tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29342634234334851552024-02-07T00:03:39.408-06:00andykinglive.comAndy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-68605338815024808112015-03-30T22:28:00.000-05:002015-03-30T22:28:55.616-05:00Make A Way - Passover message<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/123687342" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/123687342">Make a Way</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/riversidepeoria">Riverside Community Church</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
This palm sunday I took time out to share about Passover during the time of Jesus.Many people asked about apart of my message when I showed Old testament prophesies and New testament fulfillment. Below is the list I used. Enjoy!<br />
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<b>Jesus in the Old and New Testament </b><br />
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<b> Messiah would be born of a woman.</b>
Old- Genesis 3:15
New - Matthew 1:20<br />
<b> Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.</b>
Old - Micah 5:2
New - Matthew 2:1<br />
<b> Messiah would be born of a virgin.
</b>Old - Isaiah 7:14
New - Matthew 1:22-23<br />
<b>Riding on a Donkey.</b> Old - Zachariah 9:9
New - Mark 11:7-9<br />
<b> Betrayed by a friend. </b>Old - Psalm 41:9
New - Luke 22:47-48<br />
<b>Messiah would be falsely accused.</b>
Old - Psalm 35:11
New -Mark 14:57-58<br />
<b>Messiah would be silent before his accusers.</b>
Old - Isaiah 53:7
New - Mark 15:4-5<br />
<b>Messiah would be spat upon and struck.
</b>Old - Isaiah 50:6
New - Matthew 26:67 <br />
<b>Messiah would be hated without cause.</b>
Old - Psalm 35:19
New - John 15:24-25<br />
<b> Messiah would be given vinegar to drink.</b>
Old - Psalm 69:21
New - Matthew 27:34<br />
<b> Soldiers would gamble for Messiah's garments.</b>
Old - Psalm 22:18
New - Luke 23:34<br />
<b>Messiah would be mocked and ridiculed.</b>
Old - Psalm 22:7-8
New - Luke 23:35<br />
<b>Messiah's hands and feet would be pierced.</b>
Old - Psalm 22:16
New - John 20:25-27<br />
<b> Messiah would be crucified with criminals.</b> Old - Isaiah 57:9
New - Matthew 27:38Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-56349065441486747222014-12-08T22:00:00.001-06:002014-12-08T22:00:08.799-06:00Home Alone<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/113441794" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/113441794">Home Alone - Andy King - A Blockbuster Family Christmas</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/riversidepeoria">Riverside Community Church</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
Had the privilege of speaking at Riverside on the first Sunday of the "Blockbuster Family Christmas" series. We had a great morning as I spoke on things that inspired me from one of my all time favorite films, Home Alone.
Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-41471457775895196512014-10-22T19:17:00.003-05:002014-10-22T19:17:35.644-05:00Mission Peoria 2014 - Jesus Is ... The water of life (Thursday night)<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/109720540" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/109720540">Mission Peoria 2014 - Night 4 - Andy King</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/riversidepeoria">Riverside Community Church</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
Over 300 young people came to Mission Peoria this summer to Impact a city for Jesus. Each night we would have a celebration of what God was doing through the young people. On the Thursday night I shared with the young people about how Jesus had a plan and a purpose for them. We looked at the Baptism, the Boat, and the Bowl. Enjoy!Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-62364250499663769562014-09-18T10:01:00.001-05:002014-09-18T10:01:51.579-05:00How do I have Faith?
<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/106397023" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/106397023">How Do I Have Faith? - Andy King - Question Mark</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/riversidepeoria">Riverside Community Church</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
Take a look at how I try to preach on the topic of "Faith" while cooking Chocolate chip cookies!
Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-9208044513705432632014-08-20T20:12:00.002-05:002014-08-20T20:12:43.011-05:00We need a bigger boat!<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/103912478" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/103912478">We Need a Bigger Boat - Andy King</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/riversidepeoria">Riverside Community Church</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-23029696836564981782014-08-05T12:08:00.000-05:002014-08-05T12:08:37.119-05:00The Fight<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/98566295" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/98566295">The Fight - Andy King & John King - Fathers Day 2014</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/riversidepeoria">Riverside Community Church</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-8606778006816862622014-07-02T16:06:00.001-05:002014-07-02T16:06:13.291-05:00Show Me Your Glory<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/94401462?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/94401462">Show Me Your Glory - Andy King - Fire Never Sleeps</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/riversidepeoria">Riverside Community Church</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Moses asked God one of the most intimate questions in all of the bible. He says to God "Show Me Your Glory." I pray that God will speak to you as I unpack this great encounter between Moses and GodAndy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-14489405563746459492014-04-23T19:07:00.000-05:002014-04-23T19:07:37.789-05:00The Scandal - Easter 2014<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/92728878" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/92728878">The Scandal - Easter 2014</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/riversidepeoria">Riverside Community Church</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
Easter of 2014 was an incredible time at <a href="http://www.riversidepeoria.com/ ">Riverside Community Church</a>. My dad and I decided to tag team the preach. It was a morning where we saw so many people turn their lives over to Christ. Here is the presentation from that morning. Enjoy!Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-86607802061777852772014-02-22T10:39:00.000-06:002014-02-22T10:39:10.748-06:00Jesus Is Scandalous Grace<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/86315186" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/86315186">Scandalous Grace - Andy King - Jesus Is...</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/riversidepeoria">Riverside Community Church</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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A few weeks ago I shared a message called "Jesus is Scandalous Grace." I wanted to post it on my blog as many have asked for it. In the middle of the message I show a powerful video. Due to some issues, we could not embed it into the actual message so at 22:15, pause the video and click the Barabbas link below. Hope you enjoy! <br />
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Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-66129693271496295852014-01-25T20:54:00.003-06:002014-01-25T20:54:58.802-06:00The Church We See<div style="font-family: Helvetica; text-align: left;">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Jesus is... </span></b></div>
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What does that mean?</div>
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That statement can be continued in so many ways</div>
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Is it a statement or a question, it all depends on who is answering it</div>
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The church we see answers that in a way that can change lives. It can change this City, It can change the world</div>
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<b>(Connect)</b></div>
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The church we see connects people to Jesus, not just by talk but by action </div>
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Its a church that is Jesus to a dying world 24/7</div>
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A church that loves people like Jesus did...with An unconditional love. Its a "come as you are type of love".</div>
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As people connect with Jesus, he connects with them through community and worship. The inward experience now becomes on outward expression</div>
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The church connects people to Jesus</div>
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<b>(Grow)</b></div>
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A church we see Helps people of all ages grow in their faith</div>
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The church challenges people to grow closer to Jesus and as we grow closer to Jesus, the reflection of what we see challenges us to change and be even more like Jesus</div>
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Jesus changes everything</div>
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Our walk, our talk, our life, our desires, our passions, our pursuits. If we use Jesus as the mirror, he will show us where we are but more importantly where we need to be</div>
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<b>(Go)</b></div>
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The church we see is a movement. It's on the Go. </div>
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As we see how Jesus is changing and transforming us, we need to the put action to our faith. </div>
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The message of Jesus is for a world who needs to hear that message. </div>
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Jesus wants us to Go and occupy every street, neighborhood, sub division, City. Every work place, school, college and home.</div>
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The church we see physically is Jesus to the poor, the broken, the homeless</div>
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The church we see physically is also Jesus to the rich, lost, confused, depressed</div>
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From the faceless to the famous, Jesus is hope to the hopeless</div>
