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Fullerton, California	Oakland, California	Truslow Park, Fullerton

The Lords Promise for Nation Ministry

In the many passages of the Holy Bible one can only imagine how the Lords hand brought forth, His promises that have been seen throughout past generations where the phenomenon of revival had taken place in such an overwhelming way that one cannot deny the truth of His word and promise.

When the day of Pentecost came, the early church was overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit in unity. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. (ACTS 2:42-44) The Lords desire and promise for Nation Ministry in the Fullerton community is to bring together the saints for the purpose of breaking the strongholds of the evil that exits. This community in Orange County, California. Is no different from other communities around the world, where good and evil dwell. Fullerton is a beautiful city to call home on the other hand it has it's problems, currently we are reaching out to the youth of this community in city parks with bible studies.

God's promise? In the days of Joshua, The Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and the valiant warriors. (Joshua 6:2) there after the Lord had Joshua take some peculiar steps in the conquest of Jericho, one would have to read the entire chapter to comprehend these instructions, it was not taken by human understanding it was conquered according to God's will, peculiar, indeed it was. In today's world it really makes senses. We are to walk in faith and not by sight! It's the awesome way God brings forth His promise.

Currently we do not have a building that we can call home, and that's where our faith comes into action as believers of His promise. The amusing part of all this we have followed the instructions that God gave Joshua. The Lord has given dreams and visions to myself and others in the community about a particular parcel of land that's been vacant since this city was founded. A church was build many years ago on the northwest corner of this lot, around the church there is several acres of empty land. "Why have so many had the same dream? We believe God has chosen this generation to proclaim His promise. Many folks might say what's the big deal we have so many churches in Fullerton, "True, but this ministry will have several church leaders involved, and a committee running it's daily business, this will truly be God's house, and not one particular pastor.

Reaching out to the local community is a huge part of this ministry, but Nation Ministry has a unique assignment and calling of reaching out to the millions of sports fans around the world through the National Football League the ministries outreach is entrenched to spread the gospel among the Oakland Raiders first, thereafter the plan is to reach out to the rest of the league. It's truly a unique ministry that will be based in the City of Fullerton, the benefits for the community will be overwhelming as God has promised through His word.

God would never have given us the Great Commission to go into the world and preach the gospel if He never intended for that to really happen. Peter tells us that the Lord is not willing "for any to perish but for all to come to repentance" (2Peter.3:9) The most important thing one has to recognize is that no one can do it alone. No pastor can singlehandedly fulfill that calling, regardless of how gifted he or she may be. Unless everyone of us catches the fire!

God doesn't do things at random. Like God did with Jeremiah, He plans our birth before we were conceived! He chose us, created us and then delicately placed us on His sovereign time and place. God never makes mistakes. Let's take this a step further. Of all the states in the United States of America, He has chosen for many to live in California. That believe in this ministry, God does the same for everyone of us by preselecting the city that we all live in now. He didn't place us in just any part of the city; He's placed us in the very neighborhood where we now reside! And furthermore, of all the churches He could have put you in He has placed you in one specific church. God does the rest, He uses all means for us believers to get the message of the gospel around the world. Now that's a miracle! God doesn't make any mistakes. He has a plan!

We find it written: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared our paths beforehand that we would walk in them! He has a plan for each and everyone of us, and it is our responsibility to find out what that plan is and then walk in it. The heartbeat of this ministry is to walk in unity with the body of Christ, along with all community outreach programs in this city. To illustrate to the world the joy of unity, by making a difference in people's lives. We ask for your prayers as this ministry moves forward in the assignment that God has given to the body of Christ in this community. We thank you for your prayers and praise to our Lord...Amen!

Sincerely,
Pastor Mando

 

- Extreme Makeover Call

In honor of Cesar E. Chavez's commitment to community building and service, hundreds of volunteers from the Truslow Park neighborhood, Maple School, Maple PTA, California Volunteers, City of Fullerton, and several faith groups through a grant from KaBoom! joined forces to build a new, safe, handicapped-accessible playground at Truslow Park. In less than eight hours, over 400 volunteers completed the task of building a beautiful new playground that would serve the families and kids of southwest Fullerton for years to come.

