“Philippians 4:13 says ‘I can do all things through Christ…’ This afternoon you need to promise God that you will be a better Christian – a better mother – a good wife. He will hear your prayer and your promise to him.” We need to be better than last year and even better than yesterday. You have an opportunity to set new goals, new plans. “Last year is over, we can’t change what was–but this is a new year. “Women, ask God to teach you how to make your days count so that you will experience his wisdom,” she exclaimed. This particular Saturday morning, Claudia began with a challenge to each lady present - Psalm 90 :12 “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Claudia was the 1996 Territorial Women’s contest winner for Women’s Outreach Ministries.) Claudia has great compassion for the women in the barrio and she, along with Captain Elizabeth Delgado, have taken action. The Barrio ministry had been Claudia Carrion’s dream. They are now playing in a safe, gated and fenced yard with mothers’ supervision. The yards are clean, the sidewalks are swept, and the children look healthy and clean. Bona Brea Barrio on Third Street has had a face lift. Women found Jesus, and shared him with their families. They helped teach them about God’s forgiveness and the change he provides. How did this happen? Home League members and Women’s Outreach Ministries members began loving these women in the barrios and sharing with them the love of Jesus. People are taking charge of their neighborhood in a most positive way. The children are clean and experiencing genuine love. Today, no gang members live in the complex! There are no drugs! Women have taken an interest in their children. Miracles began happening, and then a transformation occurred. The Army did come–the soldiers of the Los Angeles Central Corps began praying faithfully for the people living there. The complex was a haven for gang members, with drug deals conducted all day long. One apartment manager had, in desperation, asked the Army to come to her complex and pray for the people. Women, men, boys and girls of all ages responded to the voice on the megaphone inviting them to worship, each excited, anticipating a great morning. Several ladies said they just couldn’t miss this wonderful meeting, even if it meant getting caught in another rain storm. Some people were pulling large loads of dirty laundry to be washed at a nearby laundromat, others had large carts of groceries, but many stopped what they were doing to join the Army group. The sky threatened rain, and because of the heavy rains the day before, many of the families were trying to catch up on their chores. On a recent Saturday morning, we stood outside as people began gathering for the program. For many who live there, life is a constant battle against poverty, gangs, drugs and violence. Gangs, Poverty, Violence Reveal Barrio NeedsĮach Saturday, 20-plus members of the Los Angeles Central Corps provide a wonderful ministry to eight barrios situated in the midst of troubled downtown Los Angeles. CARINGAn energetic soldier teaches a Bible lesson at an apartment complex.
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