The Justice Project

2011-09-12T00:48:00.000-07:00

Ryan J. Bell, D.Min.
Ryan Bell received a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan and a Doctor of Ministry in Missional Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. Ryan and his family live in Los Angeles, just two miles from their church, which is home to a growing community of artists - fine artists, photographers, filmmakers, musicians, actors, graphic designers, interior designers, writers and architects.
Since 2005, he and his congregation have been active in the Hollywood community and the city of Los Angeles bearing witness to Godʼs reign by, in part, working for solutions to some of the most intractable social problems including homelessness, affordable housing, community health and religious intolerance through advocacy and faith-based community organizing. In 2010 he co-founded Just Hollywood, a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating healthy communities in Hollywood and beyond.
Ryan is active in several interfaith groups including the Abrahamic Faiths Peacemaking Initiative, the Interreligious Council of Southern California, and LA Voice/PICO, where he is the co-chair of the Clergy Caucus. Ryan is also the founder and director of re-church: a network of emerging, missional Seventh-day Adventist congregations across North America. He has written numerous articles and contributed to several books, including The Peacemaking Remnant and most recently, Viral Hope: Good News from the Urbs to the Burbs. He writes for a variety of online publications including The Huffington Post and The Hillhurst Review.

2010-04-09T23:46:00.001-07:00

TransFORM: Missional Community Formation from TransFORM on Vimeo.

2010-02-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

We are proud to be donating the funds raised to organizations partnering with (SLO native) Dr. Scott Nelson in Haiti, and I want to thank everyone for their support!

CURE's Dr. Scott Nelson in Haiti from CURE Video on Vimeo.

Haiti Benefit

2010-02-04T00:51:00.000-08:00

Below is just a small taste of Jenn's (my beautiful and incredibly talented wife) latest blog on i art u. Click here to read and see the entire post. enjoy.

"the sense of community was palpable on friday evening!

i've never felt anything like it.

a melting pot of

artists,

lovers,

believers,

designers,

musicians,

students,

friends,

families

bakers,

photographers,

crafters,

(etc.!)

gathered together to do what they could, to help a nation rise.

the elements in the following pictures

create a perfect and intoxicating concoction

that make me weak in the knees!

they create warmth, hope, inspiration and fulfillment.

a feast for my senses and then some!

most importantly i was struck with an epiphany.

for once i deeply grasped what we as people should be doing...

and how we as a community should be living and loving! "

photo via iartu

"a HUGE thank you goes out to each and every one of you who participated in this event!

whether you donated your time, talent, and efforts or just attended the benefit, it could not have been possible without each and every one of you!

collectively, we raised approximately $4000 for this event!!!

it was wildly successful and a powerful fulfillment of our vision as a community!

here is a sweet video summary created by the mustang daily!"

Thanks to Mikaela Akuna for covering this event!

"also, special thanks go out to:
{please let me know if i left someone off of the list!}
jen and brandon manuele
sally loo
all the workers at sally loo's!
members of slo refuge
all of the talented face painters!
dan and jodie davies
travis adelman

the wells family

rosemary poblacion
pacheco kindergartners and daria hernandez

mary o'neill

craig van rooyen

HSM

stephen eastwood

heidi shelton

jim ringley

adela soo

neal breton of san luis art supply

sharon burnett

andy padre
yvonne macias

ashley kitto
becca flaiz
michael young and tommy panigot of le grand cru
shannon and jesse moore
matt cross
amy williams
adam pasion
crooked wheel
sierra chavez
black water union
josh collins
jon gallo and alicia baratta
talia ortega"

ART for Haiti

2010-02-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

An estimated $1000.00 was raised through art and baked goods at the Haiti benefit! Thanks so much to all of the artists who donated their time and artwork to help make this event a success!

photo via Jen Manuele

Here's a look at just a few of the creative works donated to help raise the much needed funds for Haiti relief.

Incredible Music!

