Elm Street Mission

2009-04-09T15:43:00.000-07:00

April is moving by at a fast clip. God has been helping us to preach and spend time with those who are desiring a change in their life. We are thankful for all the churches that have been helping on the weekends as well as those who canceled Mexico trips and came to the mission instead. We are taking a much needed brake and are in Arizona hanging out with my parents. My dad is reaching the ripe old age of 60 on Sunday. I will also get to see my Grandpa who just had three bypass heart surgery. Pray for staff as they will be a little short handed this weekend. Pray for these ones who have been coming to the mission who God is working on.

Paul
George
Dan
Audre

Don't forget that all those people you pass by everyday are heading into eternity. What impact are you having with those God places in your life. Keep praying for us as we are looking at adding ministry opportunities for young people. May you have a blessed Passover/Easter this Sunday and as you meditate on what Jesus did on Calvary let your light shine brighter in a dark world.

2009-03-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having a great year in Christ. So much is happening both good and bad but we press on to bring God glory. The kids have been doing rounds of sickness since January. We haven't had more than one or two days when all were well. This makes it rough on Tiffiny as she is home all day with them trying not to get sick herself. God is doing many things with the homeless men and women. Here are some names of people to pray for as God is working on their lives.

Paul
Jennifer
James
Brett
Brian
Carol
These are just a few of the names of ones we are working with. God is dealing with some and others are babes in Christ.
This is what it's all about bringing glory to the one who died for us. He deserves the reward of His suffering. Our lives in complete surrender bringing Him honor in all we do.

2009-01-21T14:35:00.000-08:00

We are moving forward in 2009. We will not look back, we will not allow the enemy any strong holds in our lives. We press on in victory over temptations, addictions and the flesh. In spite of the moral collapse of the world and the church having a politically correct gospel we know that Jesus is looking for those whose heart is turned toward Him. You will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. (I didn't put the book or chapter to give you homework :) We praise and thank God for His many blessings and for keeping the mission doors open. Keep praying for the kids in the Beach Flats and their families. Our Sunday school is getting bigger and we give God all the glory. Pray for the many that God is bringing our way as we are now open 9-5 Monday through Friday. People can into the sanctuary to read and pray. We also will pray or talk with them about the word if they are interested. The mission's spirit of unity is stronger than at anytime in the last six years. We are looking to see many repentant lives this year as God's grace is poured out on the homeless of Santa Cruz. Thank you Lord.

2008-11-24T13:10:00.000-08:00

It is Thanksgiving time once again and we have so much to be thankful for. We thank God for His son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit who guides, directs and teaches me. I thank God for life, health and keeping the mission open. We thank those who have supported us over the years and those who support us today. We thank the many volunteers that come and help us serve the homeless. We thank staff for their hard work day in and day out. Thank you Ventana for your help and have a great time ministering in Mexico. We thank Nob Hill, Safeway, Uppercrust Pizza, Second Harvest and other churches and people that donate food. Thank you for all the clothes and blanket donations this year. I can go on for pages of all the thanks we have for what God and others are doing but I have many things to do. I have to thank my wife for putting up with me. (This requires much prayer I am certain) Keep praying for us as we always need it and to God be all the glory for what He has done and will do.

Ben Palm

2008-09-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

Well it has been quite awhile since last post. We have had many things going on at the mission. One of the big ones was Lynaea Palm. We have been going through the normal sleepless nights and frazzled minds. God has been with us and helped us constantly. We are thankful that she is now, after two months, sleeping through the night. We went to Arizona to take a break from everything around here and it was great to get away. We are back in full swing and the battle is raging as expected. When you are fighting for souls it isn't easy. Prayer is tough when you are burdened for the lost as there are so many to pray for. I think about the ones who were burdened for me and kept it up. This is why I am here today and I will keep going. When we look at all the lost in the church (who think they are okay) and those who don't care in the world it weighs heavy on me. I hope you have that weight also and if not, slow down it's waiting. God is looking for those who will stand in the gap. He needs people to intercede. Keep going and God be with you, we need your prayers. Ben

2008-05-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

When I think of what Jesus has done for me tears well up in my eyes and my heart is full of praise. It makes the trials seem so small and distant. When I think of the love that He put in my heart for others it amazes me as well as drives me to see them born again. We have had some pretty big changes here at the mission. I went into a time of prayer and fasting to hear from God as to what He wanted. John 15:2b is the scripture that I received as God wants us to be more fruitful. We have pruned Monday night Coffee House, Wednesday night feeding, Friday service and Saturday lunch. We have many we are working with that are close to repentance and we are looking forward to working more one on one. We also feel, due to the economy that the pantry program will be expanding. We are waiting on God because we want Him to build the church. Programs don't build His church but the power of the Holy Spirit bringing souls to Him. Mike and I have been teaching a Bible study at the Roundtree Medium Jail and God has been so near. Pray for those that we have been working with and praying with that they will be saved. We at the mission are excited and unified with the direction God is moving and look forward to the outpouring of His Spirit.

