Saturday, August 23, 2008


Flournoy Elementary School-Watts, CA

An exciting opportunity exists to help a second grade class comprising of 22 seven and eight year olds to become world-class students and citizens. They already have a highly qualified teacher, Jessica Jones, who holds a masters degree and a teaching certificate for both elementary and high school. She is excited about the new school year and is ready for the challenges that lie ahead. All we have to do is assist her where needed.

Unfortunately, many hurdles have been placed in front of these bright young minds. Although the children receive a government provided breakfast and lunch, they often do not eat until the next morning. Some children will need shoes, a winter jacket, or a backpack.

Ms. Jones 2nd grade wish list includes the following:

  1. Backpacks (8)
  2. Jackets (8)
  3. Cup-a-noodles, instant “mac n cheese”, granola bars, and juice boxes.

Ms. Jones could use some teaching tools to assist her in providing the best education available to her kids.

Her teaching tools wish list includes the following:

1. Computer with monitor SUPPLIED!
2. Printer NEW LASER PRINTER SUPPLIED!
3. 22 Pencil cases SUPPLIED!
4. Used laptop
5. Used projector to hook up to the laptop

Storytellers needed

One of the most important requests is to have adults read to the class. Several individuals, from law enforcement, fire fighters, and airline pilots have already volunteered to visit the class and read to the students. Besides learning about reading, the children will also learn about jobs that exist for them in the future. The children will also become aware that there are people that care about them, and their future is bright. It will take some food, some equipment, and some elbow grease.

Come Along

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Here we go!

Hi everyone

This blog is to keep you up to date with the good news happening with the Watts Powerhouse Church.

Some history
The church is led by Pastor Todd Grant and his wife Jenny. They live down the street from the center which is located adjacent to the Imperial Gardens Housing Project. The main cross streets are the 105 freeway and the Wilmington off ramp.
I first met Pastor Todd in April while checking out venues for our youth choir to sing at this summer. My wife, Shannon, and our Youth pastor, Rob Pene were looking for a way to participate in a urban ministry that we could continue for a long time. Shannon was called out of town, and asked me to visit the center in her place. So, I went kicking and screaming with Pastor Mark, Rob Pene, and Matt Janasov, all from St Andrews Presbyterian in Redondo Beach, to a place I did not want to go, and to meet someone I didn't want to meet. So we get there, and this guy with a great big smile greets us, and its Pastor Todd.

Washington DC-LA
When Shannon is in Washington DC, she attends the Capital Life Church, a predominantly white yuppy church that meets in a office tower auditorium on Sunday mornings. Their pastor, Bill Schuler, befriended a pastor, Bishop Martin, from the RRRC church located in the inner city of DC. The two churches ultimately became sister churches, with the CLC providing financial aid and prayer. Bishop Martin and Pastor Schuler are two great men.

a bright idea

The more I don't want to go to church, the greater the chance the sermon is exactly what I need to hear. The same law of life applies when my wife has a idea concerning the Lord. So as usual, her nudging was correct, and I was supposed to be in Watts, and this Pastor Todd guy was an important man to meet. It was during the meeting that morning in Watts that the Lord suddenly reminded me of Pastor Schuler and Bishop Martin and the RRRC church in DC. I told the story and blurted out "lets do the same thing here!" and Pastor Mark replied in his loud voice,"I agree!" Rob and Matt must of been thinking, "WHAT HAPPENED?! WHAT DID THEY DO WITH RUSS?!

it's started, there's no turning back

The food bank is now one month old, and we have had the honor of providing twenty food boxes to members of the Powerhouse Church. Around fifteen people from St. Andrews, including two families, delivered the food boxes and served lunch after the Sunday service. In addition, a bed was donated to a new mom who attends the church and lives nearby. High school and college members of each church walked the bed around the block to the to new mom's home.

come along...

Life is exciting when you invest in the lives of others. You can come along with us too.