Orange County Pastor

My Friends Paul and Barb Making An Impact at the OC Rescue Mission

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:50:00 +0000

My friends Paul and Barb Ratkovich are an amazing couple. They have such passionate hearts to serve Jesus and serve people. Here is a snapshot of one of the ways they serve here in Orange County at the OC Rescue Mission (www.rescuemission.org)

Serving Orange County, California in the Name of Jesus in 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 22:41:00 +0000

As followers of Jesus, God calls us to love God and love our neighbor and share the good news (Gospel) about Jesus. "The Great Commandment" (Love God & Love One Another) and "The Great Commission" (Make Disciples) are the bookends of this great calling. Over the past few months here at Calvary Church in Santa Ana (www.calvarylife.org) we have been creating and brainstorming practical ways to carry out this calling. Below are some of the ideas we have created, borrowed, adapted etc. I pray they are useful to you as you consider ways in which you can live out your calling as a follower of Jesus!

13 Ongoing Ways to Serve Orange County in 2013

1. Motel Ministry
Join Calvary’s Motel Ministry at the Sunland Motel in Santa Ana (2111 E. 1^stSt. Santa Ana 92705) at 10am on the 2^nd Saturday of each month to distribute grocery boxes and resources from the Orange County Rescue Mission to low-income residents. Contact Pastor Matt Doan at mdoan@calvarylife.org or 714.550.2378 for more info.

2. Donate a Frozen Food Box to a Family in Need
Calvary Church sponsors a monthly food box ministry which distributes 21-25 pounds of high quality frozen food and fresh fruits and vegetables for affordable costs. The boxes are available for personal use or to donate to a family in need in our Church or neighborhood. Volunteers are also needed on distribution days (8:30am to 11:30am). To volunteer or donate, contact Jerry or Ann Bennett at annlbennett@ca.rr.com or 949.289.8981 or go to www.goldensharefoods.com

3. Organize Clothes at the Sheepfold Thrift Store (*Family Friendly)
All proceeds from the Sheepfold Thrift Store go to support the programs at the Sheepfold (www.thesheepfold.org), which provides shelters and programs for abused woman with children. This is a wonderful opportunity for a group of friends, families or Lifegroups. The duties include moving merchandise from the back of the warehouse to the front of the store, cleaning and organizing the aisles and clothing racks.To volunteer contact DeAnne at (714) 237-1444 or DeAnne@thesheepfold.org
4. Become a Homework Club Instructor for At-Risk Kids at KidWorks
Kidworks (www.kidsworksonline.org) needs 80 volunteers a week to run their after school programs for at-risk kids in Santa Ana. As a Homework Club Volunteer, you will support a child by helping them with their homework, character development and other educational needs. You don't need specific academic knowledge, just a desire to be a consistent presence in a child’s life. Volunteer hours are from 3:30 – 5:30 pm Monday – Thursday. To Volunteer, Contact Donia at 714.834.9400 ext. 111 or donia@kidworksonline.org

5. Mentor a Mom or Dad in Crisis thru Birth Choice Health Clinics
Every day, Birth Choice (www.bchcdonor.org) serves and cares for pregnant women and their partners in crisis. Men volunteers are needed to care for and mentor Dad’s thru the Birth Choice “Dad’s Project.” Women volunteers are needed to care for and mentor Mom’s in crisis thru the “New Beginning’s” program. For volunteer opportunities contact, Jennifer Wallace at (714) 541-5484 x225 or jen@birthchoiceclinic.org

6. Open Your Home to a Child in Crisis
Safe Families is a grassroots, local Church based program supported by Olivecrest. This ministry exists to provide temporary housing to children (0-18) whose families are facing a sudden family crisis. You can sign up to offer your home as a temporary place for a child to stay. The average stay for a child is anywhere from 1 to 40 days. Contact Jen McAvaney, Calvary’s Safe Family Volunteer Coordinator for more info at jennmac@mac.com

7. Serve with Calvary’s Convalescent Home Ministry (*Family Friendly)

Join our brand new convalescent home ministry on the second Saturday of each month at 10am. Locations vary so contact Bob Browning at 714.345.7435 for more info and locations.

8. Provide New Socks to Santa Ana Homeless

Mercy House (www.mercyhouse.net) in Santa Ana is a non-profit homeless prevention and emergency services provider. Mercy House hosts the Cold Weather Armory Homeless Shelter in Santa Ana, December thru March. They are in need of packages of men’s and women’s socks (sizes 6-12). For more info or to find out when to drop off donations, Contact: Ashleigh at ashleigha@mercyhouse.net or 714-836-7188 x102.

9. Prepare Food Backpacks for Homeless Children in OC
Giving Children Hope (www.gchope.org) is looking for volunteers to help with the “We’ve Got Your Back” program to feed the homeless children in Orange County. Volunteers are needed to sort through donated food, stock our shelves and pack the children’s backpacks full of food for the homeless children to take to their families over the weekend. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm. Contact: Drew Bryson at dbryson@gchope.org or 714-523-4454

10. Serve at a Teen with Disabilities Event
Capernaum (www.tustincapernaum.blogspot.com) is part of Young Life, a parachurch organization, which shares the gospel and reaches teenagers with disabilities. Capernaum gives these teenagers opportunities to have fun, try new things, build their self esteem, make new friends, and explore a personal relationship with God through club (regular monthly scheduled meetings), camps (week long in the summer), and other activities (such as karaoke nights and holiday parties). For more info or to volunteer contact Kara Kawanami at kara.kawanami@gmail.com or 408.489.3635.

11. Donate Food Items to the Orange County Rescue Mission
O.C.R.M. (www.rescuemission.org) serves the least, last and lost of Orange County. All food items can be dropped off at the Village of Hope Warehouse (One Hope Drive, Tustin, CA 92782) between the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm (Mon-Sat). Contact Mike Martinez at mmartinez@rescuemission.org or (714) 247-4300 with any questions or more info. Most Urgent Food Items needed include: Soups (Top Ramen/Cup of Noodles), juices and healthy snacks for children, Beef, chicken, pork, etc. in bulk, rice, pasta, and mac and cheese, peanut butter/ jelly, cereal, milk, cheeses and eggs in bulk, fresh produce in bulk and miscellaneous such as toilet paper, napkins , 55 gal trash bags, zip lock sandwich baggies, sponges, Comet, furniture polish, laundry detergent, bleach and fabric softener.

