POST by JED: California Dreamin (Part 5)

Capital on the Edge & Vista folks, just before Leaving San Diego (after having been SPOILT with a beaut Mex. Dinner!)

Pastor Greeyvin, of the Vista Assembly in Southern California (San Diego), was left to manage the bags as our team climbed aboard the seemingly inviting coach. The friendly AMTRAK staff (just beautiful) ordered us to get on the great big people mover, nudging us along gently with the butts of their rifles. We wasted no time and scooted aboard, fearing the lovely lady with the moustache’s reprisal, should we not do exactly as instructed.

We found our seats and snuggled in. It was almost midnight and everyone was pooped. We glanced out of the steam laden windows and made-out Pastor Greeyvin’s tall Costa Rican figure, still retrieving and replacing our baggage like some sturdy, human sized crane.

It wasn’t long before we were chugging away towards the Northern parts of California. Now from our experience, the AMTRAK staff are fastidious about punctuality, yet not so fussy with the customer service aspect of their business. I’m sorry if I’m sounding a tad bitter about this particular organisation, I will only say that they make Greyhound look like the beacon of hospitality, and that’s saying a HEAP! It’s the difference between private enterprise and the public sector I guess (Shoosh to all of you Capitalists, I don’t want to hear another word about it! This issue would NEVER arise in Denmark, so please scoff for five seconds and be done with it!).

We all fell asleep within minutes of leaving Vista. I was lucky enough to find a resting place for my head, between my knees, leaving just enough of a gap between my legs for horrid, rank smells to lurk up from underneath the coach seats, and with the comfort of my legs against my face’s rosey cheeks, almost leaving me with permanently significantly higher and fuller cheeks (the effects hoped for through plastic surgery).

A VERY tall African American man got on the bus and sat next to me. He wore his hood over his head, so that the front of the hood came down to where his nose was. He also wore sunglasses, but it was the middle of the night!? I wanted to ask questions and make conversation, but I could tell through his body language (back towards me) that a 2am conversation simply would not eventuate.

I slept some more and was overjoyed upon our arrival at the AMTRAK train station in wherever it was we were. There was an eerie sort of feeling as we transited from our bus to our 4am train. I think I remember fog, but I do have a fairly active imagination…

We all sat closer together on the train, having learnt from experience that trains and busses fill up and it’s preferential to sit next to a family member, rather than a complete stranger (the travelling gamble!).

Again we fell asleep and awoke just in time for breakfast. Too expensive to buy food on the train, so for this moment in time we just listened to our stomach grumblings and hoped for a buffet meal in Sacramento.

Our transfer to coach was so smooth I don’t even remember it. We arrived in Sacramento, grabbed our bags, and headed for the car park. Thank the good Lord, Jeff Pitnikoff, the Youth Leader at New Life, was waiting with another two fellas, Eddy and Carl.

Now I have to say straight up, that Jeff Pitnikoff is a go-getter, bring ‘em in, get ‘em saved, try anything, type of pastor. He’s a golden bloke, his wife sings like an angel, he has aDORable kids and we just love ‘em to death!

Jeff Pitnikoff, COOLEST youth pastor in the World, totally BLEW us away...

Eddy, on the other hand, was a rather funny chap, who liked to muck about, get into troubled, lead from behind, etc. He has forever left an impression on us - he reminded us of an African American Charlie Chaplin type!

Our Favourite Lad, Eddy, a TRUE CHAMPION for the Cause of Jesus Christ, and Starbucks... ha ha

Carl, an instant Filipino friend (what Filipino do you know who isn’t instantly a friend?), was fairly quiet and good humoured. He ended up touring with us a fair bit in Davis and San Francisco. We know our paths are going to cross a bit again in the future. We learnt through our time with Carl, that he immigrated to America several years ago, loves listening to the voice of God and obeying, has a heart to serve his Church, and currently assists his Mum who is suffering with a battle against cancer.

Carl Impressing both New Lifers and Capital on the Edge people, with a FLIP

We drove to New Life Church and unpacked our belongings. More floor space to sleep on, and plenty of dark corridors for midnight spookiness. A coke machine, a kitchen, no shower, we were at home and in paradise.

