Peoples from Jubilee


Jubilee is the boarding school I graduated from back in '98, dang! its been a minute. Nay way.

This is Al Griffin. I wanted to put his pictures here because he is awesome. He has befriended all of the boys I've sent up there and has made them feel welcomed. Now, i'm not saying the other staff at Jubilee havent. Just want to give props to Al for his loving nature and being accepting and encouraging.


This another broham of mine. He, like many guys like myself has graduated from Jubilee and has bee seeking God full speed. He just got back from a missions project in Canada. Horale J-man. He is currently working at Jubilee mentoring boys and I'm looking foward to being part of the same church when I relocate to the tri-cities and being part of the minitry he is invloved in. His name is Jacob.


Please pray for both of these dudes. They are awesome examples of the things God can do thorugh us. And don't forget true worship is to surrender everything to God. I encourage all my fellow friends who understand to lay everything at Jesus's feet. Gods peace to everyone, because there is no other

SC Life & Ministry Journal
Just trying this blog this tool. Not doing much at moment. I just got done doing my devotions and eating my tamales. Now i'm getting ready to do some studying for Logic.

Some of you were asking about needs for the road trip.

We were able to raise enough funds for the car rental, thank you to all of you who came out and contributed with that. Love you all. At the present time my friend whom was going to drive up there with me had to step down due to his job. He is not going to be able to go and help me drive. So we are going to stop and sleep at a hotel. I didin't plan for this. If any one would be willing to contribute towards that it would be helpful. So, I dont' have to drive all the way up there in one shot.

From Latina Magazine :You know you are a Latino Jew if...


1. You had a piñata at your bar mitzvah.
2. Your abuela serves matzo balls con chiptle at Passover.
3 Your television superhero is Juan Epstein from Welcome Black, Kotter.
4. Your family's ancestry is polaco, but you grew up in Polanco.
5. Mom always made you turkey jamon sandwiches for school...with a kosher pickle.
6. you're the best salsero at your synagogue.
7. your sister refers to her bat mitzvah as her treceañera.
8. During the holyday season, you wish your homies a "Feliz Chanukah."
9. Ain't nobody name Jesus in your family, but there are plenty of Moiseses and Josues.
10. Jumex isn't just a brand of Mexican juices; its a way of life.

Newsong Church Irvine kicking it at my house...
Well...not exactly kicking it, more like volunteering their time for the week. They been doing work for us at Harambee and doing work around the community. Yesterday they worked with my homie Derek Perkins at John and Tina William's home. And lastnight I made them some carne asada, guacamole and Spanish rice for dinner.

Check out some shots from yesterday:

Derek, Shelby y El Sam Sam came over for lunch.


My browski invading my itunes and looking at some small biz grants.


Chris on Chris on PS2 Smack Down Shut Your Mouth.


Carne asada, PS2, gucamole and futbolito, Party!!!. God is good.


Rigo and Bryan (two of the boys going to WA with me) washing dishes after the carneasada. Rigo has been putting on the servant hat. I need to think of a way to reward him. I told him last night I noticed how much of a servant he has been. What do you guys think? How can I reward Rigo for being such a servant?

God was listening to the boys...
today Rigo came up to me when he showed up to help with the fundraising carwash and said,"Hey Sergio last night me and the twins prayed. We lit up some candels got together and prayed that God would favor our fundraising." In all honesty I was surprised that they would do that. But I'm glad they did. In between the carwash and the carne asada sale we raised enough to rent a mini van. All we need now is money to pay for the insurance on it.

We had a good size of people come out, I even go to do some evangelism with some new people that just moved into our neighborhood. A lady with a teen age son and dughter just moved in and is excited about being part of the Jarambee. WIll see if they come around. Flo her name is Diane, so keep an eye out.



Hero Award goes to...El Tip
thanks for the help Tipton, Tipton is one of the associate directors at Jarambee. He came and helped us all day.



Helper Award goes to...La Viri
Viri is one of the girls that comes to Jarambee for afterschool program and fellowship. She is an awesome help with the kids at Jarambee. She came helped us all day long until we were done. Thanks Viri, you are the man.