The playground's design is based on drawings provided by kids from the community who attended a play-ground "Design Day" earlier in the month of April 2009. The park renovation costs of $100,000. were donated by KaBoom! an organization dedicated to building a park within walking distance of every child. The City of Fullerton share cost of the project was $15,000.

Volunteers from the community assembled the playground structures, planted a community garden, worked on a variety of playground-and park-related projects and helped paint a mural dedicated to Cesar Chavez. Servant's came from all around, the residents of Fullerton demonstrated the heart and passion of a servant on that day. Collectively, the "Rebuild Truslow Park" project demonstrated that all it took was community cooperation and involvement for really big things to happen. Every volunteer made a difference for the kids and families by there generosity. Words of gratitude of service were spoken by guest speaker Julie Chavez Rodriguez the granddaughter of Cesar E. Chavez. As one of the participants in this event. I had the opportunity in asking Julie several questions of the opportunities, achievements and struggles her grandfather had to endure in his journey in service. It was a blessing to hear the countless stories. I then asked her thee intriguing question, was your grandfather a sports fan? Her response, my grandpa was a big fan of the "Oakland Raiders." There it is, Cesar E. Chavez was a member of the "Raider Nation!

- The KaBoom! Theory of Change

Picture a diverse group of volunteers collaborating to achieve the simple goal of building a play space in one day for children. Picture communities across the country tapping into KaBoom! planning tools and leveraging the collaborative support of corporate and community resources to achieve an immediate and visible playground for their neighborhood.

- Founder/ Darell Hammond

In August 1995, shortly after moving to Washington, D.C., 24-year-old Darell Hammond read a story in the Washington Post about two local children who suffocated while playing in an abandoned car because they didn't have anywhere else to play. Darell, who had previously helped build several playgrounds for other organizations, realized this tragedy could have been prevented. The passion was born, the idea was conceived. www.KaBoom.org

- Building Momentum

The more people heard about the mission of their fledgling nonprofit, the more they wanted to get involved. Vice President Al Gore and General Colin Powell helped KaBoom launch the LET US PLAY campaign in 1997 to build, renovate or provide technical assistance to develop 1,000 community-built playgrounds by the year 2000. Also in 1997, Kimberly-Clark partnered with KaBoom to build 38 playgrounds and CNA signed on as a new corporate partner. By 1999, KaBoom was building more than 50 playgrounds a year with seven Funding Partners. In the early years, the KaBoom vision was focused only on playgrounds and community building. Then, in 2003 they recognized that there was a need for safe places where older children could skateboard, inline skate and BMX bike. Boomer Dan Casey led the program development while Julie Cipriani created the logo, look and feel to make ESKAL8, their national skate park program, a reality. Using the same innovative community-build model used for playgrounds, the first ESKAL8 skate park was build with Snapple in Norwich, N.Y. on April 26, 2003. More skate parks soon followed in San Antonio, the Bronx, and Atlanta. Although no longer under the ESKAL8 name, KaBoom continues to build skate parks across the country and, with help of Boomers David Flanigan, Whitney Hampton, Melanie Barnes and Jen DeMelo, have even added ice rinks and athletic field renovations to the list of play spaces they've created. Last year, the National Football League, along with CNN News have combined forces to help support KaBoom! with it's projects.


- Honoring Cesar E. Chavez

In 1993, Cesar's family and friends established the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation to educate people about the life and work of this great American civil rights leader, and to inspire individuals and communities to carry on his values and timeless vision for a better world. The mission of this non-profit charitable organization is to maximize human potential to improve communities by preserving, promoting and applying the legacy and universal values of civil rights leader Cesar E. Chavez. California First Lady Maria Shriver and California Volunteers launched efforts to build community play spaces for more than 100,000 California children. As of this day thousands of volunteers have constructed playgrounds and skate parks in different communities across California in partnership with KaBoom! This theme has brought incredible revelation of serving others teaching our children the valuable life lesson of service.

Today, President & First Lady issue the call for volunteer service. KaBoom! is joining President Obama in the united we serve intiative so that Amercians can help other Americans. In planning and hosting a KaBoom! Play Day. For communities and people like ours.