Lizzie and the kids werre offered a home with Steve and Pam (New Life Church folks), and snapped up the offer. Controlled house temperatures, a fridge stocked with goodies, scintillating conversations and a shower, a WARM shower (something we’re not completely accustomed to). Could this get any better? (Well yes! They also paid for Lizzie and the girls to have their hair cut – what a treat!)

The second evening (Tuesday) we performed our street theatre production, “Created”, for the church’s youth group and for several blokes who were participating in some kind of live-in program, akin to Teen Challenge. I can categorically say that it was the worst performance of our entire Californian tour. The youth group were a tad stunned by our show and didn’t say booh, nor clap, nothing. On top of that, the boys had too much space and it ate them up! They relaxed and just went through the motions, like they were back in Nicaragua atop the sawdust (one of our practice spaces).

Out of Time and out of Sync, Performing "Created" for New Life

After our dud hour of sharing, we mingled with the youth and adults and through conversation I was shocked by what I learnt. New Life Community Church in Sacramento consists of a bunch of folks who are genuine about welcoming in hurting and broken people (Isn’t that what all Churches need to be about?).

I only chewed the fat with a few of the congregation at this first “meeting”, but from what I could reckon, the people in this Church were previously damaged and on their way DOWN beneath the ground, but now were going somewhere, people on the mend towards wholeness. New Life Community Church, what a tremendous family! They are the example Christ gave to us; loving and nurturing everyone in their path.

Upon leaving New Life Community Church, I was handed the testimony of a youth member, and this is what was written:

So when I was little, I lived in Accokeek, Maryland with my parents. We had a great life then things went downhill from there.

When I was 5 years old, my grandma passed away from lung cancer. My mom would take care of her every day and night. She meant so much to me.

One day my mom got a call at work saying her mom got rushed to the hospital. My mom had got there at 10:40am and my grandma died at 10:30am.

I never got to say goodbye. All I said was "I love you grandma, I’ll see you after school.” Then I cried for a long time…

I was very sad and I think about her every day that she is gone.

About a couple of weeks after she passed my dad left me, my mom and brother. We were left with no plan to go anywhere…

We ended up leaving my house, animals, and important people in my life. We moved to Missouri with my aunt and we were at her house for a few months. Then we were in about three different apartments but my mom started drinking about 5 or 6 years ago and I was scared. She had so much depression all she had was alcohol.

Then about a year ago we were sent to foster care because of my mom’s drinking. It got really bad at some points.

My brother and I were in foster care for about two months. I was miserable. I didn’t want to live anymore. I couldn’t take it anymore. It was horrible. I hated my life sometimes.

Then on the first of June, 2012, my dad came to get me and my brother and we have been here (Sacramento, with dad) since.

I just hope my life gets better. Thanks for listening and reading.

Darling Treasure… (name omitted to protect privacy)

And so we had the complete honour of travelling around town with these precious people, sprinkling a bit of love here and there, on whoever would stop to receive.

Capital on the Edge Walking around, Downtown Sacramento

On one of the days we were with New Life, we were granted the opportunity of hooking up with the San Francisco Dream Center and participated in a prayer walk around the Californian Capital building, which is really beautiful, might I just add – stacks of fruit trees adorn the lawns, and there are pretty little paths winding through the building’s gardens. 

Capital on the Edge in Californian Congress Room 444

Funny to think that for so many years Arnie Schwarzenegger trotted his little bot-bot from one end of the political building to the other, organising his little administration and telling them to get things done or “I’ll be back!”

We prayed in the Assembly, as well as in Committee Room 444. We prayed for the issues facing California, one of which was the topic of “gay marriage.” California has said that gay marriage is a “no-go” and the matter was at the time being pursued in the US Supreme Court. It was really awesome to see our boys praying their hearts out, in a place of such political importance. Can you imagine? These boys, whom nobody even notices in Nicaragua, were praying for America’s political leadership? Top stuff…

Capital on the Edge & New Life Youth Group, outside of the Californian Congress

On that same day we also went and did a bit of flashing at the local mall to advertise New Life’s Youth Extravaganza. We needed something sensational and eye catching, and you know our Elizabeth – if anyone’s got a crazy idea, it’s her…

So off we went to the local mall. Pastor Jeff, New Life Youth Pastor, organised the youth to stand around the perimeter with flyers, whilst Elizabeth got our Nica-boys into position. I monitored the Brien children (Francesca, Lorenzy-Ella, Sezni & Rafael) & security guards.