12. Help an Elderly Widow with Yardwork (*Family Friendly)
The scriptures tell us as Christians to live out our faith by taking care of Orphans and Widows (James 1:27). You can accomplish this through our Operation Love Ministry, serving Widows through simple tasks of yard work, house repair, errand running etc. Contact John Sherman at jsherman@calvarylife.org or 714.550.2320 for opportunities.
13. Serve at the OC Armory Emergency Shelter (December 2012 - March 2013)
Mercy House’s OC Armory Emergency Shelter hosts 200+ homeless men, women and families nightly. Volunteers needed at the Armory (612 E. Warner, Santa Ana, 92707) and at the Family Emergency Shelter located just a few blocks from Calvary on Grand Ave in Santa Ana. For info or to volunteer, sign up online at www.mercyhouse.net or contact MarissaN@mercyhouse.net or 714-836-7188 ext 112.

12 {Out of the Box} Orange County Servant Evangelism Ideas

1. Deliver a bowl of soup + crackers to someone you know who is sick or in need…

2. Do a chore for a neighbor (Take out a neighbor’s garbage cans on Trash Day, Volunteer to wash their car when you wash yours)

3. Prepare an extra sack lunch to take to work and share with a co-worker

4. Go to a laundry mat and pay for someone’s load of laundry (see www.laundrylovesantaana.com)

5. Volunteer to work in the snack bar (for free) at your local little league field (www.littleleague.org)

6. Write a handwritten thank you card to someone who serves you on a weekly basis (mailman, custodian, barista, gardener, etc).

7. Distribute a package of AA batteries or Lightbulbs to the houses/apartments near where you live
8. Invite a neighbor or co-worker to go walking/jogging with you on a regular basis

9. Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line at a local coffee shop

10. Hand out a $5 Fast Food Restaurant gift card along with a Gospel tract to a person holding a cardboard sign at a stoplight or intersection.
11. Deliver a meal to a family with a child at C.H.O.C. Hospital in Orange. (go to www.ronaldhouseoc.org)
12. Offer to consistently pick-up or drop off a teammate from one of your children’s sports teams.

8 Simple Ideas to Reach Orange County For Christ
Adapted by permission from Jonathan Dodson, (www.vergenetwork.org)
1. Eat with Non-Christians. We all eat three meals a day. Why not make a habit of sharing one of those meals with a non-Christian or with a family of non-Christians? Go to lunch with a co-worker, not by yourself. Invite the neighbors over for family dinner. If it’s too much work to cook a big dinner, just order pizza and put the focus on conversation. When you go out for a meal, invite others. Or take your family to family-style restaurants where you can sit at the table with strangers and strike up conversation. BBQ and invite Christians and non-Christians. Flee the Christian subculture.
2. Walk, Don’t Drive. We are so blessed to live here in Orange County, home to the best climate in the world! Make a practice of getting out and walking around your neighborhood, apartment complex, or campus. Instead of driving to the mailbox, convenience store, or apartment office, walk to get mail, groceries, and stuff. Be deliberate in your walk. Say hello to people you don’t know. Strike up conversations. Attract attention by walking the dog or bringing the kids. Make friends. Get out of your house! Take interest in your neighbors. Ask questions. Pray as you go. Save some gas, the planet, and some people!
3. Be a Regular. Instead of hopping all over the city for gas, groceries, haircuts, eating out, and coffee, go to the same places. Get to know the staff. Go to the same places at the same times. Smile. Ask questions. Build relationships. Be a Regular.
4. Hobby with Non-Christians. Pick a hobby that you can share. Get out and do something you enjoy with others. Try City League sports. Local cycling or softball teams. Share your hobby by teaching lessons. Teach sewing lessons, piano lessons, violin, guitar, knitting, tennis lessons. Be prayerful. Be intentional. Be winsome. Have fun. Be yourself.
5. Talk to Your Co-workers. How hard is that? Take your breaks with intentionality. Go out with your team or task force after work. Show interest in your co-workers. Pick four and pray for them. Form mom groups in your neighborhood and don’t make them exclusively Christian. Schedule play dates with the neighbors’ kids. Work on mission.
6. Volunteer with Non-Profits. Connect with one of our Reach Local non-profit partners (www.calvarylife.org/reach/local) and take Saturday a month to serve. Bring your neighbors, your friends, or your small group. Spend time with your church serving your city. Once a month. You can do it!
7. Participate in City Events. Instead of playing X-Box, watching TV, or surfing the net, participate in city events. Go to fundraisers, festivals, clean-ups, summer shows, and concerts. Strike up conversation. Study the culture. Reflect on what you see and hear. Pray for the city. Love the city. Participate with the city.
8. Serve your Neighbors. Help a neighbor by weeding, mowing, building a cabinet, fixing a car. Stop by the neighborhood association or apartment office and ask if there is anything you can do to help improve things. Ask your local Police and Fire Stations if there is anything you can do to help them. Get creative. Just serve!

Barry Zito's Story of Becoming A Christian

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:43:00 +0000

It is always encouraging and inspiring to see someone turn their life over to Jesus Christ and receive Him as the Savior and Leader of their lives. Check out SF Giants Pitcher Barry Zito's story of surrendering his life to Jesus Christ as he shared it after a game this past summer in San Fransisco. (sorry the camera work is a bit shaky).

Also - Here is an excerpt from ESPN The Magazine, December issue as Tim Keown interviews Zito on his newfound faith in Jesus.

