DREAMCENTER SHORT TERM MISSION Dear Leade r, If you are hungry for a life full of passion instead of apathy; if you are ready to use your specific gifts and abilities to make a mark on the world; if you need to be reminded that God loves you and has a plan for your life… THE DREAM CENTER EXPERIENCE is for YOU!! The Los Angeles Dream Center was founded more than seventeen years ago by Pastor Matthew Barnett. Compelled by a vision to impact all of Los Angeles by addressing people’s physical, material, and spiritual needs in unique and practical ways, the Dream Center has grown into a phenomenon that now reaches more than thirty thousand people each week through its multiple church services and more than two hundred needcentered ministries. If you made a mission trip to the LA Dream Center, playing with neglected and abused kids in gang infested neighborhoods, busing people to church from crackhouses and cardboard boxes, handing out warm plates of food to homeless people living on Skid Row, would be a few evangelistic opportunities your team would take part in… With us you would be working hard, praying loud and returning home exhausted. With us, you would be an important part of the miracle for which we ourselves can take absolutely no credit.

- Short Term Mission CREW

Description of different ministries you could be apart of… Ado pt- a-Bl ock This is the heart of the Dream Center. Going out and serving the community in any way possible. On Adopt-a-Block you’ll go along with us to a community to clean, sweep, paint, minister, pick up trash, visit, build relationships, pray and do whatever we can to show the love of Christ. Our goal is to let the people know that the church is here to help them in any way possible.

Foo d Tru ck The main goal of provisions is to provide relief for low-income families in at-risk neighborhoods. This is done through taking food out to the people in their own neighborhoods where the need and hurt are. This relief from provisions opens doors to share the help available to them through our vocational training, free medical programs, clothing for children, and other necessary programs at the Dream Center; ultimately building them up to become independent citizens. In love with Jesus!!!

Ski d R o w/U nd er th e B ridg e Our mission is to reach, without prejudice, to the homeless community. Our goal is to provide a hot meal to those living on the streets, under bridges, and in the shelters of our city. We use the hot meals as a tool to draw large crowds of people so that we can effectively and lovingly share God’s love with those that we serve and meet on the streets. We also give clothes to those in need. We offer to pray with them and listen to their stories. Some of the people want to talk, others don’t. Some of them want us to pray for them or their families, others politely say no. So we pray and minister with those that will allow us, and we pray for those that won’t allow us. Our mission is to help lead these people one person at a time into a better life by leading them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Ma rke ting This ministry is dedicated to all those great people that support the Dream Center. In this department, you will have the opportunity to call some of our donors just to thank them for all of their support. We want them to know we could not do it without them! You will also have a chance to pray for some of them. This is a great ministry for all you "professional" phone talkers out there.

Kit che n You will be helping our kitchen staff prepare for lunch. It starts at 6:00am in the morning in the cafeteria kitchen. Hope you are an early bird. 17 or older, no sandles

Hi s Ha nd s Ex ten de d

This is our thrift store where most of our clothing and décor is donated. You will be helping them get everything sorted for the afternoon. Also, if you would like to help in the afternoon, you are more than welcome too.

Bu s Mini st ry These soul-winning vehicles are our life nets to downtown Los Angeles. Every week hundreds of people fill our buses from Downtown, Skid Row, and gang infested neighborhoods. Our volunteers hand out fliers and invite people to our services on Sunday morning, Thursday night and all day Saturday. Service times can be found on the ‘Tentative Schedule’ section of this brochure.

Pro jec t Pre ve ntio n/Fo ste r C are Mi n istr y We believe that no child should be taken away from loving parents because of poverty. We have built a great relationship with the Department of Family and Children’s Social Services, so we get family referrals from social workers on a weekly basis. We go out three days a week and deliver food, clothes, furniture, beds, appliances, baby supplies, and anything else that these families need in order to keep their children. More importantly, we build relationships with these families with the hopes that one day they will come to church and accept Jesus into their hearts. It is such a blessing to be a part of such an incredible ministry!

