Work continues at the Monarch Sanctuary

The men find the work at the Sanctuary is something they can be proud of. Part of our goal at the Bridge is to teach the men to give back to the community that they are a part of. The men have logged approximately 40 hours at this point, and are looking forward to completing the project in the next few weeks. Please continue to pray for us... Mike C.

In-N-Out Vs.Weight Watchers

Rumor has it that Pastor Nate has been praying for an In-N -Out Burger on the Peninsula. This will haunt me all of my days. Men coming into The Bridge are first Spiritually fed, and soon begin to fill their plates with various types of foods.....three squares a day....and then some. This results in what has become known as 'The Bridge Belly'. Not a very flattering addition! So as for me, In-N-Out Burger would be just one more addiction to fight. So I say - "In-N-Out Burger?!! - Not in my back yard!" Because of establishments like this, I begin to pray for more Weight Watchers on the Peninsula. So, who's side are you on? Pastor Nate's or mine? - Please vote on the left column, or by leaving a post or comment. This is simply a battle of good vs. evil. Thank you for your vote. - Mike C.

The Bridge begins work at the Monarch Sanctuary

Several members of the Bridge spent much of today cleaning up the dense underbrush that has crowded the forest at the Monarch Sanctuary for years. Mike, Elliott, Jesse, Louie, and Jeff all put on their gloves and work boots and pitched in for another good cause. When the Monarchs come to town in November, they (and the City of Pacific Grove) will be glad that we helped to take good care of their home.

The Feast of Lanterns

On the 26th of July the City of Pacific Grove celebrated its very popular Feast of Lanterns festival, and the fellows from the Bridge offered their assistance all day...a very long day! Our assistance ranged from seeing that the 'Bounce Houses' were run efficiently, handicapped and entertainers' parking was carefully monitored, and, of course, we were there to help clean up at the end of the day.

We thank the City for allowing us to be a part of this wonderful and successful event!!

The Bridge Helps with The Feast of Salads

The Time is Approaching

As you can see to the left, the days are counting down to the Annual Fundraiser. It's bound to be quite a blessing! Last year we had about 30 Table Sponsors, and about 60 Auction Donors. It was quite a treat to see Rick in auction....I mean action! He's great!

I wanted to list some of last years Donors, and maybe prompt them to continue with this year's Donations.

Aquablue Spa, Art-Rageous, Bahama Billy's, Carmel Print and Copy, China Silk Nails and Hair Design, Chris Cayce - Attorney at Law, Cookie's Ciao Bella Salon, Curves of Carmel, Del Rey Car Wash, Enviro-Temp, Embassy Suites - Seaside, Everyday Gourmet. Jacob Pearl Photography, Jiffy Lube Monterey, Kenna's Spa, Larry Menke Buick, Chrysler, Plymouth, Volvo, Lenscrafters, Main Event Limousines, Monterey Bay Chocolates, Monterey Bay Whale Watch, Monterey Marriott, Monterey Tech Solutions, Pitzer's Of Carmel, Pro-Dry, Richard Murray Associates, Robert E. Williams - Attorney at Law, Ryan Ranch Printers, SLOW BURN, The Pebble Beach Company, Thomas Kinkade Company, Thomas Kinkade National Archives, Tri-California Events, Inc., Vogel Graphics, and a host of individual Donors.

Take some time and consider Donating. Rumor has it, that last year there were two really nice shirts that didn't get bid on....so Mike P. picked them up at a bargain price! Very Nice! Maybe this year someone will do the same!

Do You Know Who This Man Is?

I'll give you a hint....he had a lot to do with Mike Casey and his recovery. Leave comments, (should be easy, now that you know how) and I'll post them, along with who Mike says this man is, within the next couple of days....

Easy Comment Posting!

Here's a screen pic of the comment screen you'll see if you want to leave a comment. It's easy, just click the 'comment' link at the bottom of the post, fill out the form, and then click 'anonymous' at the bottom. Send it! I can set it up so Mike C. is notified as soon as you post!

Dinner Time

Here are a few shots at dinner time last Thursday. Meal time is always a production. Mike says that the Bridge fills about 1000 plates per month...morning, noon and evening. (11 residents that get 3 squares a day). On Tuesdays, which is a CCMB sanctioned Fellowship night, they feed about 20-25 plates. Not a task that is taken lightly. Meals are prepared by several that pitch in to help. Lunches are usually made by one of the guys a day ahead of time. The last post showed food from the Food Bank in Salinas with a van full of fixin's...just come on over for a meal sometime, and you'll see what a blessing, and production it is, to be feed at The Bridge!

Trip to the Food Bank

Jessica, Mike and Deanna

Mike, Jeff and Jessica went to the Food Bank on Thursday to pick up supplies for The Bridge. They go every week to Salinas to pick up supplies. Leslie is the Executive Director, and Deanna is the floor supervisor that helps coordinate the visits.