KEOWN: Your faith seems to enter into your conversation more these days. How did that come about?
ZITO: I was raised so out of the box. From a spiritual side, my grandmother founded a religion [Teachings of the Inner Christ] and a teaching center in the '60s in San Diego, and I was raised on that. That's where a lot of the eccentric, Zen things come from. But I just needed more structure, and sometimes you have to go through difficulty and physical trials to really get broken down. In 2011, I got broken down physically as well as mentally. In August of that year, I committed my life to God. I realized I'd been relying on my own strength for so long and, man, I'd been wearing it. I've been wearing it like no one in my circle. So this was about finding a strength outside of myself. The way I was raised, that's a concept I never would have given any credence.
KEOWN: What was the impetus or the moment that precipitated it?
ZITO: I had this very odd injury in April of 2011. It's mostly a football injury -- Lisfranc ligament tear -- and I came off the field that day after never being hurt in 11 years, and I said, "All right, something bigger is going on here. A message is being sent, and I've got to listen." A few months later, I realized I'd been doing it alone. My best friend told me an old story I really love. A shepherd will be leading his sheep, and one of the sheep will be walking astray from the pack. The shepherd will take his rod and break the sheep's leg, and the sheep will have to rely on the shepherd to get better. But once that leg is completely healed, that sheep never leaves the side of the shepherd ever again. That's a really beautiful metaphor. A lot of things happen to us as people, and we realize we've been relying on our own strength for too long. Last September, I got a tattoo, and it's the only one I have, of a golden calf on the inside of my right bicep. I show people that, and it signifies idolatry and that I was putting things before God. I haven't talked much about this. When I committed with my chaplain, he said, "You don't need to go around telling people this stuff. There will come a time and a place." I guess that's a change for me too. I used to kind of dig attention. Now I'm seeking deeper fulfillment.

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:14:00 +0000

It seems like each Christmastime, I come across a Christmas hymn/carol that God uses in my life to renew my heart with. A couple of years ago it was the song, "I Heard the Christmas Bells on Christmas Day"inspired originally by a poem from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The year after that it was Handel's Messiah, thanks to the Messiah sing-a-long that Marie and I attended at the Walt Disney concert hall.. This year it has been the 1800's hymn composed by Rowland H. Prichard and written by Charles Wesley, "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus."

In a year where political parties became even more polarized. In a year where Israel and the middle east is filled with more tension than I can ever remember seeing in my lifetime. In a year where we just witnessed tragedy striking innocent elementary school children and their families. This 19th century hymn speaks with more relevance than ever. Ron Rogalski, a fellow staff member of mine at Calvary Church Santa Ana led our staff through this beautiful hymn this past Tuesday at our staff chapel and ever since, I can't stop thinking about it and humming the simply tune that is packed with such hope and truth!

Here are the lyrics to "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" by Charles Wesley

Come Thou long expected Jesus

Born to set Thy people free

From our fears and sins release us

Let us find our rest in Thee

Israel's strength and consolation

Hope of all the earth Thou art

Dear desire of every nation

Joy of every longing heart

Born Thy people to deliver

Born a child and yet a King

Born to reign in us forever

Now Thy gracious kingdom bring

By Thine own eternal spirit

Rule in all our hearts alone

By Thine all sufficient merit

Raise us to Thy glorious throne

Check out this version of the Hymn by Red Mountain Music off their "Silent Night" album.
By the way if you like this version, Red Mountain Church out of Alabama, has been at the forefront of the worship movement to bring back rearranged hymns into the modern day evangelical Church. You can find more of their songs at their website.

Also - I would be amiss, if I didn't mention that my home Church, Calvary Church has been going through a sermon series this December called, "Something to Sing About." We have taken classic Christmas hymns and drilled down a little deeper into the meaning and history of these songs in order to help our people sing this Christmas with more purpose and intentionality on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Check out our sermon series here.

12 Ways to Serve in Orange County, California this Christmas Season (2012)

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 23:37:00 +0000

I am trying to motivate myself this weekend to put up our Christmas lights (it's never too early right?!)...For the Christian, Christmas lights should remind us of the wonderful truth that Jesus came into our world as the 'light of the world' (John 8:12). As followers of Jesus, we are also called to be a light unto our world and our neighborhoods. In fact Jesus gives us this very challenge in Matthew, Chapter 5:
¹⁴“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; ¹⁵nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

So with this in mind, if you live in or near Orange County, California, check out the "12 Ways to Reach Orange County This Christmas Season" resource guide we have made available thru Calvary Church for December 2012. Even if you don't go to Calvary, I invite you to join in and serve through one of these opportunities.

Click here to read the guide online

Or read through the opportunities below...

12 Ways to Reach Orange County this Christmas

Toy Collaborative | OCRM | Mercy House

* Indicates a family-friendly volunteer opportunity

1) Olive Crest Group Home Stocking Stuffing*

December 4 | olivecrest.org
Volunteers of all ages are needed to help stuff Christmas stockings for Olive Crest group homes on December 4 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at the Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine.Contact Renee at renee-stevenson@olivecrest.org or at 714.543.5437 ext. 1262 to volunteer.

2) Volunteer at a Christmas Toy Wrapping Party for Orange County Homeless Elementary Students

December 3, 5, 7, 10, 11 | gchope.org
Giving Children Hope is hosting a week of Christmas Toy Wrapping parties to give to homeless students in the “We Got Your Back” program. Join them on December 3, 5, 7, 10, or 11 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at the GCH facility located at 8332 Commonwealth Ave, Buena Park, 90621. Contact Drew at volunteer@godaid.org or 714.523.4454 to sign up for one of these shifts.

3) Donate a Christmas Food Box to a Family in Need

Donation due Dec. 5 | goldensharefoods.com
Calvary Church is partnering with Golden Share Foods on a monthly basis to distribute discount grocery boxes to members of our church and community. We would love to donate boxes to families in financial crisis in our community this Christmas. Boxes range from $24 - $45 and can feed a family of 3 - 4 for a week.

To donate a food box, sign up at the patio table at Calvary on Sunday mornings or contact Ann Bennett at annlbennett@ca.rr.com. You can also donate online by visiting goldensharefoods.com and indicate you are donating your box to Calvary Church.

To view a list of items to donate click here.

4) Volunteer at a Convalescent Home on 1st Street*

December 8
Join our brand new convalescent home ministry on Saturday, December 8 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at Park West Care and Rehabilitation Center at 2210 E. 1st Street, Santa Ana, 92705. This is a great outreach for kids too! Contact Bob Browning at 714.228.5698 for more info.