"There is no better way to honor Cesar's legacy than to celebrate our youth by investing time and service in them," say's Paul Chavez, son of Cesar E. Chavez Foundation Chair. "If we show our future generations what Cesar taught us- that strong character and education are most beneficial when given back to help communities thrive; we only build for a better tomorrow. As Cesar said, "We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community. Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.

The Cesar Chavez Day holiday was established in 2000 to honor the legacy of labor leader Cesar E. Chavez. The significance and impact of Cesar's life transcends any one cause or struggle. He was a unique and humble leader, who influenced and inspired millions of Americans to fight for social justice and civil rights for the poor and disenfranchised in our society. Cesar forged a diverse national coalition of students, middle class consumers, trade unionists, religious groups, and minorities. A strong believer in the principles of non-violence practiced by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar effectively employed peaceful tactics such as fasts, boycotts, strikes, and pilgrimages. In 1968 he fasted for 25 days to affirm his personal commitment and that of the farm labor movement to non-violence. He fasted again for 25 days in 1972, and in 1988, at the age of 61, he endured a 36-day "Fast for Life" to highlight the harmful impact of pesticides on farm workers and their children.

Cesar passed away in his sleep on April 23, 1993, in San Luis, Arizona, only miles from his birthplace of 66-years earlier. More than 50,000 people attended his funeral service in the small town of Delano, California, the same community in which he had planted his seed for social justice. Cesar's life cannot be measured in material terms. He never earned more than $6,000 a year. He never owned a house. When Cesar passed, he had no savings to leave to his family. His motto in life-si se puede (it can be done)-embodies the uncommon and invaluable legacy he left for the world's benefit. Since his death, dozens of communities across the nation have renamed schools, parks street, libraries, other public facilities, awards and scholarships in his honor, as well as enacting holidays on his birthday, March 31. In 1994, the year after his death, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in America by President Clinton.

Cesar Chavez- a common man with an uncommon vision for humankind- stood for equality, justice, and dignity for all Americans. His principles remain relevant and inspiring today for all people. The Cesar E. Chavez foundation is to educate people about the passion and purpose life and work of this great American civil rights leader, and to engage all, particularly youth, to carry on his values and timeless vision for a better world. In the words of Robert F. Kennedy "One of the heroic figures of our time."

-Honoring The Servants

The art of creating a buzz throughout the city was successful and dynamic. We inspired others to rally behind the cause of transforming a little park called "Truslow Park" In the barrio. A creative way of impacting the community to serve. Creating a culture of generosity, it was like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle all coming together, a number of elements helped contribute to the effectiveness of the project-foundantional was a supportive community at it's very heart. United in organizing the event brought an awareness of togetherness. In truth we should take a biblical viewpoint of the people being honored here knowing that they had tapped into something powerful and divine, a community truly transformed by "Love" in serving each other, can only be deeply rooted in history...

For you were called to freedom, brother, only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for yourself, but through love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13;)

Pastor Mando
"keep the faith"

 

Pam Keller Greets Barak Obama

"God's Favor!

Sometimes we forget how special we are to God? Recently I received an email from Pam Keller who is the Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Fullerton, and friend of Nation Ministry. Who had the opportunity to attend President Obama's Town hall meeting in Costa Mesa California, the event was held at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

Pam's story touch my heart recognizing that the Lord had found favor on this servant of the people who has devoted her life by serving the community of Fullerton, California. She has served in many areas of this community.

Pam Keller, who was born Jan. 8, 1963 is a life-long California resident, she graduated from Fullerton Union High School, and went on to obtain a bachelor degree in child development from California State University at Fullerton. She quickly went to work for the Fullerton School District as an elementary school teacher. She now represents the district as Executive Director of the Fullerton Collaborative, which is a joint effort of the California State University, along with the Fullerton School District, and the Fullerton Union High School District, also working with the Fullerton Police and Parks and Recreation departments, and numerous community-based non-profit organizations, such as the YMCA, to provide service programs for the community. The List goes on in her role as a servant.

Now, how comforting it is to know that wherever we go God is there with us. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations and we wonder if God is paying attention. Then it happens, we realize that some how we found favor?

