Los Angeles: Round Two

Los Angeles, California

     In December of 2012, I was blessed with the opportunity to fly to Los Angeles, California to serve at the Dream Center. It was truly an experience I will never forget. I still dream of all the people I met, and I can still hear the sounds of Skid Row at night.

Skid Row, Los Angeles, California

     Well, the opportunity has come, once again, for me to serve at the Dream Center, and I'm incredibly excited. Like before, our team will serve the people of Los Angeles, Skid Row, and numerous other surrounding areas. Some of the things we will be doing will be serving on a food truck where we will pass out food; passing out clothes and food to those who cannot make it to the Dream Center; praying with people; passing out food, clothes, and other necessities on the streets of Skid Row; the need in Los Angeles is great, so there's really not a limit on what all we'll be doing while we are there.

     This letter serves two purposes:

• One: Your prayers are not only wanted; they are definitely needed. If the Holy Spirit doesn't go before me, I don't think I would go either. You can pray for myself, the team I'll be going with (Church of the Highlands), for the city of Los Angeles, and for God's will be done in this mission.
• Two: Donations are very welcomed. This letter serves as a support letter to welcome you into what God is doing. I pray that you do not give out of impulse; Pray first, and then give whatever God shows you. I can't promise you'll gain financial bliss or prosperity. But, what I can promise is that every dime goes to serve a purpose; and that is to touch one more life for the purpose of Christ. If you would like to donate, you can by going to www.churchofthehighlands.com/missions/give. Fill out the necessary information, and then "Submit." To give directly to my account, click on "Trip to Donate to," and choose "LA Dream Center - August - 8/25/2014." Once you've done that, my name will appear in the next drop down box. If you have any questions regarding how to give, please email me at cbadgwell@gmail.com.

Los Angeles Dream Center

     Los Angeles has a very special place in my heart. It's a city so captivated by this culture we live in today. All they want to know is if someone still cares enough to help them out. Pastor Matthew Barnett (the founder of the Dream Center) has built his ministry around a simple quote: "Find a need and fill it; find a hurt and heal it." And, that is what our team will be able to do.

     Thank you so much for reading this. If you have any questions regarding the Dream Center, check out their website: dreamcenter.org. Or, if you have any questions regarding the trip, please feel free to email me at cbadgwell@gmail.com. Once again, thank you, and God bless.

Attached is just a small testimony from a few people who have went through and who serve the Dream Center.

Dominion

     It's a word not too many people are familiar with. Because of that, they live in a state of confusion and chaos, and wonder why God doesn't intervene. There have been many times in my life where I was left with so many questions in my mind that I began to doubt my faith, and nearly gave up. I found Jesus on the night I found out about dominion.

     I was at a small college hangout one night, and there was a guy there who spoke on dominion. He was a Alabama football player for Paul Bryant, and later one of his pallbearers. He is the chaplain for the University of Alabama's football team, and his sons have also played for Alabama. His credentials may seem far and wide, but he is a man of integrity, and taught me a lot about taking back what the enemy has stolen.

     He started his message off with a verse that has stuck with me since hearing quote it.

"You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet..." Psalms 8:6.

When he finished the verse, I sat it utter amazement. I could not believe what I had just heard. It was enough for me to break down at that moment. You spend your whole life thinking that all the bad in the world will get better when God steps in. But, according to this verse, He gave YOU authority to trample the enemy. He placed the enemy UNDER your feet.

     The enemy's plan is to isolate you and make you feel as if there's no way out. The enemy will convince you that you're too messed up; you'll never amount to anything. In Jesus name, I rebuke those LIES. Every morning when you wake up, you should have the confidence that you have dominion, you have authority, and in Jesus' name, you will not be shaken.

     I pray this restores some faith in a few people. You're not too far off. You are never outside the range of God's love.

 

Dear Sister,

     I'm writing you this to express my gratitude for your life and the life you'll bring into this world. I feel as if my responsibility as your oldest brother has fallen incredibly short, and I will kick myself for the rest of my life for it. But, that'll be my own demon that you will never have to fight. I want you to know that I'm proud of you. You have turned into a beautiful, young woman (compared to the hellion you were as a baby). This baby is blessed to one day call you "mother."
     If I could give you some brotherly advice (and I hope it's not too late), it would be to trust in God in everything you do. Our parents' divorce separated all of us kids, and I know it had to be tough on you to not have mom and dad in the same house. But, sometimes, life has to go on. Imagine what life would be like if dad and mom never divorced. Compared to what life is today, that reality would've been worse.
     Jesus is the only man you'll ever fully be able to rely on. No other man will ever satisfy you like He can. You'll understand God's love for you once you're holding your little one next year; you'll see with God's eyes that He loved His son so much, that He sent him here to die for you. You were worth dying for. I know that your love and sacrifice will exemplify that of what Jesus did for us. Not that you'll physically die, but that spiritually, you'll learn that the best thing you can do is to lay down your life as a sacrifice for your child.
     I don't think any less of you. You are my sister. You were the one that your three brothers argued over. We used to argue over who would marry you (being young, we didn't know better). You are the apple of dad's eye. You're mom's joy. You are your brother's troublemaker (cuz we'll kill for you). I want you to know that you are loved and appreciated - not mocked or outcasted.
     I love you, Emily, and I cannot wait to meet that little nugget.


Love,
Soon-to-be uncle Cody

God's love... Please read.