The Food Bank serves approximately 50,000 Monterey County residents and distributes about 5 million pounds of food per year. They collect, store and distribute food through two countywide distributor programs. The Emergency Food Assistance Program and Family Market, and the Agency Clearinghouse which is a network of 67 non-profit agencies.

They are open 1-3pm every weekday for walk-in service and have a toll-free number of 1-800-370-F-O-O-D. 24 hour assistance with all Monterey County social services is available at 1-800-339-8229. For more information about the Food Bank, HERE is their link.

It should be duly noted that the van used for these 'food runs' should get a medal of valor, and the appropriate recognition for service above and beyond the call of duty.

MEW pictures from the 14th

The Fund Raiser is Coming

Last night, the board met for it's monthly meeting. Many topics were discussed, but the one I want to highlight is the Fundraiser that is coming up in October. This is a wonderful opportunity to get the word out about The Bridge and what it's mission is. It's a time when the past year is displayed in retrospect, the guys have a chance to share, and the vision of The Bridge for the next year and beyond are expressed.

There will be a silent auction where a plethora of items will be donated for funds. Your opportunity to support The Bridge and what the Lord is doing in all of these guys' lives. Up to 40 or 50 tables will be sponsored by a variety of folks and organizations for the meal provided. An opportunity just to donate will also be afforded.

But the thing that I'm looking forward to most is the reaction that the guys have when they see the support of the life that they desperately desire to walk. So many people are so supportive, and on a daily basis. But to have many of them come together and be unified toward one goal, one purpose. To be a part of something that is much, much bigger than they could possibly imagine....it's phenomenal!

Please consider coming to the event. Ask around, get a hold of someone that is sponsoring a table, or sponsor one yourself. It's going to be $375 this year for a table that seats 10. Pray and ask the Lord what your part is. How deep the Father's love for us...how vast beyond all measure! - Mike P.

Most Excellent Way

Monday night, and the Most Excellent Way met in the Fireside Room. Cupcakes and coffee. Fresh fruit and tea. Al Larson was on hand to promote the October 10th Fundraiser and generally admonish and encourage all who were there.

It was kind of a special night of music, with Bard and Band on hand. We'll have some pictures up this afternoon, so make sure you check in again this evening. We thought we were recording the evening, but the CD ended up with nothing on it....maybe next time we'll know better how to use the equipment.

Mike and Sylvia started a new part of the MEW meetings specifically with ministry to sexually addictive habits. What a Gracious and Sovereign God we serve! Pray this ministry reaches and touches the ones intended, and that God is glorified in it all.

Saturday, July 12th

Most of the guys walked to the prayer meeting today. Took about an hour and 29 minutes. Nate shared out of Acts, and we prayed for the body, ministries, brothers and sisters. Afterwards, Mike C. and Mike P. went down to Carmel Presbyterian church to meet with several church leaders that have a heart for prison ministries and re-entry programs for parolees. They meet on a weekly basis. Joe Avila, Executive Director of Northern California/Nevada/Hawaii Prison Fellowship ministry, was there for just a few hours. There was talk about a re-entry opportunity that Monterey County has in the old Natividad Hospital for a 500 bed re-entry facility. Here is a link to an article in the Californian explaining the opportunity.

Mike Casey's heart is to have the county recognize, and subsequently support, faith based programs like The Bride for funding opportunities and also for recognition that they are effective. The issue that Mike has is that programs like The Bridge are not recognized for funding through the county, like other programs are, because of their faith-based position. The Bridge is disqualified for this reason. We recently spoke with a local grant providing organization, and they showed a similar stance.

There will be a Town Hall meeting in the not too distant future about the funding ($80m) for the Natividad re-entry program. Please stay tuned as we will continue to look at this issue....

Tell it to the Judge

Part of my regular duties at the Bridge include meeting with Probation / Parole officers and attending court appearances. Unfortunately the choices made by people in crisis leave them involved with the legal system. Peter said "Lord, how often shall... I forgive him? Up to seven times?" "Up to seventy times seven", said Jesus (Matthew 18:21-22). Unfortunately our legal system does not allow for this kind of chance or grace. Many people who keep committing the same offense feel that they are trapped in this vicious cycle and some desperately want to get out. This leaves the door wide open to share the Gospel. "Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away ; behold, all things have become new."( 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Many times I hear them addressing the Judge telling them of their desire to change. Unfortunately, most if not all programs given to them are secular programs. Christian programs are not looked highly upon .The Bridge has been recognized by several Superior Court judges. I recently had the chance to plead my case that we have great Christ based programs, and they could do a great job addressing the lack of bed space in the county. Hopefully a seed was planted. "..if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there', and it will move: and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)

I believe God has placed a calling on my life to raise awareness of Christ based programs. - Mike C.

...and God added to thier numbers...

The Bridge has a new member named George. (Pictures forth coming). He's come to the Bridge via the Monterey Bay Teen Challenge Center in Pajaro. Check out their website HERE. Take a look at the short video they have about their mission.