God knows our heart the desire to make a difference in this world. God is with us, leading us, guiding us, loving us, providing for us, all with His unlimited resources. He has it all. He is longing to pour out His favor and blessing upon us. We need to be open to Him and trust Him. By faith, to receive what He has for us. It is essential that we realize how much He loves us and that He has a good purpose and plan for us.

My hope, is that Pamela C. Keller's story blesses your heart to believe that favor is just around the corner. You can trust God. No matter what is going on in your life, He is there! God goes where ever you go.

Pastor Mando
"Keep the faith"
"faith working through love"...Galatians 5:6;

Obama, in the OC
By Pamela C. Keller

My eleven year old son Dakota, my girlfriend Sunbie and I were very lucky to
have tickets to Obama's Town hall meeting in Costa Mesa. The event was held
at the OC Fairgrounds. We arrived at 1:30 to find a VERY long line. We knew
many people in the line so it was fun making our way to the back! The
atmosphere was festive and everyone was well mannered. The entrepreneurial
spirit was in the air. Vendors were selling t-shirts, buttons, hats and
scarves. We only had enough cash to buy a few t-shirts so my Dakota now has
a new one with Obama's Face that says "HOPE".

As we got closer to the security gates I noticed other elected officials
that were being escorted in. I stayed in line with my friends until I was
swept up in a contingency that included Senator Lou Correa and Assemblyman
Jose Solorio. Dakota and I joined them and were able to get inside a bit
quicker. Once in however, we were told that we needed to go to general
seating. Tustin Council Woman Deborah Gavello and Laguna Beach Council Woman
Verna Rollinger joined us and we secured seating for all of our friends
outside...but we were wayyyyyy in the back of the crowd! There was a view of
the podium but it was far. Little by little we found seats one by one to
move closer. A huge thank you to my friend Monika Broome- she was working
the event and spotted a seat on the rail next to the podium. We sent Dakota
up to the seat so that he could have a ringside view of history. I gave him
my camera and went back to our original seats.

Just as the event was about to begin, a representative from the White House
approached Verna and asked if we were together- she said yes-everyone else
had scattered-He gave us a little card with a blue dot and said- go up to
the front and find the blue seats--it was a very random moment--we had no
idea where we were going but we knew it was better than where we were! When
we got to the front we found out that be would be sitting on the podium
behind the President! What an amazing feeling when we were standing on the
platform and listening to the National Anthem--the lights were bright and
hot and we were just feet away from where the president would be speaking!

It all happened so fast. Dakota was very close as well so he looked up and
was very surprised to see me! When President Obama walked in Dakota did his
photographer job but as the President came down the line he was able to
shake his hand. For me, that was an amazing moment- to see my child have the
experience of shaking his hand brought tears to my eyes and made the whole
trek worth it!

We realized our random seating put us in view of the cameras--My phone was
on my lap and I got a text from my dad that said, "I see you!" I mouthed "Hi
Daddy" and he saw me!--My husband is working in Texas so I sent him a quick
text to tell him to watch. Pretty soon my phone was going crazy--so many
people were telling me to ask him a question etc...I knew I was on the
cameras so wanted to have good manners--but since my camera was with my son,
I had to use the phone to capture some moments- then I had to send them-I
was trying to be discreet but of course I was reprimanded for my bad phone
manners by text--My favorite was "eyes on the prez keller"!

The crowd broke out in a chant-"OBAMA-OBAMA-OBAMA". It was like being in a
rock concert! Our president turned it into a serious moment- for a serious
time. I will need to go back and watch the taped version to remember all the
details of his speech but the part that stood out for me was the fact that
he says we need to stop blaming each other for problems. He said if we want
to blame someone-blame him. He will take responsibility and take action to
move us forward. How refreshing!

He talked about AIG- Bail outs- Banks-Immigration-Auto Industry -Education
and more.

Our President is an extremely charismatic speaker- the crowd bonded with him
instantly- he played off comments that were shouted out--"I love you
Obama"--"I love you guys too", he quickly replied.