5) Distribute Groceries to Motels on 1st Street

December 8
Join our Motel Ministry team on Saturday, December 8 from 10:00 - 11:30am at the Sunland Motel (2111 E. 1st St. Santa Ana, 92705) to distribute food boxes, toiletries and other grocery items to our neighbors living in low income motels on 1st Street. Contact Ben Stripe at bstripe@juno.com or 714.285.0403 for more info.

6) Help a CHOC Patient Pick a Gift for Their Parent

December 10 | childrengivinggifts.org
Join Calvary's non-profit partner, Children Giving Gifts, as they help over 200 Orange County children, who are spending the holidays in CHOC Hospital, select a free Christmas gift to give to their parents. Volunteers are needed on Monday, December 10 from 9:45 am - 12:00 pm at CHOC Hospital in Orange. Contact Janeen at janeen.childrengivinggifts@gmail.com to volunteer.

7) Encourage a Rescued OC Vicitim of Human Trafficking by Donating to a Christmas Wish List

Donations due Dec. 12 | ochumantrafficking.org
The Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force provides Christmas gifts for those who have recently been rescued from human trafficking in Orange County. Be the hands and feet of Jesus to a victim of human trafficking. To donate items or gift cards, contact Rachel Snyder at rachel@thesnydersonline.com or 714.771.7168.

8) Deliver an Angel Tree Gift to a Child of a Prisoner*

December 15 - 21 | angeltree.org
Angel Tree serves with Prison Fellowship ministry to show prison inmates the love of Jesus Christ and share the gospel with them and their families. Join us for the annual Angel Tree luncheon at Calvary on Saturday, December 15 from 11:30 am - 2:00 pm. Contact Barb at beaglepeeps@aol.com to volunteer at the luncheon. Volunteers are also needed to help deliver gifts to children. To deliver an Angel Tree gift to a home, contact Devon at devbri@sbcglobal.net

9) Serve a Foster Child through Olive Crest’s ‘Be the Miracle’ Christmas Campaign*

Donations due Dec. 15 | olivecrest.org
With childhoods shattered by abuse and neglect, many kids at Olive Crest have never grown up in joyful expectation of Christmas. Join “Be the Miracle” by granting a wish or giving a donation. These wishes are more than gifts to open on Christmas. They are opportunities to remind kids they are valued, remembered, and special to God and to us. Visitolivecrest.org and click on ‘Be the Miracle’ to find wish lists and donation requests or call 714-543-KIDS ext. 1119.

10) Volunteer at the OC Toy Collaborative/Toys for Tots

November 26 - December 23
The OC Toy Collaborative is the primary source for most OC non-profit Christmas toy giveaways. Volunteers are needed daily to unload trucks, sort donated items and pack toys for distribution. Volunteers ages 12 – 17 will be considered if accompanied by a parent or guardian. To volunteer or for info, contact Dee Azevedo at 714.679.3728.

11) Donate to the OCRM Child Development Center

December 1 - 23 | rescuemission.org
The OC Rescue Mission ‘Village of Hope’ provides a campus for 200+ men, women, and children to put their lives back together after homelessness. Donations needed for babies and preschoolers include diapers (sizes 4-6), wipes, children’s socks or underwear, boy’s clothing (2T-4T), Goldfish crackers, pretzels, and baby crackers. Donations should be marked ‘Child Development Center’ and dropped off at the Village of Hope Warehouse (One Hope Drive, Tustin, 92782).

12) Serve at the OC Armory Emergency Shelter

December 2012 - March 2013 | mercyhouse.net
Mercy House’s OC Armory Emergency Shelter hosts 200+ homeless men, women and families nightly. Volunteers needed at the Armory (612 E. Warner, Santa Ana, 92707). For info or to volunteer, sign up online at mercyhouse.net or contact Ashleigh at 714.836.7188 ext. 102.

A Wonderful Christmas Text To Preach This Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:42:00 +0000

Christmas is a beautiful opportunity to invite unbelieving friends to Church Christmas programs and worship services. As a Pastor, it is so important to keep in mind at Christmas that the audience is filled with unbelievers, skeptics and "cultural/holiday" Christians. What is a good Biblical text that tells of why Jesus came in His own words and sets up a clear explanation of the crucifixion and resurrection? Look no further than John 18:36-38. I am loving this passage. Read it below:

John 18:36-38

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

³⁶Jesus answered, “My kingdom ^[a]is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not ^[b]of this realm.” ³⁷Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” ³⁸Pilate *said to Him, “What is truth?”
And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and *said to them, “I find no guilt in Him.

Hiking Half Dome and Eternal Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:04:00 +0000

I had the honor of heading up to Yosemite this week and hiking up to half dome with 10 of my friends and fellow Pastors from Calvary Church.

It was an incredible experience that I will never do again! The cables leading up to the summit of half-dome rank up there as one of the scariest things I have ever done.

On the cables, I had some time to contemplate my mortality (!) as two small steel cables and pieces of wood loosely bolted together every 10 feet kept me from falling thousands of feet to my sure death.
Later, when we had safely made it back down to Yosemite valley some 13 hours after we had first
begun our trek, I read this great quote from author Donald Miller I thought I would share with you....

"I have a temporary body in a temporary world. I spend too little time caring for my eternal soul."

-Donald Miller

My death defying trek to Half Dome this week and the above quote have got me thinking today...

How can I spend more time carrying and investing in eternal things?

How can my life be more centered around a God honoring eternal perspective?

And how can I make sure I never try to climb Half Dome again?...Hahahaha.

Dangerous Calling

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 20:46:00 +0000

Paul Tripp has the coolest mustache I have ever seen a Pastor sport and on top of that, God has really used him over the last year to speak into my life about the Gospel and the call of ministry.
Paul has a new book coming out this Fall called, "Dangerous Calling." (ht: Josh Harris)

This video teaser about the book really captured my attention. Check it out...

Why 3 Time Gold Medal Volleyball Player Kerri Walsh Annoyed Me in Little League

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 17:52:00 +0000

Did you follow the Olympics this summer? Our family started off strong watching the first week of swimming with excitement and enthuisasm, but the late nights began to take the toll by week 2 and sadly I can't tell you much about track and field other than the fact that Usain Bolt is really really fast, hahaha.

