Gospel Hanukkah 11/30/2013

For one evening the Mall became a marketplace of faith, as a large crowd gathered for the Menorah lighting ceremony. Our task, this evening, was to present the truth. The fulfilled prophecies of Isaiah 52-53 were referenced and explained in several of the gospel presentations from the box.

The hardy team included: Mark, Jeremy, Jack, Dean C., Steve M., Dean S., and Steven V.

Menorah Lighting

 The orthodox Jewish organization, Chabad, was present at the mall to light a menorah for the fourth night of Hanukkah. We briefly met with the Rabbi, who remembered us from last year, and we respectfully agreed to his cordial request to quiet our amp during their ceremony from 8:00 to 8:30.

The exact beliefs of the Chabad organization are a little hard to pin down. But, based on their website, and the personal experience we have had with them in the past, they are a "movement" of Jews who seek to bring Judaism back to faith in the Torah, the traditions of orthodox observance, and into a social program of good works and service to the greater community. Interestingly, they proclaim a messianic hope that has been placed in a line of men who were descendants of the originator of the movement in Russia over two hundred years ago.

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (Romans 10:1-4)

I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He forknew. (Romans 11:1-2)

For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. (Romans 11:25 NKJV)

Almost 50 bibles and hundreds of the "Santa" Million Dollar Bill tracts were given out. Although it is impossible to know how many of the faithful Jews took tracts or Bibles, it is our prayer that the eyes of the Jewish believers in God the Father, would be opened to God the Son, Yeshua, Jesus. And that, rather than trusting in their own righteousness before God, they would repent of their sin and put their trust and faith in the perfect righteousness of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Many of our team are blessed to know several born again, Jewish believers in the true Messiah, Jesus Christ. Several in our own congregation are of Jewish heritage. Often, those Jews whom the Holy Spirit calls to faith in Yeshua become shining lights of wisdom and knowledge, and zealous for evangelism.

Something To Look Forward To

"I was honored today with having a few stones, dirt, rotten eggs, and pieces of dead animals thrown at me."  George Whitefield

2013 Holiday Cheer - Downtown Burbank will kick off a month-long celebration with the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s Downtown Wonderland on December 7. Festivities will continue right up through New Year’s Day with dozens of events throughout the district.

JOIN US!! This Saturday, 6:00 pm at the Burbank Police Department parking lot, on Palm Ave., at Glenoaks.

Holidays Fast Approaching 11/23/2013

With Thanksgiving arriving Thursday, Hanukah on Wednesday, and Christmas not far off, the Mall area was busier than usual. Our faithful team of evangelists was kept very busy with tracts, prayer requests, preaching, picture-taking (a new witnessing method!),and even guitar-playing. Tonight's crew included: Mark, Sharon, Jack, Barbara, Steve M., Dan, Jeremy, Dean C., Richard, and Steven V.

Dr. Jack and his wife Barbara, greeted Pastor Tim, and his wife Tina, who stopped by to encourage the team.

Several Firsts

Take Your Picture?

Ever the evangelist, Sharon came up with a smart way to open doors to the Gospel. By offering to take pictures for couples and groups with their camera, she was able to have a golden opportunity to share the Truth, and grateful listeners to hear it.

Kingston Trio, Minus Two

Our CBC brother Dan brought his guitar and sang one or two gospel songs between the proclamations of the preachers. It was an interesting idea, and Dan has a great folk music style. The jury is still out as far as the response of the crowd. Between the Christmas tree, the other performers and the general seasonal hustle and bustle, the mall area is getting a bit chaotic. Although the music itself was good, the circus-like atmosphere was not conducive to people stopping and listening. Yet numerous Bibles were requested, so we will "play it by ear" next week.

Wednesday A.M. Shift (11/27/13)

Dean C. joined us on the morning shift at NoHo Metro Station. He did a great job, and it is always a good opportunity to reach lots of people, and to build our skills on the box. We keep a low profile, equipment-wise, for quick setup and teardown. Many people listened and some responded as they rushed to work. As always, the Holy Spirit seemed to use our presence to clear the area of cultists (i.e. Jehovah's Witnesses) who were out in force when we arrived.

