Julian Collette's Interview With A Fellow Missionary In My Neighborhood

Catherine Rundle with husband Alastair (left) and family and neighbors

Click on this link to hear the interview

  Catherine and Alastair minister in my larger neighborhood, and have been doing so for a bit longer than I have. They are members of an order of missionaries called InnerChange, and thus work along-side my mentors John and Jude Tiersma-Watson.

  Much like the last interview I posted with Scott and Sarah Yetter, this interview is a chance to get a small glimpse into the minds of those representing Christ here in Los Angeles. While there is so much more we could say, I share their general sentiments in regards to ministry and what it means to follow Christ. 

An Interview With Two Of My Mentors

  Julian Collette is a student of God's that has been on a mission to collect the thoughts and stories of people who live in intentional communities. He rode through LA on a funny bicycle and observed our community here in Pico Union for a few weeks. He attended our insanely crowded dinners with the neighborhood, including our Christmas smorgasbord, and even slept in the Nehemiah House basement. It was a pleasure to have him stay with us. Personally I enjoyed the conversations he and I had about ancient and new monasticism.
  All of Julian's interviews are recorded and posted on his site Emerging-Communities.com. In episode 19 he interviews our church's Associate Pastor Scott Yetter and his wife Sarah who lead two ministry houses that we have in the neighborhood (I lived in the Nehemiah House for four years). By clicking on the link above you will be able to listen to their interview with Julian and get an audible glimpse into our lives of ministry here in Los Angeles.
  Thank you Julian for visiting us and posting this interview.

Raising Money

(Nike dunk High Pro SB Ferris Bueller Edition size 11)

These shoes and some of my original artwork are up for auction here.

I realize this post isn't directly about ministry. For that I apologize. Most people reading this blog know all too well that urban ministry doesn't necessarily pay all that well, especially when you're starting out. The sale of these shoes posted above will help keep me afloat for another week so I can focus on modeling leveraging ones resources to put themselves in a better economic position. Not only will this sale help me, but it will help my friend David who has partnered with me to find more shoes to auction off on a regular basis.

Tight Rope by: Brother Ali

This track is an amazing narrative. I meet people with lives similar to this all the time. The way that Brother Ali has been able to illustrate different people's situations so vividly makes me cry out for those that this song reminds me of. I would say that the picture these lyrics paint is accurate. I agree with many of the morals in this song while others I don't fully agree with. Never the less, this is all very real.

The first verse reminds me a lot of how hard it is for people to immigrate into a country like the U.S. that needs them, but wants to ridicule them. It's hard when you and your family will die or be harmed if you stay in your home land- so you had to leave, and you can't go back. For those of you who have asked what it's like to live and minister in Pico Union, these are things that we all deal with in my neighborhood.

Below is a video with the song and the lyrics under that.

Frigid frozen Minnesota

Chip on his shoulder
Sick sleeping on a pissy sofa
Unwanted visitor in a different culture
Missing home but he can't go, they're civil warin'
Listen solider forget getting over
Prison state around the corner- homless is even closer
Kids with similar skin color still don't even wantcha
Spit and insult ya cause they have been here longer
He leaves his crib he's guaranteed the pigs approach ya
"Where ya going? Where ya from? Any weapons on ya?"
Your family is stressed out your getting older
You don't live the way they did back in Somalia
Its extra difficult to be a daughter
Trying to keep it modest with sinners all around ya
Wear the wrong garment- your parents get an ulcer
If you wrap it up the other children are pickin' on ya

Chorus ( x 2)
Live in two worlds with your eyes closed
Tip toeing on a tight rope
Holding on for survival
Nobody to blame this is just how it goes

Holidays and you know what the business is
You get two birthdays and two Christmases
Older you get you recognize how sick it is
They're trying to cover their guilt with the gifts they give
Bounce from his house to her house
Too bad that marriage didn't work out
Now you don't have a "your house"
Daddy fighting mommy they both tell me they love me
If I get to close to one the other one start acting funny
Ma went and had a baby with a different dad
You act happy to please 'em, but you are really sad
Seeing first hand that family that you will never have
Plus you ain't no real brother, you're just a half
Got to pick up the pieces and move on
Bed time stories and greet them on the phone
Live in two houses and neither one is home
Wishing you were grown have the freedom to get gone

Chorus ( x 2)
Live in two worlds with your eyes closed
Tip toeing on a tight rope
Holding on for survival
Nobody to blame this is just how it goes

