In September, California Southern Baptists churches are encouraged to pray for and give to missions to reach the Golden State for Christ. "Reaching the World in California: The Great Commission Begins Here" is the theme of the 2010 California Mission Offering, based on Acts 1:8b -- . 

For more than 15 years, Southern Baptists across the country have utilized evangelistic block parties for various reasons: launching a new church, celebrating a fall festival or kicking off Vacation Bible School. The foundational motivation, however, is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who don’t yet know Him. 

Cooperating with Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other humanitarian entities, California Southern Baptists have helped meet the physical and spiritual needs of disaster victims through a myriad of ministries: mass feeding, mud-outs, fire cleanup, debris removal, fallen tree removal through chain saw crews, chaplaincy, communications, water purification, shower trailers and other emergency services. 

The arrival of summer means a season of recreation and relaxation for most high school and college students. Most, but not all. This summer, almost 60 students are ministering in 18 mission projects across the Golden State, mostly assisting with Vacation Bible Schools in rural areas, going from church to church, helping those that are understaffed. 

Soon after Pentecost when the Church was born, conflict arose. Not much has changed in 2,000 years: congregations can sometimes ignite into conflagrations. Such was the case for a Los Angeles-area church. 

Silicon Valley is one of the most strategic areas in the world to reach for Christ. That’s what Ross Shepherd, CSBC church starting specialist, thought to himself when traversing the Golden State, looking for the best places to plant churches.