Saturday, June 30, 2007

I'm Speaking At Wildwood Calvary Tomorrow!

Hello All,

I'll be speaking at Wildwood Calvary tomorow for the Morning Services, 8:30 & 10:30 respectively. The church meets at Yucaipa High School right on Yucaipa boulevard. I am looking forward to addressing the subject of The Gospel, and I am tentatively calling the message: "The Nature Of The Gospel." Please pray as I conclude my final notes tonight and pray that the Lord will use this message in a great way among the congregation tomorrow.

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez

Thursday, June 28, 2007

More Reasons To Choose Another Career!

Hello All,

I purposely waited to share these statistics with you until I had a very good day! Today was a good day, which likely means tomorrow might be a little rough! I'll be hoping for the best. I say that cause I do not intend this to be a "woe-is-me" entry, nor should it be a justification for anyone to take that stance. I bring these stats to your attention, in the hopes that you might pray harder for your Pastor and be more mindful of the struggles that he might be facing.

I read these statistics on Pastor Larry Taylor's blog, a man who was one of my favorite Bible College profs. I always remember him saying to us that if we could choose anything other than Pastoral work, that we should! I believe that that is what every Pastor tells someone who desires to enter into the Ministry. These are not his statistics. He got them from www.shilohplace.org. Here are a select few:

• 1,500 pastors leave the ministry permanently each month in America.

• 4,000 new churches start each year in America.

• 7,000 churches close each year in America.

• 50% of pastors’ marriages end in divorce.

• 70% of pastors continually battle depression.

• 80% of pastors and 85% of their spouses feel discouraged in their roles.

• 70% of pastors do not have a close friend, confidant, or mentor.

• 50% of pastors are so discouraged they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way to make a living.

• 80% of seminary graduates who enter ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.

• 80% of pastors’ wives feel their husbands are overworked.

• 80% of the adult children of pastors sought professional help for depression.

• 90% of pastors said their training was inadequate for ministry.

• 85% of pastors report that their biggest problem is dealing with abstinent elders, deacons, worship leaders, worship teams, board members, and associate pastors.

• 90% of pastors said the hardest thing about ministry is uncooperative people.

• 70% of pastors are grossly underpaid.

• 90% of pastors said ministry was completely different from what they thought it would be.

• Only 70% of pastors felt called of God into ministry when they began.

• Only 50% of pastors felt called of God into ministry three years later.

• 80% of pastors’ wives feel pressured to be someone they are not and do things they are not called to do in the church.

• Over 50% of pastors’ wives feel that their husbands entering ministry was the most destructive thing to ever happen to their families.

Sort of depressing huh!? Who knows what the stories are behind these statistics and how things got so bad for the families that are represented by these numbers. All that I can say is that these struggles are very real and worth praying about.

Perhaps our prayers will help stem the tide in our Pastor's lives!

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez

Monday, June 25, 2007

Frequently Asked Question

Hello All,

I hope that you are enjoying the summer heat. I'd have to say that it's not that bad...yet! Oh, fear not, just as there is an expectancy that there will be traffic on the 91, so also is there an expectancy of temperatures rising into the stratosphere. Don't worry Californians, the heat wave will only last through next March!

I wanted to address a question that I get frequently asked. I am asked this by all kinds of people, even people who don't know me that well! In fact, just the other day, I was taking out my trash when a neighbor approached me and asked, "So, when are you going to start your own church?" I answered him, but laughed on the inside. We rarely talk, so a question about this subject seemed unlikely.

It's happened at gas stations, at the gym, at my mechanic's garage, and of course, in church hallways! I have to admit that I am flattered that these people, all well meaning, most of them my friends, believe that I would be a candidate for such a position.

In the moment when the question is asked, I have let it suffice to answer briefly, "No." Sometimes when it has been asked, I have only known to answer that way. However, as time has passed, I have really come to a good answer as to why I am not starting a church or taking a head Pastor's position now, or anytime in the near future.

First, it goes back to a conversation I had with Pastor Ed Rea, that was repeated several times. It was his response to my question about God's leading in my life. I often asked him and others where they thought I was going in my life. As usual, Ed had the best answer. He told me, and later Lela, that we could determine what was in our future by what God had done by way of preparation in the past. He provided a visual that has stuck with me since that time. It's like picking up your footprints and throwing them out in front of you! With that in mind, I begun to examine my ministry life.