PLEASE JOIN US! Saturday, Nov. 30, 6:00pm, at Burbank Police Department parking lot, entrance on Palm at Glenoaks.

NoHo A.M. Shift 11/20/2013

Pastor Alvin joined us for this week's A.M. shift at NoHo Station. Again, just like last week, by the time we had finished praying, the Jehovah's Witnesses were gone from sight. Pastor Alvin was excited at the prospect of witnessing to the cult members, and after tracking them down, had several friendly conversations with the "Witnesses."

JOIN US! Wednesday mornings, 6:00 - 8:00 A.M. at North Hollywood Metro Station, Lankershim Blvd. at Chandler. Parking is available across the street in front of the Golf shop. Please RSVP to Steve if you plan to be there.

Also, JOIN US at our usual Burbank outreach on Saturday night, at 6:00 pm, at the Burbank Police Department parking lot, on Palm, near Glenoaks.

Faithful Service 11/16/2013

Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. (Psalm 100:2-3)

"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing." (Matthew 24:45-46)

Debbie is one of our most faithful team members. She was joined by Sharon, Mark, Jeremy, Dr. Jack, Forest, Dean, and Steven.

Paul Washer: Reality

NoHo Outreach

Following in the footsteps of our brother Tony Miano, and of course our recently departed (to Colorado) leader Dave, the CBC Evangelism team is adding a Wednesday morning outreach, at North Hollywood Metro station, to it's weekly schedule.

Our first time out Paul and Steve were blessed to take turns preaching from 6 a.m. to about 8 o'clock. We were met by a small team of Jehovah's Witnesses who were already in place at the station. By the time we had finished praying, they were gone, having retreated to the relative safety of the opposite side of the domed entrance. It was sobering to consider all the times that they have been out there trolling unanswered. Why are so many willing to invest so much of their lives for a lie? May the Lord deliver them from blindness.

If you look closely at the photo above you will see the woman in the picture here. She was waiting in line for a bus and suddenly started waving and telling us "No pictures, no pictures!"

Then, just as quickly, she retreated, perhaps realizing that there is no law against standing in a public place taking a picture. Indeed, sometimes we wonder about the many facebook pages, websites and publications where our pictures have appeared unbeknownst to us. This is another reason for us to be sure that we are sharing the Gospel message frequently from the box. One never knows who will see, and hear, some isolated portion of our testimony.

The NoHo Metro Station outreach is scheduled for Wednesday mornings from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00. We meet at the usual place, on Lankershim Blvd., by the newspaper boxes, near the crosswalk. Street parking is available across the street in front of the golf shop. Steve sends out a text the night before to confirm. Please RSVP to Steve if you DO plan to JOIN US.

Also, JOIN US at our usual Burbank outreach on Saturday night, at 6:00 pm, at the Burbank Police Department parking lot, on Palm, near Glenoaks.

Bringing Light 11/9/2013

All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John 1:3-5)

In His continual faithfulness to answer prayers for laborers, the Holy Spirit provided a strong group of brothers and sisters:  Mark, Dean S., Dean C., Paul, Sharon, Jeremy, Dr. Jack, Barbara, and Steven V.

Elder Bob joined us later and he also took a turn on the corner box with the satellite group.

Blessed with Hecklers (Sort of)

Dr. Jack was blessed with an inquisitive and very polite heckler, named Miguel, who explained that he wants to write a screenplay about the second coming, set in modern times, but showing Christ "not as a white man, but rather as a black woman."

Jack asked Miguel why he would want to change the character of Jesus. Miguel replied that he wanted to show that the "message is universal, and it is beyond the messenger." Jack replied: "The messenger is everything. If you take Jesus out of the message, you don't have a message. Because the Bible says that Jesus is the Word. And the Word became flesh. So Jesus and His words are one. You cannot separate Jesus from His words."

Jack followed up by giving Miguel the gospel.