Kid ’ s J A M They will be working alongside our Food Truck Ministry by hosting a sidewalk Sunday school for the children at the site. You will be doing mini bible lessons, painting faces, dancing and playing with the kids, and MUCH more!

Jon ah Pr ojec t You will be going right into the heart of skid row doing street evangelism, prayer walks, street cleaning, games, BBQ and fellowshipping with the homeless in Skid Row.

About Assignments… As explained in the tentative schedule below, your team will meet with the Dream Center Outreach Leader before heading out to the outreach site. This is your time to receive information about the outreach, get to know the leader, ask questions and be challenged and inspired. Mornings, you will be working on campus with the departments and ministries here, which are all so crucial and necessary to run the Dream Center. Afternoons you will be sent out on outreaches. Your team will most likely be staying together, depending on the size of your group. Normal running schedules might be subject to change, depending on larger events launched by the Dream Center, such as ‘back-pack give away’, ‘turkey-give away’ or ‘Christmas days’. As you come here to serve alongside us and be a part of the inner city miracle God is unfolding before our eyes, your opportunity to choose and pick your favorite ministry may be very limited. We trust God with using all of your ability and will do our very best to give you a great experience.

What incoming teams need to know… Cost involved: $65.00 a night per person for room and board and Dream Center T-Shirt during the Spring & Summer. $50.00 a night per person for room and board and Dream Center T-Shirt during the Fall & Winter. If you are not staying on campus the cost is $10 a day and each meal is $5. A 2 week stay is $500.00 per person, which is only available in the Fall/Winter (September through February). Also, we have a product table at Angelus Temple and a Gloria Jeans Coffee on campus, so you might want to bring extra spending money.

When can I check in? All teams check-in on Monday between the hours of 12:00pm-3:30pm. Check-out is on Saturday or Sunday between the hours of 8:00am-10:00am. If you need to check out before Saturday and Sunday that is fine, but we recommend staying the full week.

Accomodation: During your stay at the Dream Center you will share dormitory rooms with 6 to 18 people. None of the rooms have showers but most of them have bathrooms. A community shower, which is 3 shower stalls (one shower room for men and one shower room for women), is located on the floor you stay on. During Spring Break and Summer we have a large number of people visiting on a weekly basis, you most likely will need to share a room with people from other teams, if this is a problem you may need to find accommodations elsewhere. Unfortunately, we do not have couple housing or private individual rooms. We provide all bedding(sheets and 1 blanket), 1 pillow and 1 towel, per person. Face cloths you’ll need to bring.

So how do I make a booking? You first call the Short Term Missions office at 213-273-7107 or 213-273-7130 to check availability on dates, then fill out the application online at www.dreamcenter.org. If you fill out the application before calling us to check availability, you’ll need to wait for a phone call from us to confirm the dates you are requesting. As soon as everything is confirmed we can make your booking. We will write and send you a contract agreement that needs to be signed and sent back to us along with a 1st deposit of $100 by the requested date on the contract. As soon as we’ve received this, your booking is confirmed and you are set to come.

Team members:

Due to the character of the program we must stress that no one under the age of 15 is allowed on this trip. Younger youth are often not ready for the challenges of the Dream Center environment and outreaches. If coming as an individual you must be 18. There will be no exceptions to this rule. We understand you may have very mature 14 year olds, but please we ask that only 15 and older attend. Thank you!

Transportation: We ask that you provide your own transportation the whole time you’re here in L.A. You’ll need the transportation to travel to each Outreach Site. A leader will help direct whether by you following or if you have space in your van they’ll be happy to ride along with you. We can recommend several rental companies for you to call.

**Unfortunately, with the outreach sites we visit and our parking lot space we cannot accommodate teams with Buses.

Church Services: Each team/individual is expected to attend all Angelus Temple services while staying at the Dream Center. Trust me, you’re not gonna want to miss it!! We have services on Sunday’s at 9am & 11am and Thursday’s at 7pm.