We turned the music on and the flash-mob began. My hip started bounding just a smidge, however I restrained myself. Within seconds security guards swarmed around us, but didn’t come in for the kill until their head fella arrived. 

Capital on the Edge & New Life's FLASHMOB in the Local Mall (Sacramento)

But it was too late, the boys had completed their BBoy and Tricking routine (breakdancing & gymnastics), and we’d already drawn our crowd and handed out stacks of flyers. It was kind of humourous in a sense, because the security guards didn’t know who to detain as EVERYONE held a flyer in their hands.

At the end of the show I told the boys to scram, which they didn’t really do (some did, some didn’t, I did!). The security guards circulated through the crowd and the youth threw their jackets on the rolling-sound-system and strolled away (their acting skills were SENSATIONAL!!!).

Elizabeth approached the security blokes and asked if we could perform again. They encircled her, like kittens to a bowl of milk. They appeared to be rather stressed out about the whole thing, which just made us chuckle all the more. I think one of them started making references to the Vietnam War, as he was so upset by our illegal activities – it was delicious!

Anyway, we resorted to other tricks like going into shops and chatting with patrons. I was doing just fine until someone wouldn’t take my silly little flyer, some big, butch, tattoo-clad meat-head type. It probably didn’t help that I called out “you’d better watch your car cause I’m going to slash your tyres.” (WWJD) What can I say, the adrenalin was pumping – we did a runner...

If you would like to learn more about who our Nica-Youths are, or to support them, please visit their page, SUPPORT Nica-Talent

To learn more about our street theatre production, "CREATED", please visit our page, NICAVANGELISTS: "CREATED", North American Tour (2013)

If you would like to see a video of some of our Nica-Youths practicing, please CLICK HERE. 

We are not up to budget, and travelling with 14 people is very expensive. We need an investment from Christian people for our next evangelism tour to the Midwest. To support us or make a once off donation, please visit our page, Contemplating SUPPORTING something significant?

To learn more about New Life Community Church, please CLICK HERE

POST by JED: California Dreamin (Part 4)

Sue, my SUPERHERO!!!

Every child loves a superhero. Mine’s name was Sue Dickey… This woman lived close to us, just a short stroll down an expansive corridor, in an old monastery, with the name “YWAM” (Youth With A Mission) slapped on the front. We lived in Canberra, the political capital of Australia.

For the most part, YWAM was a heavenly place for a child to grow up, but at times it was difficult. For example, every person who’d spent five minutes at the mission thought they were your parent.  You never really felt at home, unless you were me, which of course made everyone else feel quite less at home. There were soooooooooooooooooo many stupid rules like “don’t run in the ridiculously long hallways,” which administrators spent hours dreaming up. The superfluous rules to an 8 year old? Ridiculous…

Anyway, Sue opened up my world. She took me horse riding, made me co-pilot wherever we went, gave me access to the digging equipment so that we could build our all-important underground cubbies/forts, let me sleep-over, came with us on holidays, everything.

Sue was a good sport too, took knocks on the chin, defended me to the death (DOWN WITH THE ADMINISTRATION!), made dumb obligatory-stuff fun, and was my best friend. Well, if there was a character like that in San Diego, his name was Jamesy-poohs.

James drove through the night to LA and collected us when we arrived in the US. He drove us around town and showed us the sights. He mucked about with our team and gave our boys stax of love and respect. He helped our girls to feel like Western teenagers and was a great reference point for Liz and I.

If there had have been a vote for the most outstanding would-be-host of the year, Jamey-poohs would have won hands-down. He bent-over-backwards serving us food and drinks, cleaning up after us, and then in the next hour was up the front leading worship. Then, after service, he had his apron on again and ran around after our every whim & fancy, of which we have many.