Steve's heckler approached the mic with what seemed to be a chip on his shoulder. Identifying himself as "Joseph" he expressed a concern that there are many terms that Christians use, the meaning of which most non-Christians don't understand. A small crowd gathered as Joseph, with a tone of incredulity, asked many lengthy questions which zeroed in on the meaning and importance of Jesus' substitutionary death on the cross. It was a perfect opportunity to share the Gospel in a clear and thorough way. Several times, Joseph looked around to see if anyone in the crowd wanted to ask some questions, but only one woman spoke up and said, "Keep going! You're asking some great questions!"

In fact, it began to seem as if Joseph was better acquainted with the Gospel than he initially appeared to be. Afterwards, Joseph came forward to shake Steve's hand and he admitted that he attends Grace Community Church, and we all had a good chuckle over his well-intended role playing. Although we don't use this technique, due to it's inherent deception, we've often kidded about doing that. Joseph was quite convincing, Steve was grateful for the "perfect" heckling, and it undoubtedly served a good purpose. Since none of our team was in on the ruse, Steve claimed to have a clear conscience about it. (Although he could be heard repenting later in the parking lot, just in case.)

Gospel Proclaimed

Brother Paul has been faithfully growing in depth and stirring content.

"Our sin has brought about a chasm between us and God, and we can't get to Him. God wants us and He has made a way. He has leveled it with the Cross. You may cross (that chasm) through the Lord Jesus Christ. That's why Jesus says, 'I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father but through Me.' There is no other way. There is no other system. He saved us not on the basis of deeds we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy. It doesn't matter how many good deeds you have done, you cannot make up for your sins. Somebody has got to take the punishment for those sins, and God says, 'I am going to send my Son into the world and He is willing to receive your punishment.' But you've got to turn from your sins, you've got to repent, you've got to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. 

For with the heart a person believes and, guess what, it results in a visible change of lifestyle. If you believe in Jesus, get ready, get your seat belt on, because you're going to be going for a ride, and it's not going to be an easy ride, because the Bible says that all those who desire to live godly in Jesus Christ will be persecuted. And this world has no tolerance for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. That's why people cringe when they hear the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. That's why people use the name of Jesus Christ as a swear word when they hit their finger with a hammer. It is because they do not believe in the God who made this world, and they do not want Him in authority over them. That's what the Bible says of those who reject the authority of Jesus Christ. Yet the scriptures say every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. It's gonna happen friends. What will it be? Do you want to bow the knee under His judgment? Or do you want to bow the knee in submission to a glad and wonderful God, who has given His Son for you? That's the choice tonight! Choose life that you may live! And Life is in Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world. . ."

Do Tracts Work? 

Here is some encouragement:

The Ultimate Proof of Creation

Here is a fascinating video from AIG:

PLEASE JOIN US: NEXT SATURDAY, 6:00pm, BPD PARKING LOT AT PALM & GLENOAKS IN BURBANK.

Soundtrack by Cello Man 11/2/2013

Praise Him with stringed instruments . . (Psalm 150:4)

Once again we were blessed to have the roving cello player, accompanied by a digitally recorded orchestra, to provide background music for the preaching of the Gospel. Of all the entertainers we co-exist with on the mall the Cello Man is by far the most civilized.

In fulfillment of the "Great Commission," the Gospel was preached, tracts and Bibles were distributed,  and one-to-one witnessing took place. Dean C., Mark, Jeremy, Dr. Jack, Forest and Steven V. were the team members this evening.

One of our most loyal co-laborers is Jeremy. He has stepped forward to help with many aspects of the ministry including the setting up and breaking down of the P.A. equipment.

Forest has been a part of the team for years and we have missed him during his long recuperation from a knee injury. Now that he is back he has taken up the role of video cameraman. Thanks to Forest's efforts we hope to start obtaining some footage to use for presentations to encourage others to join us.

Sometimes we have no hecklers, but instead rather fierce competition. Besides the Cello Man, there was a nearby puppet show, and a street theater show that drew a large crowd.