2010-02-03T00:09:00.001-08:00

The Music on Friday Night was incredible! I was completely blown away by the overwhelming support we experienced from the music community here in SLO. My only regret was that we couldn't fit everyone who wanted to play into the lineup! Here's a look at just a few of the artists who performed for the benefit.

photo via Jen Manuele

Haiti Will Rise!

2010-02-02T15:56:00.001-08:00

photo via Jen Manuele

Sally Loo doing her part to bring in those donations! Look at those big brown eyes, how can anyone say no???

photos via Jen Manuele

A big THANK YOU to all those who volunteered their time to make this event a success!

photos via Jen Manuele

Peeking at the many goodies donated to the Hope For Haiti Benefit.

SUCCESS!

2010-02-01T14:26:00.000-08:00

I am glad to announce that our community Haiti Benefit was a success! Here's a few pics from our photo booth, provided by Moore Photography. More pictures, videos, stories and updates are on the way, so stay tuned!

Check it!

2010-01-29T09:44:00.001-08:00

Well, it's an exciting day, because today we have the opportunity to make the world a better place. We have been given the opportunity to help a nation rise, and as a community, we have answered that call. This morning, I'm reflecting on the words of Mother Teresa who said,"In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love."

I have been overwhelmed these past 10 days as I have witnessed an untold number of individuals, who with great love, have given their time and resources to make this event a reality. I am truly blessed to be a part of such an incredible community, and for that blessing, I want to say thank you!

Be sure to come down to Sally Loo's from 4-10pm and support our brothers and sisters in Haiti. We have an amazing lineup of musicians and artists, so come one, come all!!!

Crooked Wheel

9:15-10:00

Morgan Enos

8:25-9:15

Adam Pasion

7:45-8:25

Sierra Chavez

the Blackwater Union

7:00-7:45

Amy Williams 6:55

Matt Cross

6:00-6:55

Josh Collins

Talia Ortega 5-6

Jon Gallo and Alicia Baratta 4-5

Mission Profile

2010-01-27T22:39:00.000-08:00

photo via llu

Story about Jose from Haiti from CURE Video on Vimeo.

Artist Profile

2010-01-27T19:30:00.000-08:00

SHANNON, JESSE & JUDE MOORE

photo via moorephotography

Feeling photogenic??? Well come down and bring your friends! Photos are only $5 and all proceeds go directly to Haiti Relief! Much love to the Moore Family for their generous contribution to this event! To learn more about Moore Photography click here.

Artist Profile

2010-01-27T15:41:00.000-08:00

DREW DAVIS

photos via iDrew

"Hi, My name is Drew Davis. I am a 24 year-old working, painting, breathing artist living on the Central Coast. I’ve been here my whole life. I’ve come from a semi-normal, half-dysfunctional, Christian family background. I was surrounded by art, music, electronics and animals roaming freely. I'm now basically a sarcastic coffee-drinking artist in a rent-paying corporate jungle. I feel like a blue tomato in a field of corn. To say my slightly tweaked humor and subtle wit plays no part in my painting would be a lie. Every piece is an experiment, a discovery, and an experience. Sometimes- quick and clean; while other times it’s dreadfully painful and messy. Sometimes even a joke. I work freely. I pay attention to detail and intensity with minimalistic intention. Sometimes I think I am a gourmet (pigment) chef- concocting a deliciously unrestrained entrée for a 5 star restaurant -A feast for the eyes… but that’s just me."

A big thank you to Drew Davis for his contributions to our Haiti Benefit. You can see more of Drew's work here.

Artisan Breads!

2010-01-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

MARY O'NEILL

Mary O'Neill is a baker out of Cambria, CA who specializes in artisan breads. She has had the opportunity to study at several prestigious culinary schools, including, California Cordon Bleu, Florida Culinary Institute and the Culinary Institute of America - Greystone

Many Thanks to Mary O'Neill who is donating beautiful, fresh baked loaves of bread. Be sure to come down to Sally Loo's to have the opportunity to take home these delicious goodies!

Stories from Haiti

2010-01-27T11:53:00.001-08:00

Come hear the stories of Jacquelyn, Tyler and Will!