Mas Imagenes

Dos de maiz y una de arina maistro...Genaro is one of the dads from the community who came over and help me cook the meat for the asada tacos


Rigo one of the boys in my bible study getting the job done.


Where the action happened.


Maggie and Joanna came out to help and bless us with their Joy


We had some Danish come out for some carne asada tacos.


Bryan and BB flagging the cars down.


Carne Asada any one???




I praise God for helping us raise enough funds for the car rental. If any one would like to still help let me know. We need to pay for insurance.

And I'm out.

We are having computer hour right now at the Jarambee center where mi works. I need to get in the habit of carrying my camara around, I usually don't bring it because i don't have a case for it and i'm afraid of dropping it or something. Well the kids all seem to be very interested in como se dice? Mavis Beacon. And other learning games.

Illegal Immigration and Border Vigilantes

Had a good bible study with the guys last night. We didn't really study the bible intervaristy style this time. Instead I went and got some fresh bread at Vons and some grape juice, not just any, the one made from concord grapes. After, I came home and set a small table in my room, thats where we have the study. I set a small table with bread and wine glasses. I turned on like 10 candles and turned the light off. A few minutes later the guys showed up. They said hi and waited in the living room. Then I invited them to the feast. It was awesome, the setting, their response to it, the way they connected it to our culture. We went back and talked about why last Sunday at Mass it was Palm Sunday. Which represents Jesus entry. They were like aahhh!! we get it. Then I went into reading what Jesus did for the deciples. I gave them a little talk about why why partake and then broke bread drank concord grape juice and prayed. Then they shared what they've learned about Jesus so far. It was better than I planned. It was good.

"Every time you feel hurt, offended or rejected, you have to dare to say to yourself: These feelings, strong as they may be, are not telling me the truth about myself. The truth, even though I can not feel it right now, is that I am the chsosen child of God, precious in God's eyes, called the Beloved from all eternity and held safe in an evarlasting embrace."

Henry Just Me Nouwen

Today while driving one of the migrant mothers from the community to get an ID at McArthur Park so she can be able to get a job. I had a chance to talk to her about going deeper with God, I think it was akward for her becuase some catholics, are not very spiritual and she is one of these catholics. I asked her if she thought I was crazy. She said, "No Sergio, contal de que no estes tratando de conectarte con Satanas." I’ve been like my friend Greg titles his journal looking for true riches. I'm reading again a book called Life Of The Beloved and in the first chapter I found this quote:

"Self rejection is simply seen as the neurotic expression of an insecure person. But neurosis is often the psychic manifiestation of a much deeper human darkenss: the darkness of not feeling truly welcome in human existence. Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life because it contradicts the sacred voice that calls us the 'Beloved.' Being the Beloved expresses the core truth of our existence."
From Life Of The Beloved: Spirtual Living In A Secular Love by Henry Nouwen

I thought it was worthy of being posted. I guess I see something in it becuase a lot of the time I don't feel truly welcomed in my surroundings. And I know this is just part of my self-rejection. Some of you have read previous posts where I talk about my struggle with school. How hard it is to find a job as a migrant worker. I feel as Gods son, I don't deserve to be going through a lot these struggles. But I know its all part of my self-rejection. And I know there is purpose to seek out in God. Becuase all the answers lie in Him, my creator. I can lose my self trying to find fulfillment in my job, career, family, youth ministry. Thinking that is going to fulfill me and make me feel good. But the truth is in order to find our true purpose we need to look to God our creator. He is the one that holds the manual for our life. And that manual is The Bible.

Tomorrow i'm hanging out with a friend, his name is Father Greg Boyle. I want to hear about kinship from him and what it is like to truly give up your life to serve God.