Dress code: The Dream Center sends outreach teams into the neediest areas of Los Angeles. While you are here you are representing the Dream Center and a Christian lifestyle. It is very important that all volunteers/visiting team members dress modestly and in such a way that does not draw attention to themselves. 1. No spaghetti strapped, midriff, or low cut tops. 2. Shorts or skirts MUST be at modest length. Basketball shorts are fine. 3.Closed toe shoes must be worn on outreaches and campus work assignments.

Taking it to the Streets: Your team will be able to experience several different areas of ministry. At the Dream Center, a typical week will include outreaches that involve ministering to people and prep work. Have your team get ready to give their testimony and pray with many people. Also, learn some Spanish!

How about that age limit? We ask that you PLEASE respect this rule we have set up. Remember this is a lot of on-the-field missions work, going to Skid Row and working in gang communities. Our Outreach Directors really care about the volunteers they take out with them. Thank you!

How safe is the neighborhood? The neighborhoods in which you will be ministering and working are not safe. Watts, South Central, Compton, Imperial Courts, Crenshaw and Downtown L.A. are some of the poorest and neediest areas of this city. During these outreaches, you and your team will be under constant supervision of experienced Dream Center staff that know the streets inside and out. They are there to guide and protect you. - Using wisdom, trusting God; nothing will happen to your team.

Who should I bring on the missions trip? People that are spiritually, physically and emotionally ready for the kind of exposure inner city ministry of this character brings forth. And even if they may not seem ready, this trip could be an eye-opener to teens or even young adults who are in a dry season.

What kind of teams can I bring? Only your imagination sets the limits! We feel tremendously blessed to have you! All adult teams, a youth team or mixed crew; everybody’s welcome and we will do our best to set up a schedule that suits the character of your group.

What kind of ministries will we be doing? Do we get to pick? The Short Term Missions crew will do their absolute best to give you a great Dream Center experience. As you come, you will work alongside us wherever we have the need. If you do have a preference, please let us know and we’ll try to do our best!

How should I prepare my team for the missions trip? Pray! Pray, pray, pray! Explain what kind of people they will meet and minister to, go through the rules and information and make sure they’re ready for a challenging, stretching, and amazing week.

What are the meals like: We prepare all meals in our cafeteria, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sunday-Friday. Saturday’s we only serve two meals breakfast and dinner. Unfortunately, with the magnitude of all the people we serve on a daily basis we won’t be able to accommodate those with special diets.

Will there be any dead time? Yes, in the mornings between breakfast and ministry assignments, as well as evenings depending on whether or not you go on the optional evening outreaches. We suggest you use this time to communicate with your team or have prayer and devotion.

Is there any dates you don’t accept teams/individuals? Thanksgiving Weekend and the last two weeks of December, we like to give our staff/interns time off to visit with their families. We see it as a beneficial to our staff/interns, who serve all year around, to take a small break by going home and keeping the connection with their families. We do have huge events before the breaks like our Turkey Giveaway’s, Bike/Toy Giveaway’s, etc… These events take place the Saturday/Sunday prior to the Holiday. Also, if you plan to come during a holiday like Good Friday or 4th of July, we normally give our interns a half day off (which is in the afternoon). *PLEASE NOTE – For Spring/Summer mission trips, you’ll want to sign-up 3-6 months in advance.

Can I come as an individual? Individuals are more than welcome to come, you just need to be 18 or older. If you don’t have your own transportation, be aware that you may not be able to participate in certain outreaches. Also, depending on the season, we will be bunking you up with other teams.

What to bring: 1. Donations – Shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, feminine products, men hygienic, diapers, baby wipes, baby product, socks, underwear, shoes, clothing, hair brushes, fans, blankets, sleeping bags, twin size beds and anything else you would like to donate. (You can call prior to arrival to get a more updated list of needs.)

2. Personal Hygiene Items - We will provide 1 towel per person and bedding set (sheets, 1 blanket and 1 pillow) per person.

