Where are they?

Those cave dudes? Those ones that would fill in the gaps between me and the chimps. I am here. The chimps are here. But hose evolving dudes are missing. Why is that?

I figured if it was science there would be evidence. It must be there I just haven't seen it. Right?

I mean they would teach something unless there was irrefutable evidence of it right?

Like written manuscripts that tell of miracles. More written manuscripts written closer to the actual event than any other historical documents recording ancient hisotry. But nahh, that's religion, can have that in the schools.

 Ok, yesterday I was shocked that the congress failed to pass a bailout bill. I was upset and angry. Today, I have tried to review some news and uncover why we failed to pass this bill. By the end of today, I could be back to angry depending on the market.

Three ideas to raising better kids.

 Back to School

My kids have been back at school almost two weeks now. Soon,  the Pico Union S.A.Y. Yes! after school program at the 1st EV Free Church of Los Angeles will be back as well. I am looking forward to the opportunities that will offer. Meeting new kids, hearing from others about what they have been up to. What’s new? What’s the same?

 This morning the front page headline of my local paper, the Daily Breeze, screamed about the high school drop out rates at our local schools. Late this morning I was in an auditorium at Cal. State University Dominguez Hills as a University Representative explained to a room with over 100 9th graders how to get into college. It was great. I learned some really good stuff on how to motivate my kid(a 10th grader), how he can track his own progress against the California University entrance requirements/standards on their website, and how he can look for financial aid.

 Well this past Saturday was the 5th Annual workday for ShareFest Community Development. Some how I ended up as the point person for my church(www.ocfchurch.com), signing people up assigning projects, and leading one project directly. My co-director, Craig R. had the nerve to go through some sort of remedial job training the week just prior and then had to be sworn in as a prosecutor for the District Attorney's Office on the actual workday. 

It was great to see Steve Lopez's column in the Los Angeles Times today talking about the College Bound Program offered by the Boys & Girls Club of San Pedro. As a volunteer at an afterschool program and a parent, I have seen first hand the value of, need for and importance of making sure kids do well in school and have the opportunity to go on to college.

Studies show that the economic impact over the lifetime of a student is as much as a million dollars higher for those that complete high school compared with those that don't. The cost of a few hours a week in helping a child with their homework is nothing compared to the value that a successful self supporting individual brings to our society.

January is National Mentoring month and we are doing what we can to make the most of it. Two of our mentors will be receiving commendations for the Los Angeles County Board of supervisors for the their commitment to the kids in the Community. In addition we have created a Short 2 minute video that tells the story of mentoring and SAY Yes!

We are actively seeking opportunities to speak to groups and develop new relationships with other churches in he greater Los Angeles area that we can work with. If you would like to know more about the Pico Union SAY Yes! after school program and how you can participate or become a volunteer or financial supporter contact me or email info@evfreela.com

January is National Mentoring month and we are doing what we can to make the most of. Two of our mentors will be receiving commendations for the Los Angeles County Board of supervisors for the their commitment to the kids in the Community. In addition we have created a Short 2 minute video that tells the story of mentoring and SAY Yes!

We are actively seeking opportunities to speak to groups and develop new relationships with other churches in he greater Los Angeles area that we can work with. If you would like to know more about the Pico Union SAY Yes! after school program and how you can participate or become a vlounteer or finanacial supporter contact me or email info@evfreela.com

I am a volunteer at The First Evangelical Free Church of Los Angeles Say Yes! center. Working there just one day a week during the school year for the past year has been a tremendous blessing to me. It has helped me realize how blessed my family is and how important education is to others. The need to assist others through education is greater than ever. The value of a high school diploma is greater than it has ever been. We need to spend more personal resources as a nation to encourage and motivate our youth to accept and meet the challenge of obtaining the greatest education possible. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with anyone that might assist me in my efforts to help fud and build this program to meet the needs of its surrounding community.