But one sport we kept our eye on during most of the Olympics was beach volleyball. It is really interesting how this sport, which experienced mild popularity here on the west coast in the 80's and 90's (remember Karch Kiraly!) has become such a popular Olympic sport over the last 3 Olympics.

One of the main reasons for the surge in beach volleyball's Olympic popularity is no doubt due to the winning duo of Kerri Walsh-Jennings and Misty May-Treanor. These two ladies have absolutely dominated beach volleyball in the Olympics losing only one set over the past 3 Olympics!

I have a small and random connection to Kerri Walsh.
She and her family lived in Scotts Valley, California for a few years and Kerri and her brother played Little League baseball in the same league that I played in growing up. Kerri stuck out to me during little league, because she was the only girl in our majors division. I remember being an 11 year old and being annoyed that Kerri who played first base (she was tall even back then) was playing in our little league. In my little 11 year old brain I remember thinking, "this is a boys sport, why is this girl messing up our league?"

Now looking back, I am proud to have played baseball against a future Olympic champion. I am sorry Kerri for being annoyed at you back in elementary school!

Later, I would have the opportunity to play college baseball against a girl named Ila Borders. Ila became the first woman to start a collegiate baseball game in 1994 and I faced her later that same baseball season when my team from Biola played against her. The first and only time I batted against her, she quickly threw me two strikes. I could hear my teammates snickering in the dugout, "Don't let a girl strike you out!" She ended up walking me and I remember being so relieved as I jogged down to 1st base that I hadn't struck out!

Now days as a Dad of a daughter, I feel embarrassed that I thought such things. Any girl or woman who would have the courage to play competitively against boys has my respect. I respect Kerri Walsh for playing little league baseball as the only girl in the league, I respect and appreciate Ila Borders for enduring the teasing and jokes that surrounded her quest to pitch in college baseball and later in the minor leagues.

So next time you see a girl playing little league baseball or another sport with the boys, cheer her on, she could be a future Olympic champion!

In A Chaotic World, God Is In Control

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 17:15:00 +0000

In my studies this week for this Sunday's sermon at Calvary Church on Daniel, Chapter 11, I came across some great thoughts on the Sovereignty of God from Old Testament Scholar Iain M. Duguid...

"Yet at the end of the story, and for all their vaunted power, the kingdoms of this world can neither destroy God’s work nor establish it. They are merely tools in the hand of a sovereign God who is able to declare the end from the beginning because He alone ultimately controls the affairs of men and nations…"

"This truth is of great practical value in each of our lives. We all experience times when our existence seems caught up in a larger conflict that is completely out of our control..."

"In such times of personal uncertainty, we need to cling firmly onto the knowledge that all of world events, from the greatest to the least, are not only known ahead of time to God but are under his sovereign power to control."

-Iain M. Duguid (pg. 201, Daniel - Reformed Expository Commentary)

Get This Book!

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 22:55:00 +0000

I am on a bit of a marriage kick this summer and on this blog, so bear with me, but if you are a Pastor who counsels couples or a person who is married, or a person who sees themselves getting married one day, you have to get this book! It is called "What did you Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage." It is a great read, super practical and a book that points to Jesus and the Gospel on every page. I highly recommend it!

Speaking of Paul Tripp...

Here are my current favorite Pastors to read and podcast:
Russel D. Moore (Pastor, Author and Dean and SBTS Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky)
Paul D. Tripp (Pastor and Author out of Philadelphia)
Darwin L. Gray (Former NFL Linebacker, Lead Pastor at Transformation Church in South Carolina)

Check these guys out!

Human Misery and the Collapse of Marriage

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 18:00:00 +0000

I have the honor of officiating 9 weddings this summer!
That makes 16 weddings that I have officiated here at Calvary in the last 2 years.
Marriage is alive and well at Calvary Church!

But that is not the case as you look at the United States as a whole.
Our modern culture hasn't embraced marriage as an important priority.
This grieves God. You see the inventor of marriage is not Target or Pottery Barn or Martha Stewart. The inventor of marriage is God. In the Bible, in Genesis 2, we see God introduce the exclusive life time covenant of marriage when he forms Eve and Adam. Both Adam and Eve were equally made in God's image and both uniquely called to walk in covenant with God and with one another.

Then the Fall of Humanity happens a chapter later in Genesis Chapter 3.
Since that moment, Satan has attacked the marriage covenant with a vigor that he has reserved for little else. As a modern culture we are in the middle of observing this casualty of this war. Eric Swanson of the Leadership Institure recently wrote and listed these sobering statistics on marriage:Over the past 50 years the landscape of marriage in the U.S has changed dramatically.

In 1960, nearly 70 percent of American adults were married; now only about half are.
In 1960, two-thirds of 20-somethings were married; in 2008 just 26 percent were.
In 1960, 439,000 couples lived together; Today 7,500,000 couples live together. One marriage scholar says that 7 out of 10 Christian kids will live with someone before marriage: “The problem is not divorce, but failure of families to form.”
In 1960, over 70 percent of American households consisted of a bread-winner father, a homemaker mother, and their kids. Today, less than 15 percent of families make up this “traditional” profile, making most church programs irrelevant.
In 1960, five percent of babies were born out of wedlock; 41 percent are today.
In 1960 nine percent of kids lived in single-parent homes; Today, 25 percent of kids do so.

“How much does this matter? More than words can say. There is no other single force causing as much measurable hardship and human misery in this country as the collapse of marriage. It hurts children, it reduces mothers' financial security, and it has landed with particular devastation on those who can bear it least: the nation's underclass.”

Caitlin Flanagan, Time Magazine, July 02, 2009 | Time Magazine

***A Disclaimer, before you dash to the comment section. to write an angry, anonymous response...
I realize that here are many who desire to be married, but have yet to find a suitable spouse. Please don't read this post as a condemnation of your God-fueled mission to be patient and to wait for the right person. Simply getting married is not the point. Staying married is. So don't let the above statistics discourage you from hoping and waiting on marriage. Many in our culture has rejected marriage, but thankfully God has not. Keep trusting, waiting and surrendering to the God who is faithful!

How to Minimize Your "Um's" In Public Speaking

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 23:21:00 +0000

The always entertaining website, "The Art of Manliness" put out this informative article on "Becoming Well Spoken: How to Minimize Your Uh's and Um's" by Brett and Kate McCay.