My first real ministry experience came when I took over the Junior High group back in 1993 at the Packinghouse. John Battler, a good friend and one of the funniest men I know, was deciding to move on and I was asked by Jim Scheer to take the Junior High group. I was not a Pastor, I was 19, almost 20, going on 17 and I was a lousy leader. I kept plodding away though, and was able to turn that ministry over to Aaron Hale back in 2001.

During that same time period, I was asked to take over the worship ministry at Redlands, at least the other half that Pastor Ed was not doing. Lela and I did worship on Wednesday nights and then every other Sunday from 1998 through to 2003. That time was especially sweet, but again, I inherited it, took it from where it was and did my best to enhance it. I left those ministries in the very capable hands of my good friend Brad Bischoff, and most of the rest of the illustrious team known to us as Brad San Nieves.

Toward the end of that time, 2001 to 2003, I inherited the College Ministry from Jim Scheer, who was building a building at the time. Same story: I plodded away and raised up an amazing team of people and then I handed that ministry back to Jim Scheer before I left for Spain.

Then Spain came along, and the goal was to learn the language, and eventually free Pastor Carlos to work part or full time among the Moroccans.

All this to say that my path seems infinitely clear. I take things already established and healthy over and plod away faithfully until I can raise up a replacement. I have never started a single ministry. Does this mean that I won't or can't? No, but it would be a surprise with regard to how the Lord has led me and Lela.

Second, a Senior Pastor needs to have the freedom to go after a Church. In our family dynamic, the children demand so much attention right now at their age, that to leave Lela to tend to them, while I go full out into a demanding ministry, would be entirely irresponsible. In 10 years, that story will likely be radically different and there will be different struggles, but we will not likely be worrying about Lizzy breaking cell phones, writing on walls, etc. (Yes, she broke our cell phone today! Gotta love those 2 year olds!) At 16, Renae, we are hoping, will be a very responsible loving sibling. We'll see.

Finally, watching Chris has shown me that there are areas of the ministry that I have never thought about. I do not have philosophies about Children's ministry, or women's ministry for example. I have no idea how to run a church checkbook or a board meeting. These things are what my current post as the Assistant Pastor will allow me to learn without having to be totally responsible for how it turns out. I can watch patiently and learn so that if and when the Lord calls me into some sort of ministry, I will be as ready as I can be.

Of course, as I write all of this, there has to be the context that we all have to put next to our plans and visions for our lives. It reads: Subject To Change If God So Wills! If He wants something different, you can ask me and I can tell you from experience, that He will accomplish His will and He won't have me arguing with Him...at least not for long!

Perhaps a group of people will one day group together and get something going that might someday make sense for us to join. Or perhaps, a church that I am in fellowship with, there are several, might one day have a need for a Pastor. Maybe God will call me out of ministry entirely in order to be a representative in Apple's company! In ministry, you have to be ready for anything. God moves in mysterious ways and Lela and I remain open to what He wants to do and where He might eventually call us.

For now, He is planting us in Irvine with Calvary Laguna, alongside Chris and Tatum Norman. We are so pleased to be there and so thankful to God for fitting us into a great environment and a great body of believers. It's a little scary in that, we like it so much, I am often afraid that God will call me out of it!

Hey, it's His life after all, right!?

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez

Friday, June 22, 2007

Miscellany III

Hello All,

Time for a quick wrap up on all things Sanchez...time for Miscellany III, the blog that allows me to touch on subjects affecting this last week all in one entry!

We Are In The Market!
We started searching for an Orange County domicile this week. We looked at two properties, the second of which being located in Rancho Santa Margarita, known to the locals as "RSM." We viewed a 3 bedroom condo on Wednesday afternoon with our realtor. We liked the area, and even the size of the condo, but did not like the shared entry or the immediate introduction to the eating area. We will continue to look next weekend, after we have met with a lender friend of ours who believes that we will be pre-approved for MILLIONS OF DOLLARS!!! Well, probably not that much, but enough to be comfortable.

As the search continues, please pray for us to have wisdom and insight into this very pivotal decision in our lives.

Anyone For Barbecue!?
One thing that can be said for Calvary Laguna: There is never a shortage of barbecue opportunities! Our body came together for it's inaugural Wednesday night study this last week. Lela and I made it back shortly after looking for some place to live and immediately got the BBQs up and running. Our congregation sat out in the hot sun (it got to about 87!) and enjoyed some burgers and dogs.