I was with Mike most of today. Shared a lunch before going over to Pajaro and talking with one of the guys in charge there. Interviewed George and brought him to Pacific Grove. He's a very likable guy that's about 26 years old. Has talent as a carpenter, and our prayers are for him in the success of his stay at The Bridge. He went to CCMB for what I believe is his first time, and had the opportunity with all the rest of us to hear Assistant Pastor Geoff Buck teach out of Ecclesiastes. Great message, Geoff!

As I sat and listened to the dialog during the interview with George, I was struck with the fact that we all like sheep have gone astray. How it must break God's heart that we wander off and create such a mountain of misery for ourselves when all we have to do is obey. For some, a four letter word. For some, life itself. Jesus said "If you love me, you will obey my commands." Do you love Him?

More on the Fourth...

On the 4th of July, The Bridge guys went down to Caladonia Park in Pacific Grove to help with clean-up, serving the community. Moe Ammar is the President of the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce, and when asked about the guys helping out with the clean-up, he said: "They were the best! Great crew. What a bunch of nice people..."

The Bridge wants to be part of the Pacific Grove Community, and wants to establish here the same reputation it had shown in Seaside. "Faith Family Community" are not just words, or a snappy logo, but are values shown by the actions taken by believers towards those around them. Next weekend, the guys will be partnering with the city to help with the 'Feast of Lanterns".

MEW Monday Night

Last night, The Most Excellent Way gathered at CCMB. Worship, Word, Men, Women, Family groups....like in the days of Jesus? Without the flat bread, without the incredible region of the Galilee, but yes, like the days of Jesus. Coming together to seek the Lord. Coming together to fellowship, to encourage, to be taught.

Last night was the first in a long time that I had been to the MEW. In the Fireside room, a full compliment of worship team, including keyboards, lead guitar, female vocals, bass, percussion, rhythm guitars...they sounded great, and lead people to the Lord. The teaching, by Mike, was out of Hebrews 2, about sliding, spoke to many. Don't go back! was the message Mike was teaching. A great encouragement from the pulpit. Not worth it! Something even I needed to hear. The groups gathered and men spoke from their soul about the things they struggle with.

What an encouragement. You cannot find the transparency, the honesty or humbleness that God's people afford when truly given over to His purpose. This ministry is of God. It is recognizable because of the lives that are being changed and effected. "But earestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. (1 Cor. 12:31)

Upon a more serious note...

The beginning of this blog has brought a lot of fun, and pictures that make us laugh. But I'd like to take a minute to reflect on a couple of things.

I respect Mike Casey, his wife, and the life that they are pouring into this ministry. I see just a glimpse of the effort that the two of them put forth. The call that the Lord has put on their lives would be over whelming to most, and yet the Lord is the one that gives the increase, the strength and the wisdom.

This Ministry helps hurting men that seek to be whole. They have come to a place in their lives where they are broken, convinced the life they've been living doesn't come from the Lord. They seek to be disciples of Jesus, and are committed to the rules of the house. They put their trust and faith in the earthly leader God has chosen. They believe God's Word to be true, and look towards God the Father daily for sustenance...food...life. Bible studies in the morning, discipline throughout the day. Fellowship with each other. Matt. 16:25 says that whoever seeks to find his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake shall find it. These men have come to the place of loosing their lives...for the sake of Jesus who gave His life for them. This home is where God wants them. This home is the life that God has for them. It's not always easy. Men living together in tight quarters, tight schedules...having to trust each other....live with each other. Life still happens.

I just wanted to say that I look to the Lord and see such compassion, such empathy, such a desire to fellowship with precious saints, and to make them whole. Not just these men, but all of us. Ours is a loving merciful God, never changing, ever lasting. How great is our God! Happy Independence Day.

The B-B-Q Open House

Here are some of the pics from today's BBQ. What a wonderful time! Fine food, fine fellowship and fine friends. Ask someone who was there and let them share with you what a wonderful time it was.

The Real Treasurer!!

Michele heard that Mervyns is having a store-wide clearance sale!!!

4th of July Open House Today!

There's going to be a Bar-B-Q at The Bridge today. We're encouraging people to stop by and have a burger, or some chicken, Italian sausage, mashed potatoes, and whatever anyone else brings. Stop by and fellowship.

Discipleship

Jesus said "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."(Matt. 28:19)

Discipleship defined is not complicated. Simply find someone to share with. Spend time with them. Pour into their lives much like Jesus did with His disciples.

This morning I was able to walk with one of the guys from the men's home at 5 am. It was just a matter of being there walking as the sun came up over the bay. Makes you realize that God's on the throne and He has it all under control. We just need to do our part in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So don't look too far...sometimes the person God has for you is right under your nose.!

Today, Mike and Elliott took a young man from the fellowship to Chuck E Cheese for lunch. Decipleship starts early!!

This is Mike Parker's beautiful wife, Ellie Parker!!!