Daddy was a preacher momma was a Sunday school teacher
Big brother a football squad leader
Now far be it for you to disappoint or displease them
Your just being what you feel you see in
That mirror every time you peer in
Swallow the tears inside that empty feelin'
Her boy terrified to let the world in
He has girlfriends but doesn't want a girlfriend
He retreats inside himself
Where he lives life itself in secret
Daddy says people go to hell for being
What he is and he certainly believes him
Cause there aint no flame that can blaze enough
To trump being hated for the way you love
And cry yourself to sleep and hate waking up
It's a cold world ya'll shame on us

Chorus ( x 2)
Live in two worlds with your eyes closed
Tip toeing on a tight rope
Holding on for survival
Nobody to blame this is just how it goes

My Faults

While living a life of ministry a person is constantly faced with an insurmountable amount of needs that are genuinely worthy of their attention. The question is, how do you decide which ones to attend to at any given time when you know that all of the others will go on neglected for that time? I have lived in many places over the years, and made many dear friends. These relationships need to be invested in like anything else. There are many friends and family in multiple places who are not happy with me right now because I have failed them in different ways. I've heard all kinds of advice on this problem, but the truth is that once you give me another task like "drawing healthy boundaries" I have little hope of accomplishing that goal when I'm already drowning in things to do. I'm trying my best to be a good person, someone who keeps their word, a brother to count on. Seriously, the reality is that it's not good enough. This is my sincere observation- not a complaint. I don't know how I'm going to step it up when I'm already pouring out my whole life all the time.
I recognize that the fault is mine. I can't promise that I'll get better or have something new to offer this time around. I am a person in desperate need for grace as I travel this path. Please everyone forgive me. I can't make it up to any of you, but I am asking for grace.
There is no way that I can give up this lifestyle. Regardless of the trials, God has granted me the truth, I have put all of my eggs in this basket, and I am happy with that decision. I will try my best not to fail, but I will inevitably fail as I stay the course.
Please forgive me for the wrong things I have done.

Space To Dream In L.A.

(Mama's Hot Tamales)

A person can't have much vision for their own life unless they have space and time to dream. Some people have access to those things more than others. I've noticed in both L.A. neighborhoods of Pico Union and MacArthur Park those two resources are a luxury that almost no one has. God has provided a few places for us to have art shows on a monthly or regular basis. One of those places is Mama's Hot Tamales on 7th Street in MacArthur Park. My friend Evelin and I art trying to offer this space to the artists of our neighborhoods. We are encouraging each-other to direct our energy in a positive and empowering way.

We have a show called Kaleidoscope Hearts featuring a diverse group of artists with many different styles. This show will be up for the whole month of August at Mama's Hot Tamales. For the month of September we are trying to encourage the graffiti artists in the neighborhood to put their canvases up. If you are a graff artist in L.A. please get at me in the comments section.

Community Development Through Art

(One of the ACEOs I have up for auction for the next 10 days only)

Our identity under God is defined by our ability to be creators amongst many other things. We were designed by God to create as many different kinds of things as there are people, but one category is definitely art. If a person sees their own similarity to God through the work they do it can be a very deep connection to a God that otherwise seems too perfect for us to be anything like. With the arts comes culture, and then identity, a sense of belonging, and if you follow it through to the end it always points to the god that the artist worships. Hopefully their will be more artists acknowledging the true alpha artist of Genesis.

A common concern in my neighborhood here in L.A. is "How are we going to make it today?" Economic pressure is thick on our side of town. Murals, graffiti, music, and other art forms are also a common interest amongst us. (especially in an area where the arts art cut from school budgets) I'm pushing to create a career in the arts not just for myself, but to model hope to my neighbors. God is pushing me to think of unique ways to earn a living through selling used books and creating original art. I'm sure it won't stop there, but one of my ideas is in ACEOs. (Click on the link to discover what ACEOs are if you don't already know) ACEOs are affordable for the artist to make and for everyone to purchase. I have these small original pieces of art up for auction regularly on ebay. To view my auctions at any given time, please click on the "Auctions" link at the top of this blog.

I will check in on this blog with more efforts as the ideas and opportunities come.

My Origianl Art For Sale On EBay

I've just listed 10 original Art Trading Cards on EBay starting at $2.99 each! Art Trading Cards are an affordable way to buy and sell original art. All of these cards were hand drawn by me. Check out my EBay store to see all of my ATCs up for auction.

