Why I Love Rancho Vista Church Part 2

For the past two weekends a groups from our church in Chula Vista traveled to various parts of Baja to deliver Christmas to the children. There is no other time when I feel closer to Christ than when you and a cold child a warm meal and what will probably be the only Christmas present they will recieve!

My church has a great group of people who are passioante about serving the poor in Mexico. These trips are the highlight of my year - and are filled with laughter, joy, and a LOT of smack talking on the van.

Why I Love My Church

As December rolls along, I am reminded again of why I so passionately love Rancho Vista Church. Every year at this time we do a huge toy drive called "The Ninos De Natividad". Last Sunday we collected up all the toys that folks gathered from thier friends and neighbors. We had a "Fiesta" to wrap ALL the gifts, and John Oliver arranged for a genuine Taco Stand to be set up in the quad area of Otay Ranch High School.

There was so much laugter, fun, good food and general chaos that it reminded me of what church should really be like. Real people working together in the name of Jesus to change the world we live in. And we have not even got to the best part yet. On the next two Saturdays we will caravan down to various parts of Mexico (Tecate, Ensenada, Rosarito beach) and deliver the gifts. I can't wait! I love that my church is genuinely exciting and fun. God's has blessed us with a group of people that love to eat, laugh, get lost in Mexico, and "do all things" to God's glory!

Chargers Lose to Jags - But do not give up fans!

OK. Unilke most Charger fans - I am not going to give up on the Bolts - even though every other Charger fan I know in East Chula Vista is depressed right now. The following, written the third week in November, is my prediction of how the Chargers will go DEEP into the playoffs. BELIEVE!

#1 - The Chargers are one game up on the competition in what has to be the worst divsion in the NFL right now.

#2 -Assuming we go 9-7 (heck, even 8-8), we will win the division. To do that, the Chargers simply must a) Beat Baltimore at OUR HOUSE on 11/25, b) Beat Tennesse (who are lousy), c) Beat the Raiders (who are REAL LOUSY) and they will be 8-8 which should secure the division. If they beat awful Denver on December 24th - they will be 9-7 - which pretty much assures them the division.

#3 - OK - here is where things get interesting. As we learned last year - the point of the NFL is not to have a good regular season record - it is to get a slot in the playoffs! Once our Bolts get into the playoofs - they have as good a chance as anyone to get on a run. Think about it - with all that talent - they could be one of those teams (as the Rockies did in baseball) -that gets hot - and go deep into the playoffs.

#4 - Objectively - I predict the Chargers will go at least 2 games into the Playoffs...maybe more. Does anyone disagree?

Uncle Walt took my money

Jake and Steph on the way to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Florida.

The Rose family just returned from a week of fun and traveling to Florida. We signed up for one of those "see everything in Disneyworld while you eat all you want for $327,493" deals. I know with many people Walt Disney and Disneyland are almost sacred - but as for me - yuck! I told Stephannie that this was a great place to visit with our kids - ONCE! Allow me to share the good vs. the bad...

It is GOOD that Disneyworld is safe, clean, and obviously family friendly.

It is BAD to have so many families with so many kids crammed into so many areas at the same time. The sight of parents exploding at thier kids - or kids acting like kids -was almost constant. (Yes - I was one of the parents who lost my cool - once...or twice).

It is GOOD that there are so many diversions, so many things to do, so much entertainment.

It is BAD to spend too many days sitting on your behind - being entertained, eating, milling around like cows on a farm.

It is GOOD to be able to walk around Epcot center and have your picture taken in front of replicas of famous European monuments.



It is SAD to realize that as impressive as Epcot center is - it is all fake, smoke and mirrors.

It is GOOD to spend large amounts of time with the family.



It is BAD for a family to be passive, waiting for Uncle Walt to entertain you.

Maybe I am biased becasue I live in Cali - but for my money - The original Disneyland is far superior to the Magic Kingdom in Florida. Here in Anaheim - you go to one park - ok - maybe 2 - and you are done. In Florida - you need to go to FOUR PARKS to hit all the rides and sights. YUCK!

Fire Part 5 - Pictures From My Front Yard

Monday Night - Behind the edge of our cul-de-sac

Tuesday morning - coming up over the hill towards our house.

That helicopter was awesome - dropped water right on approaching fire. Note the little "floating pipe" coming out it's belly - thus the nicknake "Mosquito".

Fire Part 4 - From The Helped to Helping

Steph's Brother and his family are on thier way! The live up in Escondido - and have not been home since Sunday. The hotel they were staying in has booted them :( - so we are happy to help. We have found one portable "pack & play" crib - but still need another. Please call me 540.1221 if you can loan us one for a couple days.

