A couple months ago we drove to El Cajon, about 30 minutes east of San Diego, for a doctor’s appointment and noticed that all the signs were in English and Arabic, rather …

Living a Life of Hope in World of Violence

In recent days, violent acts have seemed to pervade my reality.  I think of the Pakistani Governor who was killed and my friend who is currently living/serving among that population.  I think of the two people that were killed at the checkpoints between Israel and the West Bank and our friends who cross through those …

Life in a Neighborhood Where People Get Shot

Moments after posting my last blog discussing the symptoms of a system that promotes a false ideal, I heard that two men where murdered a few blocks from my house.  Those of us that have intentionally moved to Golden Hill to be the presence of Jesus to this community know its history and the violence …

My Terrifying (yet thrilling) Vision

I live and serve among a missional church community in the neighborhood of Golden Hill.  It is just miles from the heart of the “American Dream” where reputation and financial status are the measuring sticks of success. As I look out my second story apartment window, I can see downtown with the Merrill Lynch sky …

Living Mission

We were about to pray for our Sunday evening community meal when a man walked in the front door looking a bit rattled.  He looked around the living room where we were all gathered in a semi-circle and said, “My car just got stolen in the alley behind your house.  Did any of you see …