This spring break, I got the opportunity to go on a mission trip to San Francisco/Oakland, CA. I had two amazing leaders, Kevin and Lauren Bohlin, and one crazy, awesome team. There were 11 of us total: 6 guys and 5 girls. We left on Sunday, March 16, and arrived back in Texas on Saturday, March 22. Ministering to and caring for this community was an experience that I cannot and will not forget.
I was able to meet so many people whose lives were completely opposite as mine. There were many instances in which I was able to get to know the homeless and talk to them about how they got to be in the position that they were in now. Many were addicts, some were disabled, and others lazy. Whatever the reason, God has a heart for the broken and I found myself caring so much for these people than I thought was possible. Another group of people that I got to minister to were the youth of the Oakland area. The city of Oakland is a city of extremes. Whether it be the diversification or the socio-economic statuses, this town needs a lot of prayer. I find that caring for the next generation of this area was important to me. As I get older, the maternal side to my nature starts to become much more prominent. Seeing these children who were coming from broken, abusive households hurt my soul. My heart broke for them. Still breaks for them.
The church that we were able to work with was called Re:Generation, pastored by Todd Spitzer. The associate pastor, Albert Li, was our "tour-guide" and drove us to our destinations, and also helped us with anything and everything that we needed. He was such a blessing. The interns up at the church (Steve, Dave, Sean, Nate, etc.) were also so awesome. So so awesome. Words can't even describe how cool it was so watch and observe these young men who loved the Lord so much and who had such a heart for ministry. I struck up some friendships with them, and I will continue to keep them up. I felt like I had known all of them my entire life. We all became close. One of the sweet ladies through the church, Linda, told me of a summer internship opportunity, and asked if I would possibly be interested. It was an answer to prayer. I cannot imagine living my life, without doing ministering of some kind, and how great would it be to move out to California for a summer and work with the people there and love on the community? Just thinking about it gives me butterflies.
I'm sure you are wondering what exactly our team did during the trip? I'm getting right to it!
Monday: Worked with Gline Memorial Methodist Church and helped feed the homeless by serving the homeless food in their cafeteria. Then, we linked up with Y.W.A.M. (Youth With A Mission) and did a prayer walk around San Francisco. We also lead bible studies for homeless men, over 1Peter.
Tuesday: Went to Lockwood Elementary School and helped with an after-school tutoring program and got to love on the kids and tell them all about Jesus! We also dyed easter eggs, played 4-square, and wrote essays over Californian indians.
Wednesday: Worked with the local food bank, then went to Harbor House. H.H. is a house that children can go to for an after-school program, English Lessons, or they have a thrift store there that you can buy affordable clothes at. Afterwards, we were able to attend one of Re:Generation's Psalms bible studies. Amazing.
Thursday: Got to clean up a local school, Las Colitas, and also tutor a little boy Cesar in math. Afterwards, we went Gline Memorial Methodist Church to serve lunch to the homeless. Then, back to Harbor House, where we played with the kids and tutored them in math, as well. Later on that night, we lead the homeless bible study again, but this time it was over the fall of man, Gen. 3:1-13.
Friday: Headed into San Francisco, got to work with City Team and make the lunches, then handed them out at Baldwin Hotel to the homeless. Eye-opening experience, to say the least. Afterwards, we were able to go explore Fisherman's Wharf, which was exciting and beautiful! Friday night we atttended the Good Friday service held at the church, then headed back for some rest to wake up at 3am to make our flight!
All in all, I can't wait to go back. I'll be in California as soon as possible and will continue to keep praying that the Lord would lead me in the direction that I am to go. I am young, and the Lord has huge plans for my life that I can't wait to be a part of. Praise be to God, oh my soul!
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