JACQUELYN

Jacquelyn Gowing is originally from and recently moved to San Luis Obispo. She is on staff and works with a ministry called Project Sixty-One, focused on taking people of ages on. Jacque has a huge heart to see people experience God’s heart for the world.. She recently had the opportunity to go to Haiti to help out with the earthquake relief efforts and hopes to be able to return there soon.

TYLER DEAN

Tyler Dean grew up in a small town in northern Minnesota but now works as a full-time Christian missionary with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Pismo Beach, California. He works with a ministry at YWAM Pismo Beach & Central Coast called Project Sixty-One. Tyler recently came back from Haiti, where he was helping with the earthquake relief efforts.

WILL BARROW

Will Barrow is originally from Toronto, Canada and has been living on the Central Coast for seven years. He is married to his beautiful wife Lori and has two boys named Eli and Liam. Will is on staff with Pismo Beach & Central Coast YWAM and has been a part of YWAM for over 10 years. He recently returned home from Haiti where he was helping with the earthquake relief efforts.

Artist Profile

2010-01-26T22:31:00.000-08:00

Becca Flaiz & Ashley Kitto

photos via cocoagreen

"We are two girls who keep content by creating! We are in daily pursuit of finding inspiration through art and satisfy our hungry (and crafty) souls by jewelry making, sewing, painting, etc. We are extremely excited to be a part of "Hope for Haiti" and hope you will enjoy our delightful assortment of wire-wrapped rings."

Artist Profile

2010-01-26T18:41:00.000-08:00

LE GRAND CRU

photo via le grand cru

"Le Grand Cru is French for “The Great Growth”. We want to apply this to everything we get involved with. From artists and musicians, to organizations that we want to be involved with. We want to put on exhibitions, concerts, and humanitarian projects, all through the help with our peers.

We want to support those that want to support us. We believe that creativity comes forth from infinite sources. We want to share our creativity and the creativity of others, creating an environment to discover these things. Thus, “Building A Community Through Creativity” is our motto.

The people in Haiti need as much support as they can get right now. No matter how big or small a company is, it just takes a decision whether to get involved or not. That is why we are honored to take part in this benefit. And hopefully we will be able to participate in more to come."

Artist Profile

2010-01-26T14:56:00.000-08:00

Local Artist Jim Ringley

Jim Ringley is an award-winning artist who lives and works on the Central coast of California. His artwork is in the collections of the Arkansas Art Center, Little Rock, The Spencer Museum of Art, Lawrence, Kansas, Springfeld Art Museum, Missouri, and the University of Colorado, Boulder. You can view some of Jim Ringley's portrait's here, or to see some of his other creative works click here. Jim, thank you so much for your contribution to this event!

A Heartbreaking Mission Update

2010-01-25T20:27:00.000-08:00

photo via llu

SLO native, Dr. Scott Nelson in Haiti, headed for surgery. Click here to read the whole story.

Peter Nelson has been in sporadic touch with his son; last week, Scott Nelson told his father in a phone call: “ ‘Dad, I get about two to three hours of sleep a night. I’ve had about 90 surgeries so far (as of Jan. 19), with another 20 patients lined up and another 100 left outside. I can’t go outside because they’ll mob me (for help).’ ”

“Are you doing lots of plates and rods?” the senior Nelson asked his son.

“ ‘No, because of the crush wounds, it’s not reconstructive surgery. I’ve literally been cleaning maggots out of wounds. There’s terrible infection and gangrene. Once we get them healing up, then I can go back and do the reconstructive work.’ ”

When Peter Nelson asked his son how he was holding up, he replied:

“ ‘I’m doing good right now, but two days ago I thought I was falling apart. But I’m doing better.’ ”

He told his father that the trauma surgeons who had come to Haiti to help him “ ‘just fell apart and started crying; they couldn’t do it anymore. They’ve left now; couldn’t take it. The psychological coping of the situation was overwhelming to them.’