Then, just when you thought that we would be Barbecued out, the Men had their monthly Steak & Study on Thursday night! It was phenomenal! The men of Calvary Laguna are such warriors and so on top of the event, that it sets up and tears down with ease, due to the hard work and dedication that is exhibited. Speaking of dedication, they are also dedicated to putting out some serious quality beef. My cut was...well, let's just say GYNORMOUS! I am actually ashamed to say that the steak made me tap out! I could not finish it! Oh, but I wanted to!

The steaks were awesome and so was the study. This month's speaker, last night, was radio personality, Jim Burns. He is the founder and host of Homeword, a program devoted to the family. His message was great and 6 men came to know Jesus Christ at the altar call. You can check out his website over to the right. I frequent that site often as it has many helpful family resources.

Next month, Pastor Don McClure will give the message, and if you are reading this and you are a man, then you are invited!

How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count The Ways!
As anyone who reads this blog knows, I am an Apple Man! I am the happy owner of an iPod, an iHome, would LOVE an iPhone (Christmas will come sooner than you think!) and I have even understood that for all these years, I have been wearing iGlasses!

And just as much as i Love Apple, i also love Apple programs. The most beloved to me is iTunes. I have been touting iTunes for a while as a great resource for FREE material from great bible teachers like Bob Coy, Jack Hayford, James MacDonald and Jack Abeeleen.

Now, as if that were not enough, there is iTunes U, where you can download classes, lectures and news from great universities. If you go there, you can look up Concordia Seminary and literally download Greek and Hebrew classes, as I did this week! Great, FREE RESOURCE for those that love to learn for FREE! The best things in life are, you guessed it....on iTUNES!

Pray For The Boys
I'll leave this a little cryptic, but I met with some boys, brothers, today, 11 and 13 respectively, who came to see me because their parents are divorcing. I asked them how they felt about everything and they said that they felt frustrated and confused. My heart went out to these boys, nameless here, but known by the Lord. These boys both seemed comforted by what I had relayed to them, but I know that they were both going back out into a world that they neither understand, nor desire. Pray that the Lord would meet them in a special way and that they would draw closer to the one who will never fail them.

That's all for now. There is quite a bit coming up, including a speaking stop in Yucaipa at Wildwood Calvary, the first weekend in July! I am looking forward to being there with our friends and ministry "cousins." Just thought I would put the bug in your ear about that especially.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez

Monday, June 18, 2007

Father's Day Final Addendum

Hello All,

As is usual for Sunday school children, their craft reflects what has been taught. Yesterday, they were taught about their Dad's being the best. The front of the craft was a colored tie on the piece of paper. On the back, it read:

Happy Father's Day!

My Dad is the best because...

And then, there was the space that left room for the response of the kids, recorded faithfully by our fine Sunday School volunteers. For Renae, she replied that I was the best because I "tickled her and love her very much!" How sweet, huh!

Caleb's was much more basic. His read:

My Dad is the best because... He makes barbecue!

There you go! Somehow, I imagine that this will not be enough in the ensuing years, but for now, that's enough for them!

Hope you had a good Father's Day.

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Happy Father's Day!

Hello All,

This is what makes THIS Father happy!


Large amounts of beef, Lela's Imitation Outback Chopped Salad (Don't know the name, but it KILLS! ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!) and a glass of Martinellis! Ah, heaven on Earth!

I heard an interesting quote this morning while getting ready to go to Church. It was attributed to Rudy Guilliani's son, who has a tenuous relationship with his Father. As you may or may not know, Rudy Guilliani is the former Mayor of New York and current Republican Presidential Candidate.

Guilliani's son said, as quoted by ABC, "I have problems with my father, but it doesn't mean he won't make a great president," he said. "He was a great mayor. He did great things for New York and would be very effective as a president. He is a great leader. He has vision, and he is willing to stand up for what he believes in." You can find the whole story here.

I do not wish to make a case against Rudy or his son, for this statement. I just thought that it was a poignant quote for a day like today and I believe it illustrates the paradigm that exists today where a man can be considered a success for his public life, while his private life matters very little.

You can insert any career: Politician, Fireman, Police Officer, Engineer or Pastor. In the economy of God, if any man fails his family and succeeds elsewhere, that man is a failure! The men in my life, are men of valor and successes in private first, then in public!

