Restoring Our Broken Land

In a recent theology class I (Chad) took as part of my continuing education I studied both evangelism and spiritual warfare – both very relevant topics here in South Central Los Angeles. Our community is riddled with violence, neglect, drug and alcohol problems and relational problems of every type. While we have seen some very positive and dramatic changes to our community we still see the overwhelming need for our Savior and Healer to sweep through and restore His beloved, staggering, lost children.

The beauty of our predicament here is the victory promised to us by the Lord. Promises like, “He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers…” (Malachi 4:6a).

Please pray for Misael (pictured above), who has recently been estranged from his family for, in part, his own poor decisions. He badly wants to walk in all that God has for him and has been pressing in and seeking Him with his whole heart, but is heartbroken that his 14 year son has run away from home and is caught up in drugs and life on the street. Misael also suffers from a degenerative medical condition limiting what he can do. Abraham (pictured below) and Blanca, another couple we have gotten to know better in the last few months, are faithfully participating and serving at Fuente para las Naciones, but both only after choosing to live a life on the streets first. This past life has left a lot of scars and many issues to work through and to break free from. Between the two of them they have four children and are learning to be godly parents as well as going through marriage counseling with us to put Christ-based roots into their relationship.

We have been consistently seeing more people come out on a weekly basis to corporately worship and study the Word of God. There are potential leaders emerging and a growing sense of trust and community along with people stepping up to serve in various capacities. We have been blessed that a greater interest and talent in music for worship has also begun to surface.

In understanding this battle that we are in it makes sense that the spiritual climate here has been increasingly heavier and more challenging. The victories of late have been sweeter and more profound, but we ask that you stand strong with us and believe for complete restoration, complete healing and complete freedom of those still held captive by the lies and bondages of Satan here in this war-torn area of Los Angeles.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Chad & Fabiola