God and Hollywood

Stephenie and I just returned from an extended weekend trip to Los Angeles and it was a fantastic time. The main purpose for going to L.A. was to visit our close friends Bill & Mindy Magsig whom are church planters in Hollywood. I've known Bill for over twenty years and he is a true Christ follower who desires God to save many in this town. L.A. has seen a huge growth in Scientology and Self-Actualization and many other false religions, not to mention the rampant worldliness. His church is seeking to be Christ-centered and they are hoping to share the Gospel through their lives and ministry and to reach many of the unchurched and lost in L.A.

The Magsigs live in West Hollywood and in that area 70% of the people are homosexual. 90% of the people in L.A. are trying to make it in Hollywood. The town is a revolving door that sees an influx of people that generally stay only a few years because they don't necessarily "hit it big." As we were driving to the airport we saw a billboard that said, "Life is short. Have an affair." It then listed a website that one could go to to pursue this endeavor. I could say more, but the bottom line is this is indeed a town that needs revival.

Please pray for the Magsigs and this town. Pray that God would raise up godly people to partner side by side with them. Pray for them to stay encouraged for God to break the hearts of these people and draw the lost to him.

On a side note, as Stephenie and I rode out to L.A. on Friday, we had the opportunity of meeting a wonderful Christian, named Paul who sat next to us. As we chatted with Paul, he told us his story how he came to L.A. from England and how bad the church situation was in England. He shared that he would show up to an old, beautiful church in his town and he would be one of about 8 people there, yet he was the only one under 80. As he went through customs in L.A. a gentleman invited him to a church in Valencia, CA and he and his family have been thriving there this last year. Paul talked with passion and share his desire to lead his family and to seek opportunities in his work to share the Gospel message.

It was encouraging to meet a complete stranger yet make an instant connect through the unity of the Spirit.

All in all, through this trip I'm more reminded and burdened with realizing how vital it is to plant Christ-centered, Bible-saturated, Spirit-led churches to reach the many that have not crossed over from death to life.

May God raise up many men to lead these churches and to revitalize dead churches from Houston to L.A. to England all for his glory.