A New Year Means.... Take on a Cause...

Every year we make New Years Resolutions to help people more, to eat better, to give something up.... and I have three great ones for you to pray about and think about in seeing if you would be interested in being part of their mission, purpose, and just giving your support. Some of you will know one of the people and their ministries or organizations-- so spread the word too on your Facebook, MySpace, Tweet it!

Campus Crusade for Christ: Inner-City

David and Jennifer Urquhart

I have been friends with David since my early days at Cal Poly. We began as neighbors in the same apartment complex, and quickly became friends. We also began going to the same church, and he really became a great friend. The next year while I was living in the Wesley House, he then became my roommate for two quarters before graduating. David was like an older brother to me (and still is). Since graduating from Poly, David went on to work in his field in Mechanical Engineering down in Orange County for Mitsubishi. Also, he married this awesome girl-- Jen! Their story is pretty awesome, so I am sure they would love to share it for those who ask :) Well, anyway... David's parents were on staff with Campus Crusade while David was growing up and David was part of this another ministry groups on the Cal Poly campus. It has been laid on David and Jen's heart to join the Campus Crusade staff for Inner-City-- in LA! Taking this on meant a lot of sacrifice. They moved from their place in Orange County and to Bakersfield with David's family to begin raising support for their first year of ministry and getting started down in LA, and just recently are migrating their efforts to Modesto, with Jen's family for the next few months. 

Right now both David and Jen could really use prayer. Prayer for encouragement and just leading as God is leading them to serve Him in this capacity. Prayer that they will be used and effective in those they come into contact with and minister as individuals and as a couple. Prayer that in this time of God providing for them that they would not grow discouraged, but be encouraged. Prayers that they would round about faithful supporters of their ministry both in prayer and finances. And pray if your heart is leading to support them in their ministry financially. They are passionate about what God is doing in Inner City LA, and what God has in store in using them for it as well.

Check out the link to their blog: http://www.DavidandJen.wordpress.com

Unreasonable Institute

Erin Gibbons

Erin and I were roommates during my time living in the Wesley House. We were only roommates for one year, but we became friends and also found out we are October Birthday Buddies.... 2 days a part (well and a couple years, but that part is not important). Erin went on to work in Structural Engineering in San Francisco, and then went to Georgia to complete Graduate School work and is now back in California. She is now working with a small company and below is the tidbit she sent me in my email about what she is doing. It is something small, but has a big impact. A link is also at the bottom of her explanation. 

My new little company is trying to produce a small water treatment device for disaster victims and we've been chosen as a finalist in an entrepreneur incubator program. We need to get the word out to as many people as possible to raise the money for us to attend because each person can only contribute $10.

http://marketplace.unreasonableinstitute.org/ventures/view/35/DayOne-Response-Inc

Oak Park Christian Church

Connection Youth Ministries and Fellowship

Each year my church fellowship plans a trip to Mexico for 10 days in the summer. Each summer we take our High School students and any of the adults in the fellowship and head down to Mexico to do some construction building for the people and also put on Vacation Bible School's and Vision Clinics. This year is no different, and we are heading down there! I am also going to be going on this trip, and I am very excited to be going and serving along side of the students I am with all year long (as I am also part of the youth leaders), and also serving with those in the fellowship. The trip is not as costly as others and about $300.00 a person. So, we do fundraisers for this months in advance, and also ask for prayer as well as this is something that takes a lot of prayer, strength, and sacrifice. Prayers for our teens are much needed and appreciated, and others going as well (like the youth staff  ;-)) Also, support for upcoming fundraisers would be wonderful. If you are interested in what those are, please do not hesitate to contact me or if you want to be in contact with the church I can get that to you as well. 

(Also, we have another fundraiser going on right now... if you want to "flock" someone, and you live here in the Five Cities Area, please message me!!)