Provision

"But even then he didn't leave them without a clue, for he made a good creation, poured down rain and gave bumper crops. When your bellies were full and your hearts happy, there was evidence of good beyond your doing." -Acts 14:17, The Message

We have a Lord that provides.   Amen!  Last Sunday, the Hollywood Presbyterian Church Young Adults and the Dweller’s hosted an open house and garden work day at 5846 Gregory.  Not only did the weather remain merciful and mild, the work was joyous and productive.  Many neighborhood kids turned out to help too!  We finished laying the basic brick path design in the garden, planted new flowers, new tomato plants, and citrus, and removed the nasty poison tree!  Brandon, our self-proclaimed DOOR-door repairman, also took it upon himself to fix several doors within the houses and begin the work to bringing light to our sign.  “Let there be light,” said he.  We say, amen to the amazing ways the Lord provides!

Last winter, our current Dwellers prayed that more men might be called to come serve in Hollywood.  Again, the Lord is listening and acting!  Curtis and Alex are already on board to come serve in Los Angeles as Dwellers this fall, and several other men and women have expressed interest and are currently in discernment processes.  How great is our God!

      

Next week we really begin to prepare for our summer Discover groups, which will start heading our way in June.  There is still some availability, so please click here if you’re interested to come see all the amazing ways God is working and providing here in California!

Amen!

Matthew

Gathering Together

"I'll bring you back home—a great family gathering! You'll be famous and honored all over the world. You'll see it with your own eyes— all those painful partings turned into reunions! God's Promise." - Zephaniah 3:20, The Message

Last night, our former Hollywood City Dwellers hosted a dinner for our current Dwellers. Shelton and Kristina traveled from far across the country for the reunion, and it was a joyful occasion!

Earlier this week, Stephanie, Sara, Mary, and Alison began the process of testifying the amazing ways they've seen the face of God this year in Hollywood. The First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood hosted our presentation for the Missions Committee. Even for those of us who knew of the trials and triumphs that the Dwellers have experienced thus far, it was profoundly moving and encouraging to hear the stories told in a continuous fashion, to feel the moving of God's spirit through the telling.

DOOR Hollywood Board members and I shared the story of the transition from the Hollywood Urban Project into DOOR Hollywood, as well as the many ways people can become involved in this ministry, both near and far. Most importantly, keep us in your prayers. The work our Dwellers are doing is hard and quite emotionally taxing, so please pray for their strength and that they continually find ways to encourage each other in their work. We also could always use the financial support of those willing to sponsor our Dwellers, covering the food and housing costs that are necessary to keep the mission afloat from year to year. Within the realm of short-term missions (Discover), please consider traveling to Hollywood with your church, synagogue, college group, or school, and let us host you towards finding new hope and new opportunities to see the face of God here through service.

If you're in Hollywood already, there's plenty of ways to volunteer in whatever capacity you can. Swing on by 5846 Gregory this Sunday for the kick-off of the garden project!

Next week, we are hosting a group of young volunteers from Arizona. They will be learning of the many faces of homelessness and how it's edifying for all involved to focus on building relationships centered on mutual recognition of dignity and respect.

May any painful partings you have recently sustained turn into the hope of a joyful reunion this week!

Matthew