I often here the people I hang out from the little witty ones to the oldest complain about something or another. Mostly I hear the guys I mentor complaining about clothes, sneakers this and that. Things that as you grow up you understand don’t have much matter. Last night I met three Hispanics whom I respect and admire much. One, she is getting her doctorate in education at UCLA and the other two are getting law degrees from Columbia. It was joyful hearing what they are doing and it was also to connect on how hard school is. I’m sure a doctorate is hard, and I sit and wonder what I’m looking forward to, once I complete my BA. Back to complaining, its not necessarily complaining. But for me one of the biggest struggles I have is realizing the hard time I have with reading comprehension and writing. I understand my education wasn’t the best I could have had. I only received ESL training for one year when I first came to the US. And then I was moved to a regular classroom. A lot of times I wonder how much different my life would have been if only I would have been able to comprehend what I was reading in my early grammar years.

The Invastion Of The Shorties and other stuff

Today was come and hang out day at the retreat house. We had k-2 grade making pizza, playing games, and watching Shrek, all at different times of course. The kids had a good time and so did the boys from my bible study whom also were hanging out at the house, we didn't watch Shrek though we watched The Lost Boys. Thanks to Lone and Hamlin for putting it together. I had fun dancing with the kids to "I'm a beliver" by Smash Mouth (I think that was the song).

Lone teaching one of the little girls how to roll the dough.


Sam Sam and Tony tearing it up the futbolito. I think I can take them both.


Tony: "Those are some breathtaking culinary skills you got Andrew"
Andrew: "Why thank you for the well mannered remark Tony, I'll take it as a compliment"



A couple of last summer interns came by this morning. Diana and Kryslin. Thanks for stopping by you guys.


Another one of last summer interns sent some pictures from down under. She is doing a semester abroad in Australia or New Zeland, can't remember.


And congratulations to my ex roomate Dan and his fiancé Kathy whom are going to be married pretty soon.

Car Accidents.. I have never been in one until a couple days ago when I hit someone’s bumper. And still I’m in a little hung up knowing the accident could have been prevented if only my driving would have been a bit better, or had I been more watchful knowing the type of traffic I was in. Now the side bender of my truck is entirely smashed and supposedly my insurance doesn’t covered my damages. Which is going to hurt a little knowing I have to spend money I don’t have to fix my car. Ay ay ay….the good thing is that I don’t have to pay for any of the damages done the other guy’s car, go to court, or attend any legal proceedings. The only two things I need to look forward to are my insurance increasing if damages exceed more than $750, and fixing my truck. Pray for me this is something new to me.

Shopping for a Quinceañera dress..
and thinking isn't this something a woman minister should be doing? But if I said that it would make me a sexist and I know a sexist is something I'm not. So instead I feel blessed that I was with this family as they were looking for the perfect gown for a quinceañera. We went to Broadway in downtown LA. That place trips me out, with all the different poeple, and curiostiy shops you find there. Seeing from all walks of life. I can't convey what I felt because I'm not good with words. Blame it on being born in Mexico and growing up in a household with Spanish speakers only.
So, back to what I was saying about the shopping. Being part of the process was cool. I hope if God ever blesses me witha daughter, that He will allow me to be part of the process of picking out her dress. From her communion dress to her wedding. Its a beautiful thing.

Some of the buildings .


from other side of the street


This was one of the stores we visted, the didn't like anything.


Tia, Quinceañera and mom.


La Quince, she chose the style of the white dress behind her.

Donation Carwash Fundraiser
Who: D.A.W.G.S.* Bible Study
Why: To fund an alternative Spring Break for Harambee Teens
When: Saturday, March 19 and 26
Time: 9am-1pm
Where: Harambee Center
1581 Navarro Ave.
(corner of Navarro & Howard)
*If your car doesn’t need a shine, but your belly is growling at ya’ come out for some munch:
Grilled hot dog $1.50
Chips or a soda $1 each
Combo just $3.00

