The Church in California

This is Ayala...

I have been very reluctant to call any gathered group of people the Church since growing up in a group of people who demonstrated the body of Christ better than any other place I have seen. At least in America.  So, I am saying all this to say, that it's not a light thing for me to say that God is building His church out here in California.

This morning we had a gathering and I hardly have a way to describe how amazing it was to watch God in our midst, building His church right in front of our eyes.  It isn't anything that we are doing.  No special teachers or strategic planning on our part.  I just feel like we get to show up and "be" part of an awesome body of Christ that gets revealed more as more of His body comes into place.  Each person has a unique part that adds, and slowly His bride is being revealed to us.  I guess I'm so excited, because growing up in the body of Christ I took for granted that we were brought together in Tennessee to be His bride.  I never saw the miracle that it truly is.  Now, after spending almost 5 years in Memphis and visiting several other churches and even some home groups, I know how much of a miracle and blessing it really is.  I can't believe I get to be here to witness and participate in the church He is building in California now.  When we come together the Spirit is with us.  (If you are reading this, please pray for us as we come together, because the opposition increases as we do so.)  I love all the people here.  They are filling my heart.  Now I can see why Noah has to go back to Africa, for the rest of his heart!  I am so grateful to be chosen by my Father to be a part of His beautiful bride.

Ayala

Gavins 11th Birthday

It's hard to believe it was 11 years two days ago that I became a father. Little did I know how proud of a father I would be today. We had a small party with a few gifts the night before. Then we went to the north Tahoe area near Truckee. We spent a few hours sledding and having fun at a sno-park. I'm gonna cut this short and get some sleep.

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4.18.12

Wow! Time flies when you are busy. Alot has happened since my last post. I will give you some of the headlines that I can remember.

At one of our gatherings Paul F. talked about the new Jerusalem and living stones. He imagined those living stones to be like crystal. I had never thought of that. Then, Ayala mentioned that if the stones were clear then everyone looking in would see Christ. I had just read My Utmost on March 25th and he talks about not attracting attention away from Christ but being a friend of the bridegroom. Then Colleen talked about Hag 1:4

"Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate."

She felt like God was speaking this to her. It showed in a meeting weeks later. She also bragged on her husband John who went and cleared up a five year old grudge with a friend. Let me add here that John has come alive the last month or two. He is a great asset here.

Abba and Amma came and we had a great time with them. We could feel them being here for us, and that was special. We had good talks and asked all the questions we could think of. It was a very refreshing time and Abba did a great job of building us up and equipping the saints. He spoke as only he can at the meetings we had and it produced an environment that allowed people to open up. John shared some, Collen asked the women if they wanted her. She could see the love between them and wanted to be with them. Those are the highlights I remember at the moment. Our love feast went late but it was FULL. The love of the brethren was demonstrated and God showed up. Tim left full and proclaiming that God was definately there. A young couple and their daughter were there to watch as it turned out. It was so good.

OK, Rick has been house shopping. He found the house, put in a bid, declared at the gathering that God told him that the house was his. Katie also shared a scripture God gave her that same morning. Before we left, Rick recieved an email saying they went with another offer. He refers to this as the darkest night of his soul. So, Monday is men's mtg night. David and I try to encourage Rick for quite a while to no avail. Then Tim started talking and you could feel the peace coming and David brought a word that gave us all peace. It was about Rick not being alone, but it being a corporate struggle. After that we chatted some more and I ended up going after something Rick said about giving people God and it was gross and stunk of self righteousness. As soon as I got done God started to prick my conscience and as soon as we got in the van to leave David made sure I didn't miss that prick. I ended up calling Rick before we got home to get clear. It was embarrassing to say the least but a learning experience none the less. The most encouraging part was watching Tim bring what was needed that night. Then later he commented on how he felt the peace after David had talked. He is becoming sensitive to the Spirit! We can't teach him that! He is changing almost daily. He has always wanted to be a godly man and God is giving that to him. It is awesome to watch.

Back to the house. The other offer fell through, Rick bartered with the bank and he took their counter offer. then his "pre-approved loan" fell through. Then he got that fixed and we are back on schedule for the beginning of May. Whew. We are so excited to be two blocks from Rick and Katie very soon.

I am watching God save His people and call them together. We are participating some but I feel more like a spectator. Each part is giving to the other and unity is getting stronger. Our last men's mtg the other night was the best one yet. ALL the men were there including James who has been out with a back injury all during Abba's visit. It felt like Satan was trying to distract us with phone calls and Paul F. had a dead battery in his car that he had to replace and got there late. And this was his first men's mtg. John came looking for godly advice and we had a great time of prayer. You could feel the togetherness.

