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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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!!!

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

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!

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 !!!!

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."

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.