The Fire Part 3- HOME!

The Smokey Moon from our home

We heard from our friends that people who lived in Rolling Hills Ranch were free to return at 5 PM today. The Rose family has returned to our home with a new appreciation for the "little" things. Much thanks to Mitch and Michelle Rosen - who a) allowed us to crash at Midnight, b) Allowed us to "Re-crash" at noon, C) Offered to set up a "Omelette Bar" for Breakfast if we stayed one more day.

I am - honestly - humbled by the many calls of care and concern from all of our friends from across the country. I do encourage you to pray powerfully for our community - and for the many people who continue go without housing - or who have lost thier homes. If you sleep tonight in your won bed - in your own place - you are better off then 500,000 residents of San Diego.

I am going to sleep...

Fire Part 2 - Notes From The Inferno

Jake and Michaela - Midnight Evacuation October 22nd, 2007 -
Harris Fire - San Miguel Ranch

It is about 3 PM. Steph and I went back to the house - and talked a police officer into letting us run into our home and grab some "essential items". We have heard that we will be allowed to return home at 5 - but are not sure. A couple observations- at a moment like this.

1 - I feel so blessed by the great "Neigbors & Friends" we have in our neighberhood. YOU REALLY know the kind of people you live next to during a disastor. So many of us have called each other - knocked on each others doors- kept one another posted. If you have not invested time in getting to know your neighbors - do so BEFORE you need to.

2 -It looks like the Eucalyptus grove to the east of our cul-de-sac - did not catch on fire. Although it appears there were some sparks. Our home ajoins San Miguel Golf Course - and that is where part of the fire got bad today.

3 - I have great sympathy for so many people who are suffering right now - and displaced. Steph's brother - who just bought a dream home in Escondido - has not seen his home in three days - but it is near the "Del Dios highway" - which seems to a bad area. Stephs mom and dad in El Cajon were in danger for a while last night. My Dad just called me - (he lives in Big Bear lake) - and he has been notified that he may have to evacuate. GEEZ, we could't stay wiht family if we wanted to!

Everyone - it looks like my family & home have been spared. However - many others have not. I really encourage you to pray for those who are suffering loss right now. And you can bet Rancho Vista will do SOMETHING to help one those who have devastated in this fire.

Rose Family Fire Update

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear" Psalm 46:1-2

Thank you to the many friends who have called and inquired about our safety. To be efficient I would like to send out this update vie email. I will update as I am able.

First - Most importantly - Steph, Michaela, Jake and I are safe! It has been a LONG 24 hours.

Last night - as the hill due east of our home was engulfed in flames - we evacuated at about Midnight. I left our family at Mitch & Michelle's home - and went back to our home to keep an eye on things.

This morning we returned at about 7 am. I promptly fell asleep. At 10 am - our neighber pounded on our door. The hill side directly across the street was smoking. Fire trucks, helicopters, police, and #)(@$$#@) "Lookie-Lous".

The police came by with a bullhorn - and told as we are under a "Mandatory" evacuation. We had about 3 minutes to leave.

Now we wait...and hope...and pray. We solicit your prayers - and that you pray for our neighbous and all in our community who are displaced,suffering,or suffered loss.

I will update when I can.

John

The Greatest Sunday School Teacher Ever

One of the first people to help me make sense of God was Mr. Greenwald - my 4th grade Sunday School teacher. When I have identified the three or four most importnat people in my development as a leader, Pastor, and follower of Jesus Christ -Mr. Greenwald was one of those important figures in my life.

Recently I had the chane to meet him again -after 30 years! (WOW). It was such an incredible honor to share with him what an important influence he was one my life. Funny - he could not remember so many of the details of me being in his class. His only comment was - he remembered I was a 'handful".

A word to all current Sunday School teachers. You have an impact on young lives that you may never fully be aware of. Your weekly commit to shape young lives for God's commitment is not in vain. Even for the kids that are a little bit talkative and trouble makers :)

Imperial Beach Sand Castles

Sunday after church we went to Imperial beach for the best possible after-church activity -family Sand Castle spectating! Here are Jake & Michaela's favorites...

My Favorite Movie

Just re-ordered ANOTHER copy of this DVD. The soundtrack is so powerful I can barely keep myself from breaking down and crying when I listen to it. This movie is full of solid biblical metaphors about reaching the world for Christ. Composer Ennio Morricone composed some powerful music. Click bellow to hear "On earth as it is in heaven". POWERFUL!

Boston Comes to Mexico

We recently completed a large mission project under "Baja Bound Ministries" - a non-profit missions organization Steph and I founded 12 years ago. We led 40 people from Boston on an incredible 10 day mission trip to Mexico - specifically Maneadera south of Ensenada. Highlight #1 of the trip - "Long Island Andy" attacked some killer bees - in full "Ghost Busters" outfit!