I am thankful for my Dad, who received Christ over 25 years ago whilst watching "PTL," Jim and Tammy Baker's show. (See, God CAN use anything!) From that point on, we were going to Church, he was quitting his band and life radically changed. Every year, I thank my Dad for taking the bold step to live for Jesus, when he was the only one in our family to do so. In typical, humble fashion, he will always say that it was the Lord. It was! But my Dad was the first obedient catalyst that set our family on a different course of life, ministry and ultimately, eternity.

I am thankful for Lela's Dad as well. Dan Finfrock has been a wonderful support for me personally and Lela and I missionally. Dan is always open, honest and willing to talk about any ministry question I might have. He has always been a loving and tender guy, even when I was dating his daughter! When we declared our desire to go to Spain, he and Debbie were first in line to lend their support and advice. They were very active in helping us go and come back, even allowing our loud family to live at their home for our exceptionally LONG furloughs!

As far as a Spiritual Father, Ed Rea will always hold that position. I grew up under his tutelage and was given the opportunity to watch and learn a very reliable and faithful approach to ministry. He also was, and is, a tremendous support to myself and our family. In fact, if it were not for his phone conversation with Chris Norman, I may not have ever ended up at Calvary Laguna! To this day, unconsciously and consciously, I find myself repeating "Ed-isms" to the staff and to myself! Most of the time, I realize just how right that he was and I am thankful to know the difference.

There are so many others who I might mention, who have contributed to what my life is about, brothers and friends. However, if it were not for these men, I would not be the man that God is shaping now. So...you can blame them!!

Happy Father's Day!

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez

Friday, June 15, 2007

"You Guys Are A Church!?"

Hello All,

It has been a busy week! This week, we hosted a business luncheon for our Tesla neighbors. It was hot, even by Irvine standards, and we were out in the parking lot. I got fried by the sun and wished that I was dead, but it was a great time to meet the faceless bunch that enter into the business buildings every day of the week.

It began with about 40 people in the first sitting and I was surprised by the response that the people on our street did not know that we were a church! I talked with that first table of 8 people and none of them had any clue what went on in our building! Now, granted, that group of people just moved in from Costa Mesa and another business park back in February, but I assumed everyone knew that we were a church! I was surprised!

From that first table, I met a couple that are looking to join us at this weekend's service. From that luncheon, I heard that 4 others planned to visit from the other guys who mingled themselves among the masses.

After the final feeding, we believe that we fed over 120 of our neighbors. During the food, they met our Pastoral team, laughed with Christians and enjoyed anecdotes on real life things that they enjoy, like sports and children in schools that required book reports for Kindergarten! All of us listened to jazz from my iPod over the sound system and everyone went away filled. I am almost more proud of the jazz thing than anything else!

I ask that you pray that this would be the beginning of an open door to minister to our Jerusalem. Eventually, we want to offer a Business Bible Study for those who might want to attend. Please pray that we will be able to see this come to pass.

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez

Sunday, June 10, 2007

"So, Now We Have A Hamster Named Sammy"

Hello All,

Our anniversary celebration was great. We spent the weekend in lovely La Jolla California in San Diego. It was great to do what we wanted, when we wanted, without thinking about naps or potty breaks! We took in a movie, ate out, slept in, etc. We also talked and shared our memories of the last 10 years and talked about goals for the next 10 years, if the Lord would will us to have that long together. It's wonderful to be married to your best friend and to still enjoy one another.

So, before we caught the movie, Lela and I hit Target to purchase some stickers for the kids. I thought that maybe that just wasn't going to do it. The kids are getting older and well, let's just admit that they are going to get expensive to impress! The kids have been talking about getting a pet for some time now. Caleb has been fantasizing about getting a Turtle and a puppy. Renae has talked about a bird and a kitty, apparently unaware of the "species" tension that would create. Elizabeth just parrots anything anyone else says! I felt that maybe we could bring home a pet for the kids, and then we would be total heroes to our kids!

We looked at some turtles at various places and were somewhat shocked to learn that turtles cost over $80! That pretty much ruled them out. I actually considered commendeering one of the seals that beached themselves at the La Jolla Cove, but noting the illegality and the smell in our car, I quickly decided against it! Plan C was the Hamster Option. We found out that hamsters only cost $10, so we decided to go that direction, as that is just a little more than stickers.

We brought Sammy home tonight and the kids have been talking about Sammy as if he has been part of our family forever. They already know when he is tired, scared, hungry, etc. We hope that this will placate them enough for the time being, until we move down to Orange County, where we might re-upgrade to a cat! Back to that species tension issue...

