DON’T PUT A BIG PICTURE IN A SMALL FRAME

Have you ever tried to literally put a BIG picture in a small frame?

If you have attempted to, you probably had a beautiful portrait but the wrong size frame. Instead of buying a bigger and nicer frame, we choose to settle for the frame we have. And we cut the picture, crop it to fit the small frame.

There are four components to creating a portrait.

1. The photographer,
2. Person in the portrait,
3. The frame,
4. And the one enjoys the portrait

Sometimes we ourselves can try to put a BIG picture in a small frame.

Maybe not literally, but spiritually and mentally.  Let me tell you how.

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

When you see the person in the portrait, we must notice that the photographer was intentional in positioning the person. This is called a pose. The person in the picture wants to give their best look, but the photographer see’s the Big Picture and gives the direction. Notice that the photographer is the word of God in our lives that wants us to get the best out of life by giving us direction for God’s plan and purpose for our life. The bible is a pose of what our life could look like. It sets the BIG picture!

THE PERSON IN THE PORTRAIT

The person in the portrait is the model of someone who has listened to the photographer’s instruction. This represents application. Someone who has surrendered his will to the word of God and is experiencing blessing, breakthrough, and the removal of barriers that allows you to experience a new dimension.

THE FRAME

You also have the frame in which you put the picture in. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. The frame represents our life. “CAN OUR LIFE CAPTURE ALL THAT GOD WANTS TO DO? DO WE HAVE ENOUGH ROOM IN OUR LIFE FOR GODS PLAN AND PURPOSE FOR OUR LIFE? See when a picture does not fit in a frame, we cut out important pieces of the picture that we think are not important. Most of the time those pieces are adding to the picture. So we need to be careful that we do not cut out the picture, but buy the right size frame that will fit the picture. Gods wants us to see and fit in THE BIG PICTURE.

THE ONE WHO ENJOYS THE PORTRAIT

Then there is the one who enjoys the picture in the right frame, this person is Jesus. Understand the Jesus wants us to be blessed, when we are blessed He is blessed. So when He walks by the frame what does He see? Things cut out or does He see the right fit!

YOUR LIFE IS WORTH A NOBLE CAUSE

As of May 3^rd, 2009 there were 23,481 individuals on formal probation in San Diego COUNTY.

As of March 12^TH, 2009 there were 1726 juvenile and 1008 adult gang members, gang affiliates and /or individuals with gang conditions.

GANG MEMBERS COMMIT CRIMES IN THESE FOUR MAJOR CATEGORIES OF GANG MEMBERS.

1. CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
2. CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
3. DRUG/ALCOHOL OFFENSES
4. WEAPON OFFENSES

What does it take?

Do we try to figure it out?

Do we ask why?

Do we even understand what is before us?  

When I think of the great challenge that is before us, I tell you we cannot try to figure this out but just flow with faith in facing this invitation to stand up and do something about it.

I say that it will take a lot of good old fashion HARD WORK that is consistent with the constant growing need of gangs here in our city. There are many that will claim that a gang member is not entitled to a second chance many have said “lock them up and throw away the key”

In Matthew 9: 35-38

³⁵Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

 

1. In order to reach out we need to stay close to the need

It has been such a great joy to reach out, and stay in touch with the people that are being reached in the San Diego Originals. We have seen fruit remain, such as families being restored, couples wanting to be right before God, parents being mothers and fathers to their children, receiving great job openings with benefits, living at another level, and much, much, more!!!! This is exactly what Jesus did let us follow the example

 2. Compassion is the key

Compassion drove Jesus to the cross for you and me. We need to find our motivation. We need to ask ourselves are the people that God has called us to reach worth it? Of course they are, but what will cause us to see the need, feel the need, and meet the need.