*Dudes About Worshiping Gods Son
(we are having tamales for sale)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Que?!?!?! Carwash-O
Quien?: D.A.W.G.S*. Estudio Biblico
Por Que?: Para que grupo juvenil pueda viajar a el estado de Wachinton durante vacaciones de semana santa
Cuando?: Sabadito 19 De Marzo y 26 de Marzo
Hora?: 9am-1pm
Donde?: Harambee Center
1581 Navarro Ave.
(Esquina de Navarro & Howard)
*Si su coche no necesita una chainiada vengase y echese un lonche:
Hot dog a la parilla $1.50
Papitas y Refresco $1 cada uno
O un combo por solo $3.00 dollaritos
(el 26 tendremos tamales)

What a long weekend, it started on friday with a concert. I took three of my guys, Mark Anthony, my friend Eliel and one of the youtheses I was mentoring and whom was in the bible study I was teaching while serving with Northwest Neighbors, Jeffrey is his name. He is in high school, and sounds well adjusted. I'm glad for that one. Because I know some of the other boys that were in the same bible study are not doing as good. So, we picked him up and pile up in my small nissan. We went to a place called "No Future Cafe" which is ran by a four-square church. Every friday night they host bands that rock that little room out. 4 gets you in the door and a free iced mocha. It was a fun night, the boys in my bible study were not so thrilled about it because they don't like any other genra of music outside of hip hop. As soon as we drove to the place they started kind of making fun of the people that were hanging outside the place which was pretty much all rockers, punks and emo kids. I told them if they got jumped by someone for making fun of them I wouldn't defend them. They were like why not Sergio? I was like becuase it ain't cool to make fun of someone for what they look like. I told them to look at what we were doing as an experience not as something they have to do. So, they ended up liking the experience. I got admit it was a good little show. They had a metal band of mostly 9th graders that rocked that place out and had my guys standing on chairs so they could see passed the metal heads worshinping the band by whipping their hair up and down.
After the show they slept over and got up at 7am to do the carwash. And I still feel like I did most of the work. They had me laughing pretty hard. One of the boys had never washed a car before. Erik and Lone brough their car over, and I think they were the second ones. So they pulled the car into the drive-way, and Christian grabs the hose and sprays the car. So, i'm waiting for him to grab the bucket and start washing the car. I waited and asked you got that one Chris? He is like its done already Sergio. At that point I was rolling with laughter. He was laughing with me. Then I had to teach him how to do it. It was good. We raised $211, considering I passed out fliers the day before. $400 to go and we have a trip. Awesome. Thanks to all you who came out.

The F.A.T. (faithful, available, teachable) boy's bible study will be hosting a CAR WASH THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 12 FROM 8AM-11:30 AM AT THE HARAMBEE DRIVE WAY (1581 NAVARRO AVENUE, PASA CA 91103).

So come on out to get your car washed! (It's on a donation basis.) And even if your car doesn't need a washing, swing on to
support the boys by purchasing some snacks. We will be selling
Chicharrones and Sodas donated by some of the local soccer moms.

The money raised (through donations) will be used towards
an alternative Spring Break; a road trip to the state of
Washington (Instead of the usual stay at home and be bored to death). Through This trip we will accomplish the following:
1. GRATEFULNESS BY ALLOWING THEM TO VIEW MORE OF THE LORD'S
CREATIONS BY LEAVING THE CITY AND SEEING WHAT THE WEST COAST HAS TO OFFER
2. HUMBLENESS BY SERVING THE MIGRANT CHILDREN IN THE PASCO
AREA THROUGH AN ORGANIZATION CALLED "THE MANNA PROJECT".
3. INSPIRATION BY VISITING SOME COLLEGES IN WASHINGTON
WHERE PERHAPS THEY MIGHT WANT TO ATTEND.
4. FELLOWSHIP WITH EACH OTHER AND WITH MYSELF, AS I WILL BE
LEAVING THEM IN JUNE TO DO MINISTRY WORK IN WASHINGTON. (THEY WILL
BE ABLE TO SEE WHERE AND WHAT I WILL BE DOING IN WASHINGTON AS WELL.)