Mark was blessed to have our youngest heckler ever.

This youngster quickly listened to reason (unlike the older ones) and received a Bible to take home.

My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.  (Proverbs 3:1-4)

British Couple Humbly Defend Their Faith

Hollywood Halloween

Many thanks to Dean and Sai for graciously hosting a Halloween Evangelism get-together at Dean's Store. Although still in a state of shock and grief over the passing of a dear friend of hers the day before, Sai cooked and served a delicious Thai dinner that was enjoyed and appreciated by all.  Many of our friends from the NoHo outreach were in attendance. Juan, his wife and kids, Mark, Bruce, Joe, Sharon, Anne, Mike S. and family, and many others.

Then a hardy team of about 13 evangelists carpooled to Hollywood. Jeremy, Steve M., Bruce, Joe, Richard, Edgar, Sharon, Debbie, Dean, Sai, and several others.

All the team members were busy from the start handing out the giant $100 bills which flew out of our hands. A handful of preachers took long turns on the box. Praise the Lord! It was a complete blessing. We couldn't stop! We were poised inches from the edge of the curb in front of Mann's theater. A constant jammed river of humanity moving in both directions paraded slowly before us. Gospel, Gospel, and more Gospel went out. People looked and listened and took pictures and had faces of shamed conviction. As if they were caught in the act of sinning by the glaring searchlight of the Gospel! The silence was amazing! Only the Holy Spirit could have done it!

All the big questions were written on their faces. "What am I doing here? Why do I look like this? Where am I going? Who am I? How can it be that a man is telling me about God at such a time and place as this? Am I actually walking to hell???

Praise the Lord! Can't wait till next year! We'll post a brief video as soon as it's ready.

Join us! Saturday, November 9, 6:00 pm, at Burbank Police Dept. parking lot. (Entrance on Palm Ave. just south of Glenoaks.)

911 PRAYER FOR PASTOR SAEED!!

ACLJ has just said that Pastor Saeed was just transferred to a prison that is WORSE than what he was in. It's a prison where criminals basically go to "disappear". His life is in danger. Please pray for him and his wife and children.

Guitar Man Pt. 2 10/26/2013

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.  (Matthew 5:44)

This weeks' team was blessed to see the Holy Spirit, yet again, do the work of softening hearts and wooing souls. Jack, Mark, Sharon, Forest, Dean S., Debbie, Steven V., and Jeremy, as well as Barbara, Richard, and Dean C. (behind the camera), were all on board.

Guitar Man Returns

Last Saturday, brother Mark was blessed to be heckled by the Guitar Man, in a "drive-by" confrontation. On Thursday, at Noho station, Mark and the rest of Dean's Team were all blessed to be heckled by the same guy as he proceeded to play his guitar, rant and revile against us throughout the evening.

This evening's experience was a bit different. The Guitar Man showed up again, soon after we arrived, and he positioned himself near by in a continuing effort to disrupt and stifle the proclamation of the gospel. Since Dr. Jack was on the box, Mark went over to talk with our heckler (in the orange shirt). Mark's discussion with Guitar Man (GM) would make an excellent article, and hopefully we can put this together for a future blog post. But the bottom line is that by walking in love and peace toward GM, his blind anger was defused, and he humbly accepted an offering of support for his family. Indeed, as they parted, GM thanked AND BLESSED Mark.

Soon after that GM packed up and went home.

Time will tell what GM's long term response will be. Meanwhile, let us all be in prayer for GM, his wife and his daughter, as they seek employment, and a place to live. Most importantly, let us earnestly pray for GM's salvation and regeneration.

The Corner Team

Once again, we were blessed with a larger turnout and so Dean S. went with Dean C., and our friend Richard, to provide stop light Gospel presentations at the corner of San Fernando and Magnolia.

No Saint Left Behind (Almost)

The Holy Spirit was in high gear, drawing many into lengthy one-to-one conversations with evangelists. Sometimes as many as three or four such small group discussions were taking place at a time.

