Good News Always Welcome

The Bad News: a bomb hidden in a soda can was smuggled onto a jet in Russia by ISIS and detonated, killing all 224 passengers aboard.

The Good News: This weekend New Venture will be feeding, giving haircuts, toys and God's love to near 2,000 homeless, seniors and military personnel @ our 26th annual Thanksgiving Sunday Supper.

What's so good? Rom. 5:8 - Wherever sin exists, God's grace is poured out in far greater, surpassing quantity. All of the news in our world today, isn't bad!

The Bad News: Last week, 129 innocent Parisians were killed in a planned massacre throughout France.

The Good News: Jesus told us that his house would be a place of encouragement, inspiration, joy and PRAYER as hundreds gathered during last weekend's Celebration Services to pray for God's care and blessings on the people of France (see below).

What's so good? Matt 18:19 If two of you agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by God the Father. Multiply that by hundreds praying for the peace & comfort of the many hurting in France this week – and that's some kind of powerful answered prayer!



In the midst of life's Bad News keep looking to the One who sent us His Son with Good News for all of humankind. Remembering – "What the Enemy meant for evil, God intends for good..." Gen 50:20

When You Kneel Before God - You Can Stand Up to Anything!

Much love in Christ to you today.

Pastor Shawn

Shawn Mitchell
Pastor, New Venture Christian Fellowship

Voices of Faith

Who are the voices that America listens to today? There are all kinds of them. Unfortunately, as we discussed @ last weekend's New Venture Celebration Services, the problem is some of the voices we are hearing from today have an anti-Biblical and/or anti-God view.

The good news is millions of others embrace faith and are proudly living it out! Many are on-fire in their faith or have recently been impacted by a believer who either shared their faith or showed it by attitude and/or behavior. Do you know which ones in this list fit that category?

The words that matter don't come from Celebrities- but rather, from the Word of God- the Bible. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Those are words you can bank on and trust your life with!

Many Blessings on you today.



Pastor Shawn

Happy Marriage… and Life Guys!

Before I start this, let me wipe the tears off the page. (Just joking. Not!) I’m still smiling. Today, I married off my son. Shawn Joel Mitchell Jr. got married today (Sept 19, 2015).

There are very few moments in life, where - in the moment - you know you are experiencing one of your life’s most memorable & amazing personal experiences. That was today!

My son of 23 years – only child and namesake – absolutely blessed me and had me so proud. He married a nice, wonderful and Godly young woman named Eva, and Shawn’s mother Laurie and I couldn’t be happier. Whenever I am around Eva, I think to myself, “I’m looking at a miracle!” Laurie prayed for her son’s eventual wife since he was a little boy. And God sure delivered. We pray for long lives, happiness and God being the center of their lives (and, Lord wiling, their future children’s lives together).

Now… for us. What are Laurie and I going to do around the house?! No more noise, typhoon-blown bedroom, sudden depletion of refrigerator food. Sheesh… I’ve got to get used to this “Empty-nester” thing. But hey, I was told that Barnes & Noble has got some great books on getting through the empty-nest change. That’s good to know! Couldn’t be happier for them… but got to admit… a slight twinge of  melancholy… and a little sadness. You see, Shawn Jr. was more than a son – he was and is – my friend. And one of the finest and truly nicest human beings I’ve ever known. Thank you Lord, for allowing Laurie and I to have him on “borrow” for 20+ years.

The Bible says that a longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul. [Proverbs 13:9] A parent always envisions and prays for their child(ren)’s happiness. Today that vision was fulfilled. Whether it is for a loved one’s happiness, some prayed over answered prayer or a dream God has given you that you see coming to fruition, the sweetness that comes through fulfilled vision makes the journey worth it. Whatever may have brought you happiness today -- that’s come from Him -- let’s be sure to thank Him.

Well, pretty soon – I’ll go fire up the grill… and get Laurie to join me and start praying for grandkids. Wow – this “life” thing sure has its moments. Today… was one of the absolute BEST!! 

Happy marriage and life guys. We love you!

Football, Family & Faith: The Fall Season is Here

There’s something special about the Fall. For me it’s the best time of year.  I could say it’s the slight chill in the air, and the beginning of the changing of leaves- but that wouldn’t be accurate. Being a native-born San Diegan, I’ve hardly seen any seasonal color changes in leaves in my entire life. But what I can tell you makes the fall my unquestioned favorite season of the year is football, family (the holidays) and the Lord (not that He’s seasonal). It’s just easy to identify Him in breezes through trees, cumulous clouds and clear night skies!

I’m also thrilled about all of the plans New Venture Christian Fellowship has for the coming season.  Programs, activities & events geared for individuals and families. I am convinced God is going to use them to touch thousands in our church and surrounding community. I hear it everywhere- there’s a buzz around New Venture right now.  I just love being around our church family!

On September 26 & 27 we will have a special guest joining us at New Venture- national speaker and Faith & Fitness expert Kim Leto. I heard her testimony and knew that she would be a blessing to the New Venture Family.  (Click here  to see a brief interview).  She will speak to us on Spiritual Fitness and bless us with her passion for Faith Inspired Transformation. Don’t miss it.

Ecclesiastes 2:25 says, “For without him, who could eat and find enjoyment?” at New Venture we find our in enjoyment in Him, His blessings and gathering together. Today in prayer, spend some time thinking about the joy found in the Lord.

Yep, the fall season, there’s nothing like it-a time to harvest, a time to gather together and a time to reflect on the goodness of the Lord.

May God bless you and yours, 

Pastor Shawn