-Except from The Tribune by Bill Morem

Musician Profile

2010-01-25T19:28:00.000-08:00

AMY WILLIAMS and her band

photos via le grand cru, iartu and cocoa green

The first song I ever wrote was about a hummingbird that my sister and I found outside our house when we were little. She seemed to have a broken wing and was in real bad shape. I knew we didn’t have much time so I ran inside to try to find some things to fix her up. When I came back outside she was nowhere to be found. I was puzzled and my heart felt very heavy. Not sure if I was feeling happy or sad, I started singing. I sang about how much I loved and missed her and how I hoped that she was happy and free, and that her wing would work. My sister heard me singing and told me that I was just changing the words to Janet Jackson’s “Again” (How can I be strong I’ve asked myself time and time I’ve said…). Honest mistake. So anyway, since then I’ve had a lot more of those happy/sad/puzzled/heavy moments … and I haven’t ever really stopped singing.

Musician Profile

2010-01-25T18:57:00.000-08:00

TALIA ORTEGA & JOSH COLLINS

"We are high school sophomores and we are both 15. Individually, we've been playing for about seven years and together for one. Our music is a mix of todays alternative pop culture, jazz, and a bit of our own acoustic twist. our influences include Gershwin, corinne bailey rae, colbie callait and Jason Mraz."

Artist Profile

2010-01-25T16:36:00.000-08:00

We want to give a big shout out to Neal Breton and the folks down at San Luis Art Supply for donating a piece to our cause as well as Face Painting Supplies for the kiddies! Face Painting will be available from 4-6!

Musician Profile

2010-01-24T22:20:00.000-08:00

MATT CROSS
Check out Matt's music on myspace here or to find how to book him for a gig click this link.

Musician Profile

2010-01-24T22:11:00.001-08:00

MORGAN ENOS

I am a songwriter from Atascadero, California, my style is indie folk laced with dream pop and experimental. I home record and independently release all my music. I just self released a new album called 'one thousand fathoms of water' which is downloadable for free here."

Musician Profile

2010-01-24T22:09:00.001-08:00

ADAM PASION

photo via ben blood

"SLO county born & raised. I absolutely love folk and old country twang. I love listening to it and creating it. Life's taken me through many highs and lows and my music has always been a depiction of who I am and where I am. We love our banjo, pedal steel, upright bass & brushes on a snare. I released a full length album in 2008 called 'O hear the rattling' under my name. It's based on Ezekiel 37 where God breathes life into dry bones through the prophetic mouth of Ezekiel. My band I strive to do the same; be used to breathe life into our audiences."

“O Hear the Rattling” seriously impressed me. The music to me is best described as dark folk, very rich lyrically, with dark melodies and full folk string instrumentation and groove. -Our Rising Sound

You can check out Adam's music here.

Musician Profile

2010-01-24T22:07:00.001-08:00

SIERRA CHAVEZ with featured guest the Blackwater Union

Sierra Chavez: "I am twenty-two years old out of Templeton California and I've been playing music for maybe six years...I play banjo, guitar, and a tiny bit of lots of other music makers." Sierra's influences include: Good in all, hound dog pups, paducah Kentucky, california of course, waterjars, your granma's chicken-yard and shakin thru the damp dark green forests on the bus." You can check out Sierra's music here.

the Blackwater Union: "WELp... Straight from the motherlovin west where Gold is still found everyday and where people are becoming more and more like their folks and their folks folks, comes the black water union... Keep your eyes peeled and your women close cause they will come at you like a freight train that you didn't actually know was coming." Have a listen here.

Musician Profile

2010-01-24T22:03:00.000-08:00

CROOKED WHEEL

Mission Profile

2010-01-24T21:47:00.001-08:00

SLO native, Dr. Scott Nelson in Haiti working with

Amistad International and Loma Linda University.

An outdoor "operating room".

photos via llu

Artist Profile

2010-01-23T01:43:00.000-08:00

This is an excellent shirt to demonstrate your support for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. 100% of all proceeds goes directly Haiti relief. To learn more, click here, read the post, and then tell your friends! We must Help Haiti Rise!!!