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The church has no borders, no limits to where it can go. Jesus called us to Go. </div>
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It's a call to action locally and globally. </div>
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We must Occupy every street </div>
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So now you see who Jesus is... It's US, you and me "The church"</div>
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We are his hands and feet to a dying world. We are his representatives in society.</div>
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When people see us, interact with us, do life with us...they should see, interact and do life with Jesus</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The church we see exists </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">to show you who Jesus is...</span></b><br />
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Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-6272134308896173612013-09-02T17:21:00.000-05:002013-09-02T17:58:38.029-05:00Let The Future Begin...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Its crazy to think that for the last nine years now I have been leading Dream Center Peoria. In that time we have seen God move in the lives of people that we are serving, answers to prayer, and a City impacted for Jesus.<br />
Dream Center looks a lot different from when I started. We were a staff a 2-3 people, a budget of less than $200,000 a year and 3-5 ministries. Our offices were in cubicles at the Holiday Inn building along with all the other staff at Riverside Community Church. But here was the scariest bit...I had never ran a organization/ not for profit before. For some that would be scary, overwhelming and paralyzing. But for me, I knew God had called me to it and that he was about to do something that only God could do. Nine years later, we now have over 20 ministries impacting this great city, with a staff of 15-18 people, close to $1million budget, housed in our own Dream Center building (that, was purchased for $200,000 but that is valued at around $10m). Our ministries are healthy, and we now serve the poor and the broken, 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. Just a few weeks ago a friend of mine was talking to the mayor of Peoria. He said to him, "Could you imagine Peoria without the Dream Center? Mayor Ardis turned to him and said, "I would hate to imagine that city."<br />
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Earlier this year, God started to stir my heart with regards to how he was wanting me to think big in impacting this city in a whole new way. He was challenging me to now think much bigger - city wide impact. He started showing me ways to not only think of impacting the physically poor in the inner city, but now he was stirring my heart for the spiritually poor of this whole city and area also.<br />
As I started to process this and started praying about it, a lot of things were happening around Riverside.<br />
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One of those things was my dad, who's the senior pastor of Riverside, announcing that he felt that within 3 years he would be transitioning from a senior pastor roll. It's funny, since he said that, people have jumped to some crazy assumptions. We have heard he's retiring to Florida, leaving Peoria, and going back to England. We even heard that he was going to be a missionary to China! He's not going anywhere, in fact he's more passionate for this great city than ever before. However, he talked about finding an Associate Pastor for Riverside. He needed someone who would carry the load for him, be his right hand man, and someone who would partner with him to have a clear vision for the future of Riverside. As he was talking, God started speaking to me in clear ways. I remember standing on the side of the stage, looking at him, as the whole church responded to this man of God, being honest and humble before them. Nearly the whole church came to the middle isle, and were praying over dad. As I saw that, I felt God stirring me for a new challenge.<br />
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On Father's Day this year, dad and I decided to tag team a preach. It was a crazy morning. We called it "Dad Dynasty". It was a spin off from one of our favorite TV shows, Duck Dynasty. We came out with full camo and beards, riding on a 4 wheeler, and shooting paintballs. We even gave away Duck Dynasty cups, and served iced tea during the service to all the dads!<br />
In between the two morning services, a very godly man, who has been with us since our Washington days, came up to me and asked to talk. He asked me, "have you ever thought about becoming the Associate Pastor of RCC?" I stumbled through my answer, as I knew it was a clear confirmation for me to now see if this opportunity would come along.<br />
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That week, I remember talking to dad and he asked me "well, what do you feel about this Associate Pastor position?" I knew I could not run from it anymore, this is what God had been preparing me for all these years. I said to him," funny you should ask that." I shared about the Duck Dynasty day, and we both felt that we needed to pray it through. The confirmations that started to come were crazy. Only God could have directed some of the words spoken into our lives.<br />
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So, after bringing it to the leadership of RCC, and after weeks of prayer, I accepted the Associate Pastor position of Riverside Community Church. The announcement was made yesterday at Riverside, and a new chapter begins.<br />
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<b>So what about the Dream Center?</b><br />
My passion and fire for the Dream Center is stronger than ever. I have a great team around me, and they get the vision that God has given me for this city as a whole. The Dream Center is a key part to my decision of being the Associate Pastor at Riverside. Riverside is the home of Dream Center. Riverside birthed it, and has helped it become all that it is today, as well as many other churches and organizations in this great City.<br />
My role at Riverside will only strengthen the Dream Center. You see, God is calling people to his causes. The poor and the broken are at the heart of God, just read the scriptures. So, to have a church fully engaged towards the poor and broken is what Jesus would want.<br />
Yes, we will be restructuring both DCP and RCC leadership, and the both will come out stronger than ever. Yes, Dream Center is still a separate not for profit from Riverside, BUT Riverside will be more engaged than ever before. The level that we will be taking the Riverside people to will become a new standard and example that other churches could take their people to also.<br />
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In closing, I want to leave you with this: as you look through scriptures, you read hundreds of stories where God had placed men and women into different positions, and they had never been there before. It was new uncharted waters, new lands to be discovered, and cities to be taken. Nine years ago, God challenged me to do something that I had never done before. Because God had called me, I knew He was with me and would direct me.<br />
This next chapter is a new challenge to me. However, God has called me to this. The visions, dreams, and strategical plans that God is giving me, are keeping me up at night with excitement. God is about to do something through Riverside that will impact thousands of people in this city. The world is wanting to see a local church demonstrate who JESUS IS.<br />
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<br />Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-29983236787347448672013-06-24T19:41:00.000-05:002013-06-24T19:41:40.478-05:00Making a Difference on the Court!I love getting email's and letter's from volunteers who are passionate about what they do at Dream Center Peoria. I received this today from Roy, a faithful volunteer who love's coaching basketball. He wanted us to know about his experience this weekend with the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOpXmPkQEHc" target="_blank">Dream Center basketball</a> team. Take a moment to read this.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Gentlemen,</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">I wanted to share this pic with you. This was taken after the boys won their 5th game of the tournament last nite. Great to see the smiling faces!!! The boys finished with a perfect, 5-0 record. They played some excellent teams. Most of the teams they played have practiced and played together for a long time.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">What impressed me most was not their record, but the way the boys handled themselves on and off the court. There were some heated moments in game 3. The opponent played extremely rough and intentionally did some things to try to get the boys to react. Our boys kept their cool and demonstrated self control. Our boys played hard and never gave up. Most all there wins they were losing and fought back. In fact, in their final game, they were down by as many as 13 points, only to come back to win by 13 points!!! I know this team was not a DCP team, but DCP would have been proud to have their name on their jerseys!!</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">One of the highlights of the tourney, was a dramatic overtime win in game 4. We were down by 3 in the closing seconds. The game appeared to be over, but Christopher Lowe hit a fade away 3 pointer from deep in the corner with 3 seconds left in regulation to put the game into overtime. Christopher hit another 3 pointer in overtime to give the team a thrilling 46-43 victory.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">The <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOpXmPkQEHc" target="_blank">DCP Basketball Program</a> is making a positive difference in the lives of so many boys and young men. ALL for the Glory of God!</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Praising God for ALL He IS doing...!!!</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica;" /><span class="HOEnZb" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: #888888;"><b>Roy</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="HOEnZb" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: #888888;"><b><br /></b></span></span>Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-65642985152103163782013-04-23T19:58:00.000-05:002013-04-23T19:58:58.396-05:00 VegiCity - The Story So Far... <br />