2008-04-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

Well I hope that everyone who reads this is doing well and God is on the throne in your life. It has been interesting to say the least at all the things that is happening around here. We are tearing out the old swing that I use to swing on in the seventy's and putting in a whole playground setup. We are building a new shed and fixing up the other one. This will increase our ability to help more in the pantry area of ministry. Last month we gave out food for around 165 persons that have a place to live. We see this is going to increase due to the down turn in jobs and money. This will be one more way to share the love of Christ to those in need. I am heading down to Mexico next week to see the great folks at Ventana ministries. They have a group of young people that are looking at going into ministry and they are learning what it means to serve. They have invited me to go speak to them and encourage. May God be glorified. Hey if you or someone you know doesn't know what they want to do in life and just out of high school or college check them out. Tiff is a little over six months along and we are looking forward to a new life. Pray for Frank and LJ she came up to give her life to God. Pray for many others who are turning to God and those that have been under conviction but are fighting surrender to Him. We have had people crying in the services and many run out under conviction but pray that they will repent and turn from sin. It is time to hate sin, especially if it's in your life. Get rid of it once and for all. Crawl up on the altar and give yourself a living sacrifice. God wants to use you where you are living but He wants, requires clean hands and a pure heart.

2008-03-18T22:08:00.000-07:00

Hope all is well on the battle front. We are always fighting on the victorious side, praise God! Pray for Jeff and Brooke who just left to Oregon. We have been working with them showing the love of Christ. We started a men's Bible study on Wednesday which Mike Crane is leading and it is going well. Next week we are starting a Bible study in the medium security jail, pray that many lives will be touched. Eric and Jason showed up to help us last week from Teen Challenge and it is great to see how God is helping them. Eric was on staff at the mission and had some tough times but is back on track and running after God. It is so important to never give up no matter how far down we think someone has gone. Where sin did abound grace did much more abound. Lift up Everett (Jay) Cousins who grew up around the mission as a kid. He is working with the poor in Idaho and wants to get a mission up and running. This is a big task but we serve a God who can do anything. I want to thank all the churches who help us out in serving, cleaning, and praying for all these lives that come through the mission doors. Most of all I want to thank Jesus for taking our place on the cross. Thanks for shedding you blood to free me. Without Him I would be laying somewhere passed out or dead. Praise the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Thank you for rising again to give us life and so abundant. Without Him we can do nothing let us not forget that. All for Jesus!!!

2008-01-31T19:51:00.000-08:00

Happy February as I am not sure what happened to January. God has been helping us preach and pray. Oh how we need Him and the Holy Spirit to help and teach us. Pray for Mike who we took to Teen Challenge on Sunday night. He took a look in the Holy Ghost mirror and saw the wreck his life had become. How we want many others to see this and recognize the condition of their heart and lives. Friday Mike C. preached on repentance, Saturday Steve S. spoke on not falling back as they walk out the door and I spoke on Sunday night on turn and live. It is amazing when you don't share notes and yet we are all on the same page. We have had many groups come in a help clean up and fix up the place. Thank you for all your work. We thank God for staff that work so hard to keep the place up and running. When you feed 4000 to 5000 meals a month it takes alot to keep everything going. We currently have 4 services a week and three Bible studies and one prayer night so it keeps us busy. Keep in mind as our first purpose in life is our relationship with Jesus our second is to love our neighbor as ourself. (If you love them tell them about Jesus) Show them His love by your actions as well as your speech. Don't forget if you need more information go to elmstreetmission.com

2007-12-29T10:40:00.000-08:00

We hope every one had a great Christmas. Most of all that everyone really understands the meaning of this time. That now because of Jesus our relationship can be restored that Adam and Eve had. We can walk and talk with God every day in constant fellowship. I thank God for the bundle of hope that was lying in the manger 2000 years ago and continues to give us hope today. A big thanks to all those who supported us with prayer, financially and with physical service. Without this we couldn't do what God has called us to do. The staff as well as my family have been able to impact many lives this year, all glory to God. Continue to pray for those who have started down the road to recovery from drugs, alcohol as well as mental problems. God is the great physician and continues to heal these lives. Here is a few names so you can lift them up. Al, Eric, Steve, Harley, Teresa, Mike, Larry, and I could go on and on. It is good to see Peder back from Aruba and Esther back from Ireland. These two have helped at the mission before they left to grow in Christ in the medical field and music. Dan (my brother) is coming in today on his way to China. It will be good to spend a little time before he heads out. 2008 is right around the corner and I am looking forward to the great things that God is going to do. Don't forget that with great progress comes great trials. The good news is that with God on our side there is always VICTORY!

2007-10-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well here we are counting down to Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. So much to be thankful for. I hope you thank God everyday for His many blessings. This is a good time before the end of the year to examine your life and see where you are at between you and God. The Bible says to examine your life and see if you are in the household of faith. (2Cor.13:5) We can get so busy doing "God's work" we don't really know what He wants or where He is going. Pray for Jeremy as we are suppose to take him to Teen Challenge on Wednesday. He said God is talking to him to get off the drugs. Praise God!!! There are many like him that are in SLE's (sober living environment) who we have worked with. Pray that God will be the purpose in their life rather then just being sober. All that work to be sober and yet without God. The odds of them falling back is extremely high without God. Pray for Jacob who is in Janus that he will complete the program and will find His Savior. Thanks Rob for your word from God. (Comment on last blog) We are going to Arizona for our once a year break. It is going to be great as we will be seeing all of my brothers and families for the first time in a lot of years. It may be the last time for many years as Mark is going to New Guinea and Dan lives in China. It is good to be God's hand's and feet every day. I thank Him that He use's me a little bit in His kingdom. To God be the Glory !!!!

