PSWR Disciples,
May the peace of God be with you.
As I travel the region, I often wish for you to journey with me and see what I see across our geographical territory. Here are some photos from these past few days highlighting a place or two of where I have been and where others are doing amazing ministry on your and our behalf.
Mark Anderson, President, National Benevolent Association and I were able to visit Faith Christian Church: Safe House and its’ “Seeds of Faith Garden.” Last year, it was established by the youth and young adults. It was great to see the realization of their efforts, fresh, and harvested vegetables for the neighbors. (July 2025).
In response to the immigration raids, arrests, and deportations. We (clergy and I) have been at Prayer Vigils and Marches in and all around the LA County surrounding areas. More local information can be found on CLUE: Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice, LA Voice, and Church Wide on Justice and Advocacy, Disciples Legal Counsel, Congregational Solidarity - Obra Hispana and Immigrant and Refugee Response - Week of Compassion.
In celebration of the first graduating class of the Convencion Hispana del Pacifico – Bi-Lingual Certificate and Diploma of Ministry Education (National City, CA, and Online). I was able to witness the tears of the student’s filled with pride over their accomplishments as well as Pastor Gomez (Convencion Moderator) gazing upon his wife’s joy and her testimony.
We are grateful for some of the youth from First Christian Church – North Hollywood, their Pastor and Youth Director who as part of a mission trip were able to help improve Loch Leven Camp and Retreat Center’s Inspiration Point and Campbell Lodge (August 2025). If you’re PSWR Disciples congregation is interested in doing something similar, please call Gustavo, our Loch Leven Camp and Retreat Center site manager for more details.
In celebration with Harbor Christian Church that is launching a new ministry – Living Coast Ministry and the completion of a renovated space where students in a weeklong residential program can learn about an ecological spirituality and more. harborchristianchurch.com/living-coast-ministry
These are all treasures in clay jars (earthen vessels) the apostle Paul writes about (2 Corinthians 4). Where are you seeing unbreakable hope around you?
Pray Always. Speak Out on behalf of the Voiceless. Do the difficult work of common good.
Blessings,
Richie