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One thing that we have tried to do at Dream Center Peoria (DCP) is to make something different and unique with Outreach programs we have. Our aim has been to place kids from the inner City into environments and situations that will stretch them and see the world beyond what they see at home or neighborhood. Over the last few years I have had the idea of having an organic garden teaching kids where food comes from and how it can help people grow and live. To have them involved in preparing the ground, planting seed, maintaining the area, weeding, watering. Then we harvest the fruit and veg. Then this is were it get's exciting. We take the produce and with our culinary arts class in <a href="http://www.freedomartsproject.org/" target="_blank">FreedomArts</a>, we teach kids how to cook the produce and that will also feed over 60 kids that are in our after school program. It will also be used in our Homeless shelter for the breakfast program.<br />
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As we looked at 2013, I felt we needed to do something that we could do at the Dream Center facility. If you have never been to DCP you would see very quickly that we are in the heart of the City. 140,000 square feet, 7 stories of concrete with very little greenery around us. So I felt we had to get creative.<br />
Early February I was challenged by watching 2 or 3 TED Talks on this very topic:<br />
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<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/pam_warhurst_how_we_can_eat_our_landscapes.html" target="_blank">- Edible Landscapes</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/stephen_ritz_a_teacher_growing_green_in_the_south_bronx.html" target="_blank">- Bronx Green Machine</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/jamie_oliver.html" target="_blank">- Jamie Oliver</a><br />
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All of a sudden I started looking at the building in a different way. One day I was parking my car at the back of the Dream Center and I looked to my right and saw this roof with steel beams on it. The old air conditioning units use to sit on them. I then started to imagine seeing raised gardens, fruit and veg growing, kids weeding and watering. I saw a greenhouse with full of life during the winter months also. I started to see this old roof with life, vibrance, color and activity on it.<br />
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I then started to talk through the idea to a few of the staff, volunteers, our facility crew and even a structural engineer and they all thought I was crazy...... In a good way!<br />
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We secured a grant from <a href="http://www.leaderschangepeoria.com/" target="_blank">Leaders Change Peoria</a> to help with the start up cost's for building the raised beds and fencing and <a href="http://www.riversidepeoria.com/" target="_blank">Riverside Community Church</a> got behind the idea also in helping us get a greenhouse, education table and seeds.<br />
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We started brainstorming a name and I felt we needed to let people knew what we were doing within the title. And so the new project will be called <a href="http://www.vegicity.org/" target="_blank">"VegiCity"</a><br />
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Over the last 3 weeks we have been building raised beds, filling them with over 10 truckloads of soil and mulch, building a secure fence, doing promotional work and getting ready for planting which will happen in the early May. We have had some of the kids involved in all of this and some of the looks that we have had from the neighbor have been very funny.<br />
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We wanted it to be bright, cheerful, vibrant, life and fresh. So after the logo was created (thanks to Jeff Woods) we went to town on the color. We are at the early stages but we can not wait to see the vegetables and fruit that will be springing up on this roof very soon. Soon we will have kids involved in seeing and eating food from "Seed to Plate" <br />
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Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-16032160217495847532012-12-25T17:00:00.002-06:002012-12-25T17:02:15.476-06:00Find A Need!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I remember hearing that statement for the first time over 10 years ago at the Dream Center in Los Angeles. I did not realize at the time, but it would be something that I would live my life by each and every day. It was a phrase that would fuel and shape me to impact our city each and every day. It would also be a statement that would test my limits.<br />
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One Sunday this past February, just after a church service, I was approached by a gentleman whom I have grown to know through his involvement in Dream Center Peoria over the years. As he approached me, it was as though he had some urgency about him. He asked if he could speak with me and said, “Andy, I don’t know what it is, but I feel I have to tell you something with regards to the Dream Center and this coming year.” He continued, “I don’t know what it is, but I feel that this year the Dream Center will have the opportunity to ‘GO BIG!’ and you must Go Big or Go Home!” </div>
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At the time, I had no idea what that would mean, but I did know that Dream Center Peoria was getting ready for one of the biggest years of its existence. As the year went on, I remembered what he had said and I felt we were going BIG in all of our ministries. </div>
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Throughout 2012, we saw God using Dream Center Peoria to “Find a need and fill it, find a hurt and heal it.” At the end of September, we were presented with a whole new challenge when we were asked to meet with some of the folks from the YWCA. At that meeting, we were informed that the YWCA, who operated the housing program in our building and other programs like it in the community, was about to close its doors in Peoria. </div>
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As we started investigating how much of a hole this would leave in our community and how much the program was needed, we felt if Dream Center Peoria did not step in and take this on there would be ladies, kids and families out in the cold beginning Saturday, October 13th at 12:01am. It would also mean that a very successful transitional housing program, which has helped hundreds of families over the years, would also be homeless, and people who needed this service in the future would not have anywhere to turn. </div>
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This was a huge need, a need we knew we had to do something about. We could not see women, children and families kicked out to live on the street, especially with cold weather approaching. </div>
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The Dream Center Peoria board met several times and we knew that, even though we would be adding close to $350,000 to our budget and tripling the staff of DCP, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjK6sJhLl_w" target="_blank">we had to take action</a>. By maintaining the emergency overnight shelter and the 20 transitional housing apartments for women and families, we knew we had an opportunity to meet a huge need in Peoria. </div>
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We are looking forward to next year and the new opportunities it will bring. Although the YWCA did a fantastic job with the housing that was located in our building, we will be making a few changes. We will be extending the times the overnight shelter is open and serving a breakfast, just to name a couple. </div>
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In closing, I invite you to partner with us to impact this city. There are needs that are crying out to be met. <a href="https://npo.justgive.org/nonprofits/donate.jsp?ein=52-2376242" target="_blank">Join with Dream Center Peoria as we impact families in poverty, starting with kids and youth. </a></div>
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During <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7KZCSIOvQ0" target="_blank">“PROMise of HOPE”</a>, DCP provided prom dresses and accessories to over 70 high school girls, who otherwise would not have been able to afford to go to prom. </div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIbHWOArw_8" target="_blank">Backpack Peoria </a>was bigger than ever this year. We provided 3500 backpacks with school supplies and 1000 - $15 uniform gift cards from Sam Harris Uniform to area school children. Methodist Medical Group and Dr. Brown provided medical and dental exams and 30 area non-profits and organizations had the opportunity to talk to families.</div>
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Metro Kidz, our Saturday morning outreach to neighborhood children, has also grown. Metro Kidz Taft has seen an average of 40 youth come each Saturday Metro Kidz East Peoria has doubled in attendance this year, jumping from an average of 12 to an average of 25 coming each Saturday. </div>
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Throughout the year, the HOPE Store provided over 2,500 individuals with basic needs of clothing and household items.</div>
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History Makers Teen REACH after school programming is now impacting the lives of 60 kids and youth by providing a safe place for out of school activities, such as tutoring, mentoring, read a loud programming, dance instruction, field trips and games. </div>
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Summer camp saw over 60 kids and youth at DCP doing a variety of activities, including trips, games, devotions and lots of fun.</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4UbVUAfCL4" target="_blank">Mission Peoria</a> saw over 300 youth and leaders join DCP to serve the city of Peoria. They served 12 small inner city churches and faith based non-profits and spread God’s love and word to neighborhood children around the inner city of Peoria. </div>
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<a href="http://www.freedomartsproject.org/index2.php" target="_blank">Freedom Arts Project</a> currently has 24 students in various classes, such as guitar, drumming, audiovisual and art.</div>
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DCP Athletics has an average of 70 boys here each Saturday to participate in Basketball. Indoor soccer had an average of 45 kids/ youth coming out each Thursday night. </div>