2007-10-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Here we are in October so close to the end of 07. We are in the middle of probably the biggest spiritual battle since I have been here. (Almost 5 years) The good news is that despite the battle, despite the trials, God is still changing lives and we are in His will. James 1 says to count it joy. why? 1 Peter 4:12-13 tells us we are partakers in Christ's suffering. (Also 1 Peter 1:6-9)You are going through this for Him and with Him. That takes the sting out of it and takes the focus off of you and on to Jesus.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 In your hard times remember it will not be wasted. God uses these times to not only help us grow closer to Him but also to help others. Times are coming to America to turn her back to God. Times of judgement. The Bible says judgement starts with the house of God. That has been going on for some time as billions are being spent to figure how to get more people in the church and it attendence gets less every year. The only thing missing is the Holy Spirit. Hard times are to bring us back to obedience.
Ps 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
Ps 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Spend time waiting on God to show you what your suppose to learn through this time. God bless you. Steve at the mission said " We know it is going to turn out good because I cheated and read the end chapter."

2007-08-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

God is so amazing !! His presence is becoming more and more powerful. We are seeking to know more of Him and love others as He loves us. So many today are seeking miracles, signs and wonders. We see these everyday. The fact that I can walk down the street and have a clear mind, free from lustful thoughts. Praying with someone and watching their life change day by day. The ability to have 75 or more druggies and alcoholics of all ages in a hot sanctuary, preaching to them for a half hour and you could hear a pin drop. That is a miracle... The wonder of having a burden for someones soul that all you can do is weep for them. The signs of God bringing unity to a bunch men from off the streets who compose our staff. Prayers in which we break the enemy's blockade and enter the throne room of the Almighty God. Open your eyes they are all around us and I haven't even gotten to the personal ones that happen every day. Glory to God, praise His Holy name. We don't need more emotion (helping people feel good about themselves) we need more obedience. The closer you get to God the more miracles, signs and wonders follow you around. Get up a little earlier or go to bed a little later and give that time to God and watch the amazing things that will happen in your life. Ben

2007-07-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

It has been almost a month since the last post. It has been an amazing journey for this time. Some days so tough, some days feeling the power of the Holy Spirit so close you just weep. Preaching some times roaring out and others fighting to get out. Knowing that at any time Jesus might walk in and fill the place with power as in Pentecost. If you have lost your joy or maybe its been a hard time in your life, this link is the reality of why we are here. Let everything go but Jesus, look to Him right now.
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=7936179

2007-06-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the first day at vbs. The Beach Flats, a place where low income Hispanics live, is a place we felt God said we are to reach out to. We are having a great time and they are loving it. God is helping us to show them God's love. We are excited to be working with Faith Community to make this happen. They are a new church and it is great to work together with other believers in Christ. The theme for this week is why we are here. The meaning of life. My mom, Sandy is here this week and it is fun to have her here helping us out. I had one of the kids ask me if we will be having this next week they don't want it to stop. Pray that the ones who have come to Christ and those who prayed for forgiveness will keep going and this will be a change for the rest of their lives.We want to thank all those who gave money for the prizes and material needed to make this a fun event for the kids.

2007-06-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

Wow! Time flies when your serving God. The Bible says it is like a flower that sprouts up and then fades, like a vapor. It will be five years ago, next month, when my Uncle Larry went to be with the Lord. It will be two years since Ruthie went to Glory and told Jesus we needed some help down here at Elm St. It has been a little difficult as I have been working at the house, on the deck and also at Larry's place. I have been focused on the mission only for over a year so it's taking a little change to do both. God continues to work on people's lives one at a time. We are doing a vbs for the Beach Flat kids. (These are the Hispanic kids that most seems to overlook in Santa Cruz) God has supplied the people (my mom is one of them) and two churches have supplied money to help. Praise God for all that He does and will be doing. I have been praying for those who started towards God and have fallen away or are struggling. It has been a hard time praying, which is okay, as we live by faith, not feelings. Cory showed up on Wednesday night telling that I helped him (God using me) to get through the drugs. He has a job and is praying and reading his Bible. Hallelujah God rocks!!!!! When you wonder what is going on in people's lives just give it to God and continue on, He will complete the work.