3. Daily Clothing – Shorts, (please make sure they are a modest length), jeans, sweatshirt or jacket, (it may get cold at night) T-shirts. Also, bring a pair of closed toe shoes for the ministry and flip flops for the showers.

4. Bible, pen & note paper – You will have the opportunity to participate in scheduled bible studies as well as our services. Sidenote: Remember during your stay there will be down time. You can use these times for team meetings, bible studies, etc. This is your chance to really connect with your team on a spiritual level.

5. Bathing Suit – Remember you’re coming to California! The weather is always perfect for the beach! 6. Spending Money – We have a café that sells coffee, snacks and more coffee. As well as a fitness gym, $5 daily; $10 a week.

7. Willing hearts – Be prepared to give of yourself and serve others.

Tentative Schedule Tuesday is our tour day, showing you around the campus all the key areas to know throughout the week. In the mornings your team will be split up, some of the ministries start at 6:00am in the morning whereas some will start at 8-9:00am; you’ll then get a break for lunch. In the afternoons, your team (unless you are a large team of 30+) will stay together for the outreaches. Some of the outreaches due to their nature, have an additional age limit. You’re welcome to call the Dream Missions office to receive an update on this. Your team must arrive on Monday to then depart on Saturday or Sunday.

Monday

(Check-in Day)

Arrive at the Dream Center between the hours of 12:00-3:30pm. The orientation/tour will begin at 4:00pm and will go until 5:15pm. Dinner will be served right after and then the evening is free to have individual team meeting.

Tuesday 7.00am Breakfast 8.30am Ministry Assignments 12.00pm Lunch 12:30-1.00pm Ministry Assignments 5.00pm Dinner Evening is free

Wednesday 7.00am Breakfast 8.30-9.00am Ministry Assignments 12.00pm Lunch 12.30-1.00pm Ministry Assignments 5.00pm Dinner 5.45pm Jonah Project/Skid Row Outreach

Thursday 7.00am Breakfast 8.30-9.00am Ministry Assignments 12.00pm Lunch 12.30-1.00pm Ministry Assignments 5.00pm Dinner 5.15pm Bus Ministry (optional) 6.00pm Kid’s Zone workers (optional) 7.00pm Service at Angelus Temple

Friday 7.00am Breakfast 8.45am Team Debrief Meeting 12.00pm Lunch 12.30-1.00pm Ministry Assignments 5.00pm Dinner 6.00pm Dream Street/Skid Row Outreach or Jonah Project/Skid Row Outreach

Saturday (Check-out Day) 7.30-8:30am Breakfast 9.15am-1:30pm Adopt-A-Block After Adopt-a-Block there is free time. 3.30-4:30pm Dinner

Sunday

(Check-out Day)

7.00am Breakfast 9.15am Bus Ministry 9.00am Service at Angelus Temple 11.00am Sevice at Angelus Temple 1.30pm Lunch 6.30pm Dinner

Free Time You’ll have some free time during the day and evening, so if you want to have a Bible Study or worship.

RentalPlaces

REMINDER:

During your stay here at the Dream Center you WILL need a vehicle. We are not at the capacity to drive teams to the outreach site and most of the outreach sites are not in walking distance. We have made a deal with Enterprise and is often the best deal you can get. According to California state law, a commercial driver’s license is required to rent a 15 passenger van.

Enterprise: Call Roy Arnold 310-258-7670

[email protected]

Mini vans (unlimited miles)

Daily $74.20

15 passenger vans

$100.70

Weekly $371.00 $503.50

All vehicles are subject to 8.25% sales tax and a state mandated vehicle license fee. Other makes and models are available. If you want to rent a car/van from Enterprise, please mention our discount code 32W0835 to get these prices.

A few other great contacts: Rent4Less 714-884-7442 Avis Rent A Car 310-646-5600 Dollar Rent A Car 800-800-4000 Hertz 800-704-4473 All Rental Companies have Shuttles that can pick you up from the airport

DREAM CENTER CAMPUS MAP

Short Term Mission Parking #76-86

Visitor Parking

Short Term Mission is located th on the 6 Floor