Dakota's class had prepared a question together. I caught his eye and
encouraged him to raise his hand. He shook his head no-it was a huge,
intimidating crowd for an eleven year old who doesn't like a lot of
attention drawn to him- so I understood! Luckily, a teacher from Santa Ana
asked his question. She had received a pink slip- so had their teacher of
the year (just like ours in Fullerton). She wanted to know if there was any
hope and if there was going to be any money coming to the urban schools from
the recovery funds. His answer was that the majority of the money will be
for teacher retention- that was the good news- but he did not know exactly
how the formula for dispersment worked for California- I say we need to find
out quickly!

Obama turned to my section- we had been told that we would not be able to
participate- he joked that we should be able to be more than good scenery-
the two questions I had prepared had been asked--so unlike me--I did not
jump in (although my niece says he looked right at me and I should have
raised my hand!)

The last question was from a gentleman who had just lost his job after 13
years. He worked for Toyota. He is having trouble finding another job
because 20 years ago he committed a felony. He turned his life around, has
been steadily employed and has a family to support. He wanted advice. I told
his wife afterwards that I think her husband will have a new job by
tomorrow!

After his speech we positioned ourselves along the edge of the platform.
President Obama worked through the crowd and finally got to us. I reached
for him over many heads. I handed him my business card which he tucked into
his pocket! Then I leaned in, grabbed him by the hand and said that I had a
question from the children in the Fullerton School District. I had been
reading in a classroom that morning and a little girl wanted to know if he
reads to his daughters. He said, "Of course I do- reading is very
important"--WOW! I had a conversation (however brief) with the President of
the United States--on a most important subject- our children and literacy!

He went back along the rail and gave my Dakota a hug! Our friend Art was
there too (he was working the event as a team captain)-Art received a huge
bear hug from our president as well! I was so excited for them!

Dakota does not like to express his feelings but when I asked about his
experience he gave me his Dakota smile so I know he was impressed:) He
laughed when I told him he would be telling this story to his grandchildren!

Could this have really happened? Pinch me and wake me up!

 

	Local Raider Nation Ministry is Heavenly Inspired By Matt Coker in A Clockwork Orange, Gimme That OC Religion, Sports
Photo by John Gilhooley "Pastor Mondo" Armando Leon, who is shown in this 2005 photo above the cross-tattooed shoulder of Raiders Boosters of Orange County president Larry Garcia, founded Nation Ministry this season.	Should the Oakland Raiders bounce back from their close opening night loss to the San Diego Chargers at Oakland Coliseum Sept. 14 and miraculously mount a winning season, perhaps it will be because they have The Big Guy on their side. No, that is not a reference to rotund Raiders coach Tom Cable, rotund Hall of Fame Raiders coach John Madden or fat-headed owner Al Davis. The Big Guy in this instance is God, Yahweh, the Ultimate Referee. And local "Raiders for Christ" are looking to him for supreme guidance this season. Anyone who has followed the Raiders in recent years knows they need divine help. Armando "Pastor Mando" Leon founded the Raiders Boosters of Orange County in 1983, when the ballclub was still playing (and winning) in Los Angeles. A life-changing experience in 2000 prompted Leon to become a pastor at Foursquare Gospel denomination church. He remains a member of the Raiders Boosters although he handed the leadership reins to others years ago. Now he has founded a new ministry, Nation Ministry. That's "Nation" as in "Raider Nation" and "Ministry" as in "turning people on to God." "The Lord several years ago put it in my heart to take the message of the gospel to the Raider Nation," Leon explains. "The Internet has become an effective method to relay the message of gospel." He's been able to use football images to spread the Word and his connections with the Raiders to help his ministry. The team, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary and officially promotes boosterism more than any other NFL franchise, is helping with Nation Ministry's family education programs that trumpet "playing by the rules" and warn about the dangers of gangs, alcohol, drugs and teen-pregnancy. The Raiders and Nation Ministry have also teamed to provide an escape for at-risk families by allowing them to attend Raiders home games. For every home-game ticket you buy through the ministry this season, the Raider organization will donate money toward more tickets and stadium food vouchers that these families can use in the Coliseum's "family friendly areas." For more information regarding tickets and ticket prices, visit NationMinistry.com. And just pray, baby!