Ericson, Stivey, James & Jonny

The kid was on fire. And the best part? He works at the Vista Assembly, as an intern, for free… He doesn’t know exactly where his path will lead, but he’s on track. He’s a winner. He’s serving. He’s right where someone should be if they are waiting on God to be given a bit of direction. He’s an example of God’s heart, a server who leads from behind. I really cannot speak highly enough of this dude, and neither can our Nica-youths, they fell in love with him, and were left thinking that this fella represented every soul in the West – sadly mistaken I’m afraid…

James & Lorenzy

On Saturday we came “home” to the Camacho residence exhausted but satisfied. Our week was all but over and boy what fulfillment. We only needed to sleep, go to Church (3 times), then jump on a bus, then a train, then another bus, then be transported by car to New Life Church in Sacramento, and we would be at our very next “home.”

Of course Xinia was stirring the pot (of hot cocoa) when we arrived home. The spa was bubbling – volcanically. The popcorn began to pop, pop, pop. It was on for young and old!

Xinia put a dvd in the machine and moments later we found ourselves watching “Rio.” 3D glasses were handed out and comfy seats were formed on rugs, blankets, cushions, couches and laps. Xinia had clearly watched the movie before, laughing before things happened, preparing us for her favourite parts, and singing along with the ever-stylish Billy Joel (guesstimate).

Pastors Xinia & Greeyvin

Later I found Greeyvin taking a moment with Ericson. And it struck me just how wonderful this couple was. They had taken in 15 COMPLETE strangers and were parenting them all (including us! And you have no idea of how difficult Lizzie can be…).

Greeyvin has a smile a mile wide and speaks in hushed tones, responding to cues with grace and love. He fathers all who pause to question. Xinia just pours. She pours and pours and pours herself into those around her. I think I’m a similar age to Xinia, though want to say I’m a bit younger (apologies), but even I found myself being offered a pure love by Xinia, I was being filled up with Christian, sisterly/motherly, nurturing, caring love.

In fact, so great was their love for us they offered to have the Latino youth, from Vista Assembly, over for a BBQ on Saturday. There were SO MANY of us, it was ridiculous. But that’s what happens when you have BIG hearts.

Greeyvin & Xinia were the perfect hosts. When the Latinos arrived there was plenty of time for mingling (an important moment in Latino socialising… There were 15 or us and let’s say 20 of them, with everyone hugging and kissing that’s somewhere in the vicinity of 300 interactions!!! Yes, it took a while…). A wee bit awkward, because there were so many gorgeous people and our boys become shy when confronted with masses of beauty. However, soldier on we did!

Then, Greeyvin organised people to be doing stuff. There was volleyball and soccer, cards, video games, board games, basketball, etc. You name it, we played it! And Greeyvin? Sleeves rolled up and in there with the rest of them.

Now you could image at something like this, on your day off, being the hostess would mean preparing everything and then retreating to the boudoir to escape the hullabaloo. Well not our Xinia! She didn’t shut herself in her room and spend the time painting her nails, no! She ran around organising the food, chatting with the guests, playing practical jokes and generally getting into all sorts of trouble. At this point in our stay, it seemed our hosts’ age levels became slashed in half, but their maturity and wisdom continued to soar.

On Sunday we were given the opportunity of sharing about our ministry in the Latino Service. It was a highly emotional time. You only have to watch Toy Story 3 in Spanish to learn just how deeply feeling Latinos can be. I was with my students and dear Mrs Sarah De La Torre (my Lincoln School, 4th grade teaching colleague) at the movies in Plaza Del Sol, Guadalajara, and broke down into a state of deep sobbingliness. I was so touched – the voices, they spoke to my heart!

Pastor Greeyvin & our Nicavangelists, sharing with the Church about Capital on the Edge

My favourite student, a VERY naughty boy who I wanted to give knuckle sandwiches to on a daily basis, took my hand and mockingly said “It’s aaawkay, Miss-tear Beee (think Undalay, undalay, yiiiii ha, yiiiii ha), heeeeeeeeeeear doesn’t die in da eeeeee-eeeeeend (arriba, arriba)” Gracias Brian. You’re still staying in at lunch!