When you look up the word helpless it means unprotected and unable to provide an adequate defense against an attack. How do you perceive the need, understand that people need us whether they know it or not. The greatest definition for compassion is ACTION just simply doing anything to try to reach everyone we possibly can and know it is not just a one man effort, but a team that is vision driven and truly believes in what they are doing

 3.  We have to be hands on with the people we are working with

Dealing with issues such as morality, worldliness, hurts, low self esteem, etc. We need to also develop a spiritual formation which is simple, a reshaping of a life style. We need to also read, pray, make sure they have a bible. Show them the power of living a discipline life and show the results of answered prayer. Also being very intentional in discipling one on one, spending quality time with them. Church is not enough. Needs are being met, emotional, practical, spiritual, physical, and material as best as we can. Remember it is impossible to meet everybody’s need, but we give our best and always remember to direct them to the GREAT MIRACLE WORKER. 

Our last service we had, we broke all record attendance. Praise God! My wife and I are so proud of our team.

Thank You to all of our team who is faithful to growing this ministry.

SD ORIGINALS- SERVICE UPDATES

We have been experiencing breakthroughs in our last two services.

June 4th- our team produced a life changing skit titled “Real Life, A Gangster Coming to Christ”

Our team stepped out in faith to depict the life of a gangster surrendering his life to Christ. The skit started out with a young man captivated by the life of a gangster. He is then caught in the web of murder, drugs, and prison.  He hooks up with his homeboy to get high. As he is getting high a Christian is ministering to him. The gangster refuses to accept a flyer and continues getting high. Following that he is comfronted by a rival gang.

He shoots and kills the other homeboy and now is facing 25 to life. He remembers the Christian and now wants to reach out to him. As he is reaching out to the Christian the strongholds of the neighborhood refuse to let him get through. The Christian is interceeding for him and the gangster gets his breakthrough and surrenders his life.

CHECK OUT THE PICS

June 11th, 2009

Following that service on June 11th we had one of the OG’s, Johnny Duran, preach his tesitmony. Wow, the altar call was a beautiful sight to see!! You could feel the presence of God so strong. We had about 20 decisions for Christ that day. There were gang members, drug addicts, and hurting mothers that dedicated their hearts to JESUS!! Johnny’s kids made decisions to follow the Lord as well.

Psalms 115:1

“Not to us, Oh Lord, not to us but to YOUR NAME be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”

We praise God for the transformation that is taking place within the lives of people.

We LOVE you Jesus!

** We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment

LEADERSHIP OUTLOOK IN THE OG’S

When we look at our ministry what is the makeup of the San Diego Originals. Our ministry is made up of components such as the Journey, Worship, Leadership, Children Ministry, Fellowships, Evangelism, Media and Journey Groups. All these ministries make up our Ministry Organizational-Structure, but note we are not bound to this. Why? Structure helps us be organized, but we do not make decision base according to the structure but according to vision. It is important to know the way we are set up for two purposes; the first is growth, the second is to fulfill the local vision of our church.

Our Pastor Heart is to rise up well trained leaders that will be effective in building strong ministry, to impact the city of San Diego and also around the world. The measuring line for our leadership effectiveness is to see the growth of the people in these areas:

First of all meeting the needs of the people, we have to ask ourselves are we being active in people’s lives, are we a ministering congregation, do we set time aside throughout the week to spend time with people. Secondly discipleship not only meet there needs but also working with them. I believe we should work with them in three areas First Internally; this is where the spiritual formation takes place, Secondly externally, the question we should ask ourselves. Is their evidence of a genuine transformation? Thirdly, the marks of a disciple such as a learner, faithful, available, teachable and are they growing in their commitment level to God, leadership and ministry. What is proof that they are growing is in the area of giving, this will show their maturity in their character, faith, love, obedience, commitment, and blessing, but through giving the people also feel a part of the vision and the church. Thirdly and lastly, is to channel people to get involved in the local vision of the church. When people are actively involved in the church the feel a sense of belonging, dignity, and purpose, understand that people come to church for two reasons first is receive ministry and secondly is to voluntarily give ministry. The process for ministry involvement is to create opportunity, release them, monitor them and cover them.   