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The S.E.E (Social Enterprise Experience) is developing further. Our first project,<a href="http://www.citybrew.org/" target="_blank"> City Brew</a>, is starting to take off. From marketing and sales to grinding and packaging, a group of 12 students are learning the ins and outs of the coffee business through a partnership with 3030 Coffee and local businessmen. At this time, coffee can be purchased at Berean Bookstore. To find out more information, check out our website at www.citybrew.org. </div>
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DCP Organic farm was created as we partnered with the Children’s Home Youth Farm. Young people were able to “get their hands dirty” and see what it takes to grow food from start to finish.</div>
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It was an honor to welcome <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AriY8khE3JY" target="_blank">Amy Grant and friends from Nashville</a> to the Dream Center. After she hearing about the impact that the Dream Center was having in Peoria,<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0moURWmAy40" target="_blank"> she wanted to do her part to help the cause</a> and further the mission of Dream Center Peoria. The event was designed to honor Mayor Jim Maloof on his 93rd birthday. </div>
<br />Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-27334110937611646392012-12-02T23:39:00.000-06:002013-01-02T19:51:48.221-06:00The paper that received an "A"<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Back in Sept 2012 I was </span><span style="font-size: 12px;">approached</span><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> by a young lady, </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">Brooke Langley </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">from Richwoods High School, who was wanting to write an article on myself and my work at Dream Center Peoria. (DCP)This is the paper she wrote that got her an "A"</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Andy King: He Helps Dreams Come True</b></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Passionate and visionary are two words most would use to describe Andy King, the Executive Director of Dream Center Peoria. Andy has had a substantial impact on the city of Peoria for the past ten years, breaking barriers and building up the broken. Andy and his family have worked long and hard to make their vision of the Dream Center a reality, Andy facilitates the many programs DCP offers, and he remains focused on serving not only his community but also God through it all.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dream Center Peoria (DCP) was envisioned and created by a committed, Godly family with the hopes of impacting the city of Peoria in a great way. Andy King, whose family started and now operates the Dream Center, came to Peoria, Illinois ten years ago from Nuneaton, England. When Andy and his family first came to Peoria from the U.K., Andy’s father, John, started Riverside Community Church. John King wanted to branch out further than the church, however, and “create something wh</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">ere people could unite from all churches and businesses to impact the inner city of Peoria.” John King visited the Los Angeles Dream Center, believing that it was the prime example of what he hoped to create. Upon his return, he and his family started to create a Dream Center model for Peoria. Dream Center purchased the YMCA building down the street from Riverside church and began to make John’s vision a reality. Today, Dream Center Peoria is viewed as a place that “impacts families living in poverty starting with kids and youth.” It is a name that fills souls in the Heart of Illinois with hope. Andy King says that “we [DCP] see ourselves as a spiritual hospital.” Aspiring to influence the city of Peoria, Andy “prays that as we [the DCP] work with young kids and young people that we [the DCP] change and challenge some of the thinking that we see around them to think, dream, and live bigger and change some of the generational poverty cycles that we see them involved in.” Andy has taken the reigns of the Dream Center of Peoria, and is changing and shaping the Heart of Illinois for the better.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Beyond the simple creation and hope for the Dream Center are the many things it and Andy King are doing to benefit Peoria. Andy and his DCP team put together a multitude of programs each year to benefit the city of Peoria. One such program is Mission Peoria, a weeklong Missions trip for young people in the city. I have personally particip</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">ated in Mission Peoria the past four years and I have seen the city flipped inside-out. “Seeing three-hundred young people give it all to Jesus and serve” was Andy King’s most profound spiritual moment since living in Peoria. He spends his entire year after the Mission Peoria project ends brainstorming for the next summer’s MP. He is never really off the clock, because he is always “thinking, dreaming, and visioning for the Dream Center.” He comes up with sermons, service projects, neighborhoods we can impact, and much more. </span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">BackPack Peoria is another event that the Dream Center facilitates that ties in with Mission Peoria. In the summer of 2012, Andy King helped collect over 3,000 backpacks for children in the Heart of Illinois. These children and their parents can come for a free backpack, physical exam, information about schooling, and a fun time! A project that is coming up at the Dream Center is called Smile.Eat.Receive., at which 300 families will have professional portraits taken and receive Christmas gifts. This </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">is one of the many fundraising events the DCP does so that they can impact Peoria in an even greater way. The Dream Center also has a second-hand shop, where many can go for their clothing or household item needs. The DCP building itself has low-income apartments for single mothers, and a floor dedicated as an overnight shelter for homeless women. Andy and his DCP team have added tutoring, help with job-hunting skills, and a cyber cafe to the growing list of Dream Center opportunities. Andy King is consistently encouraging his community and coming up with new ways to serve the city of Peoria.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In addition to being dedicated to Peoria through his career at the Dream Center, Andy King is passionate about the city through his faith. “Love God, love people...even the ones that society has cast off.” An</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">dy’s words of wisdom speak abundantly about the man of God and the man of service that he is. Since the day I met Andy, he has impacted my life in more ways than a woman could ever fathom putting into words. I have heard him speak about the development of the DCP, I’ve seen the DCP’s affects first-hand, and I’ve heard and seen the word of God played out before my very eyes. The drive behind Andy’s history with the Dream Center has to do with his devotion to God and Psalm 139. Psalm 139 speaks of how the believer knows that God is always looking after him. “Even the darkness will not be dark to you...for darkness is as light to you.” This particular quote from the verse goes hand-in-hand with Andy’s daily life. Andy King serves wholeheartedly when it comes to his community, but he said that at times he really has to hand it all to God because his job tends to show the “dark side of humanity and the community.” Through it all, however, he is a man of integrity and strong faith who is constantly thinking of how to impact his community. </span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The impact that Andy King has made on Peoria through the Dream Center is quite far-reaching. “Giving hope to a hopeless generation” is ultimately the goal Andy strives to achieve in his years at DCP. Andy King and his family formed the history of the Dream Center, Andy heads the programs that affect thousands in the Heart of Illinois, and Andy remains a humble man of God despite the hurt he sees daily. Andy King and the Dream Center of Peoria will continue to bless the community and help make a broken city whole again.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Written by Brooke Langley - Richwoods High School, Peoria</span></div><div style="color: #00cccc; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</div>Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-73304286476730587192012-01-05T15:16:00.000-06:002012-01-05T15:16:40.764-06:00SMILE.EAT.RECEIVE<br />
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Just a few weeks ago we did an amazing event here at Dream Center Peoria. A few friends of our put a short video together and I wanted you to see it. It was an amazing day and we hope that you will be inspired to get involved with Dream Center Peoria this year.<br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/34476570" target="_blank">Smile. Eat. Receive link.</a></div>Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-39974788285936283062011-12-30T21:24:00.000-06:002011-12-31T14:43:29.953-06:002011 in Review......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a year! 2011 bought so many surprises, challenges and adventures. Each year at this time I reflect on how God has watched over me, my family and ministry. There are so many experiences to Thank God for and so I decided to do this review.<br />
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<b> Memorable Moments:</b></div>
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<li>Going on Vacation with my family to Orlando</li>
<li>Going on dates with Teresa. We LOVE going to One world cafe, 30-30 and P.Heights main street </li>
<li>Building a surprise pergola for Teresa while she was away.</li>
<li>Seeing Ethan (my son) play drum's at Mission Peoria and main Riverside services with the youth worship band.</li>
<li>Seeing Clay (my son) develop tremendously as a soccer player</li>
<li>Reading Joy's (my daughter) AMAZING God inspired songs</li>
<li>Watching Rachel Ray cooking shows with Joy</li>
<li>Taking the boys to see Manchester United play at Soldier field in Chicago (ROONEY!!!)</li>
<li>Lunch time dates with my kids</li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4UbVUAfCL4" target="_blank">Mission Peoria 2011</a>/ BackPack Peoria - so many memories</li>
<li>Going to the headquarters of Risen Drums in Minneapolis with Mike Smith from Leeland</li>
<li>Visiting Urban Ventures in Minneapolis </li>
<li>Sitting and chatting with Amy Grant about Dream Center Peoria</li>
<li>Connecting with Bill Allison and the Palco guys monthly</li>
<li>Spending the day with Stu G</li>
