Menlo Park Trip Blog

Today we got up ready for a full day of ministry, had a good breakfast and took some time to get the kids some showers. After showers, we got our devotions done. It was a good time talking about the fear of the unknown. The conversation flowed well. Some kids talked about how they could really relate to this fear, while others really didn't feel they could relate as well, but certainly all could see how this fear played it's part this week as we reached out to those we did not know. We talked about how we are all called to walk by faith and trust God who is already before us and knows all things.... nothing is unknown to Him.
After a later than usual lunch (there were 3 groups in the church's cafe for lunch today), the team headed to the beach to do beach evangelism, invite people to the Easter Sunday meeting and invite everyone to a free BBQ on the beach (Jubilee BBQ). The team did well, chatting with the people they encountered on Ocean Beach. They had good conversations and enjoyed their time. They spent a good long time down there serving. When the team arrived back at the church they had a good debriefing time in their small groups where they encouraged eachother and reflected on their time here in San Diego.

Tomorrow the team will be leaving after breakfast.
Please pray for a safe trip home.
Thanks for all your prayers and care!

We started our morning with a nice breakfast (they are feeding us quite well!!). After breakfast, we did our quiet times. Today we meditated and discussed "The Fear of Man". We all struggle with this fear in one way or another and we had a good discussion about the different ways this fear can silence us as Christians. Learning to realize that this fear is based in a love for self (pride) and a need to make our love for God of primary importance. It was impressive to hear the kids confessions of this and see them understanding the need for change.
After devotions we headed out to the streets armed with food for the homeless. It was our hope that as we extended a basic necessity to them that we would be able to share their BIGGEST need.... to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Some of the kids got to have some good conversations.
We then headed back to the church for lunch. Our next adventure was to the San Diego Zoo. The kids had a blast exploring the many exhibits at the zoo and arrived back at the church pretty tired and willing to turn in a little early after debriefing and worship.

Tomorrow is another full day of ministry, so if you would, be praying that God would be at work through us in a very mighty way!

Teens have been busy serving the homeless in many ways includinig preparing this meal.

After a hearty breakfast of bacon, scrambled eggs, pancakes, and O.J., the group headed to the church sanctuary for a time of personal devotions and group discussion (on the growing in the fear of the Lord) and a debriefing of the one-hour prayer walk from the night before. It was good to share and confess those fears we are facing on this trip, to understand what they reveal about our faith and our desires.
After devotions, the group decided to forego showers and do "Renewal" (a service project in the city to serve the homeless). We divided into three teams (A, B, & C) to tackle a service project in three separate areas of the city. The goal was to clean up trash in areas where the homeless typically go to find shelter (e.g., under an overpass). The kids did a great job picking up trash, sweeping and generally cleaning up several areas around the city.
The teams are taking turns helping out in the kitchen for meals. For lunch today team B learned to make Jambalaia from our head cook who is originally from Mississippi! It was yummy!
Following lunch we gathered for some door to door evangelism training from one of the leaders. We then walked several blocks to the "Plaza Hotel" and to the "Dustin Arms Hotel" where we knocked on doors, handed out vitamin waters, invited the people to the Easter service and an Easter dinner, and prayed with them when they would allow us too. It was difficult for several of the kids to muster the courage to step out and knock on these doors, but many of them overcame their fears and tried. We were very proud of them. One of the girls later stated, "God gave me confidence!" Many of the kids were touched, and maybe a little shocked at the living situations they encountered, but love and compassion was given as they interacted with these broken people.
We then headed back for dinner, many of us already feeling tired, but after a pizza dinner we made up some "hyigene packs" (large ziplock bags filled with things the homeless can use) to give out on the streets. Again we received some training from our leaders and headed out to the areas where the homeless camp out for the night. Many of the kids, although feeling uncomfortable and a little awkward, did a great job of interacting, striking up conversations and praying for the people on the streets. Several kids later shared how God had met them, how they were learning so much about the homeless and who they really are. In a sense we are really seeing "life in the raw"... the way it is.
During debriefing many of the kids were eager to share what they had experienced, what happened and how they saw God moving.

Keep praying for us as we serve and for the people we are encountering! Thanks so much!!

Just wanted to let you know that the team made it to the church at 6pm. It was a 9 hour drive from Menlo Park. Everyone got moved into their rooms and then had orientation along with some worship. Dinner was prepared for everyone by some great guys serving us in the kitchen. After dinner, we headed up to the roof of the church, where we learned a little bit more about the city of San Diego and prayed for the city and our trip. As we over looked the sky line of the city at night from the roof top, large jets flew over our heads so close it felt as though we could reach out and touch them! Right now the team is doing a "Prayer Walk" on the streets around the church with some guides who live here in San Diego. They are praying for ministries, people and their time this week. Later tonight we will "debrief" about our day, do an ice-breaker and worship a little more. We're looking forward to a week of growing in our faith, stretching ourselves as we reach outside our comfort zones and serving the homeless of San Diego. Pray for us!!