Why is this important, it is important because we need people to lead the called and the chosen, there is a need for leadership in the area of rising up leader who will lead different departments in the San Diego Originals. What are the qualifications for this type of leadership will when I think of the type of leadership that will be effective I think of willingness, influence, commitment, consistant,  skillful and fruitfulness. But one of the main ingredients that stand out which is a key for expanding ministry is a builder. Builder characteristics are simple. The builder first is envisioning what he wants to build, then he ask himself if building he projects is adequate enough to meet the demand. The then has to count the cost and see if he has enough resources to build his project. Then he develops the plans and designs the blue prints. This is the part where it is very detailed and tedious, this where the builder is very attentive and gives very careful thought to his project. Next he will acquire the adequate resources and make the necessary arrangements to start constructing. The whole time the builder sees the importance to monitor his project and knows he can’t do it alone but begins to place right people in the right place. Delegation is only given to help the builder stay focus and on schedule of the overall project, and to expand if needed.

This why we need to place builders as department heads in these tracks of ministry, all of the ministry are important if we are going to see growth. The key is development of well trained leaders, well trained leaders are skilled at what they do, that is why it is important to grow in our personal lives to enhance what we do as an overall team.

Pastor Chris And Ana Gomez

“DECLARING WAR ON METH”

The War has been Declared! 

Our Pastor has sounded the alarm and the troops of Victory Outreach San Diego are assembling with their battle attire to DECLARE WAR ON METH. Their swords have been sharpened, their spears with a cutting edge, and their archers are accurate and precise. Their arrows are shot with precision throughout the city of San Diego, even though, through previous battle their armor stain with enemy blood dented by their adversaries blows. Their spirit is not crushed, but yet they pay special attention to the armor by polishing it’s breast plate so they can walk with dignity to the front lines, their training is taken seriously. Their shield pierced with the flaming darts, but yet still advancing. Their war cry is one of victory, which makes their enemy tremble. Their confidence is in their king the One who has never known or experienced defeat!! The soldiers follow with loyalty and respect obeying their chain of command. They march to the battle field in rank each one knowing what to do,  fight with heart, to live selfless, and even be willing to die for a cause greater than themselves.    

WHAT IS THE CAUSE?

War on Meth! This summer our Pastor has declared “WAR ON METH!!” The city of San Diego is a major hub for meth, formally the nations capital of Meth. Victory Outreach San Diego is on a strong campaign to bring the message of hope. Meth is a drug that knows no barriers. There is a saying that “a little goes a long way.” In the case of methamphetamine or meth, horrific things – even death – come in a very small package. Meth is an unforgiving drug that ruins lives, abandons health, emotional, mental, financial destitute lacking money, job, career, possessions necessary for subsistence and breaking the law, as well as remorse, when it is at its peak and active. .  Meth is such an easy drug to make and market in our community which is a full scale war on our youth, young adults, and neighborhoods all over San Diego.

 

Meth not only harms its users, it negatively affects their parents, children, siblings, friends and co-workers. It takes a dramatic toll on our entire city. There is a clear relationship between meth and crime. A growing number of meth users are involved in identity theft and a variety of property crimes. Also, the number one in arrest is women who have children. The use of meth in many of these cases are too lose weight, give them energy to hold a job, fulfill their responsibility of their children, to build self-esteem, raise their confidence in certain areas of their lives. Through this a pattern of addiction is created. We are deeply disturbed by the fact arrestees, when interviewed said they had carried a weapon while purchasing meth. This is a recipe for disaster.

The San Diego Union Tribune states:

“Like it or not, our region has a problem. While we may no longer be the “Meth Capital of the World,” we certainly are a major hub. We need to attack this problem on all fronts. From law enforcement and probation to treatment providers and prevention programs – we must work together to fight against this deadly chemical.”