2007-06-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone and God's mercy and grace be upon you. I want to praise God because He deserves it and all thanks to Him for His loving kindness. Things have been moving at God's speed. When He says slow down and listen that is what we do. Sometimes we have to go around a service of 90 people searching out those whose heart has been softened by the word. Time is short and the harvest is great so everything you do needs to be to the glory of God. I have been doing some construction work to rebuild my body after losing about every bit of muscle. I was down to 159 pounds after normally I maintain around 200. God has everything planned out for our lives if we will stop and listen. To many times we wait for an answer and when one doesn't come instantly we do what comes naturally, which gets us into trouble. Pray for Andreas who is going through a hard time in his life. Pray for Larry who the doctors said almost died the other night. He told me he is ready to meet God. Pray for Paul, Tiff's grandfather who has been through surgeries and doesn't know Jesus. I haven't been on the Internet very much so this is why the blogs have slowed down. Thank you Lord for taking care of all our needs. Ben

2007-05-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hello, I'm back and would like to share a little of what God has done in the last 40 days. I won't make this to long because so much has happened. We have had salvation's, two baptisms, and many changes that are happening. God has been pouring out His Spirit in the Tuesday night prayer meetings. His hand of protection has been on us mightily as we have been running between 70-90 on the weekend night services. This time has changed me from the inside out as God has redone who I am. This is hard to explain but for those who know me I have always been a person of clutter and don't see messes most of the time. During this time I redid almost every room in the mission straightening and cleaning. Many helped because I had energy but no strength. I also did all the cupboards in my house. God's strength is the only way I could have made it and He gets all the Glory. Thank you for your prayers and support. Thanks to the staff who had to do extra for me. I have a big, big thank you for my wife as she had to do her job around the house as well as mine that involved heavy lifting. Her prayers kept me going and gave me strength. More to come but God bless and don't forget all around you people are dying and going to hell and need a Savior.

2007-03-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

God is very good. He is on the throne of my life and I will worship and praise Him today and always. We have had many lives that are being turned around and set free. Keep praying for Steve who went to Teen Challenge. He is doing good saved baptized and on his way for Jesus. Pray for James, he went to the Celebrate Recovery at the Mission on Wednesday and Steve and Jon talked to him about his life. The next day we got him into Teen Challenge and we are looking forward to what God is going to do in his life. It has been great teaming up with Teen Challenge because they have a program already set up and it is all about Jesus changing lives. No self help, self is the one who helped us get where we are at. I wrote earlier about Ray who needed alot of help. He is back with his family but pray that he will allow God to run His life. We are under attack by the enemy of our souls but that means we are doing something right. All praise and thanks to God for victory. I will be off line till mid May for some time with God only. Keep praying for us as God is doing and will do greater things. Something to think about
Watch your thoughts they become words
Watch your words they become actions
Watch your action they become character
Watch your character for it becomes your destiny
As Jesus said "Watch and pray lest you enter into temptation, the Spirit truly is willing but the flesh is weak."
Keep trusting and obeying for their is no other way to be happy in Jesus.
For me to live is Christ to die is gain
Verse to read: Phillipians 1:29
God bless you all till I write again.

2007-03-10T22:07:00.000-08:00

Hello, hope everyone is doing great today. God is awesome as always. Tonight three came up to the front to turn their lives over to Christ. In the last week we have had five. Pray for Mike who turned his life over to Christ that he would grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. We went to Arizona last Sunday afternoon and got back in town today so I could preach this evening. God's presence has been so close lately and it is amazing to have a room full of street people and yet you could hear a pin drop. The peace of God passes all understanding. We appreciate all the prayers that you hold us up with. Without prayer we would be just another mission that feeds, clothes and encourages instead of show the love of Jesus and preaches repentance from sin. Souls are won or lost in the prayer closet. Speaking without power is like a restaurant with a menu but no food. The pictures look great the descriptions are making us hungry but we can't get filled. God gets all the glory because without Him we can do nothing. Do not be weary with well doing because you will reap if you faint not. If you are struggling right now start praising God and watch the devil flee and you get the victory over everything.

2007-02-18T19:18:00.000-08:00

What an amazing service we had this morning. It wasn’t anything that we could try and conjure up but a move of the Spirit. We were in the middle of testimonies about “what has God has been doing in your life?” We were having some great testimonies and a guy named Justin raised his hand and said I want to get saved. I was not expecting this as most people aren’t asking to come to Christ until you talk to them or maybe after a sermon. He was telling everyone that some things had happened in his life and he needed to saved. I was praying for wisdom for what to do, either go to him in the pew or have him come up to the front. I had him come up front so everyone could come up and pray for him. When he got up there I told him to pray and tell God he was sorry for his sins and was ready to give all and live for Him. After that was done Kelli said she love God so much she wanted more. She said I want to give God everything and get saved again. I told her well you can’t get more saved but if you are ready to give it all up to God then you need to die to yourself and allow God to sanctify you. I was getting ready to preach on holiness so it was very timely. Another lady wanted prayer to get rid of the fear in her life I asked if anybody else wanted to come up for prayer. Teresa came up and rededicated her life to Christ as she had started to walk away from God’s will in her life. Wow!!!!!!!!!!! God is amazing. It is great to watch God work and He gets all the glory we just pray and watch Him at work. I am always ready for God to come in a change the order of any service to He can be glorified. Praise the name of Jesus. Thank you Lord for sending your Holy Spirit to help us. We need a lot of it.