Here are 5 other blog posts on the Art of Manliness that are worth checking out to...
-How to Trim Your Mustache - An Illustrated Guide
-In Praise of the Push Reel Mower
-6 Reasons to Carry a Hankerchief
-A Man's Guide to Summer Dress: Part I
-A Manly Handshake: An Illustrated Guide

How To Respond When You Preach A Boring, Terrible Sermon

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:47:00 +0000

Last night, I spoke on the spiritual discipline of fasting at our Young Adult gathering at Calvary Church. By all accounts, my message was horrible. At one point I looked over the group and I couldn't find one person giving me eye contact! Even I was bored. The delivery, my personal conviction and passion, the applications I presented and the illustrations I decided to use all lacked clarity and landed with a resounding thud. How Do I respond when my sermon fails?

Here are 4 things I try NOT to do and 4 things I DO in response to a Sermon Fail:

4 Things I Try Not to Do in Response to a Sermon Fail:
#1 - I try not to go around afterwards and tell people how bad I felt the sermon was.
This can be a real temptation for me because somehow it feels better to tell people (especially newer people to our group!) how bad I thought I did in preaching, just so they understand I can do better. It also can be a passive aggressive way for me to try and receive affirmation from people when I am feeling bad. Me: "Wow, I bombed that message." Other person: "No you didn't, it was great!"
Don't get me wrong, there are appropriate people and times to share your internal thoughts on how you thought the sermon went. But I have found that right after you speak to the group you just preached to it isn't the most healthy or realistic of places to do this. Every Pastor will tell you, some of the most awful preaching moments in their memory are often recalled as the times when God was working the most powerfully in a someone's life. When we complain to people how awful our preaching was, we often can unknowingly be minimizing what God was doing in someone's life thru the sermon. God doesn't need your "good", "great" or "awful" sermon to work by his Spirit in people's lives!

#2 - I try not to disappear after the bad sermon
This is the fight or flight syndrome played out in the pulpit. When I fail in my preaching, my first thought is run! The last thing I feel like doing is talking with people afterwards or hanging out in the back of the room drinking coffee saying goodbye to people as the leave. All I want to do is go run back to my Church office get in the fetal position under my desk and cry "momma"! Yet as a entrusted shepherd of God's people, I need to and want to be available to care for, listen and point people to Jesus. The old saying, "2 wrongs don't make a right" is true in this case. Missing on my sermon is one thing, but being absent from people in the moments following the worship gathering doesn't help anyone either!

#3 - I try not to be mentally distracted after the bad sermon
This is another common temptation I experience after a bad sermon. As I talk and listen to people in the moments after my sermon, I often will be physically present, but mentally distracted. What I mean is, someone will be talking to me and I see their mouth moving and I nod at the appropriate moments, but all I can think about and listen to is my own voice saying, "you bombed, you bombed, you bombed." Almost every worship gathering I have to prayerfully remind myself to be physically and mentally present with people afterwards, but especially in the times after a bad sermon.

#4 - I try not to blame myself other people or circumstances for the bad sermon
This is another huge temptation for me after a bad sermon (Wow, this is a really therapeutic blog post!). It can be easy to really beat myself up after a bad sermon. Lies from the enemy can come flooding into my head, "you aren't a good preacher", "no one want to hear you", "you have nothing to say." The lies come fast and furious after a bad sermon. It can also be easy to blame my sermon failures on things like, the Powerpoint didn't work, or my time was cut short because the other elements in the worship service went long, or John Piper and John MacArthur didn't leave any archived sermons on the Biblical passage I covered (kidding, kidding, well sort of kidding). A Bad sermon usually has lots of factors to it, but playing the blame game never result in anything Godly or healthy being produced in my life.

4 Things I Do After a Bad Sermon:
#1 - I thank God for continuing to make me humble and dependent on Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit after a bad sermon
A good or great sermon tempts me to become self-sufficient and prideful. As much as there are equally powerful temptations after giving a bad sermon (see above), a bad sermon also serves as a great call and reminder from the Lord that my dependence is solely on Him. I need Jesus as a Pastor. I know this seems obvious, but a bad sermon serves as a wonderful reminder to me of this beautiful truth.

#2 -I re-read and dwell on 1 Corinthians Chapter 2 after a bad sermon
I love, love, love Paul's encouraging and truthful words in this letter to the Church in Corinth.
My friend and former co-worker Charles Huyett , who Pastor's Faith Chapel EV Free Church in Burlington Wisconsin, shared this passage with me after one particular bad sermon I gave that I was wallowing in. His encouragement to look to this passage forever changed my outlook on bad sermons! Read Paul's words for yourself from 1 Corinthians 2:1-5:
"And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God."

#3 - I pray and ask God for wisdom after a bad sermon
James 1 tells us to ask God for wisdom when we lack it and He will give it to all generously. Within 24 hours of giving a bad sermon, I try to sit alone with God in prayer and ask Him to give me wisdom and insight into how I can prepare differently next time I preach. I also ask the Lord to give me wisdom into what went wrong in my prep and delivery of the bad sermon. Did I try to shortcut my preparation thru an unhealthy reliance on commentaries, celebrity pastor podcasts or old sermon archives from my files? Did I ignore the Holy Spirit's promptings and direction in my preparation? Did I spend inadequate time in prayer over my sermon? Did I have unconfessed sin and unreconciled relationships that weren't dealt with prior to the sermon? It has been amazing (even this morning) how God deals with me so kindly after a bad sermon and gives me grace and wisdom to understand what went wrong and how to prepare differently next time I preach.

#4 - I stay focused on continuing to be obedient and faithful to my calling after a bad sermon
A bad sermon doesn't define my ministry (just like a good sermon does not either). I am in this for the long haul. My calling isn't defined by one message. Being a Pastor is not like being a contestant on American Idol or an athlete in the Olympics who has one shot at success. My calling is defined by God who tells me in 1 Peter 5, "shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory." I also love and I am so encouraged by Eugene Petersen's words in the great book, "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction", where he writes, "“There is a great market for religious experience in our world; there is little enthusiasm for the patient acquisition of virtue, little inclination to sign up for a long apprenticeship in what earlier generations of Christians called holiness.”