The San Diego City Beat states:

“We have young people dying from it or getting addicted to heroin from it,” he said. “We’re seeing more young people getting caught with heroin down at the border—and heroin’s not a young person’s drug. It’s coming back.” 

 Let us not grow weary in doing well for we will reap a harvest if we do not lose hope. It is our time more than ever to make a difference  in households, schools, all over our communities by attacking one of Satans greatest tools. I am excited that in the mist of this drug epedemic to possess our city we are exposing the effects of this devastating drug. We are on the forefront, the frontlines in the trenches of this war.

Let us go in Jesus name!!!! The One who has never known or experience defeat throughout time .

It is our time when VO San Diego goes to WAR ON METH!!!!

“BUILD UP”- The Blueprint for Discipleship

Matthew 28:19

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Discipleship… What a Privilege!!!!

God’s assignment to us as Christians to expand and to extend his Kingdom. Discipleship is a personal hands-on effort to reshape a lifestyle.  The concept here is not delegation of a life, but a dedication to a life. To be done by a specific person rather than by that person’s delegate. We have been called to engrave the marks of a disciple.

Disciple-makers first start with building a relationship of trust. Trust to give us permission to work with them, the misconception here is that we can think we are discipling by just giving them task, it is more then that!!!!

Secondly, we are responsible for making sure their needs are met. How do we do that with all the work we have? Have you ever asked yourself this? Well, here it goes teach them to trust in God and know that you do not have all the answers or resources. We are not problem solvers, but direction pointers. The old faithful saying “I can fish for you or I can teach you to fish for yourself.” Another key is knowing we can’t meet everybody’s needs, but try to be there in very important events in their lives.

Thirdly, help them respond to God’s call and will for their life. Be a coach, teach and help them to see the unfolding of God’s plan for their life.

What ties all this together is be a model of what you want them to become. You will not be an effective disciple maker if you have patterns of inconsistencies in your life. God has called us to BUILD UP people.

Lets all do it together and “Go and make disciples of every nation!!!!”

Pastor Chris Gomez

TRANSFORMATIONAL MINISTRY- SD ORIGINALS

II Corinthians 5:17- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION; old things have passed away behold all things become NEW!

What is transformation?

1. To Change in Condition, Nature, or Character

The San Diego Originals ministry was birthed in the heart of our Pastor, Pastor Al, in 2007. He then challenged my wife and I to begin a ministry in our church for the hardcore. We started our first service in July of 2007 with Evangelist Art Blajos with about 300 in attendance. From then we held special services the last two Thursdays of every month. The Lord began to bring in the gang member, drug addict, and hurting mother. In October 2008 we took a step of faith from 2 services a month to every Thursday.  It has been amazing to see the TRANSFORMATION and FRUIT the Lord has given our ministry.

As the San Diego Originals ministry, it is our desire and prayer to see TRANSFORMATION take place within the lives of people. There is nothing more beautiful then to see a soul go from Old to New from Darkness to Light from Worldliness to Godliness.

We have witnessed a three step process take place in this transformation.

STEP ONE- CONVERSION TO CHRIST: When a person decides to say enough is enough. I want something new in my life. I am tired of being sick and tired. I am going from the neighborhood to Christ. OLD to the NEW!!

STEP TWO- CONNECTION TO CHRIST: No longer conformed to this world but Transformed Rom. 12:2 Begin to start on their personal journey with Christ. Learning His Ways, His Heart, and His Mind. Engage in becoming a disciple of Christ.

STEP THREE- COMMITMENT TO CHRIST: Getting plugged into the ministry. Discovering their passion and getting involved. Finding God’s will. Committing to His plan and purpose. Jeremiah 29:11

 

We are grateful to the LORD the transtormation He has brought these past two years!

We are anticipating even greater TRANSFORMATION in the future!

Please keep the San Diego Originals Ministry in your prayers.

Committed to Transformational Ministry,

Pastor Chris and Ana Gomez