2007-02-12T21:12:00.000-08:00

We are moving ahead with Christ as our Commander in Chief. We are doing our best to keep step with where He is going. Pray for Darrel and Wanda a couple that is really wanting to stop drinking. He was in the hospital for 33 days and almost died. We were on the streets last night praying for them and they need a touch that only God can give. Mike Crane preached on Sunday morning about the demons getting cast our by Jesus and going into the pigs. It is amazing today that just as in that day we are more shocked when someone leaves the past and gets into their right mind than all the filthy junk that goes on today. We get so worried about the finances (pigs) the shock of someone by the fire in their lives which leaves us looking bad that we push Jesus away. Is their anyone still reading this blog? We have a company in town that is going to change out the whole electrical panel at the mission. This is going to be a big help Praise God!!!!!! Keep us in your prayers as we fight on the front lines of addicted lives that need a one on one with Jesus. Their is nothing we can say or do which can change them without the power of the Holy Spirit doing a work. It is good to be used by God. If you haven't given all, (I mean your sleep, food, money, TV, movies, your precious time, whatever He requires from you) then it's time. Disclaimer(This is just a list to jog your memory not a manual). He is wanting to move in your life like you've never seen but you have to have all on the altar. If your not sure just ask believe me He will let you know.

2007-02-05T11:56:00.000-08:00

It’s February and we are praising God for everything. There is a reason for the downturns and trials of life. These are to grow us in the Lord and our reliance on Him. We have praise for a lady named Jen and her three kids. She came to Christ a few months ago. Someone gave her a car, she got a job, and then some people from our Wednesday night group helped her get into a house. Please be in prayer for her. Pray for Cory as he has been off drugs for only 5 days and is trying to get into New Life rehab. I am meeting him at two today for a Bible study as he is trying to grow in Christ. Keep Eve and Joe the have only two weeks clean and this is the hardest time for them. They are following God but as anyone that has come off of hard drugs knows that the withdrawal isn’t easy. God has the victory for them if they keep their eyes on Him. We are planning for a VBS for the beach flat kids this summer. Pray that many lives will be touched. I have been skating at the Scottsvalley park with a bunch of kids it has been great. There are so many kids that want to go and with the Sunday School getting bigger we are going to have to pray for a big van. My God will supply all our needs according to His riches in Glory. Keep us all in your prayers. Ben

2007-01-21T22:13:00.000-08:00

Well 07 is off and running full tilt as expected. It will never slow down until everything falls apart or we die and see Jesus. (Time won't matter) There is so much going on I don't know where to start or how to end. We just finished tiling the kitchen. The back shed is half way done with the structure. The mural is still being worked on and as usual looks great. Patrick an electrician I met has been working on getting the antiquated electrical fixed. There is a possability of carpet being donated for the sanctuary. We have had so many clothes donated its hard to fit them all in the shed. We have food packed in every available freezer and dry goods in every possible place to store. There is more coming so I guess we will have to start figuring out ways to help more people. The kids in the sunday school are doing great. I asked ellisel if he had asked Christ to come into his heart and he said yes. Praise God for all He has done and is doing. I preached at the jail (farm) yesterday and God moved a couple of people came forward for God and pray that they will continue when they get out. Tiff has had some great spiritual breakthroughs lately so another praise to the King of Kings. Kids are doing great Mikaela is enjoying school and Caeden is becoming more fun everyday. I am heading out tomorrow for senior pastors pray summit. I didn't know that I was a senior pastor but I guess because two other pastors speak at the mission I am one. Titles are not really a big priority for me. It is amusing though when people see me in my shorts, t-shirt tennis shoes and hear that I'm a pastor their mouth kinda drops. People have a funny view on how a pastor looks. God has been working on the street kids and I am going to start a Bible study with them. We have about 8 street couples we are working with so pray for them as God is really convicting them. The Spirit was very powerful today and nobody wanted to leave so we just kept singing songs. Even after most left we kept talking about God and what He is doing and didn't leave till around 2:30. Keep obedient and listening to the still small voice. God bless.

2007-01-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a while since I posted. We have had so many things happen during these last three weeks. We had four people come to Christ on the streets, pray for their continued growth in Him. Pray for Jacob that is struggling with relapsing that he would give it all to God. We thank God for the many that are growing closer to God. We had a great Christmas getting way more then expected. Some on Tiffiny's side of family are big present givers they really get into it. God gave us the greatest gift His Son. Steve and Sandy Palm (my parents) were here right after Christmas which was great. Dad preached on the 31st and mom sang, they both did a great job. We went on our eight wedding anniversary, January 2nd, to Monterey and it was good to get away. The mission is still peaceful and we thank God for that, as it can get crazy around here sometimes. This year we are planning on a putting in a shower at the mission and are starting laying tile in the kitchen this week. It is starting off as a great year. We have had many to pray with and many asking questions about their lives. Praise God for His patience with us.