The U.S. Marines have a policy of never leaving a comrade behind when they leave a combat zone. And so, at the end of the evening's outreach, in an effort to implement a similar strategy, we waited about 5 minutes for Jack to finish witnessing to some teens and to give them some Evolution Vs. God DVDs. It was a good feeling to know that we hadn't abandoned any team members.

We finally started up Palm Ave. toward the parking lot, when we noticed that Dean S. was missing. We looked back and saw him still there talking with another group of teen atheists whom he had encountered earlier. So, we decided to wait, and shared among ourselves some of the things that had happened during the evening. Thirty minutes later (9:45pm), Dean S. was STILL engaged with these teens, so we reluctantly abandoned the new strategy, confessed our weak flesh, and decided to leave without him. Last we saw that faithful brother, he was still there contending for the faith.

Update:  We emailed Dean and he followed up with this report:

I made it home o.k. and actually ran into Dr. Jack around 10 as I was heading into the parking lot.

I ended up talking to 5 guys.  Two of the guys had engaged me when I was on the box (one was a Christian who wanted his atheist friend to talk to me, but the atheist didn't want to talk into the microphone.)  When they walked by when we were packing up, I asked if they wanted to talk and they said no, but came back a couple minutes later to talk - Isn't God great!

I initially engaged the Atheist and it was a very cordial conversation.  He willingly took the "good person" test and listened intently the entire time and asked very thoughtful questions.  His Christian friend was "helping me" the whole time, but some of his comments were not sound doctrine and I began to engage him in conversation.  I came to find out that his definition of Christianity was believing in God and Jesus, but that each person "does their best" to interpret the Bible and as long as they are sincere that is enough.  So I discovered that he thought having sex with his girlfriend was o.k. in his interpretation because he is not married (apparently he had forgotten that I had just told his friend that looking with lust was adultery, so I reminded him.) What it really came down to was he was a "Christian" in name only and didn't really read his Bible or go to church etc.

I used that opportunity to share with him my story about being a faithful church attender but headed for hell.  I also shared that we can't just make up our own rules about interpreting the Bible.  I then got a question I've never gotten before.  He asked me, based on my understanding of the Bible, did I think he was going to hell?  I told him that if he died today, I most definitely thought he would go to hell.  That bluntness stunned him and his friends.  I told them I didn't think it was an accident that we were having this conversation, and that God is patient with all of us so that all might come to repentance and faith.  I then answered their questions for the remainder of the time.  It was funny, but one of the kids must have asked me 5 times throughout the conversation, "you mean one sin and I go to hell?"  I got to share that God is infinitely good, righteous and holy and that every sin is an infinite offense to Him, but that He is also rich in mercy and sent His Son.

I ended the conversation with an "I will pray for you guys" and one of the guys asked if I was willing to pray with them now so they could hear what I was going to pray about.  So I took that opportunity to thank God for His Son (with a full gospel presentation in the prayer) and I also prayed for the salvation of each one of the teens.

Evangelism action photo:-)

FYI:  Here is a link to an amazing world statistical clock. Check this when you are looking for up-to-date statistics to cite from the box.

Paul Washer Sermon at The Masters College

Thanks to brother Jorge and Sister Sharon for forwarding this video.

JOIN US!!

Halloween is on its evil way! Time for all believers in the True and Living God to respond in love and faith by JOINING WITH US IN SHARING THE GOSPEL IN HOLLYWOOD ON HALLOWEEN, THURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 31st. We'll be gathering at Dean's place, 816 N. Hollywood Way in Burbank at 5:00 pm. Sai will be providing a wonderful Thai dinner for us to enjoy before we carpool to Hollywood at about 6:30. We plan to be there till about 9:00 pm, returning to the store. Contact us if you plan to meet us in Hollywood. There will be many Giant $100 Tracts to hand out. Please RSVP to Dean or Steve!!

And don't forget to join us for our usual CBC Evangelism outreach on Saturday, November 2nd, 6:00 pm at the Burbank Police Department parking lot on Palm Ave. near Glenoaks. See you there!!