I went to the front of the Church, gave a brief history of Capital on the Edge (Jed, Liz, our kids, the mission, etc.) and then had the boys perform a quick 5 minute dance. The congregation looked on with faces slightly shocked, but not displeased. After their performance, I was completely unprepared for the rousing applause and standing ovation. Touched? I was floored!

I became a little choked up when trying to proceed, sharing about the boys’ lives and about what we feel called to. I decided it would be easier just to have the boys introduce themselves, seeing as though everyone there was fluent in Spanish – it just made sense. I handed the microphone over to Yordy and it quickly turned into a game of “hot potatoe.” I grabbed the microphone back and handed it to Jonny, who is generally our most mature Nica-Youth.

Jonny introduced himself and spoke with ease. He was a great example of public speaking to the other boys, and thankfully they in turn followed suit. Yordy, who is a rather nervous fellow (we believe he has Asperger’s Syndrome, like Sezni, and I just cannot help but love him as my son…), even gave it a bash. They all started laughing at something Yordy said, and although in that moment he was being very serious, and was really confused to the source of their bemusement, he began to laugh as well.

I thanked the Church and went on to share about what true discipleship is, using the boys and our family as examples, and then I went to sit down. Pastor Greeyvin grabbed my arm and informed me that the congregation would like to pray for me.

Moments later I found myself in a prayer mosh pit, completely unable to breathe and nearly delirious from the heat. I don’t think there was a part of my body that wasn’t being touched by a member of the congregation, and although there was no reason at all to be concerned, it did tippy-toe across the whole personal space thingy. No matter! Hearts were being touched, lives were being changed. Just drop it Gringo and flow…

Now the Pentecostal Latino Christians are like the Korean Christians – when praying, everyone has “a go” at once! The roar was deafening. One of the chaps directly in front of me just went-off with his prayer, practically begging the Kingdom to infuse itself into little ol’ Jeddy.

This dude was the surreal! The real deal! It was almost as if he could see what was going on in the Spiritual realm. His crying was fairly high-pitched and loud, and the spitting factor was off the charts (handkerchief to face in a mock-drying-tears-away motion, also learnt immediately that I had to keep my mouth closed, and pray in tongues through my nostrils – a new form of communication with God, no less understandable to him).

I just loved this man’s heart. Giving away his inhibitions he truly blessed me this day. He interceded for me with God himself, and threw as much love upon me as the HS could channel through the sprightly vessel.

When finished, we were whisked away to the Latino Kiddy Church where we performed another song and dance, and then were blessed with more prayers, which were no less fiery than in the adult service. And onwards and upwards to the youth service. The Latinos sure know how to have Church!

Another song, ANOTHER dance, and then it’s time for testimonies. Now this is where the rubber hits the road for our boys. Some of these youths have known poverty. They certainly, for the most part, completely “get” the culture. The boys know how to turn-it-on for Church, but my fear is always that they’re not being honest with themselves (doing, but not living their Christianity).

Beycker went forward to share and sat on a chair. This lad has a beaut Mum, three sisters and a brother. He is a soft-hearted kid, with a long history. In short, Beycker’s father has two wives, who both have kids (he lives with the first wife, away from his father), and he also has a girlfriend and regularly visits prostitutes.

The Nicaraguan youth are a fatherless generation. There are “no” dads. The dads were either killed in the war, or by natural disasters, or through illnesses associated with poverty, or left Nicaragua due to the brain drain, and so forth.

The men who are left in Nicaragua have been a very poor example to their children (gross exaggeration here, I apologise for the many cases that are completely different from what I’m writing about), and now Nicaragua finds itself buried in a state of perpetual performance, pretending to be Christians when people are looking, and then running around getting into all sorts of sins when away from the microscope.

Beycker shared honestly and made us proud. More importantly, I truly believe he touched God’s heart that day. The tears began to flow, not from me, but from Beycker and the youth. There were more prayers and group hugs, and then we zipped out the door in a tremendous flurry.

Previously, at our first Sunday service, we had been blessed with awesome support from the early-birds. I had become incredibly choked up, I guess because it was my first time sharing (with the Nica-Talent present) about the boys and the horrendous experiences they’ve had (being sold as prostitutes, having to prostitute themselves for food, being given away/up, working the streets as children, their experiences with child trafficking, being fatherless, etc.). I plugged away, but was surprise by just how emotional I felt at that point in time. My immediate thought was, “boy, these kids really feel like they’re my sons. I love ‘em!”

The boys came humbly forward and danced their little tootsies to the core. I watched their audience, who seemed disconnected but pleasant. Upon the CRASH (the last sound of the dance) of the music, there was a two second pause and then BOOM, up they stood, one-by-one, clapping and cheering and calling out words of encouragement. God had certainly given us a pearl for our first stop in the USA; San Diego was an unexpected blessing that fell with a BANG from Heaven.

After the service, a couple who work in the Church, Marco & Kris, came up to us and blessed us in every-which-way… I cannot tell you how much this couple blessed us. Besides Greeyvin and Xinia, this couple were the most significant influence over us on our journey through San Diego. They are understated humble types, who go about their days serving others, discipling, boosting morale through encouraging smiles, hugs and handshakes, offering to help, praying for people, and giving – and BOY DO THEY GIVE! Thank you Marco and Kris!!!

Capital on the Edge in San Diego, with our HERO, Marco, dead-center in the bright green...

A mega-surprise for us was finding that Walther and Dommy, from Guadalajara (they’re originally from Peru / Minnesota), had flown in for a few days to San Diego. Fantastic boost for us! It was so “WOO-HOO” to see ‘em. They both were given a week off for Easter and decided to use the time to visit with friends in the area and hadn’t even known we were going to be there (and neither had we! Ha ha). So it was just one of those nice-GOD-moments where we were blessed with an extra dose of familiarity (really great for our kids), especially because this couple are SO important to us, both from our past and for our future.

Dominique and Walther, our GREAT friends in Guadalajara, Mexico

Now just two more people to mention before we get on a bus/train/bus combo for Sacramento. Firstly, Pastor Steve.  What a legend! Open face, warm smile, completely generous and from a heart of love – same goes for all of his staff, his Church is a breeding ground for loving hearts.

I was astounded by his honesty and his desire to push-in to the things of God, away from the comforts of seeker-sensitive fake-Church. If you’re anywhere near San Diego, you have a genuine Church Family, waiting with arms open wide. Get there if you can, VISTA ASSEMBLY…

Gayelee… This handbag swinging loveable thug, had me doubled over in pain from just ONE hug!!! I adore this woman, especially because of her genuineness. This woman goes straight in for the kill (or for the pain) and doesn’t take any prisoners. 5 minutes with the doll and you’ll be laughing and crying and everything in between (be warned, the handbag can attack without warning!).

Honestly, at first sight of Gayelee I was a tad bit apprehensive. Gayelee is not your average “I’m only doing this gig so I can work my way into an associate pastor’s position” kind of gal. She takes her work seriously and doesn’t mince words. She’s a forty-something sweet-heart, and has the youth lingo down-man.

Great moment for me - Through Gayelee I was reminded me of the Father’s heart of love. I think in the Aussie AG we can tend to get a bit stuck on the Cross, confused about the Holy Spirit, and give away anything to do with our Heavenly Father.

Our prayers can tend to be a bit Jesus this, and Christ that, and Holy Spirit come, if you know what I mean…

BUT, Gayelee shared with me that it all started with God the Father. It was HE who felt such love for our sick and dying world that HE sent his ONLY son. Yes, Jesus lived for love, he died for love and we were blessed by being left with the Holy Spirit. I think we all get that. However, it was HE who gave… And out of a heart FULL of love… Gaaaaaaylee, you treasure! Get down to Nicaragua – next summer???  

We are now in California, to share Jesus with our World. 

If you would like to learn more about who our Nica-Youths are, or to support them,  please visit their their page, SUPPORT Nica-Talent

To learn more about our street theatre production, "CREATED", please visit our page, NICAVANGELISTS: "CREATED", North American Tour (2013)

If you would like to see a video of some of our Nica-Youths practicing, please CLICK HERE. 

We are not up to budget, and travelling with 14 people is very expensive. We need an investment from Christian people for our next evangelism tour to the Midwest. To support us or make a once off donation, please visit our page, Contemplating SUPPORTING something significant?

To learn more about Vista Assembly of God, please CLICK HERE