We are so encouraged about what God is doing in RCV and we can feel it over here. It seemed like after y'all got new vision after the Faithful retreat, things were released over here. We also see the opposition coming at us too. Please pray for the church over here. Satan isn't going to sit by and let this be easy. We need you to carry us in your hearts and pray when ever you feel the urge.

Just an FYI - Today I rode the light rail to work! I bike 3.5 miles and spend $5 round trip. 30 minutes on the train and a 5 minute bike ride to work. So, it takes 1 hour to get to work instead of 35- 45 but it's alot cheaper and much more peaceful. Well, I am tired and I have to leave at 6:00 now to catch to train. I will try to write again soon.

Stephen

3.06.12

It's been awhile, so real quick update here. Work has been slow. The last two weeks totaled just over 40 hrs but I feel like God is in control. I said before I left that if God was sending me out here he would take care of me too. My faith is strengthened as I hear the stories of George Muller read to the children for devotionals. (Coincidence? I think not.) I have to remember I gave up sovereignty over my life and I am now an instrument in His hands. It has been a great faith builder, I have all I need and He wants me put more trust in Him. Work has been fun as I learn more everyday and do things I have never done. Mostly doing veneer work with hide glue. Each repair or job is different and creative.

The kids are growing up and doing well. Gavin fell out of a tree today and sprained his wrist. Autumn loves to play with Tristan and Naomi is starting to get along with River. Of course with Journey's arrival we have all been busy. I have been taking the boys to explore when I can. Last weekend we went to try some fishing. No luck. But we found a "large puddle" that was about 2 ft deep and it had minnows in it. So the boys caught 15 minnows, got all wet, and we put them in the pool to eat the misquito larvae until we clean it out for swimming.

James, Claudia and Elianna, their 4 yr old daughter, moved close to us in Folsom and we have been enjoying getting to know them. Rick and Katie are still looking for a house nearby. Please pray God's will be done there. And Tim is doing very well. Others are wanting more fellowship outside of the Sunday meeting and relationships are being formed. Things are going well. His people are gathering in CA. We miss everyone and can't wait until Ingathering. We are planning to trek over for that, Lord willing.

More pics

Naomi with bangs. And the grand canyon.

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Some pictures

This is our trailer when we opened the doors to unpack.

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HVGD

Last week I was at work and I started complaining about the bids being unrealistic for us in the shop to meet. Each bid has a spec sheet and each step of the work is spelled out with a certain amount of minutes applied. So we try to beat those times but still do a good job. The other worker and I were discussing this problem and I must admit, I had some opinions. Shortly after my soap box speech, I felt convicted of complaining. I was reminded of reading Exodus and the children of Israel complaining to Moses that they could have thirsted to death in Egypt instead of the wilderness! It's amazing that after all they saw, they could say that. But here I was, after all He has done for me, looking at things naturally and losing my faith over such a small matter. I immediately repented and gave back the reins to Him and felt peace again. An hour or so later the shop manager asked me to come to the office. There was an antique desk that had just come in that some movers had dropped and he wanted my estimate on time frame. Not only did he listen, he added time to my times! As I went to eat my lunch I realized that God was already taking care of the problem and I just needed to seek first the kingdom and leave the rest to Him. EVEN MY PAY RATE! (Which is based on performance with the bid times.) That is not easy, but it's funny how much peace I get when I let Him be in control, and still I harden my heart and take over. Later that week I was praying for Shammah and the term graft vs host disease came to mind. Then I thought, "That's my problem! I'm suffering from host vs graft disease." Now, from what I could remember from science in grade school, the host carried other forms of life and they formed a symbiotic relationship. My problem was that I was fighting the Life that Christ was offering me to have.

I got my hair cut by someone David met, and while I was in the chair, I briefly shared about moving to CA. He commented on how it must've taken alot of faith to make a move like that. I thought about it later and realized it wasn't hard at all really. I had the backing of the church, people I talked to were supportive, and God had provided the funds in such a way that it was obvious that He was wanting me to go. So, I moved across the country and He continued to make it obvious that we were in His will. Where faith really has to come in, is at work when it doesn't look like I'll make much money for a while. Even today I was told the rest of the week looks like I might have some time off because no work has come in for two days. Thankfully the last lesson was still fresh and I actually am looking forward to what God is going to do. Actually, some time off would allow me to get caught up on my Bible reading with Shammah. So, now I just have to walk in that faith when I do go home early, but it's exciting. It makes for great testimonies and more time to seek the Kingdom.