In the meantime, Church has been going really great. Calvary Laguna is a great place to be these days. Pastor Chris has been on a proverbial tear lately. Today, he finished Nehemiah, and it was a fantastic message. The worship team is gelling as well. I have to remind myself that 3 parts of our regular worship team are 18 or under in age! For such young people, they carry themselves with great maturity and musical wherewithal. I am happy to be working with them and drumming on a regular basis again. Most importantly, we have had a good three weeks with salvation commitments at the end of our services. Lela told me about that part, as I am behind the drum shield and am rarely able to hear or see anything.

In fact, today, I almost did not make it behind the shield at all. I actually pulled a muscle during rehearsal! It's a little embarrassing as to the location, but had it not been for a physical therapist in the house, it would have been hard to even walk!! We'll leave it at that! Thanks again Phil. You are my hero.

Hope you all had a great weekend as well.

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

It's Our Anniversary!!

Hello All,

Today, I am celebrating the fact that I have been married to my lovely wife Lela for 10 years! Can you believe that! 10 years ago is not really that long, though it sure does seem like a long time ago. I think that has to do with the fact that we have had 3 kids, moved out of our house and our country and then back to our house again in that same span of time!

I remember the night that we got married, there in the old Packinghouse. It was a rainy June night and the tin roof told us that outdoor pictures were going to be problematic! Lela's Dad, Pastor Dan Finfrock conducted the main portion of the ceremony and Pastor Ed Rea covered the rest. I can honestly say that I don't remember anything that was said, nor was I cognizant of what life was going to be like the next morning or for the rest of our lives, but I did know that whatever was going to happen from that moment on, was going to happen with Lela, and that was cause for excitement. I do remember that she was (still is!) SMOKIN HOT!!

The rest of that night was quite funny. We had an overcrowded reception and had picked out cheesecake for dessert. Lela and I did not get one slice! That was utterly grievous! Then, we left without my shoes, so we had to wait for Lela's parents to bring them to us. There's an uncomfortable moment for any new groom! To top it all off, I got lost on my way to the cabin in the mountains, with Lela getting car sick on the way up! I think we made it to the cabin at around 11:30, both of us totally exhausted! Thankfully, the rest of our marriage has been much more smooth than that first night.

It has been a great adventure and I am thankful everyday that Lela is my wife, my best friend, my companion and my bookeeper!! She is the love of my life and I can't help but look forward to the next 10 years of our lives. I love you honey!!

This year, we will be celebrating our anniversary in La Jolla. It's a far cry from last years celebration which happened in Spain...Sounds exotic, but we were missionaries remember!?...in fact, if it weren't for the Casco Family, our anniversary dinner might have been a Happy Meal at the local MacDonalds! They were so kind to watch our kids for us last year, so we could get dinner at a nice Spanish restaurant. This year, our wonderful, most awesome, parents are watching the kids and we will be painting the coast red! WHOOO HOO!! This is going to be fun!

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez

Monday, June 04, 2007

A Laguna Weekend!

Hello All,

This last weekend was my first all Laguna weekend. Friday evening and Saturday till 3, we ran the Inductive Bible Study seminar through my Father-in-Law Dan Finfrock's ministry, Intensive Care Ministries. We had just over 20 on the first night and the atmosphere was thick in anticipation. For the first time in a long time, Lela and I did some worship together. I was surprised how rusty I was on the guitar! There was a time when I knew certain songs in my sleep and my fingers could withstand hours of playing. After 3 songs and roughly 10 minutes, I was ready to put the guitar away again!

After that, Dan got up and got into the introductory session on narratives. All I kept hoping for was that the people there would like the seminar and get something, anything out of it! I suppose that I was under the assumption that people are so well taught and there are so many resources from which to discover deep biblical truth, that the simplistic nature of the seminar might not be as attractive as it is in foreign countries. BOY WAS I WRONG! From the first session on, our group was PUMPED on what they were learning to see for themselves, just applying the basic principles of this system of study. I believed from then on that this was going to be revolutionary for the men and women who attended.

After the first night, Jon Nichols, a chiropractor, friend and Lagunaite, invited me to the Men's prayer breakfast the next morning. I swallowed deep and asked what time the event would take place. He said the word that I dread every morning, much less SATURDAY morning: 6AM. It came out of his mouth in slow motion and the man in me said, "NO WAY!" But the Pastor in me said, "Yeah, that would be great!" It meant that Dan and I were going to have to go light on the ESPN in our hotel room, but the Dodgers lost and the Lakers are out of the playoffs...actually, as it turned out, ESPN only had GIRLS SOFTBALL on! Yeah, no thanks!