2006-12-18T20:42:00.000-08:00

Well it is officially cold here in Santa Cruz. It feels like Christmas with the ice on the windows. It has been an amazing year watching many come up the road spiritually. We have come under many attacks but through God we are always victorous. Chuck and Kelli have been coming to the mission for a while. Kelli has really been growing in Christ. She was so excited tonight she read the book of John last night and is going to read Luke. God has given the mission a car to give them. It is great to see the excitement of New Believers. It keeps us on our toes and we have to make sure we are being the example that God wants us to be. We are going to have a meeting for the Elm Street board on the first of January. Dad and mom will be here and dad will preach on the 31st. God has been taking care of us (although the money comes just in the nick of time.) this whole year. It has been a great year of learning to live by faith. With no money to fall back on and not a dime in savings it is great to have a big God. This is not a whine or a call for money it is a fact that God has wanted us to really know how to live by faith. Thank you for all your support and prayers. Merry Christmas

2006-12-07T21:30:00.000-08:00

We are heading in a rush towards the greatest miracle that ever happened on the earth. God was made flesh and lived among us as Jesus. Because Jesus lives in us we give each other presents for His b-day. As giving to each other we have done it unto Him. (Maybe a little bit of a broad translation) It was a great Wednesday night feeding as usual. Jennifer (someone Steve has been working on) told me that after my sermon the other night she quit smoking. Pray for her and her friend Courtney. The newsletter went out today Praise God !!!!! That has been months in the making. (Time constraints) Keep praying for women’s Bible study and the men’s Celebrate Recovery. We had an incredible day today on the mall. People were stopping constantly for prayer and Bibles. Pablo stopped to play a game of chess and then in a little bit he was telling God he was sorry for his sins. Pray that he will continue in the walk of faith and the enemy will not take what happened away. He said man I feel a change in my life. Praise God Again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then Efrom a psychology major did the same and says he wants to come to the mission to help. I tried to leave and it took about a half an hour to get out of their because people kept stopping by for prayer to be healed for life situations, so the voices in their heads would quit. To God be the glory for the things He has done. My daughter Mikaela was a preschool yesterday and she talked to her friends asking them if they knew how to pray. They didn’t know so she taught them. Are we following her example with those around us letting them know what Christ has done in us? Jesus wasn’t ashamed to talk to everyone about His Father how about us. Let us be Godly correct instead of politically correct.

2006-11-26T15:08:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is over and gone. We still have a lot to be thankful for. Had a good time in Arizona with parents. We are back to the grind going back to full speed. We had a great Sunday School today learning about Sampson and how we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. We are heading down to the Mission in a few minutes for the evening service. Keep God first in all you do so it is done right. More later after computer is fixed. Thank you God for everything.

2006-11-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

Well, we are heading to Thanksgiving a time to slow down and think about how much we have to be grateful for. The Spirit has been increasing this last weekend. God was speaking to many street people and I had an opportunity to pray with and talk about their relationship with Christ. I’ve had many come up to me and say wow you guys preaching is getting better. I laugh, and say “The Spirit is getting stronger so you think we’re getting better.” Pray for Tom who rededicated his life to Christ. Ray who has around four weeks to live needs prayer so he will give his life to God. Its hits you hard when you see someone dying before your eyes and there isn’t anything you can do. All you can say is of no avail, only the power of God through prayer can change him. Keep holding on for Monday night Coffee House when we work with the street kids. This Sunday I’m going to Flagstaff for a much needed break to hang out with family. I was working with a kid named Kyle that lives their and so I will be calling him to see how he’s doing. Some praises!!!!!! Kelly was helping us and got entangled in drugs and her mind wasn’t doing to good. We were really praying for her and out of the blue she came by with her family and they were taking her back to live with them. We have seen growth among those who have turned towards Jesus. It takes time for some that have been in a fog for most of their life. Well I have to go to the Dentist for some teeth cleaning so this is a short one. God’s blood (blessing) be upon you. Ben

2006-10-30T21:10:00.000-08:00

mural being painted at mission

2006-10-30T09:34:00.000-08:00

Well time flies while your having fun. I must be having a lot of it because this year is almost gone and where did it go. The last couple of weeks there has been a lot of people to disciple. Tiff has been running 8-10 ladies in the Wednesday bible study and Jon has had around 6 in the celebrate recovery biblical twelve step. We have started a Tuesday night prayer meeting and have had seven show up. Now days this is a lot to have in a prayer meeting which is sad. It is going to increase here in a little bit as God moves on His people. I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving so I can have some rest. This is our yearly vacation. Something to think about. What did you do for Christ last week? If not much don’t feel guilty start today asking God to bring someone across your path to tell them about Christ. Who knows you might be an instrument that God uses for their repentance. It works every time I ask Him. Yesterday was the last day that the Sunday school would be in the Beach Flats. This Sunday we will be bringing them to the mission. One exciting thing the palm reader at the head of the street entering the Beach Flats looks like it closed down. Praise God. Pray for protection as we go out tomorrow night to pray and praise God on the mall in the chaos of Halloween.