     This summer was a real eye opener. In the midst of confusion and chaos, it seemed as if the end was no where in sight. It's in those moments where people think in their mind that this is all there is to life. They couldn't be furthest from the truth. 

     God's love is never far away. His love is always near. Our view of God's love usually comes from our human perspective of what love is. But, human love is nearly that... Human. Flawed. Misunderstood. But, God's love isn't something we throw around to make ourselves feel better. Love is a person; and His name is Jesus. 

     When the word "love" comes to mind, we think of past hurts, past regrets, and sometimes our initial response is to run. As I listen to this song "Dearly Loved," I'm reminded that I am loved, and that the God who knows everything about me still loves me. There's not a single error in your life that can distant you from the love of God. He's with you wherever you go; you cannot flee Him. That's the beauty of God's love. 

     Someone out there is reading this, and they're thinking "This dude is crazy. God can't love me. I'm one screwed up dude." Reality check- we all are. If God can love someone who persecuted His own people to the point of killing them, He can love you in your struggles and addictions. I pray and hope people read this, and realize the Father's love for them. God bless. 

Support Letter

     Hello, my name is Cody Badgwell. I'm a resident of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where I was born and raised. You are receiving this letter because you expressed interest in furthering the ministry of God to the nation. To better understand what I'm talking about, let me explain further.
     For as long as I can remember, I've had a huge passion for people. I grew up in a very diverse community, so I never saw racism or discrimination in any way. Though I'm sure those exist, I always overlooked it. My heart wasn't focuses on the color of skin or the morals of ethnicity; I was focused on seeing people for who they really are- a child of God.
     This leads to the mission God has called me on. I applied for an internship with a ministry called City Student Missions (CSM). They have sites in major cities all over the United States. The city I've applied for is Chicago, Illinois. While there, I will have the chance to work alongside the CSM staff, prepare for teams from all over the world, and then show these teams the city, cultural areas, and serve alongside them in the fields.
     Your prayers are a crucial part of your support. Monetary funds help, but prayers are my main source of provision. Once I'm in Chicago, I'll be getting paid, as this is a paid internship/job. My only source of help is for flights. If you want to contribute in any way, please send me an email at cbadgwell@gmail.com.
     Thank you so much for your interest to support this vision God has given me. Your prayers and support means the world to me.

Peace in Jesus

     I heard a quote in a movie once, and it still sticks with me to this day.

God has the power to show you who God is. 

When you hear something like that, you're instantly inspired to think that no matter what, no matter circumstances, God is still good. There have been many moments in my life recently where I've felt physically sick to my stomach from the stresses of life. I've had moments where all I want to do is lay in bed, and just waste away the day. It was in those moments where I stepped aside, and found peace. God is the ultimate peace. That is His name.
     When I think about the Israelites in captivity, I can't help but to think about how stressful that must've been. Beatings everyday. Stripped of everything you ever possessed, including your name. Where is the hope in all of this chaos? Out of the desert came a prophet who prophesied over the Israelite people:

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD. "Plans to prosper you, and not harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

 That sounds pretty life-giving to me. Not exactly what I thought that refrigerator verse meant underneath the surface, but that's the context in which it was spoken.
     The main purpose for this post is to remind you that there is a peace that you can experience. Maybe you have something coming up; a test, move-out day, graduation, etc. There's so much to do in such a short period of time, and you're stressed to the max. Take some time, take a deep breath, and just think "Jesus." The mention of His name is enough to scare the enemy away. The enemy's strategy is to make sure you become so distracted by this stress that you forget about peace in Jesus. Revoke the enemy's powers; cancel their flight to destroy your life.

"I have mad him the ruler of the land. I have placed everything under his feet." Psalm 8:6

You have the authority to trample the enemy. Take advantage of it. And, in that, God will show you who He really is; Jehovah Shalom, the God who IS peace. 

Season of Preparation

     A lot of times I feel as if I'm left out of a lot. Maybe it's a social gathering. A bunch of friends hanging out.  I've always been an incredibly social person, so to not be invited to gatherings or hangouts can definitely make me feel alone. Growing up throughout elementary and middle school, I was the constant rejected student. I had no friends whatsoever, and prayed every single night for God to give me at least one best friend. I didn't get my first real best friend until I was in college.
     As I see all these pictures of friends hanging out, and knowing I didn't get invited, enemy always places in my head doubt. Doubt that the people that say they're my friend, are not. I'm reminded of my rejected days. And, as I remember those days, the Holy Spirit begins to speak to me in that friend's voice only He has. He tells me, " As the same before, I'm preparing you for something greater."
     Recently, I've realized that now is not the time to be social. Now is my time to tap into what God has been trying to reveal to me all along. He has been trying to prepare me for something greater than I can imagine; I've just been so socially active to slow down and realize it. As my nights come to close, I find myself watching podcasts or reading the One year bible, and it's been the most rewarding moments of my day. I can have the most stressful day at work, or maybe be stressed about some life issues, but the moment I hear or read God's word, I'm instantly transformed.
     Maybe this is your season of preparation. You just graduated college, and now you're looking for a job but it seems as if there's no luck. You're stressed because your lease is up next month, and you don't know what to do next. You're so worried about God's will for your life. You're not alone; God's will is everyone's question. As Pastor Steven Furtick once said, "If you want to know God's will, you have to know God's ways." So, allow God to prepare the way for you, and He'll lead you right to where you need to be. You may feel alone, rejected, or left out, but God is preparing you for a greater purpose. You were made for more than what you're thinking.
     God bless you all!