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There is so many more moments but time and space will not allow.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Top 5 cd:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtsItCItijU&feature=related" target="_blank">Switchfoot - Dark Horses</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Worship Central live - Spirit Break Out</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">One Sonic Society - All 3 E.P's(One, Sonic and Society)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Matt Redman - 10,000 Reasons</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Leeland - The Great Awakening</span><br />
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<b>Top 3 books:</b></div>
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Bear Grylls - Mud, Sweat and Tears (Interview from Hillsongs <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08874l86GtI" target="_blank">Part1 </a>and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls440srvfR4" target="_blank">Part 2</a>) </div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkHuZXQ82Ro" target="_blank">Martin Smith - Delirious</a></div>
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Matthew Barnett - The Cause within you</div>
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<b>Top 3 concerts/ Events:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJSGW48inIA" target="_blank">Switchfoot Concert (one of the best shows I have ever seen)</a></div>
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WinterJam 2011</div>
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Jars of Clay at Riverside</div>
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<b>Top 3 new TV shows:</b></div>
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X Factor</div>
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An Idiot abroad</div>
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Good Look Charlie</div>
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<b>Top 3 movies:</b></div>
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The Kings Speech</div>
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Soul Surfer</div>
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Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides<br />
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<b>Goals for 2012:</b></div>
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To get closer to God daily</div>
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To love, Honor and Cherish my wife, even more, each and everyday</div>
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To love and grow closer to my 3 incredible kids </div>
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To serve people the local church as much as I can</div>
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To impact this City more than ever before<br />
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<br />Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-73655494775949494802011-12-23T20:45:00.000-06:002011-12-24T09:08:26.888-06:00Smile. Eat. Receive - Impacting Families at Christmas Time<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">I just wanted to Thank everyone who was a part of Smile. Eat. Receive. What an amazing day.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">Here is a few number's for you:</span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">We took 287 family portraits.Each family received an 8 by 10 portrait and 5, 4 by 6's</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">Hundreds of people walked through the photo studio on Saturday.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">Hair stylists and make up artist's helped transform people who were not ready to photographed </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">We served 250 dinners</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">Over $10,000 dollars in gifts (1000 gifts to be exact) were give away to the children of the families</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">100 door prizes during the dinner. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">Close to 100 amazing volunteers serving</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">The Hope store served over 300 clients and gave extra Christmas gifts away to each of them</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">We bused in 30 families from Taft homes that we work with every week at Metro Kids, to a special Portraits/ Christmas party/ Dinner</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">The stories were amazing.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">One homeless gentleman(in this picture below) had not had his picture taken since 1979. He was a character that I loved having at the Dream Center.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">We were shooting video all day with some amazing help from a few couples. One of the couples were <a href="http://ForwardMotionProduction.com/" target="_blank">Keith Brown and Tiffany Alexandria from Forward // Motion Productions</a>. They were capturing the stories from people. They came to me at one point nearly in tears as they were hearing how people felt about the experience. The words "I feel beautiful and Thank you" kept being mentioned to them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">We will have a video shortly of the event to show soon.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">I sat with an older African American grandfather who was there on his own. He said to me "So what else do you do at The Dream Center?" I shared with him real quick about all the kids and youth programs we did. He turned to me and said "I want to be an advocate for you guys, how can I help this younger generation?"</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmWB0zN2GSDcokWJh_ueEuCBoDbFAi8-4EtU7o_pZbjN37Fcs-ftB-tEXBRpjgU7vp-dg3tzodgzYDtC7LbLhhMA7Qg8kKCz-usD-76cfTbyOLOZmWtgHVXu82ds2OOMmIvugSrtjUV0/s1600/photo+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmWB0zN2GSDcokWJh_ueEuCBoDbFAi8-4EtU7o_pZbjN37Fcs-ftB-tEXBRpjgU7vp-dg3tzodgzYDtC7LbLhhMA7Qg8kKCz-usD-76cfTbyOLOZmWtgHVXu82ds2OOMmIvugSrtjUV0/s320/photo+copy+2.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">One of my favorite families that I personally work with are a hispanic family who come to our indoor soccer program. The WHOLE family plays with us, including the mom. I told them about it on the Thursday night at soccer and they all showed up for pictures.....In their Soccer uniforms! They loved it! The smiles and appreciation were massive! They couldn't remember the last time they had had a family picture taken. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">But we are no</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">t finished yet, Robbie Criss and Kim Goodman (two of our youth outreach workers) delivered portraits to the families this week along with a children's bible story book ($50 value) that was giving to every family from Taft homes that were a part of the event, compliments of <a href="http://www.hoerrs.com/" target="_blank">Hoerr's Berean Bookstore</a>. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">In addition they will be giving away a 15lb ham compliments of Family Video. In the end it looks like a very successful weekend. </span></span><br />
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Here is a blog post from one of our 15 photographers. Many of them came to me and Jeff after they were done and were in tears. They have never been a part of something like this and want to be a part of it again. I believe we planted a seed in most of them. To show them what the Church is actually about.....GIVING!</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://ricardowilliams.com/blog/2011/12/smile-eat-receive/" target="_blank">Ricardo's Blog </a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">Thanks again to all who made this day possible. Starbucks, Peoria Color, Walgreens, Panera, Jimmy Johns are just a few companies that really stepped up to the plate at this event.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">As I look back on the event, the day felt like the early days of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btj5Y1-0abI" target="_blank">BackPack Peoria</a>. Who knows what will happen in the future at Smile. Eat. Receive </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-pw3NQ1g39Ek_5GBuzR3d96intJljbkgFEgZkoAvLSvJ1m_1RgGQs0v1UNAXkLy8h5oOsjtSan4rD5KgNqFFW6qu3jykW5b9M_UrwZrHJJ7FjxezT8VZf8UnyLQF3zCVzzZLP4VUAv4/s1600/409065_2559375182600_1200630863_32237485_1429716090_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-pw3NQ1g39Ek_5GBuzR3d96intJljbkgFEgZkoAvLSvJ1m_1RgGQs0v1UNAXkLy8h5oOsjtSan4rD5KgNqFFW6qu3jykW5b9M_UrwZrHJJ7FjxezT8VZf8UnyLQF3zCVzzZLP4VUAv4/s1600/409065_2559375182600_1200630863_32237485_1429716090_n.jpg" /></a></div>Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-87263634211242112622011-10-10T14:03:00.000-05:002011-10-10T14:03:14.676-05:00Still Hearing The Effect's Of Mission PeoriaToday I awoke to an email that completely made my day. It was from someone who was on <a href="http://www.missionpeoria.com/">Mission Peoria</a> this year.<br />
J.T. sent me his reflections on Mission Peoria. He not only talked about how God had used him to help Impact lives but also how God had Challenged him to live life differently for God.<br />
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This short video shows you how God Impacted a City through young people who were ready to "Run Hard" after him.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/t4UbVUAfCL4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Below is the email that he sent me.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">Mission Peoria Reflections<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">By J.T. Henderson</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As I strolled towards the Dream
Center, a tall building with the letters “dcp” plastered across the front, I
was greeted by the chaotic lines of an anxious crowd. I was awestruck at the
number of people who were attending this community event. When I saw the joyful
faces of the children frolicking in the parking lot, my heart swelled with
happiness. Winding my way through the masses in the blazing summer sun, I was
relieved to step inside the air-conditioned building. Spotting my group leader,
I asked where my assistance was needed. When I learned of my assignment, I was
excited that I would be working alongside my friends. I climbed the long steps
dodging the adults and kids waiting. Entering the gymnasium, I noticed thousands
of backpacks lining the walls and stacked on tables. As the children received
their backpacks filled with school supplies, I shared in their delight.