If you just can't make it out, but would love to help, you
Can donate by clicking on the Pay Pal button on the right side bar. Then, just follow the directions.
You can also help us by sharing this information with your church friends and family. Our goal is to raise $600 in the next four weeks to make the trip happen. If you would like additional information, please don't hesitate to email me: sergi_casta@yahoo.com or call me

Some articles about faith

Okay I had to put this one up. It was during a conversation about Napoleon Dynamite and relationships.

"dunno, can't speak for anyone else. i know i'm lookin for love bc i don't believe He loves me deep down"

I'm taking a break from blogging.

The past four days have been incredible. My first two mentors came down for four days and brought 3 young men whom i've become friends with over the years. One of them I graduated with from high school and have known him for 11 years. It was good having them volunteer at the ministry where I work. As well as driving them around the LA area. Visting other ministries, eating, laughing and just playing having fun. It was great. Today they flew out and left a feeling good Sergio.
I also said good bye to another friend who I won't see for quite a while. I'm gonne miss you man.

At around 6pm last wednesday. One of my best friends and I drove from Pasadena to downtown LA, skid row area. The drive was crappy because of the congested LA traffic but the rain made it even worse. Regardless of all that we had a good drive and were able to get to the corner of 6th and San Pedro, our destination. The reason for us going there was for karaoke. A bunch of awesome people there host a wednesday night karaoke with the homeless of the skid row area. My reason for being down there was a photography assignment for PRISM magazine. What I got out of it was more than great pictures. As me in my friend awaited the stars of the night we waited anticipating poeple asking us for change or even the possiblity of getting some of our belongings stolen. But that wasn't the case. We waited for about 30 minutes watching the volunteers helpers put out candy and brewing coffee, before the doors were open. It was a great experience for me. I remembered my week with YWAM in the tenderloin are of San Francisco and some of the scary experiences I had there and wednesday night brought some flashbacks. But I'm greatful for being there and not only getting some great shots and hearing some pretty awesome people sing. I felt blessed that some of the people even went and changed to sing their song. A lady at one point came up to me and told me thank you for taking her picture. "I really like your style the way you take photos", her and her son Justin who came up to me while the poeple were coming into the facility live on the streets and shelters of the skid row area.

Here are some of the starts of the night:

Best star of the night. Did a full interpretation of James Brown's 'I Feel Good'




Pastor Tony and his wife lead the karaoke.


The woman who came up to me and thanked me.


This girl is one of the memeber of the church that meet in the building on sundays. Awesome singer.


Kevin from Texas has been out here for 8 months.


The black boy in the picture is Justin, the other boy is Aaron another boy from the row.


Awesome voice.


Had some great duets.


Greates facial expressions.


People from all walks of life.


We ended the night dancing together.


I'm going back there in a few weeks and taking the boys in my bible study to serve food.

Most encouraging words I got today.


God also is our faithful companion. Know that you are not alone. He says come to me those who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. He wants you to go to him with all your requests. Seek his counsel and keep following him.
Know that I love you and  I am praying for you!
Que Dios te cuide, guie y bendiga,

A few minutes ago I got back from one of the lamest job interviews ever. The person giving me the interview kept on reating themselves over and over. At a point i thought to myself do i really want to work here? The interviewer kept on saying things like why do you want to work here when you have such great work experience. At one point I was asked so how long do you plan on staying with us? Now I could of lied and said I plan on being with you guys all my life and my biggest dream is to own stock with your company but since i'm so sincere, I had to say I only planned on being here until mid june or so. They told me they don't know but they would call me.



yesterday I went to see Chavela, the daughter of one of the families I have built relationships with here in my community. She received student of the month at her school. It was nice to be there as she got her award. Children need to be supported and praised when they achieve in their lives. Adults too.
Here are some pictures:

This is Chavela with her schools principle right after she was awarded. The principle invited me to come back and volunteer with them in the classroom.


Chavela and a proud mom. Afterwards I took the mom and anther friend of hers to eat breakfast at Coco's here in Pasadena. Talked about their plans and what they want to see their kids accomplish in life. And their own ambitions as moms. It was good. We got the $3.99 breaksfast special.