We got a ton of work done! Re-roofed about 6,500 sq. ft. for the orphanage, put up a long block wall, and did various ministry-related activies. Although I have always felt East Coast is way softer than the west coast - Boston represented well!

The Surfaris Live in Otay Ranch

Highlights from the live performance at Rancho Vista!

Sleeping at The Shore of South Ensenada

Last week I spent some time at one my friends little "hideaways" out on the road to Bufadora. A kid that used to be in my youth group is now a Pastor, and brought a group from his church in Arizona. We also had a few braves teens from our church who jumped in.

Walt and Christy have about 8 acres that look right out over the Todos Santos Bay South of Ensenada. Man, it is so easy to fall asleep when the ocean waves are rolling, and the cool salt air purs through the window. About a five minute walk is this cool "Paty's Cafe" where all the American expatriates gather to gossip and drink coffee.
The only thing that ruined the trip was David Foreman (D4) staying up until 1 a.am. playing cards and doing horrible imitations from "Office Space".

Cinco De Mayo on June 16th!

Victory! I completed my Masters of Divinty Degree!
Like most journeys, the road to completing my Divinity degree had many bumps and detours. Through the process I attended FULLER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY in Los Angeles, NORTH PARK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY in Chicago, and AZUSA PACIFIC SEMINARY in Azusa, California (with an extension right here in San Diego). Because of my various studies I was notified late that I had been cleared to graduate with my Masters of Divinity Degree. I graduated and "walked" in Azusa on May 5th. Steph and I thought it would be fun to put together a "Belated" Cinco De Mayo party in our backyard. So we did - on June 16th.

The first step to a great Fiest is good food. My friend Irma hooked us up with "Mario", who set up a full "Mexican Style" taco stand. he even

brought along an assistant who made tortillas by hand! The early highlight of the party was Joyce and "Loco Boy Cliff" showing up in full fiesta regalia, ready to join the

The party had a great mix of old and new friends, and it is always interesting to get a bunch of people who know you from different experiences in the same place!

And of course, there had to be a surprise "roast". Only three brave souls dared to stand and mock me. Mark Barazza, Michelle Rosen, and frustrated un-emplyed carnival sideshow announcer Buzz Fink. Here he is stealing MY spotlight at MY party.

I must say, it was a great time of food, fun, and great friends. Better yet - there was leftover Carne Asada & Home made salsa.

MEXICO TRIP on June 9th - I love Mexico! As a Christ-follower I also am filled with a compelling sense of campassion and mission for the people of Mexico. This has certainly spilled over to our church - Rancho Vista.

Almost from the start of our church we have always been highly involved in services activitities in Mexico. In fact, as I always say on Sundays "We are not a church that 'does' mission trips to Mexico, we are a church whose core foundation is to be involved in Mexico".

Last Saturday we went to one of "our" orphanages - Colina de Luz. Our job for the day was to feed the 135 residents and staff of the facility. This was a "Family trip", a chance for the families of our church to bring thier kids on a less intense type of trip.

Here Stephannie attempts to "school" a 23 year old soccer star, as my son Jake looks on in shock!

We have a tradition that at the end of almost every trip, we sit down for a meal together. There is really something unifying and spiritual about serving those in need, meeting new friends, and joinging together in a great meal together. Usually there are a few "new" people that come along on these trips - and we always form a deep bond and memories.

On Saturday, my good friend Dwain (Best 68 year old softball player I have ever known) did something special. He considers himslef a Vegan - and is extremely disciplined in what he eats. Yet I, working my special Baja magic, was able to get him to "walk towards the light" and feast on some great Lobster at Puerto Nuevo. ALL IN ALL ANOTHER GREAT DAY IN MEXICO!

Mt. Whitney - The highest point in the United Stayes. Been there - done that 10/9/06!

Jake The T-Ball Champion

OK! As a father it is extremely hard to be objective about the talents of your son. I am willing to stipulate that in the past year Jake has NOT always been good at listening, keeping his hands to himself (yes - he hit a girl at the first day of Kindergarten), or leaving snacks for others to eat at Sunday School!

However - the joy of my life this year has been to discover that baseball comes naturally to Jake. We have reached the point - at 5 years old - where I have to ask him to please throw the ball to my mit - and not onver my head. He can - at will - throw the ball 30 feet - and still zing it over my head. He has also developed the ability to catch high pop-ips, and loves to slide on grass to catch grounders.