If you're interested in selling your own, please comment on this posting and I will gladly give out more information.

Bid on my auctions

-John T

Books books books!

(This image is a pictorial illustration of what my life looks like now)

I'll be honest, I really don't like writing support letters or calling supporters who haven't sent their monthly commitment. 20 out of 10 missionaries agree that raising support for the ministry can be an uncomfortable thing for many reasons. I don't like asking for money, especially from people who might not ever see what I do for themselves. I believe I have found one small piece of the solution.

If you look to the right side of this blog, you should see a widget titled "I Recommend." This widget will direct you to books that have helped me in my journey. If you buy any of these books with this widget, I will get a small percentage of the sale. This is just one stream of income that I am positioning myself to receive.

Another stream is an online book store with Amazon.com. I continually work hard to locate books of various values that I can sell on Amazon. If you buy a book from my book store (Kingdom Co-Op), a bigger percentage of the sales will go directly to funding the ministry I have here in Los Angeles. I am also in the process of training people in my neighborhood to build their own book stores so that they can find their place in terms of industry. Please browse through Kingdom Co-Op and see if anything interests you. I will also gladly take any books that could be cluttering your home. Please comment on this post or send me a private message if you would like to set up a book donation with me. Thank you!

The Story of Stuff

The Story of Stuff is really the story of most U.S. citizen's budgets- mine included. Of course the following movie isn't unique to just my city of Los Angeles, California, but it's not unique to just the U.S. either. No matter where you're located I invite you to watch the following video, and ask yourself some hard questions about your personal part in the tragic story of stuff. Maybe you're hands aren't as red as mine-if so, encourage the rest of us to take action on the issues below...



Let us remind ourselves that where we spend our dollar and how we spend our time is a much larger vote for either change or destruction. There's a lot at stake here because we cast that vote multiple times a day. Please vote wisely.

O' Little Town of L.A. by: Danielle Bennett

O' Little Town of Los Angeles - Spoken Word from UYWI on Vimeo.

Pico Union on BBC Mundo

BBC Mundo made a small segment about my neighborhood in Los Angeles. It was cool that they showcased the Graff Lab, but I don't think they did it justice. There's a lot of art to see on any given week, and it might take something like a documentary to portray what goes on in the Graff Lab let alone all of Pico Union. If someone wants to provide funds I'll be glad to make that documentary happen.

Buy A Song For Skid Row

The weakest sector in our society is an indicator of how we are doing as a whole. In Los Angeles we aren't doing so well. Skid Row is an area downtown where the homeless population is swept under the rug not just by our city government, but by our residents too. The church must respond to this. We have a divine mandate to love our neighbors because whatever we have done unto even the least of these we have done unto Christ.

One simple thing that we can do at our computers is buy a song to give financial support to organizations who are trying to uplift humanity in LA. (Another simple thing we can do is look in the eyes of the homeless as we pass by and say hello or shake their hands. Be honest with them, and treat them like the human beings they are. Invite someone to lunch and have a conversation with them. Volunteer time at a mission. Get to know the people in the homeless community. Learn from them.)

Check out the video below...

Thoughts on Lupton's COMPASSION, JUSTICE and the CHRISTIAN LIFE

Recently I read Robert Lupton's book Compassion, Justice and the Christian Life: Rethinking Ministry to the Poor as part of my internship at the Nehemiah House. (Why are the titles on "christian living" books getting longer?) The book is divided into chapters and parts. Pastor Scott Yetter asked us to write down our thoughts on each of the four parts presented so the following is what I turned in with a few additions.

Part I

I was elated (and I don't use that word often) to read the first chapter of Compassion Justice and the Christian Life because it felt like Lupton wanted to break our vision as soon as he could. I assume the idea was to foster a new vision in the church with the rest of the following chapters. Right away he tackles the fact that we have the two greatest commandments strait from Jesus' mouth- love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. Collectively, we put these on the shelf, rarely to be practiced. Christ even said that these two commands contain the whole law. How is it that most of us are so guilty of ignoring them? The book focuses more on the second of the two commands. I assume Lupton focuses on loving thy neighbor as a means of loving thy God. Lupton finalizes his charge against the lot of us with the statement, "A Christian training institute (or church for that matter) that steps over these basics on the way to 'deeper' theological pursuits can hardly be considered biblically faithful." (Pg. 17) I want to emphasize that the church is supposed to be a training institution itself. Since we are the church, we need to start with ourselves and base our lives on these two greatest commands rather than ignore them.

