A church that exists for Ocean Beach…

// December 21st, 2008 // OUT LOUD THOUGHTS

Ocean Beach is a phenomenal ecclectic community in one of San Diego’s costal communities. 

Last December, Jessica and I drove in to Ocean Beach to go to a natural store and fell in love with the place.  I wasn’t a newcomer to Ocean Beach myself.  I could take you to the very rocks where I stood about 10 years ago and gave my life to Christ as much as I trusted God at the time. 

On a windy afternoon, Jessica and I (with Jadyn in tow) encountered the presence of God in a surprising place – Hodad’s a burger restaurant on the main drag on Newport (which by far has one of the most amazing burgers I’ve ever tasted.  Chomping down on one is almost a sacred experience in and of itself).

Sitting in the car is an experience like that of being an orangutan in a cage at the zoo. Everyone's staring at you wondering what you're going to do next. I think a few people took pictures.

Sitting in the car is an experience like that of being an orangutan in a cage at the zoo. Everyone's staring at you wondering what you're going to do next. I think a few people took pictures. By the way, the orangutan pictured here is our daughter Jadyn.

We found ourselves dreaming outloud about living in the place (Ocean Beach not Hodad’s) and reaching out to the community.  At the time we were on a 3 year church planting timetable.  But I’m ecstatic that God moved the timetable up on us. 

We finally moved in to Ocean Beach last week.  I’ve recently taken a “regular” job at Point Loma Nazarene University and I’ll spend my “free” time getting to know my neighbors and allowing God to continue transforming us into people who can exist for the people in this community.

More later….

Peace & Love,

Paul

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