The Good News Foundation is an amazing organization.  Founded by five of the most gorgeous news journalists in Los Angeles, the Good News Foundation is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of at-risk and needy people in Los Angeles.  At their big event at the Nokia Club, they honored several local charities and helped provide much needed computers and school supplies.  Cloud and Fire Ministries is greatly honored to be among them.

This scripture blessed me so much today:

I permitted Myself to be sought by those who did not ask for Me; I permitted Myself to be found by those who did not seek Me.  I said, "Here am I, here am I," to a nation which did not call on My name.  I have spread out my hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in the way which is not good, following their own thoughts…It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear."   Isaiah 65: 1, 2, 24

The Cloud and Fire YouthBuild program is an amazing way for young people to finish high school and learn a trade. Youth can finish school at their own pace while becoming familiar with all the skills needed for a career in construction. The program is open to young men and women of all backgrounds, even those who have been out of school for a long time.

How Does the YouthBuild Charter School Work?
Students attend class for one week and spend the next week on a construction site learning hands-on skills like plumbing, electrical, framing, drywall, roofing, siding, and basic carpentry.  In the classroom, students learn in a small, family style classroom and receive an individualized learning plan that is designed to help them earn a diploma or G.E.D. as quickly as possible. Cloud and Fire partners with John Muir Charter Schools, so this program is fully accredited by the State of California.

Emmanuel entered Cloud and Fire's YouthBuild program at age 16, and was in the program for 18 months before he moved on.  Because he didn't finish high school, some might say our program didn't reach him. They would say there is "nothing to show" for his time with us. I have a different take on that.

I just visited Emmanuel in Douglas, Wyoming, a town of only 5,000 people.  Manny moved here in February, 2011, because a friend of a friend offered him work as a helper at a restaurant. Traveling from Los Angeles to the middle of nowhere is quite a trek for someone, just so they can wash dishes!  But, what a change this has made for Manny.

How Big is Cloud and Fire?

In 2010 we served over 500 youth. How did we do it?

When Cloud and Fire began in 1999, we had a core group of 15 youth. The same kids stayed with us throughout their middle school and high school years, and we invested into their lives through our Friday after school club, field trips, and camping. As a result, many of them came to faith in Christ, and all of them had an understanding of how to do that. When they graduated high school, we wondered if our work was done. That was in 2004, and it became a turning point for Cloud and Fire.