Realizing the amount of effort that went into this event, I admired those who
donated their time and money to make it possible. I thought with amazement, I
am actually a part of Backpack Peoria!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Backpack Peoria was the conclusion
to the weeklong camp I attended known as Mission Peoria. On June 20<sup>th</sup>,
2011, I began an incredible journey from my home in Hawaii to the fascinating
state of Illinois. I was thrilled to see family and friends in my former
hometown of Peoria. When my youth pastor, Brian, described Mission Peoria, I
proposed the idea to my parents. When they said yes, I envisioned all the fun
that I would have when the week finally came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mission Peoria began at 2:00 PM on July 25<sup>th</sup>. As I arrived at
the Dream Center I was embraced by the bedlam of hundreds of kids milling
about. Then a youth leader, Alex, guided me to the nearby church which would
become my home away from home for the next week. The room in which I was
directed to place my sleeping bag was fairly spacious, but still almost filled
to the bursting point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterwards, I made my way back to the Dream
Center for orientation. As I surveyed the gym where orientation was being held,
I noticed the hundreds of excited kids ready to begin their weeklong journey
with Mission Peoria. As I scanned the crowd for a familiar face, my eyes fell
upon a group of kids from my church. Suddenly, the sound of a English brogue
directed my attention to the speaker, Andy King, Director of the Dream Center.
As he welcomed us, I listened intently to his instructions and my enthusiasm to
begin helping people grew. My team, Cobalt Blue, boarded one of the Mission Peoria
busses to ride to Glen Oak, an area of downtown Peoria. Glen Oak Church, an
aged, grand building, would be our post for the children’s program known as
“Baseline.” From there, we walked door to door handing out fliers regarding
Baseline. I worried that it might not go well, but we were given a very warm
reception from kids and adults. Later in the day, we played some games and
rocked out with a group of musicians, our “band” for the rest of the week. As I
crawled into my sleeping bag, I thanked God for a phenomenal first day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A light as bright as the sun invaded
my sleepy eyes. It’s morning already? I wondered. I pulled myself out of my
sleeping bag, glanced around the room, and noticed most people were already up.
I then looked at my lanyard and saw that it was time for devotions, so I
grabbed my Bible and my devotion book and trekked towards the cafeteria. On my
way I tried to wake myself up. I did my devotions and braced myself for the
rush of kids coming to breakfast. The cafeteria turned into a madhouse very
quickly. After breakfast, I made my way to the parking lot where the busses
were kept. There were many kids milling about the busses waiting, like me, for
the command to board them. It’s almost time to leave for the service project, I
thought with excitement. We were given the signal, so I climbed into the bus
and took a seat. Kids flooded into the bus and filled every available seat.
Then, we were on our way. At the service project, my job was mostly picking up
shingles at a roof repair site. I was impressed with the amount of workers
helping the elderly owners of the house. When the service project was over, I
was exhausted and famished. When we arrived at our sleeping quarters, I made my
way to the cafeteria. I quickly got in line; kids were stacked up in front and
in back of me. As I chose my food, the aroma was intoxicating. I sat down by my
friends and demolished the meal. Next, I was off to practice for Baseline and
was one of the first to arrive. We discussed everybody’s jobs and then, headed
back to the parking lot where we boarded another bus. Once at the Baseline
site, we set up. One by one neighborhood kids walked over, picked up a toy, and
began playing with us. I thought that was pretty fun. After we completed
Baseline, we ate dinner. When dinner was complete, we had free time. I played a
card game known as Mao with my friends, and then went to the evening service.
How great is this? I marveled as the band played. The room was so packed, I
could hardly breathe. The message from the guest speaker was phenomenal! After
the service, I attended youth group. When the long day was done, night was upon
us. I climbed into my sleeping bag, and closed my eyes. This was a typical day
at Mission Peoria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It started Friday morning during
announcements. We were informed of the special “surprise” that would occur at
the end of the day. The surprise was front row seats to see the famous band,
Jars of Clay, perform! Waiting for the concert was tortuous. Finally, we were
told to enter the auditorium where the concert was being held. I was almost
bursting with anticipation. First, an opening group of musicians played a few
songs. Then, Jars of Clay introduced themselves. The crowd was electrified. The
rest of the concert was great. After a couple of hours, the night was over.
That was an epic last night at Mission Peoria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Reflecting back on Mission Peoria, I
realize that I had many meaningful experiences. For instance, handing out
fliers for Baseline helped me see the living conditions of the inner city. Baseline
showed me that the Lord can bring joy even in difficult circumstances. Our
daily youth group increased my spiritual life substantially. Together, the
nightly band and the Jars of Clay concert inspired me to work especially hard
on learning piano and guitar with the goal of someday playing in a Christian
band. Backpack Peoria really helped show me how thankful the kids were for
something so small as a backpack. It also made me more thankful for my
possessions, as most of the kids don’t have nearly as much as I do. I’m really
thankful for the people that made Mission Peoria possible and I look forward to
being a part of it next year!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;"><b>More information about <a href="http://www.missionpeoria.com/">Mission Peoria</a> 2012 will be available in early 2012</b></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-7939298543167876832011-10-06T16:38:00.000-05:002011-10-06T16:38:10.305-05:00Standing before the Ultimate Creator<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgzEyVN6YZGHJ7QTXpkKvCGLt2xjepHW6rAeiKxhHfQuq5tQvADfursDfGL7qFLE4MR2E9E1mhWubb-6DLeZk4ihnjC7kYoxRnPY60zCTmXJPmkQjqpnucXE2XfrNclT7oxFGMsZi8jg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-06+at+4.05.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgzEyVN6YZGHJ7QTXpkKvCGLt2xjepHW6rAeiKxhHfQuq5tQvADfursDfGL7qFLE4MR2E9E1mhWubb-6DLeZk4ihnjC7kYoxRnPY60zCTmXJPmkQjqpnucXE2XfrNclT7oxFGMsZi8jg/s320/Screen+Shot+2011-10-06+at+4.05.44+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Its not a secret, I love Apple products. So hearing the news of Steve Jobs death at the young age of 56 was hard for me. I will never forget where I was when I heard the news of his death and I feel it was significant. I was standing in a worship service at the Dream Center, singing to the ultimate creator of all time. As I stood there a thought came to my mind. Steve Jobs is now standing before God, making an account of his life. I don't know what happened between God and Steve in those last few days of his life but what I do know is that we all will stand before God one day. The words I long to hear are also the words I pray Steve heard from God last night...."Well done Good and Faithful servant." <br />
<br />
Steve was a very private man but a man who I feel lived like everyday was his last day on earth. I end this blog with a speech he did at Stanford in 2005. A speech that painted a picture of his life and also showed a picture of death. Steve Jobs, you will be missed<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1R-jKKp3NA">Steve Jobs Speech (Via Youtube)</a></div>
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"I am honored to be with you today at your commencement from one of the finest universities in the world. I never graduated from college. Truth be told, this is the closest I've ever gotten to a college graduation. Today I want to tell you three stories from my life. That's it. No big deal. Just three stories.</div>
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The first story is about connecting the dots.</div>
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I dropped out of Reed College after the first 6 months, but then stayed around as a drop-in for another 18 months or so before I really quit. So why did I drop out?</div>
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It started before I was born. My biological mother was a young, unwed college graduate student, and she decided to put me up for adoption. She felt very strongly that I should be adopted by college graduates, so everything was all set for me to be adopted at birth by a lawyer and his wife. Except that when I popped out they decided at the last minute that they really wanted a girl. So my parents, who were on a waiting list, got a call in the middle of the night asking: "We have an unexpected baby boy; do you want him?" They said: "Of course." My biological mother later found out that my mother had never graduated from college and that my father had never graduated from high school. She refused to sign the final adoption papers. She only relented a few months later when my parents promised that I would someday go to college.</div>
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And 17 years later I did go to college. But I naively chose a college that was almost as expensive as Stanford, and all of my working-class parents' savings were being spent on my college tuition. After six months, I couldn't see the value in it. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and no idea how college was going to help me figure it out. And here I was spending all of the money my parents had saved their entire life. So I decided to drop out and trust that it would all work out OK. It was pretty scary at the time, but looking back it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The minute I dropped out I could stop taking the required classes that didn't interest me, and begin dropping in on the ones that looked interesting.</div>