Here are some additional random thoughts about bad sermons...
People either love or hate the English comedian, "Mr. Bean." I love him. Here is a screen shot from a classic bit he does about being bored at Church. You can watch the video clip here.

Here is a classic "Dad" joke about a boring sermon:

The new minister stood at the church door greeting the members as they left the Sunday morning service. Most of the people were very generous telling the new minister how much they liked his message, except for one man who said, “That was a very dull and boring sermon, pastor.”

A few minutes later, the same man again appeared in line and said, “I don’t think you did much preparation for your message.”

Once again, the man appeared, this time muttering, “You really blew it. You didn’t have a thing to say, pastor.”

Finally, the minister could stand it no longer. He went to one of the deacons and inquired about the man.

“Oh, don’t let that guy bother you,” said the deacon. “He’s a little slow. All he does is go around repeating whatever he hears other people saying.”

Peanut Butter Prices Skyrocket and I am Going Cold Turkey!

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:34:00 +0000

Peanut Butter is my favorite food item in the world. I put it on toast, pancakes, crackers, bananas, apples and even eat it right from the spoon! Lately I have been feeling a call by God to fast from my beloved peanut butter. I think a fast would help me in my stressful moments turn to God before I turn to a quick snack of peanut butter for comfort. I think a fast would remind me that I am to be mastered by nothing except the Lord Jesus Christ. I know you may be thinking, "Really? Peanut Butter has that type of power over you?" And my answer would be a sad but honest, "Yes."

So I woke up today (May 22nd) and decided to begin a fast from Peanut Butter. In God's grace and providence I then came across this article a couple of hours later about the skyrocketing price of peanut butter. Another motivation to begin (and stick) to my fast!

On a side note: Did you know the well-known Christian author and speaker, Lee Strobel had never tasted peanut butter until this year on his 60th birthday? Read about what he thought about peanut butter here and check out this photo of him trying peanut butter for the first time!

So here I go...Day 1, no peanut butter. To God be the Glory!
I will keep you updated if you are interested in such things...

The Biblical Passage that gave Shadrach, Meschach and Abedenego Courage to Face the Fiery Furnance

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:49:00 +0000

If you grew up in Sunday School, you most likely heard the story from Daniel 3 of Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego (known as Rack, Shack and Benny to all you Veggie tales fans) and the Fiery Furnace. I am teaching on this well known passage at Calvary Church this coming Sunday (May 20th) and as I have been preparing I came across this interesting idea.

As the 3 men faced persecution for courageously refusing to bow down to the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, there was a more than likely a passage from the book of Isaiah, which had been written down 150 years earlier that could have ringing in their ears, giving them courage and comfort...

It comes from Isaiah 43:2-3:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your go, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:2-3)

Jeff Buckley and the Wickham Boys

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:40:00 +0000

Long before the Shrek movies and American Idol grabbed it and made it mainstream, I remember being in my college dorm room as a Freshmen, laying on my twin bed with the lights turned off, listening to Jeff Buckley's amazing rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" turned as loud as my Costco stereo system could possibly handle! Buckley, who drowned in Memphis, Tennessee, 15 years ago this month, had one of the most incredible and passionate voices I have ever heard.

Last Thursday, Marie and I, had the honor of being part of Birth Choice Health Clinic's 31st anniversary celebration at the Crystal Cathedral. Leading in worship was Evan Wickham. I have one of Evan's CD's from 2009, but I had never heard Evan perform live before. It was incredible! Evan backed up by a great band and aided by the acoustics of the Cathedral, sounded "Buckley-esque" if I am allowed to say such a thing. The thing that made it for me,even more powerful than a Buckley performance, was the fact that Evan's lyrics were all about Jesus and his worship of Him as our Savior and Deliverer. ( By the way...Come here Matt Davis at Calvary lead us in Evan's song, "Our Deliverer" this Sunday!).

Evan's younger brother, Phil is also an incredible and well-known musician, who blows me away with his lyrics and passionate voice in leading people to worship Jesus Christ. You have to spend a couple of minutes and watch Phil singing a song from his 2009 album Heaven and Earth called, "Heaven Song" at his home Church in San Diego in 2011. This song and Phil's vocals are the closest thing to Jeff Buckley I have ever heard. So amazing!

Also - Speaking of Phil Wickham, I just saw today on twitter, that he is releasing a FREE live album recorded at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa beginning today, May 15th. Go here to his website to get it..

Speaking To a Roomful of Powerful People

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:51:00 +0000

I was recently introduced to the work of Eric Metaxas. Eric is a Yale educated author, who came to know Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord while in his 20's. In the last couple of years he has grown in fame in both Christian and secular circles thru his biographies of William Wilberforce ("Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery") and Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy"). I am currently reading his Bonhoeffer Bio and really loving it.

Metaxas also recently took over the radio ministry of his friend Chuck Colson, who passed away last weekend. Metaxas writes about Colson's passing here.

I also like Metaxas' interview with Tim Keller
and you can more about Eric on his website, www.ericmetaxas.com

But what really impressed me about Metaxas was the way he spoke to a roomful of the most powerful people in the world at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC a few months ago.
Here is a great photo from Eric's website of the Vice President of the United States taking a photo of Eric and President Obama with Eric's iPhone!

Metaxas, in the presence of so many United States and World leaders, didn't wilt under the spotlight of pressure, but instead spoke about Jesus with humor, humility, winsomeness and with authority. I loved it! When you get a chance, watch his 30 minute message, courtesy of CSPAN and Youtube below...

Now It's My Turn To Get Baptized

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:10:00 +0000

I am sure police officer's children play "cops and robbers" and Doctor's kids play "hospital" and maybe school teachers sons and daughters play "school", but what do Pastor's kids play in the backyard? Baptism's of course, hahaha. Here are my 2 oldest, pretending to baptize each other the other day...

Caine's Arcade

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 22:42:00 +0000

There is a wonderful grassroots story that has emerged out of Boyle Heights (East Los Angeles) over the past year. It is about a 9 year old boy and his arcade. I dare you to watch this short film and not cry!

