This morning after breakfast and devotions, our group went on a prayer walk. We hiked up in the foothills around Hope Gardens stopping every so often to pray at prayer stations for things including the Union Rescue Mission and Hope Gardens. Sometimes we prayed as a whole group, while other times we prayed in small groups or individually. It was so beautiful to look out as we stood at the top of the foothills and marvel at God's creation! During the afternoon we broke into groups to serve Hope Gardens by cleaning areas of the facility. We dusted cobwebs, hauled garbage, vacuumed carpets and much more. We also got to hear the story of Mr. Woods, the janitor here. He told us about how he had had a rough life but had found Christ and his life has now been transformed. Today was a very enjoyable day, serving the Lord and just being together! :)
~ Larissa Kanz
Today we spent our day working at Hope Gardens where we have been staying. We did general upkeep around the area. Many of us including me worked on landscaping. One of the things we have learned from our stay here is that there are always kids around who would love to have attention. They were begging to help us and even though they weren't supposed to some of them hung around. Anthony, one of the kids brought us waters to help out! He talked to us the entire time and learned a lot about us. Later after worship we spend time washing each others feet and praying for each individual in our church group.
~ Zach Hendrikse
Have you ever had that moment where you just knew that God was working inside of you? Tonight at worship we were learning about how Jesus stepped out of the box and washed his disciples feet. So we went into a smaller room with a small tub and a wash cloth and we all gathered in a circle and we took turns one by one washing each others feet. And while the person's feet was getting washed we would pray over them. We all poured our hearts out and we cried together and held each other and it was one of the most amazing experience of my life just being in fellowship with my friends and family.
~ Emma Hendrikse
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| Beginning our prayer walk... |
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| Enjoying the incredible view |
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| Overlooking Hope Gardens |
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| Tanner during personal reflection / prayer time |
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| Gathering at one of the prayer stations |
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| Emma's been doing great as her knee continues to heal |
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| Group photo after the prayer walk |
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| Funny faces |
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| Lauren gives us our last instructions before heading back |
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| Work time begins. Nic, Caleb, Luke and Tanner go through donated items |
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| A hummingbird in one of the gardens we were working by |
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| Keeping the dust out of the lungs:) |
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| Meagan looking for the next task |
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| Jacob sweeping off porch outside the cafeteria |
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| Kaitlyn:) |
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| Noah and Nic are our "Devo Masters". They took turns leading our group in lunchtime devise throughout the week. |
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| Listening to Greg share his story. After growing up in Compton and spending 8 1/2 years in prison, Greg has a new life. He works for Union Rescue Mission. He played against Clay Matthew's dad in high school (fun piece of trivia) |
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| Noah and Zach taking a water break |
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| A little duck-duck-goose |
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| Finishing up some weeding |