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It wasn't all romantic. I didn't have a dorm room, so I slept on the floor in friends' rooms, I returned coke bottles for the 5¢ deposits to buy food with, and I would walk the 7 miles across town every Sunday night to get one good meal a week at the Hare Krishna temple. I loved it. And much of what I stumbled into by following my curiosity and intuition turned out to be priceless later on. Let me give you one example:</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
Reed College at that time offered perhaps the best calligraphy instruction in the country. Throughout the campus every poster, every label on every drawer, was beautifully hand calligraphed. Because I had dropped out and didn't have to take the normal classes, I decided to take a calligraphy class to learn how to do this. I learned about serif and san serif typefaces, about varying the amount of space between different letter combinations, about what makes great typography great. It was beautiful, historical, artistically subtle in a way that science can't capture, and I found it fascinating.</div>
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None of this had even a hope of any practical application in my life. But ten years later, when we were designing the first Macintosh computer, it all came back to me. And we designed it all into the Mac. It was the first computer with beautiful typography. If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts. And since Windows just copied the Mac, it's likely that no personal computer would have them. If I had never dropped out, I would have never dropped in on this calligraphy class, and personal computers might not have the wonderful typography that they do. Of course it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward when I was in college. But it was very, very clear looking backwards ten years later.</div>
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Again, you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.</div>
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My second story is about love and loss.</div>
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I was lucky — I found what I loved to do early in life. Woz and I started Apple in my parents garage when I was 20. We worked hard, and in 10 years Apple had grown from just the two of us in a garage into a $2 billion company with over 4000 employees. We had just released our finest creation — the Macintosh — a year earlier, and I had just turned 30. And then I got fired. How can you get fired from a company you started? Well, as Apple grew we hired someone who I thought was very talented to run the company with me, and for the first year or so things went well. But then our visions of the future began to diverge and eventually we had a falling out. When we did, our Board of Directors sided with him. So at 30 I was out. And very publicly out. What had been the focus of my entire adult life was gone, and it was devastating.</div>
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I really didn't know what to do for a few months. I felt that I had let the previous generation of entrepreneurs down - that I had dropped the baton as it was being passed to me. I met with David Packard and Bob Noyce and tried to apologize for screwing up so badly. I was a very public failure, and I even thought about running away from the valley. But something slowly began to dawn on me — I still loved what I did. The turn of events at Apple had not changed that one bit. I had been rejected, but I was still in love. And so I decided to start over.</div>
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I didn't see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.</div>
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During the next five years, I started a company named NeXT, another company named Pixar, and fell in love with an amazing woman who would become my wife. Pixar went on to create the worlds first computer animated feature film, <em>Toy Story</em>, and is now the most successful animation studio in the world. In a remarkable turn of events, Apple bought NeXT, I returned to Apple, and the technology we developed at NeXT is at the heart of Apple's current renaissance. And Laurene and I have a wonderful family together.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
I'm pretty sure none of this would have happened if I hadn't been fired from Apple. It was awful tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it. Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle.</div>
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My third story is about death.</div>
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When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: "If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right." It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.</div>
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Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.</div>
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About a year ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I had a scan at 7:30 in the morning, and it clearly showed a tumor on my pancreas. I didn't even know what a pancreas was. The doctors told me this was almost certainly a type of cancer that is incurable, and that I should expect to live no longer than three to six months. My doctor advised me to go home and get my affairs in order, which is doctor's code for prepare to die. It means to try to tell your kids everything you thought you'd have the next 10 years to tell them in just a few months. It means to make sure everything is buttoned up so that it will be as easy as possible for your family. It means to say your goodbyes.</div>
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I lived with that diagnosis all day. Later that evening I had a biopsy, where they stuck an endoscope down my throat, through my stomach and into my intestines, put a needle into my pancreas and got a few cells from the tumor. I was sedated, but my wife, who was there, told me that when they viewed the cells under a microscope the doctors started crying because it turned out to be a very rare form of pancreatic cancer that is curable with surgery. I had the surgery and I'm fine now.</div>
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This was the closest I've been to facing death, and I hope it's the closest I get for a few more decades. Having lived through it, I can now say this to you with a bit more certainty than when death was a useful but purely intellectual concept:</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f91923;">Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."</span></b></div>
Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-81084169883487053592011-07-21T11:15:00.000-05:002011-07-21T11:15:58.539-05:00WMBD31 TV Welcome's Dream Center Peoria<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2it4vHGSARCf2kfjeAXIsgEQqRFTkfBB-M_vzjAz7KYH339lvTiCRke4eaGgWDcNHCsshtRI7ZvJstGIRMiT54NQKIkT3mxFh306ps3WSXbWrOPAuydael0fSNOOBqN16OvMghiJI06w/s1600/BP+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2it4vHGSARCf2kfjeAXIsgEQqRFTkfBB-M_vzjAz7KYH339lvTiCRke4eaGgWDcNHCsshtRI7ZvJstGIRMiT54NQKIkT3mxFh306ps3WSXbWrOPAuydael0fSNOOBqN16OvMghiJI06w/s640/BP+photo.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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I was honor to be asked on to the set of a new TV show here in Peoria. <a href="http://centralillinoisproud.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=189057">"Living- Well"</a> is a new live show that highlights events, personalities and programs in the City.</div>
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I was on the show talking about <a href="http://www.dreamcenterpeoria.org/backpackpeoria.html"> BackPack Peoria</a>. Dr. Lathan, the superintendent of District 150 schools joined me. District 150 asked if they could partner with us this year at our <a href="http://www.dreamcenterpeoria.org/backpackpeoria.html">BackPack Peoria</a> event. We are delighted to work so closely with the school district, not just with this project, but with all the programs we have at DCP. Its our 10th year of doing BackPack and we have helped over 16,000 families over the years.<br />
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BackPack Peoria will take place at<br />
Dream Center Peoria<br />
July 30th<br />
9am-2pm<br />
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This year we will have at the event:<br />
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- Over 2000 Backpacks loaded with school supplies<br />
- 1000 uniform gift cards<br />
- 2000 meals<br />
- Medical exams<br />
- Dental exams<br />
- Expo highlighting over 40 agencies<br />
- Kids carnival area<br />
- District 150 new mobile resource center<br />
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If you missed the TV show, here is the link:<br />
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<a href="http://centralillinoisproud.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=189057">Living Well Show</a><br />
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If you would like to help financialy with this program, please help by clicking <a href="https://www.justgive.org/nonprofits/donate.jsp?ein=52-2376242">HERE</a><br />
<br />Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-40416943369443447312011-05-12T11:56:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:37:59.132-05:00What! A Hip-Hop Church at Dream Center Peoria!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5KPXx7I1pS94_sLwc3QQKAXHThY5_HlDcsfNZnRkAQDx_TGGAjJ41NEdwOh1iUlf2slZvZIFB-_0AuyftCxdCcgcXNuiote3XWJoV0aeLjFpPyCjobn_rBUDBe6oSpOZwUJJ_AtyzY0/s1600/IMG_1797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5KPXx7I1pS94_sLwc3QQKAXHThY5_HlDcsfNZnRkAQDx_TGGAjJ41NEdwOh1iUlf2slZvZIFB-_0AuyftCxdCcgcXNuiote3XWJoV0aeLjFpPyCjobn_rBUDBe6oSpOZwUJJ_AtyzY0/s320/IMG_1797.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b>Time to do things Different!</b><br />