Before the cermony started I went and visited another one of the young ones from the same family. Well, I went to visit her classroom. All the children thought they had a subsitude that day. Until their teacher showed up then I had to stop pretending. I got her one of her favorite drinks at starbucks. An brambleberry iced tea. Thanks for the gift card Johnnie boy.



This has nothing to do with my visit to the school but its from monday nights dinner group. The people pictured are from my church family.



And I'm out.

Sergio's March Newsletter

Greetings from the sunshine state! It is nice to have a break from the heavy rainfall we have had lately.
After school program is good as far as tutoring goes, but a bit stressful with the children’s’ attitudes towards some of the programs the center has instituted for them. Most of the children in my class don’t like doing neither karate class nor computer class. So, it makes it kind of hard to get all of them to do anything because I spend a good amount of time getting them ready. This year I’ve noticed that they all tend to follow one of the boys in the class. His name is Omar. He has good leadership potential, but unfortunately his attitude intervines and influences his lack to participate. Please pray that Omar would be a good leader and would encourage his fellow classmates to participate more.

My F.A.T. (faithful, available, teachable) boy’s bible study is going well. Last Wednesday I shared with the boys that I would be moving to Washington State in June. It was kind of hard on them. Immediately after I told them there was an awkward silence that lasted about two minutes. Rodrigo was the first one to speak up by saying that he was going to tear down all the freeways so I wouldn’t leave. After he said that, the other boys starting speaking up. Mainly asking me questions of why I was leaving. I shared with them that I felt God was shepherding me back home. It was good. They prayed for me and asked God to guide me, and give me wisdom to make the right decision. Since then I’ve asked them individually in our hanging out, one-on-one times, if they are really okay with me moving? They all have said yes and understand why I’m making the move. As I was preparing to share with the boys my biggest concern was to not make them feel as if I was abandoning them. But it brings me joy to know that they do not feel like that.
Over the next two weeks we are going as a bible study to serve in a ministry to the homeless downtown LA in the skid row area. Please pray for them as we do this. I’ll send highlights and pictures of our servitude. After we are going to visit a missionary couple in their late sixties who spent their missionary time serving in Asia. Both are part of my circle of close friends, mentors whom I love dearly. They are going to share about missions in Asia and teach us bible study.

Finances. As you guys already know I stepped down from my position as retreat house manager so that I could get a second job and bring in a few extra bucks. I would like to pay off my credit card bill ($700) and save before I move to Washington. This coming Wednesday I have an interview for a part time job. I’m praying I’ll be able to work because it will relieve some of the financial stress. Since I stopped being retreat house manager I have to start paying the ministry $200 for rent which is a bit of a burden right now since I don’t have much income coming in. It is a lot when you are living on a missionary salary. I’m certain that God will be faithful in providing.
Spring break road trip with bible study guys is still happening. The cost total is $720, $120 for food, $250 for gas, and $350 for car rental. Someone has agreed to pay for food. So we have yet to raise $600 for gas and a car rental. And still hoping God will provide a car through someone in our community. This would reduce the cost by a lot. This month the boys and I are going to be having some car washes to pay for the cost of the trip. Part of the reason for this trip is so they can see the community I’m moving into, and see what I am going to be doing. I want them to meet my family, especially my mom, and my circle of friends and ministry partners in WA. My desire is for them to commission me into my next phase of ministry and season in life.


Prayer Requests… Please continue to pray for me in the following manner:
• My walk in the Lord. I love Him dearly and I want to continue serving and growing in Him
• My relocating to the Tri-Cities WA this coming June.
• For me in my last semester at Pasadena City College.
• For peace, guidance and discernment.
• As I teach my boys to “live as servants of God, show proper respect to everyone, love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, and honor the King” 1 Peter 2:16-17

I pray Gods best for all of you.

If you would like give financially please send checks to:
Harambee Christian Center
c/o 1581 Navarro Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103

And please write Sergio’s Support on the memo. Or you can donate online by going to my website (www.castaneda.blogspot.com) and clicking on the Pay Pal button located on the side bar.