Singing the Wonders of Las Rocas Hotel

www.lasrocas.com


What do a strong marriage and a small hotel south of Rosarito Beach have in common? A LOT!


I have stayed in a fair shore of Latin American resorts. Places that were impressive, expensive, and where 3 taquitos could cost you $10 (true story). But my all time favorite hotel is the Los Rocas Hotel. Here are my reasons why...


1 - Every room overlooks the ocean, and has a perfect panormaic view. Authentic tiles floors, rutted brick ceilings, concrete cottage cheese walls. AHH MEXICO!

2 - As pictured, the pool flows right over to the Pacific Ocean.

3 - It is not uncommon to see Dolphin jumping out of the water - right from the view deck of this hotel.

4 - My professioanl spa researcher - Stephannie - assures me that the spa in this hotel is SUPREME! (And as a cheap male, I like the prices of a Mexican spa a LOT more than in America).

5 - Lush landscaping with that Mexico style of tropical eccletic landscaping design.




6 - VERY IMPORTANT - This hotel is a short drive to Puerto Nuevo for Lobster, and the La Fonda Hotel in La Mission for dessert (I will discuss both in another blog).

7 - There always seems to be the most interesting collection of people at this hotel. i have seen Tatoos that Steph and I are still trying to figure out :)

8 - Breakfast on the patio, with that AWESOME orange juice from Mexico that is thick and pulpy.

Unofficial Top 10 Things to Look for in a Church

I am half-serious and half having fun - so take this as it is. Here is my "Top Ten Things to Look for when searching for a new church"

10 - Multi-Racial. Any church that has predominently one race is missing what heaven will look like!

9 - Authenticity. If the Pastor begins every conversation with "Man I just had a great 3 hour prayer time this morning" - RUN!

8 - Forgiveness. Philip Yancey and CS Lewis both say that "Grace" (i.e. God's unmerited love and forgiveness) is the only thing the church has that the rest of the world does not.

7 - Important Numbers. How many previous members have been wounded, stomped on, burned, and disregarded by the ministry. I believe Jesus is more hurt by the pain churches cause people, then overjoyed by impressive numbers of grwoth. Although Lord knows growth is great!
6 - Good Snacks. Think about how many stories in the Bible surround food! I have heard the ministry of Jesus described as "eating GOOD food with BAD people".

5 - Laughter - Any church that takes itself too serioulsy should be avoided.

4 - How Do the Leaders Treat One Another - If a staff can not enjoy each other, get along, and maintain long term relationships - by what authroity do they presume to lead others? If a church has constant turnover - something fishy (fleshy?) is going on, and its not Red Lobster!

3 - Do The Poor, Widows and Orphans Matter? - Churches whose primary mission remians only in its four walls are should be avoided like chicken tacos in Costa Rica (there is a great personel story behind that - but I will share it at another time).

2 - THE BIBLE - OK #'s 10-3 may fluctuate - but accept no substitues for #'s 2 and 1. There are two extremes that I see lately. One is the veneration of indivuals by churches that say they are biblical (when Chuck Smith, TD Jakes, are always revered as nearly perfect). The other is the church that wraps Christian-speak around "pop-psychology". For instance if either Churck Smith or Dr. Phil are quoted more than 5 times in one message - RUN!

1- ASK GOD - IS THIS THE CHURCH FOR ME! - If you are a Christian, your main concern when searching for a church should be where the Lord guides you - so that your gifts and talents can be put to the highest use for his Kingdom!


Anyway - this is was written from a slightly "tongue in cheek" perpective -so please read it as such!

John

Otay Ranch Community Vs. Eastlake

Our First Home (all 600 sq. feet)

In 1989 Steph and I were driving around this new area of East Chula Vista called Eastlake. Tumbleweeds, and a LONG DRIVE on East "H" st. from the 805 was all you had to look forward to "back in the day". There were maybe two or three new home developments -and a lot of young families. Having recently been hired by a church in East Chula Vista we were eager to put roots in the community. So a little more than a year after we moved to East Chula Vista - we bought our first condo. It was little more than 600 sq. ft. - and we purchased it for the unbelievable high price of $95,000. Worse yet - San Diego county was just poised for a major real estate downturn. OUCH. However, through God's grace and a market turnaround - it turned out to be not that bad of an investment.

I was thinking about this lately because around East Chula Vista many friends at church mention how scared they are about the Real Estate decreases in Chula Vista. Our church in Otay Ranch has many residents of Eastlake and Otay Ranch that are FREAKING OUT over the steep decline in prices. My advice - hold on - things turn around. And to anyone who complains about how Otay Ranch does not have enough places to eat, or good new young churches, I say Otay Ranch has grown and advanced way faster than Eastlake did.