To find out directions to the arcade or for more info: Caine's Arcade
To give to Caine's college scholarship fund: Caine's College Scholarship Fund

Want to support and get involved in similar inspiring stories of inner city kids living right here in Orange County? Check out 2 organizations in Santa Ana that I have come to love and support:
KidWorks
Santa Ana Boxing Club

Attention All Hipster Pastor's

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 05:58:00 +0000

I came across a great website for Church creative types today while looking over Ryan Roehl's shoulder at his laptop today in a meeting at Church...It called Church Stage Design Ideas..

Also: My friend and co-worker, Victor Estrada showed up to lunch today with a thing called a "bookbook." It is basically a wallet and an iPhone holder/protector in one!
It is amazing! It is now on my wish list for Father's Day.

Up From the Grave He Arose!

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 18:27:00 +0000

The tomb is empty.
The cross is vacant.
Death could not bury Him.
Sin could not defeat Him.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ is alive!!

Check out this You Tube video of 2 boys singing their hearts out to the wonderful truths
of the classic hymn, "Low in the Grave He Lay."

Easter Egg Hunt at Cabrillo Park in Santa Ana

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:52:00 +0000

Our Church, Calvary Church in Santa Ana (Ca), is excited to host our 4th annual Easter Egg Hunt the day before Easter this year on Saturday, April 7th at 9am at Cabrillo Park in Santa Ana. This year we are distributing over 10,000 Easter Eggs to the kids in our neighborhood! If you live close by, we would love your help in volunteering to run the Egg hunt or bringing your kids to participate. If you want more info or want to volunteer, email me at mdoan@calvarylife.org

Today, I received this heads up email from our executive pastor about an Easter Egg hunt in Colorado Springs, Colorado that took a turn for the worst last Easter. Read about it in the USA TODAY here...
Both my brother and sister and their families live in Colorado Springs and have small children. Coincidence? I think not...

The Awkward Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 12:58:00 +0000

I love being a Dad. I really do. Today was one of those days that reminded me of how much I love being a Dad. Our oldest daughter is a 1st grader at the Christian school attached to our Church.
My office and her classroom are about 10 yards apart! Yet there are days that I get so focused on what I am doing in my little world, that I forget that we are on the same campus. Today I was walking from one meeting to the next across our campus when I saw her and her classmates out on the playground for what they call, "first recess." She saw me walking past the playground and ran up to me smiling saying, "Daddy, Daddy!" There is nothing better than being greeted on the playground with excitement by your 1st grade daughter. I gave her a big hug, knelt down next to her and asked her what she was playing.

Then in her sweet, high pitched 1st grade voice told me, "well, this girl is not playing with this girl, so I am talking to the girl whose feeling are hurt, trying to cheer her up. (yes - the drama begins in 1st grade)." I looked at her with compassion and said, "that is so nice of you. I am proud of you for having a heart for your friend whose feelings are hurt. Let's pray right now, for you friends, that they can get along the rest of the day." (In my mind, I was being a great, Godly father in this moment).

What came next, surprised me....My daughter got this panicked look on her face and said, "no, Daddy, no..don't pray here, don't pray..." I looked at her kind of hurt and said, "no, I think we should pray, let's pray right now (and then began to pray). I said amen, she looked at me with kind of a funny look on her face, gave me a big hug and then said, "love you" and ran off to play with her friends.

After school, I asked her about our little awkward prayer time and she said, "Daddy, it's just something kids understand about prayer." I looked at her confused and said, "what do you mean, what do kids understand, that I don't about praying on the playground? Did it embarrass you or make you feel like you were in trouble or something." She said, "no, nothing like that, it just is something kids understand." And at that, I smiled and said, "Okay, I will be more sensitive to that, next time I try to pray on the playground with you."

I love being a Dad because of conversations like this. It reminds me that when it comes to being a Dad and a spiritual leader of my family, I have so much to learn, so much room to grow. It also reminds me of the precious nature of building a spiritual relationship with my daughter. Sometimes, it will be difficult, sometimes it will be easy, but it will never be predictable! And I like that. It keeps me humble and dependent on God as a Dad. I will never stop praying for my daughter. I will never stop looking for opportunities to point her towards Jesus and the wonderful news of the Gospel. I will never stop pursuing her heart and displaying the Father's love to her. But I might stop praying with her out loud on the school playground, hahaha.

I came across a great blog post from Perry Noble today on Dad's and Daughters that kind of connects to my interaction with my daughter today. Check it out here.

Serving Santa Ana

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Doan) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:14:00 +0000

Over the last couple of years, my heart has become really burdened for the city of Santa Ana and particularly the children of our city. Over 80% of the students in the Santa Ana school district are on the free/reduced lunch program, meaning their families are below the state poverty line. 50% of the 330,000 residents of Santa Ana are under the age of 18. What these 2 stats obviously indicate is this...

Our city is very young and our city is economically poor.

When a city is predominately young and economically poor 3 results naturally occur:
#1 - Schools become overcrowded, under resourced and low performing (*although our Santa Ana Schools have been making huge improvements over the past couple of years!)
#2 - Crime increases, particularly gang affliation (Over 5,000 Santa Ana kids under 18 are involved in gangs)
#3 - Families often struggle with overwhelming busyness, stress, depression and apathy

As I have lived in our city and served in our city, I have seen these struggles occur all over our city, block to block, neighborhood to neighborhood.

Yet the good news is this...I have also seen our mighty God at work in Santa Ana, doing beautiful things in the city.God is using school teachers, administrators, city leaders, entrepreneurs, parents, kids and Churches to love the city of Santa Ana and serve the people of the city.Over the past couple of years, I have had the honor to meet and become friends with so many of these amazing people. People like Anthony Serrano, who gives his life to coach kids at the Santa Ana Boxing Club and Kate Medina, who drives kids all over Santa Ana and beyond taking them camping, to Church, to Angel games whenever and wherever she can!.

Both Anthony and Kate serve with the Orange County Youth Commission. The O.C.Y.C. is making a huge impact in kids lives through people like Anthony and Kate! Recently, we were asked at Calvary Church to help develop a promo video for the O.C.Y.C. and I tapped my friend (and former roommate!) Chad Ashton from our Church to put a piece together. I love what he came up with...watch below...