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!