Part II

The difference between "betterment" and "development" is something incredibly important to keep in mind while working with communities. "Betterment does for others; development enables others to do for themselves. Betterment improves conditions: development strengthens capacity. Betterment gives a man a fish: development teaches a man how to fish." (pg. 39) Our intentions may be good, but our methods need to be checked regularly. It should be our goal to truly love our neighbors by finding a cure for as many ailments as we can (both theirs and ours). (As Pastor Scott reminds me, often times loving our neighbors means suffering with them rather than finding a cure. This, of course, is very true.) The idea is not to keep them addicted to our medicine. Hopefully those we are helping will be able to walk on their own and do the same for others.

Part III

Recently I heard someone native to another country say that everything in the U.S. is big. He made an accurate observation. Our grocery stores are huge. Our hefty consumption is more than most countries combined. Our churches and community institutions seem to be no different at times. I think one of the scariest things about most mega churches is that they seem to be out of touch with the communities around them. They take the land, and dominate the street parking of the neighborhood all in the name of numbers and raising more money for the latest entertainment technology without ministering to people's most basic needs. "Every community needs healthy institutions. Whether social, religious, educational, recreational, cultural, economic or governmental, institutions provide a society with stability and help preserve its quality of life. No community, however, can become or long remain vital if it is dominated by ever expanding institutions that use up dis proportionate amounts of its land at the expense of its residential fabric. A growing church that tears down houses to expand its parking capacity can find itself at cross-purposes with community health, even as Catholic sisters' treatment center or an expanded homeless shelter can. Their community friendliness depends largely upon the appropriateness of their scale." (Pg. 103) Any community program that pushes residents out and sucks up all of the local resources will find either a neighborhood resistance or silent absence.

Part IV

The word gentrification brings negative thoughts to mind whenever I hear it. Countless conscious hip hop artists speak of it's evils on my media player. In most situations I think I would be very critical if someone spoke of a "gentrification theology," but I think Lupton presents a good argument for it. As stated earlier in the book neighborhoods need diversity of all kinds including economic backgrounds. "We need gentry whose understanding of community includes the less advantaged, who will use their competencies and connections to ensure that their lower-income neighbors share a stake in their revitalizing neighborhood." (pg. 116) This may sound pretty one sided, but it's the "gentry's" job to love their neighbors just as much as it is everyone else's. Why not give everyone a chance to have an exchange in life? It is true that one of the greatest tragedies today is that the rich don't know the poor when they are both so broken. As Scott Yetter stated on my paper, "This reflects true reconciliation where the rich and the poor are changed together." Amen.

New York Trip Fund Raiser June 27th

On Saturday June 27th our church will be hosting, our own, Tavo and El Milagro live in concert to raise money for our mission trip to Brooklyn, NY. Come out and support ministry all while enjoying great live entertainment. Here's the info:

Location:

1356 S. Albany St.

Los Angeles, CA 90015

Time:

Show starts at 7PM

Price:

$5 at the door

$5 for food

$5 for a CD

It's the 5-5-5 deal! How can you go wrong with that?

Andrew Marin and Chris Huertz Discuss the Issues between the Church and the Gay Community

This interview is far too short. I respect both of these men a lot, and I wish they went a lot deeper in this video. Never-the-less, I feel like they hit on a few key points, and I posted these videos to get the conversation started amongst myself and you the readers.

Ok, go talk about it with someone.

New York Night '09

Last Friday night was our team's seceond annual "New York Night" fundraiser. We decorated the church basement to look like a New York subway station. There was food, an art auction, a presentation of what our trip is about and what we will be doing in Brooklyn, and a stock exchange where attendees could buy "stock" in the team members. Many people from the church and beyond came out to support us. We're very thankful to God for giving us an enjoyable night, and for providing prayer as well as more funds for our trip.

Keep praying for us. We need God's presence with us in Brooklyn. We also need about $15,000 to pay off the trip.

(the guys waiting for the their train to come)

(Pastor Doug Moore praying over the team)

(Before)

(After)

All pictures were stolen from John Freiberg as usual.

Brookyln, NY Missions Trip '09

On July 26th through August 4th I will be co-leading a missions trip to Brooklyn, New York with our church's youth group. 