2006-10-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Once again its two weeks that have gone by. God is working on many hearts. Some are changing before my eyes, others they show back up and we can tell what a difference in their life. The biggest problem is that some of them aren’t doing it with God’s help but with the governments. The chance of them relapsing is very high. We have started a mural which when finished will be seen from the mall and show Jesus and scripture. Pray for Royce who told Jesus he was tired of his life and needed His help. Ray who has six months to live is around fifty and was weeping like a baby realizing how scared he was about the other side (this guy is one of the toughest guys on the streets). After the spiritual breakthrough two weeks ago it is a big difference in everything in the daily life of the mission. It has become easier to preach as well as talk and pray with others. We are starting a prayer meeting on Tuesday night and have quite a few coming so praise God. Remember your relationship with God is primary and your relationship with others is next. How is your walk with God and when is the last time you told someone about Him. Most people I know the thing they hold dear is what they talk about. Stephen the behind the scenes benevolent pastor (today’s terms) was the first martyred for preaching the gospel. What is your testimony today. God bless better quit or I’ll start preaching.

2006-10-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

Its been two weeks since my last post. Last week I had hit the end of my energy limit due to lack of sleep due to ministering and praying in the middle of the night. (I’m not asking or seeking pity it is what I am called to do) Monday night we had some disagreement issues with other people working down at the mission and spent a few hours with that. Then up part of night praying and thinking about it. Had to take Mike’s food run earlier that day so my week started off way behind. (Monday morning I usually take a break till around noon) By Wednesday night I could barely stay awake driving home I was in a daze. Thursday morning around three I told Tiff I needed some prayer for healing because I was getting really sick. I could feel it coming on strong. I was going to speak at Tracy prison on Saturday and knew that God wanted me there. I spent most of Thursday in bed. Friday my third busiest day I was ready and raring to go all Praise to God for His healing. (The guy who I was around that was sick was out of it till yesterday as well as all his staff sick) Friday there was around ten that raised their hand for special prayer as God was dealing with them. Saturday at Tracy prison was a special day as always. The first service, which is 2.5 hours long, there was over 120 prisoners. It was amazing on the altar call a whole bunch of them came forward. (numbers are not important) God is awesome all glory to Him. The second service was for those who are already Christians and that lasted three hours. The presence of the Holy Spirit was powerful and you tell this is the way its always suppose to be. The praise band did a wonderful job offering up worship to the King. Yesterday at the mission Tiff spoke and many were touched by the message. The other great news is this morning there was a break through in prayer. We have been in intense warfare for almost three months. I was asking God how long till His promised outpouring of His Spirit and why it was easy to preach in the prison and such a battle at the mission. He had me open to Hebrews and gave me 10:23 as my word thank you Jesus. I get excited and can ramble on and on about how awesome God is so see you and have a good week. God’s blood be upon you ( the meaning of God bless you)

2006-09-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday to everyone or anyone. It was an amazing week watching God at work. Feels like we are starting to have breakthroughs after these last months of battles with the enemy. Last Wednesday we had a busy night. I was wondering why the day street ministry was light and then I understood. We had over three hundred people to feed. Don and Jen were getting into a place. Courtney , a pregnant girl was trying to get into a hotel that night and had been having a hard time that day. Angela, another pregnant girl we have been working with was going through a lot herself. I called tiff to come down and talk and pray with these two girls. Tiff and another Jada (Jon’s wife) spent time working with them. I was getting medication for Bob a nineteen year old that had been stabbed (the knife was one centimeter from killing him). He has a pregnant girlfriend and it gave me a chance to talk and pray with them. Bob grew up in church and knows what he needs to do. Jon started celebrate recovery at the mission had nine people for his first class. There wasn’t anything for the women but now the women’s Bible study is going to be on Wednesdays. Thursday I went to the fair to work at a booth that offered prayer and handed out Bibles. It was great how many people we handed out Bibles to and gave our testimonies. We were getting ready to leave so we decided to have some prayer for all the people we had talked to. We finished, and a mom, her son and grandma was standing there so we started talking to them. They were looking for a church so we gave them information about the church that was sponsoring the booth. They started asking me questions about the church but I told them I went to a different one. When they found out about the Elm Street Church and realized that they were living in apartments about five hundred feet away they decided to go there. So we had quite a few new people that God brought yesterday and like I said watching God work is amazing. I better stop because there is more and I get excited talking about my Savior and so God bless you and may His light shine on you this week.

2006-09-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

Well here we are into another week. More chances to impact those around us for Christ. I had a very busy weekend with two sermons preached and speaking at a seminar for teenager leaders and their youth pastors at Mission Springs Camp. It was a great time and good to see teens desiring to follow God with everything. I am so used to youth of today only talking about the next video game or fun thing they are getting or doing. Pray for Kelly she is wanting to do more for God as well as know more about Him. She has started a discipleship study book and has already memorized scripture (She had been in an accident and has a very hard time memorizing) Praise God. Pray for Johnny and Lola and their family who just started coming to the mission on Sunday morning. Pray for Todd (My tile guy from construction days) God is moving on him. Pray for Marcos he came to us as we were on the streets ministering around two months ago. He was separated from his family and the doctors told him he had pancreatic cancer with six months to live. He didn’t want to live and was going to drink himself to death. We spent some time talking to him and praying for healing. Two weeks ago he came by and with tears of joy told us our prayers had healed him. Isn’t God awesome!!!! Pray for him to turn his life over to Christ as he has been drinking for thirty years. God continues to move on lives. Ask God to use you today to tell someone about Him.

