For seven years I was a lifeguard. Not like a Baywatch lifeguard or Wendy Peffercorn, but like a 18 year-old college student with leathered skin in a one piece bathing suit. I sat in a lifeguard tower watching over people, ever-ready to rescue or resuscitate those who were drowning.
If you have ever performed rescue breathing or CPR, you know the desperation you feel as you cup your mouth over theirs and push oxygen from your lungs to theirs. As you empty yourself—the essence of life that is in you—into a lifeless being, you actually see transformation. Their chest rises with life as you breathe into them and when they come to consciousness, they are fully awake.
No, not like they are waking from a nap, but like a rousing inhale of breathing for the first time by themselves.
As a lifeguard, your responsibility is to ensure that people thrive in life and this weekend, that’s what I want.
- I have seen women choking on life, gasping for breath.
- I have seen women lifeless and listless, waiting for breath to reenter their being.
- I have seen women in a spiritual coma artificially breathing, but unable to sustain it themselves.
This weekend in a corner of East Los Angeles, California we are going to open God’s word and allow the Spirit of the Living God to breathe into us. There will not be decorations. There won’t be hanging Edison lights. There won’t be flowers or smoke machines or spot lights. It’ll just be a stripped down time of conversations, communion, and a HOLY GHOST PARTY. [No, f’real, we will be praying down the blessings of heaven for those who are sick, hurting, in need, or simply just want God to speak to them regarding life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.]
If you think I’m anti-themed parties and decor, you’re wrong. If I could have one million chandeliers, a lighting rig, and a menagerie at our gathering this weekend, I WOULD. I’m tacky. We all know this. But ultimately it boils down to keeping the main thing the main thing [Jesus, yay!] and the cost low enough just to cover the basics [budget, boo!].
Speaking of budget, someone left a lovely little comment on the blog about what a shame it is that I’m charging for the Holy Spirit. To which I snorted. Let’s be clear, friends: We’re not charging for the Holy Spirit, we’re charging so you can have a breakfast and lunch while being taught by the next generation of church leaders and culture shapers. And just so we’re clear, I don’t get paid one penny to do this event. My calling is to build the church, teach the gospel, preach the good news, and hear God’s voice… whether or not I get paid.
Today is the last day you can signup for $25, so if you haven’t signed up but would like to, call the church office [323-724-8464] and you can pay with credit card or signup at the door ($30). Doors open at 8:30am and we hope to see you there!
Love you!! I know you’ll knock it out of the park!! xoxo
Love you too! 🙂
Mel’s going to be there – so if you could avoid her like the plague, that would really help me out. If I don’t get to hug her, no=one does. Plus, she’s got crazy pregnancy hormones at the minute so it’s for your own safety too 😉
As for you, I’ll just cry here and it will be like we were together again 🙂
Who do you think I am? I’m not going to cry! 😉
Totally excited!!! Hungry, thirsty, expectant…
Excited you are coming!
Sory to hear that persons are complaining that you are charging… Is sad that persons don’t understand that to do this kind if events it cost money.
Thank you for understanding! In the past two years, this event is one of the cheapest events for women that I’ve attended. I want to be sensitive to the economy, but still have an amazing day filled with truth and fun! XO
Well said! As for who ever commented about $25.00 thats very reasonable to cover a persons costs for a gathering that includes food, amenities, electricity etc. That person may not have considered all of that.
CCMTB is one of the most generous, giving chuches I have ever visited and in my ministry I have been to many. If dong functions for free was an option, I am certain that CCMTB would be first on the list! And that’s just one reason why I thoroughly respect Pastor Pancho and the CCMTB leadership team.
What a time it will be. The Holy Spirit always comes upon open hearts who are seeking and ready to receive..
Praying with great expectaion for all of you..
Yeah, cause when we are together it’s always you that ends up crying. And frankly, it’s super embarrassing, so I, for one, am glad I’m not participating in this little reunion you’re all having this weekend. So glad.
Hi Bianca! Still remember me? Jk! This conference is ganna be awesome! I’m ganna try to get my friend to go!
Awesome! Thanks Howard.
Wish I could be there but I can’t with a 4 month old. I know it will be amazing and you’ll be fantastic. I’ll be praying for the event!!
Hey Carla! Just case you wanted to come, the mothers room will be open. And congrats on the baby!!!
Bianca, what an amazing Conference! I love Evan’s practical teaching of the kingdom of God – wow, blew me away, but made so much sense. It is so hard to find balance – either the church is dry as bones or rolling around cray, cray. Beautiful, God-infused worship, teaching and the using of the gifts of the Spirit. By the way I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED seeing you and your precious Momma (I love and respect Millie so much and pray for her all the time) at the end of conference. As you tenderly held her by your side…simply precious!!!!
Also, the word God gave to you about the mass in someone’s left breast WAS FOR ME!!!! I almost passed out when you said it. I’ve had one removed and doctor’s are monitoring another. When you said that I knew it was for me.
May the LORD bless and keep you!
May the LORD shines His face upon you and be gracious to you.
Continue to be BOLD and COURAGEOUS!!!!
I attened the conference and I was so powerful. I almost didn’t go because I have been doubtfull I keep praying for certain things for some time now and I don’t seem to see anything coimg to light.
I guess I need more such post, I am SCARED of water like hell! My goodness, It might take a lot of guts to be a lifeguard i.e. a savior for life. Breathing takes concentration and inner courage. Since the conference is already missed, would love to learn about the details of the conference. Please share a post or YouTube link 🙂