This will be our second year in a row going to Brooklyn, and last year's trip changed the life of our entire church. The parents' trust in letting their kids leave home for a week grew. Our small church bonded in unity as they all chipped in to send us to New York, but most importantly, I think our confidence in ministry grew- especially with the students. It was amazing to witness them see God's calling on their lives for the first time.

While we are living in the 2nd EV Free Church of Brooklyn for a week we will be: leading every aspect of a 4 day vacation Bible school, tutoring in a learning program at the church, cleaning the church, and prayerfully sharing the gospel with everyone we meet along the way. Internally we hope to learn a lot on this trip and recieve knowledge regarding God's kingdom and our commission to serve others with humility. We need your help. Please send us with your prayers. If God is not with us on this trip, we might as well not go.

Each member of our team needs to raise $750 to go. This amount pays for a round trip ticket, food, shelter, and the cost to run the B.U.M.P. program. Since we are from a small church, we need a lot of financial support. If you would be so generous as to help us we would greatly appreciate it. Below are instructions on how to give money for the cost of our trip.

If you feel led to contribute financially you can mail a check to First EV Free Church L.A. 1356 S. Albany St. Los Angeles, CA 90015. Put a note somewhere in the envelope stating that you are contributing to John Tallacksen's New York fund or to the whole team. Please do not write my name anywhere on the check. This will ensure that your donation will be tax deductible.

Thank you to all of you who supported us last year, and to all who have or will this year!

I Find It Hard To Say (Rebel)

This is a song that has blessed me over the last few weeks. It was written for a specific situation (Amadou Diallo), but I find it to be true as I take a step back and look at humanity in general. The thought of everyone waking up from their comfort and rebeling against the ways of this world is beautiful to me. Please wake up and seek Heaven in the here and now. Don't wait for it, and don't try to define it. Let God define you.

I Find It Hard To Say (Rebel)

by: Lauryn Hill 

I find it hard to say, that everything is alright
Don't look at me that way, like everything is alright
Cuz my own eyes can see, through all your false pretenses
But what you fail to see, is all the consequences
You think our lives are cheap, and easy to be wasted
As history repeats, so foul you can taste it
And while the people sleep, too comfortable to face it
His life so incomplete, and nothing can replace it
And while the people sleep, too comfortable to face it
Your lives so incomplete, and nothing can replace it
Fret not thyself I say, against these laws of man
Cuz like the Bible says, His blood is on their hands
And what I gotta say, and what I gotta say, is rebel
While today is still today, choose well
And what I gotta say, is rebel, it can't go down this way
Choose well, choose well, choose well...
...choose well, choose well, choose well
And while the people sleep, too comfortable to face it
Your lives are so incomplete, and nothing, and no one, can replace it
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
And what I gotta say, and what I gotta say
And what I gotta say, and what I gotta say
And what I gotta say, and what I gotta say
And what I gotta say, and what I gotta say
Is rebel... rebel, rebel, rebel, rebel, rebel, rebel
Rebel, rebel, rebel, rebel, rebel
Repent, the day is far too spent, rebel... rebel!
Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up...
Wake up and rebel
We must destroy in order to rebuild
Wake up, you might as well
Oh are you... oh are you satisfied
Oh are you satisfied
Rebel... ohhh rebel
Why don't you rebel, why don't you rebel?
Why don't you rebel?

Joe Finally Hanging Out At The Berrics

 (Joe's buttery Boneless about 3/4 of the way through the video)

  As seen above, my friend Joe hung out and skated at The Berrics here in downtown Los Angeles. You can watch the video of Joe and a bunch of other kids having a hay-day at the Berrics HERE. 

  A lot of people are not familiar with The Berrics especially if they aren't into skating so I'll set up the story of why this is so cool... Up untill recently, The Berrics has been a secret indoor skate park in LA only accessible to pro skaters. Owned by Steve Berra, The Berrics has a website where skaters all over the world can peek into what it's like to hang out at a beautiful private indoor skate park with a bunch of pros. Most of us have been drooling over the website planning missions to find the Berrics' location and beg to skate inside. Recently Steve Berra posed a "Willy Wonka" type of offer where if people would go watch his friend's film Explicit Ills at a specific theater, he would let them skate in The Berrics complete with a pizza party. Needless to say Joe got a golden ticket and the result is the video linked above. I'm glad you got to skate your heart out Joe. You deserved that rare shot at bliss.