Since the start of the year, Dream Center Peoria (DCP) has not stopped to pause for a breathe. We live to impact families living in poverty, starting with the kids and youth. Thats what makes us get up in a morning. Thats what drives us each and everyday. Seeing kids and young people changed daily, not just socially, educationally and economically but also spiritually.<br />
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<b>Church - DCP Style</b><br />
So we decided to do something that was totally off the wall. We would start a Hip Hop church called <b>"The Basement."</b> Over the last 6-9 months we had been working with a team of like minded people, from many different churches, to create a Christian Hip Hop experience where there would be a no "Cringe" factor. Where we could address issues that are relevant to a Hip Hop Culture. The Basement would be a place where young people from the inner City would come face to face with the reality of who God is and why he sent his son to a messed up world to die for them.<br />
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<b>PROM!!!!</b><br />
<b></b>Just days before the launch we realized that we had made a big error. We were launching this on "Prom" weekend. Our hearts and heads dropped. What were we thinking?<br />
I turned to the staff and said "God has called us to do this now, lets not backdown, lets go forward and whoever God want's here, he will get them here"<br />
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As we were waiting for kids to arrive, i could sense an excitement in the air, something was about to happen, something that we had never experienced before.<br />
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As the kids started coming we realized that Prom was not a factor. We used local christian rappers, DJ's, singers, speakers. We even had a place for kids, who did not go to prom, could get their pictures taken with family or friends.<br />
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<b>Lets get this party started!</b><br />
We were amazed. We had over 130 young people come and experience church like never before. The message was given and over 50 kids responded to the alter call to give their lives to Christ. AMAZING! That would have started a major party in heaven this last Saturday night.<br />
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It doesn't end there. Its only the beginning. <b>WE NEED HELP!</b> We saw a massive need to have more adults here to care for the kids, love on the kids and mentor the kids. The service is geared for Junior and Senior High schoolers. If you can help, make a point to be<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>@Dream Center Peoria, The 1st Saturday of each month from 6pm-8pm</b></div><br />
I could not pass up a chance to let you hear some of the music videos that we play at "The Basement"<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">ENJOY!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/LHnZRZiCYHE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-39343312880204510682011-03-23T18:51:00.000-05:002011-03-23T18:51:14.258-05:00FreedomArts Project needs your help!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hdaQWULQ50yiz8n_H6dySZn3KP3fTpNOkAkNcHsWLoGbxzZK2-nvqdFzneda4eba_tIkYTGcb61CpCGjZ2jyseIbbOeNzeYk0N_i14khuOgI0iaVhq8YpkcHUTwo8wwJOaAnwM6MCKU/s1600/Freedom_Arts_Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hdaQWULQ50yiz8n_H6dySZn3KP3fTpNOkAkNcHsWLoGbxzZK2-nvqdFzneda4eba_tIkYTGcb61CpCGjZ2jyseIbbOeNzeYk0N_i14khuOgI0iaVhq8YpkcHUTwo8wwJOaAnwM6MCKU/s640/Freedom_Arts_Poster.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-34467477078616939392011-03-13T22:57:00.000-05:002011-03-13T22:57:30.011-05:00Church Art's departments CAN make a difference!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLG_t_RpuAd0mY0F1vQh0qwJeV282T5cMPHeSw7HBmoZH-dIB591o6fST9R61BucdluavcKNrkecDQgW71PuRVxd8JeohmPxAyyrzPWUZO55zrJ1XjoyPHI7Ukds_NV9x_Yb0hiIR35xU/s1600/FAP_LOGO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLG_t_RpuAd0mY0F1vQh0qwJeV282T5cMPHeSw7HBmoZH-dIB591o6fST9R61BucdluavcKNrkecDQgW71PuRVxd8JeohmPxAyyrzPWUZO55zrJ1XjoyPHI7Ukds_NV9x_Yb0hiIR35xU/s320/FAP_LOGO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Just under 2 years ago I remember sitting in the living room of Martin and Anna Smith. We were in England, as a family, on Vacation and The Smiths had welcomed us into their home for a few days. Martin was the lead singer for the worship band “Delirious” and wrote many of the classic worship songs that we now sing in churches like “I could sing of your love forever, Majesty, Do you feel the mountains tremble?,Thank you for saving me and Raindown” He had just announced that Delirious was finishing as a band and that Him and his wife were being moved to help global poverty through the arts and they created <a href="http://www.compassionart.tv/">Compassionart</a>.</span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">As I sat with them I turned to Martin and said “Compassionarts is an absolutely fantastic way to help fight Global poverty but how do we make it impact on local poverty, using local church musicians, singers, dancers, drama teams, design/ web guys, AV teams, Sound teams?” Martin turned to me and said “I don’t know, but you need to figure it out Andy”</span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">As I looked at what we do with kids and youth at <a href="http://www.dreamcenterpeoria.org/">Dream Center Peoria</a></span>, I felt God challenge me to create a Creative Arts After school program where we could challenge the church Arts departments to give back to kids and youth that are in need and that have had most forms of the Arts cut from there schools. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Showing a kid how to play the guitar or drums, instructing a young lady how to take professional pictures or design a poster. Taking a team of kids and creating a choir that can share the gospel and show Hope. Thats what God challenged me with. Use the greatest resource that the church has(The arts) to Impact kids live’s in the inner City of Peoria.</div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The Birth of "<a href="http://www.freedomartsproject.org/">Freedom Arts Project</a>". </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">One of the greatest resources that the church has worldwide is musicians, singers, poets, dancers, artist’s, mentors and people who truly care for those in need<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Imagine the church stepping out of the church and providing their communities with the resources to allow kids living in poverty, to start to dream or to rekindle that dream again, in the whole area of the ARTS.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Freedom Arts Project aims to change the community by teaching young people, from the inner city, lessons in the arts in a safe environment. Junior and senior high students participate one night a week in an 8-week course. The classes encourage young people, who otherwise would be unable to attend art classes, to pursue old and new passions in the arts.</b></em></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><br />
</b></em></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Get involved and help change a life. </b></em></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><i><b>Contact us at </b><a href="mailto:info@freedomartsproject.org"><b>info@freedomartsproject.org</b></a></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><b>If your interested please come to the next volunteers meeting on:</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><b>March 15th , 6:30pm</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><b>Dream Center Peoria</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><b>714 Hamilton Blvd, Peoria, Il</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</em></span></span></div></div>Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2934263423433485155.post-89659836998611305962011-01-26T13:25:00.000-06:002011-01-26T13:25:41.372-06:00Change!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkn45_3MBQ7YXo4zogJuWRck5znJbZ2CR0C5MP60S3MsitnAluQaVRPjZn4laE2Bc-jXwZo6YT7OppLTY7jAMiAnumQFj47uPrA1y3_zdzCbrv2AhUgHRYklfvFZOx9uYz-Y0wZunRF88/s1600/DSC_0229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkn45_3MBQ7YXo4zogJuWRck5znJbZ2CR0C5MP60S3MsitnAluQaVRPjZn4laE2Bc-jXwZo6YT7OppLTY7jAMiAnumQFj47uPrA1y3_zdzCbrv2AhUgHRYklfvFZOx9uYz-Y0wZunRF88/s320/DSC_0229.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span></div><h1 style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"> </h1><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction"</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- Winston Churchill</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Change....</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">What a powerful word. A word that either challenges people or paralyzes people. It can direct you in a path of frustration or a path of release. The way we view change and more importantly, respond to change can impact the course of our lives.</div><div style="text-align: left;">When I came across this quote from Churchill, it stuck out to me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Change has been in the air. I hear it from family and friends. People are changing so many things this time of year. Diets, habits, jobs, lifestyles, beliefs and even spouses!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If I was to add something to Churchill's quote it would "There is nothing wrong with change, if its in the right direction <b>that God wants for your life.</b>"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If your in the middle of Change, make sure its what God wants for your life. Remember there is one thing that never changes...and thats Gods passion for you and your life. Listen to God, read his word, be challenged by people who you would see as mentors in your life and make a change...<b>If its in the right direction.</b><br />
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</div>Andy Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13049136147977316108noreply@blogger.com0