2006-09-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

Here we go again, off to a new week for God. Some good reports in the last few days. Pray for Dave who rededicated his life to Christ last night. Pray for Sky a girl going through some hard times that we have been praying for. Out of the blue she showed up yesterday after church and Tiff and I got to talk to her about God and pray with her. We are going to work on sending her home to be reunited with family. Pray for Todd a tile layer from when I was doing construction. He was in the service yesterday and God is really working on him. There is so many souls to pray for the list goes on and on don't forget to stop when you read this and call out to God for those around you. He does a much better job at reaching them then all the great words we have or marvelous materials we have. We need a whole lot of prayer for Coffee House tonight the teenagers and young adults on the streets need a major touch. Meth is so easy to get and so addictive and is destroying these lives. Thanks the Lord for all He is doing and is going to do in our lives and your lives. God bless you all, if anyone is reading this.

2006-09-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

Had a good service tonight no one came forward but many hands raised for prayer. Pray for Kathleen she said the sermon made her think and that is a first as far as I know. Pray for Robert who is trying to do right. Had a great Wednesday out at farmers market got to speak with a few people about their relationship with Jesus. Pray for me, the enemy has been stopping me from sleeping lately but God has been giving me miraculous energy. There is a lot going on around here and we are running to keep up with God. We are waiting for God to bring us a plumber and another electrician so that we can get the shower done and wire in for a coffee maker, its a big one. Celebrate Recovery starts next Wednesday (that is Christian twelve step) so we are looking forward to that. Pray for Al that he will find a place to sleep before the rain hits. He is a guy who got saved a couple of months ago and has been a real help around the mission. God is amazing and I love Him.

2006-08-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

Well we are getting ready for another service tonight at the mission. This week has gone by amazingly fast. I'm having fun. Tomorrow morning we are at Bible Club in the Beach Flats at 8:30 a.m. and the subject is prayer. We are done around 10:15 and then head over to the mission for morning service. We have a staff meeting afterword and them I am suppose to meet with a couple about some things in their life. Then at 4:40 p.m. mission starts again. Despite all the business the focus is lives being changed, repentence, growth, and of course most important obedience to God. Well I had some excercise yesterday at Ernie's Birthday. I played two volleyball games at least I was on the winning side for one of them. Most of the time the only excercise I get is walking up and down the mall, singing with all I'm worth or moving groceries around the mission. Keep praying for us we are under constant attack from the enemy. If you have ever been on the front lines you'll understand these are very intense even physical but we know Jesus is the victor. Steve S. says we knows who wins he looked at the end of the book. When we stand before out Creator and out Savior and our guide we will not thing of the trials and tribulations (which are small in America compared to others) we will celebrate with all our might for God helping us be triumphant. Praise His Name.

2006-08-24T09:27:00.000-07:00

Well here it is Thursday already and it is a half day at the mission. There are a total of three half days. Pray for Don a fifty-five year old artist I really had a good talk to him yesterday about his relationship with Jesus. He is a throw back from the hippie days and with parents that came out of that I can relate a little. I met him playing chess with a guy he knows at the roasting company. Today is Bible study on the book of Acts and we are studying how it applies to modern day move of the Spirit. It is easy to think that we have Him figured out and what the formula is for Him to move. The reality is start with obedience and see what happens. People ask me all the time, where is my office at the mission? The only place I think I could call it is on Pacific Avenue that is where I spend my afternoons. I guess that is the way Jesus did it and I like to keep it simple kinda like Him. Well I hope everyone is having a good day. Don't forget to slow down and help someone today and tell them Jesus loves them. Ben

2006-08-22T22:34:00.000-07:00

Well its been a long day and time to get my normal five hours. There has been a lot going on in the last 24 hours. Pray for Aaron a guy that got saved ( told God he wanted to live for Him). He has had problems with enemy possession and needs prayer. I have been working with a new couple that have a 4 month old and were going to be on the streets but we have been helping them with a hotel for a few nights working on getting them a place to rent. Their names are Donald and Jen. They are trying to live for God and need to get away from the streets. Pray for Royce who gave his life to Christ last Wednesday. I have a big day tomorrow going out on the streets to see who God brings into Jacobs and my path. I have been playing chess lately, actually quite a bit, it has become a good tool to talk to people about God and break into their life in a different way. I have a travel set I walk down the street with. I carry a big Bible in one hand and a chess set in the other. God is good and we are excited with what He has done and is continuing to do. God Bless You Ben

2006-08-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

Well here is an older picture but its us

2006-08-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well its Monday morning and we are setting up for a new week. We have a coffee house tonight working with the younger kids on the streets. We have had a few break throughs working with them. A group of us have been fasting and praying for God to move in this age group. We have been seeing salvations among the 40 and older but nothing in the teenager to early 20. Most of the kids are on meth and this has caused mental problems as well as a hardness of heart. Many are also into wiccan and wearing the pentagram. We know who has the victory "Jesus Christ" and there is more with us, we are on the winning side. We are breaking down the enemy strongholds in the name of Jesus and the blood shed on the cross. Praise His Name.