Stuck in Limbo

Film maker Joseph Martinez, young man who I had the pleasure of meeting at the Latino Leadership Circle ACTS Urban Youth Ministry Training, has put together a short film where he interviews Angie also an ACTS 2007 alumni, regarding the "Dream Act." The "Dream Act" is compassionate legislation that would allow undocumented students who study at college to have a path to citizenship.

Check it out



=-=

Pastor Rick Waren represents an Evangelical Shift

Many are considering Pastor Rick Warren among a growing group of Evangelical Christians Leaders who are rediscovering social responsibility. The New York Times makes a note of this. Check out
New York Times Article

Javier Arrives

Mayra and Jose had a 6 lbs 7 oz bundle of joy today. Congratulations guys!I celebrate this day with you. And it happened on Mothers day no less... I pray wisdom, intelligence and divine protection on Javier.

=-=

Waiting for Javier

Last night I hung out with Jose and Mayra at Lenox Hill Hospital. Mayra's water brok at 1:00pm and they're early awaiting their baby boy Javier. I think I was more nervous than they were. They looked relaxed, "just chillin." I'm really excited for them. Jose and Mayra are one of my closest friends. Along with this new birth they're also starting a new church, geared at the unchurched and seekers.See,

I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
-Isaiah 43:19
=-=

Leg Hugs

It's been a challenging week to say the least. The demands of church and work have been weighing heavily on me. There are times that I can feel the full weight of responsibility on my shoulders. I can go like this for weeks on end, but something happened today that eased the weight, as I made my way to my office on the 2nd floor of the church, I passed through k5. I was greeted by a kindergartner, who said "Hello Pastor" and gave me a big leg hug. As he did the others followed. I was recieving leg hugs from everywhere. I was touched it afforded me a moment to pause and reflect on life and my role in the Kingdom. Above all, these children made me feel loved and appreciated.

These moments cause me to continue unravel Jesus' mention of children in Mat.19:14

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Could it be that children just by their presence have the unique ability to remind us of what the kingdom of heaven is all about, love, acceptance and faith. I wonder, could it be that our Lord was blessed as he blessed the children. Did he find love and acceptance in his busy day as children came to him? I did, and as these children hugged me I felt God's and their affirmation for me and my ministry.

=-=
Pastor Luis