Another wonderful day here in San Diego! Today was our last shower day... everyone looks forward to showers. So, after breakfast was shower time. Getting 32 people fed and showered takes a lot of time, but we did it.
After lunch, some of us took a walk in Balboa Park. All who went LOVED it. It is very beautiful with museums, gardens, and fountains. After our walk we headed out once again to the streets with our tools for opening up conversation. Many good conversations took place and some reconnecting with people we had met along the way. One group stayed back to help cook and set up for the Community Meal here at the chruch. We served @ 140 people this evening, welcoming them all with our big smiles and a lot of clapping. We sang worship with them and Chad, gave a small talk on the woman in Mark 5 who had the issue of bleeding. He did a great job!! The meal was emotional one for some of us... some were disappointed by promises that were broken (people who promised they'd be there, but didn't show up), some moved at the sight of a young mother with her 3 month old baby who were living on the streets by day and sleeping in a shelter for women at night and just the weight that one starts to feel after seeing so many people hurting, broken and lost. God is in it all. He's moving in our hearts and in the hearts of those we've been so intently trying to reach. It's not an easy thing to pour yourself out, wanting so much to see a difference, yet not being able to see immediate response and change. But, seeds are being planted, prayers lifted up and eventually, in God's timing... change.
Debrief focused a lot on not wanting the spiritual "high" to die after returning home. The kids suggested many ways they could keep the faith alive! If they follow through with their ideas and plans... there will be some great things happening in Upper, Ohio!! Please pray for the team to follow Jesus even when it gets tough at home and the "feelings" aren't as easily felt. Committing to Jesus, standing on His truth and sharing the love of Christ out of hearts that are "sold out" to God. It's been amazing and we have one more day to let our lights shine here in San Diego! Pray for us!
Thank you so much!!