Southern CA foray

Had the privilege of attending a meeting of house church leaders east of Los Angeles on Saturday morning. These saints represent three HC groups with multiple locations. I found it encouraging to witness charismatic and evangelical brethren getting along and complementing one another. They are planning their first joint gathering for the end of January, and are also constructing a website to foster communication and interaction. In contrast to many HC groups that have an inward focus, these groups work hard at various forms of outreach.
Also had the blessing of fellowship with Steve & Dorah, the latter the daughter of another itinerant couple mentioned in these pages named Ross & Trina. Steve and Dorah have a bright future in the Lord.
Five hundred miles later I made it back to the Bay Area in time for a gathering of the saints in Millbrae. Very good participation by the brethren, something not easily achieved. They have also given me some good contacts to follow up on. I have a luncheon scheduled with one regional itinerant brother tomorrow.
The (alleged) joys of California include the highest state sales tax in the nation, the highest gas prices of any of the nineteen states I have visited thus far, and punitive income taxes. Despite this, and the eighth largest economy in the world (if the state were a separate country), they are bankrupt. Cal does have a splendid coastline though.