So, I get up at the crack of dawn and get out to get to this prayer meeting which will be on Laguna beach. I will admit that once you leave Irvine proper and head toward the beach, you are in for a beautiful drive. Left on Laguna Canyon and down to Pacific Coast Highway, is a lovely drive. I turned onto PCH and got to the meeting early. The surprise on the faces was classic and the jokes about "corporate sending out quality control" got pretty funny, even for that hour of the morning. It was really good to see how these faces, which all represented strangers just months ago, have become a welcome sight and even feel like family.

We got out to the beach and got in a big circle, then broke up into small groups from there. My group was filled with one other man my age, but 5 guys who were at least septegenarians. I listened to their wise prayers and thanked the Lord that I could be where I was. They sounded just like you'd expect, speaking of enduring faith and victory. I was the last to pray, and I asked that these men would have an eye to disciple and be significant in their last years of life, as there is no retirement in the Kingdom, just reassignment!

After the prayers, we stood and talked and it was a privilege to cohort with these men who love Jesus passionately!

The rest of the seminar was amazing! I highly, HIGHLY recommend, anyone who reads this to go through the seminar. I have been through it several times, including a full semester at the Bible College, and I still discovered new things when we went through Psalm 1! It was humbling, and at the same time, exhilarating, seeing the Bible continue, after many years, continue to provide new and fresh insights into the Word. I promise, you will not be disappointed one bit! ICM has DVD's and you can take the course that way as well.

Finally, Sunday was brilliant! I love our service, but even cooler was the Ministry Luncheon that we had afterward. It's wonderful to be part of a growing church that is seeking to live out it's commission. Moreso when I get to be part of the leadership of the church.

I hope you had as good a weekend with your church.

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez

Friday, June 01, 2007

Rays Of Hope!

Hello All,

As most of you might know, we have had our house on the market now for about a month. We anticipated it being slow, and in that we have not been disappointed. It has been deadly! But just in this last week, things have begun to move.

Over the weekend, Lela and I had a conversation about what we might do in the event of a stalemate situation. We began to talk and what was coming up was not what I really wanted to hear. We began to talk about renting out this house and going to Orange County to rent there. We figured that this would be best anyway, seeing that we are relatively ignorant about the area we are moving into. It will be better to rent in the short term while we investigate the various options.

Still, this did not sit well with me, but I finished my Souplantation Broccoli (YES, I SAID BROCCOLI!) salad anyway. I hated to think about it, but I felt that I at least had to consider it an option for the time being. After all, I do not want to be a party to Renae having to do the multiple school thing again next year. So I began to pray "lightly" about it.

Fast forward to Tuesday and brace yourself. I was in the garage doing a little mechanic work! That's right! I was under the hood! (Jesus must be coming real soon: Broccoli AND mechanic work!?) I will give the credit to Pastor Carlos Casco and the spirit with which he looks at problems! He and I did the exact same thing on the Silver Hornet back when we were in Spain! So, I am working on my battery, which has been giving us grief for a spell, when two people came to the garage door. I did not see or hear them, as I was listening to my iPod. They stood there, and at first, I thought they were Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses. Thankfully they were not! They were there to see the house!

Whoa, movement!! I brought them into the house and showed them the living room and the backyard, as Lela scampered in the background making "last minute adjustments" to our bedroom and the kids room. The people were Philippinos and were very impressed that Lela had lived in their neck of the woods and could even speak the native Visayan dialect. I remember when we went to the Philippines and Lela spoke visayan for the first time in a petty cab! The guy almost fell out of his chair in shock! Anyway, we talked for a few minutes and the lady revealed that her husband had died suddenly just last year. It was cool that we were able to pray with her and her friend, before they left.

These people had come because of our other Philippino neighbors. There are two houses on the street that have Philippino inhabitants. This close knit community seems to be intent on being closely situated with one another, so there is hope that they will follow through and purchase the house.

And then, as if that were not enough, we got another show tonight from another realtor! Who knows: We might sell her by the summer after all!

We are asking that you would pray with us about this. Our hearts are truly at home in Irvine, among the church that we are called to. There is tremendous potential for what the Lord wants to do there, and we genuinely feel that it's the only place other than Spain, that we want to be! Our prayer team, the people who have read this blog since it's inception, has seen so many of it's prayers answered, so we call upon you again for that mighty task on our behalf.

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez