Monday, September 29, 2008

God is Good

My pastor, Pastor G as we call him, was the guest speaker at a Baptist church this Sunday morning, and it was great to hear him tell people his testimony, because he has an incredible one. He was 3 when his Hells Angels biker dad left his family, and eight when his mother was murdered in front of him. He grew up without hardly any parental supervision or guidance, and he himself joined a gang, sold drugs, and was addicted to cocaine by the time he was seventeen. He was ready to end his life. He thought he was no good and that no one would ever miss him. He was wandering the streets of L.A., contemplating taking his own life, when he came across a church. He had not been taken to church ever before, but something led him to seek help within those walls. He went inside, told the greeter that he needed to talk to someone, that he was at the end of his rope, and that if they didn't have any answers for him, he was going to go home, get his gun and end it all. The greeter quit smiling and went and got the pastor. He sat down and talked with Pastor G, who was amazed to see a pastor with tattoos and jeans on. Pastor G told his story of hopelessness, and the pastor told him that he, too, came from a broken home, that he had also been in a gang, and that it was in prison where he first heard about Jesus. He found freedom in Christ while he was incarcerated, and when he got out, God told him to pastor a church in L.A. He said that Jesus had completely changed his life and gave him peace, happiness, and joy. Pastor G gave his life to Christ that day. And God wasn't finished blessing him, because the pastor pulled out a picture and showed it to Pastor G. It was a picture of him when he was a little boy. This pastor was his father. I know it sounds crazy, but it really happened like that. God reunited these two in an amazing way.

I loved seeing peoples' mouths drop to the floor when they heard that. They were also a little nervous because..my church is not your average church. We have about every kind of person you could imagine there, including a biker ministry, which was greeting at the Baptist church this Sunday. I know it is unconventional, but I love my church and feel so blessed to be a part of it. I wanted to show a video of when we were on "The 700 Club" so that you can see a little of what I am talking about. Going to a different church made me feel so grateful to be in the place that I am; not that there is anything wrong with conventional services, I just feel like my church is truly unique and I always am excited to go. Okay, link is below. Love you guys.

Angela
Richmond Outreach Center on the 700 Club

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

wow ... that's hard to believe

Sitesx6 said...

I just found your blog from Lots of Scotts.

I just wanted to comment that you have a HUGE heart for God! It is so obvious. It is inspiring to find people who really are doing their best to be godly people in an ungodly world.

Keep up the GREAT work.

Blessings,
Kelly (Michigan)

jeleasure said...

Angela,
It is cool to read Pastor G's testimony as told by another. I visited the ROC specifically to hear his testimony about three years ago.
Thanks for sharing that.
Jim.
By the way, I'm back to blogging, again.

Unknown said...

high angie can i have ur email ad

jeleasure said...

Hey Angela,
My wife says she and I can attend service at the R.O.C. one Sunday and have a lunch with you if you like.
Feel free to decline. Even though I've seen you at WEAG, I would understand if you would rather not be personaly aquainted with my wife and I. The internet can be unsafe if you begin to invite people into your life this way.
Jim

Sitesx6 said...

Thank you so much for your comment on my brand new blog (You are my second comment EVER) :)

My muscles are soooo much better and I can walk without a limp now.

I've added your blog to my favs!

Keep up the God-work!
Blessings,
Kelly

Angela said...

Jim,
It would be great if you came to the ROC..services are Saturday night at 6, so maybe early dinner or dessert after.I won't be around this weekend but next weekend may work if my friend doesnt go into labor! Let me know what you think.
Angela

jeleasure said...

Very good Angela.
I will discuss it with Vicki. It will be a little difficult to coordinate with you. Tell me what time, on the 13th and at what location of the church to meet you. If you like, you may contact Vicki at her email address, located at her blog profile. She may offer you to call her if it seems easier to communicate. Email Vicki, she will, ofcourse gard your information from me. And, the two of you can stay abreast of any changes that may come up.
Jim

Diane Meyer said...

Angela, I just started reading Carol Kent's book, Laying your Isaac down.
My word, what a testimony. What a lesson we can learn.
Please God, help me learn these things!

Anonymous said...

I had actually heard of this church before from a friend of mine named Kerri that I used to work with as a summer camp counselor. She talked about Pastor G nonstop, and about "The Rock." Back then it had just started. It looks like Pastor G is being used by God to reach the un-reached there.