This summer I was really excited for the missions trip to Washington D.C. but I was also afraid of talking to people. When we got there we met another group and we just connected very well and within a day we were all best freinds like we've known eachother for years. This was a new destination because even thoughI've been here before my destination wasn't the place but the homeless people. At first I was afraid of them thinking that they would be very agressive but the first person was so kind, loving, and gentle. After that one person it seemed God was tugging at my heart to talk to more and every single person I talked to was a christian but they were separting more everyday and when they talked to us they said something like they were blessed to have us come and talk to them because they were encouraged to continue with there walk with God. I had fun helping the school even though it was really hot outside it felt good knowing that this was for the kids at the school, the shelter was also nice because we folded their sheets and made sandwiches. We also met a man whostestimony was the best I've ever heard.I felt sad for all the people we met that were poor or homeless because many of us take money for granted these people its like they just saw gold. I loved this place sooooooooooooooo much I don't wanna leave I just want one more day with the homeless.
Coming into this trip i was very excited. I thought it was just gonna be a boring week of work. But as the week progressed i learned that this was not only work. It was very fun and it improved me as a person. We helped out in alot of ways we volunteered at a school and went to parks to talk and feed homeless. But the best part of the trip was building relationships with people i never thought i would. I made so many new friends and had the time of my life. I have also improved some features about myself that i didnt like. I overcame my shyness and built alot of courage. Also i became a kinder person and always watched out for my groups backs. My favorite part about this trip had to definitly be haveing a concert inside the park and afterwards walking around with friends and talking to homeless people and feeding them. I definitly think i touched alot of peoples hearts and hope that i made a difference in D.C. I know that other people have made a difference in me. This was definitly something that can never be forgotten. All of you North Shore kids that were down here with us i hope to see you guys soon thanks for a great week. And also adam.
Big Lights & City Streets! The governmental base for the greatest country in the world! Yet, somewhere in the midst of all the glitz and glamour of our political mainstation there is a deafening silence to the proclamations for which this country was formed.
As the groups from Pathway Church and Community Bible Church walked the streets and visited the sites of some of the country's greatest monuments of freedom and decor we were reminded of the great sacrifices that have been made for us as a nation to experience liberty in a way many others will only be able to dream. Words spoken and words penned by some great political icons of our nation became a reminder of the gift we enjoy each day at the expense of others' dedicated service.
But, as we have been so graciously reminded, our freedom as a nation has been superceded by the great freedom found in Christ over the sinful nature of our flesh. As Jesus said, "There is no greater love than this that one lay his life down for His friends." So, while we are grateful for the sacrifice of our freedom as a nation how much more we as Christians should praise the One who lay down His life for our freedom against the bondage of our sin!
Though Washington DC has become a hub for the gathering of many political leaders and has created a very diversified sense of collaboration towards the efforts of great political achievement, we were all reminded that there are people in this great community still searching for a greater cause to fight for, a greater purpose to continue living, and a greater power to put their trust.
So, whether it was praying for our political leaders, singing praise songs from the Jefferson Memorial, handing a bottle of water to a person living on the streets, or helping a child learning to read, we are convinced that the "God of This City" brought us to this place in His time to share the timeless message of His grace and truth.
On Wednesday I was blessed with the opportunity to serve with Daybreak Ministries. I came in excited to serve and help out with the 1st and 2nd grade boys and girls but walked away impacted a ton by a boy named Markel. I noticed him earlier in the day and he stuck out to me because he had a shirt that said "RIP Daddy". The shirt spoke enough for itself, I was curious how it happened but I did not want to pry. Later that afternoon, Markel said to me "kids always ask where my Dad is at." He opened up to me after that, he told me that his father was shot and died. I was heart broken to hear the words he spoke. He then went on to tell me that he did not have any friends and that kids were mean to him. God began to put Markel on my heart and later in the day I told him I was his friend. I prayed for Markel and God continued to put him on my heart but with even greater intensity. The next day I came back and hung put with Markel at Daybreak. I was excited to hear that one of the boys in the group Jeremy, said that he really liked hanging out with Markel and loved going to his house. This was something Markel needed to hear and know, that God loves him and that he was a friend.
On day 1 of ministry Pathway Church went to a Franklin Park. A park that is right in the middle of the business district where many of the homeless hang out during the day. The had an amazing day bringing water and sandwiches to them while talking to them about the living water and bread of life Jesus Christ. Some talked to a man who had only been in town a couple of months that said he was Muslim and they shared the gospel with him. Others helped a man get back home. Watch the video below to hear first hand from one of the participants.
You may need to turn your speakers up I had some trouble with the sound on my camera
Well two churches came together this week to be the hands and feet of Jesus. They came from Virginia (Community Bible Church) and Ohio (Pathway Church). Below is a video of the ministry that Community Bible Church did with the Daybreak staff during thier summer camp.
One of the ministries you will be working with is Daybreak ministry. Below is the general schedule for that. Your project leader will let you know what days and if you will be working with them. (See earlier post for video of daybreak ministry and who they are)
What is Summer Camp?
DayBreak doesn't close it's doors during the summer months! Soon after the After School Program ends, summer camp begins! Summer camp at DayBreak not only provides a fun and safe environment for the kids on their summer vacation but it also gives them the opportunity to grow spiritually and academically. Every day there is a Bible lesson, academic enrichment activities, recreation time, a nutritious breakfast and lunch, field trips, pool visits and more!
We do hire summer interns to run the program but are always in need of additional volunteers to assist them.
When Does it Run?
June 27, 2011 - July 29, 2011
Monday - Friday
9 am - 2 pm
What Happens Each Day?
Here is a sample of what a day at Summer Camp would look like: 8:45 a.m. - Volunteers Arrive at DayBreak 9:00 a.m. - Kids Arrive, Breakfast Time 9:25 a.m. - Bible Lesson 10:00 a.m. - Morning Meeting/Language Arts/Reading 11:15 a.m. - Math 12:15 p.m. - Lunch (Note: Volunteers must bring their own lunch!) 12:40 p.m. - 1:05 p.m. - Recreation 1:30 p.m. - Enrichment Activity (Cooking/Science Experiments/Etc) 2:00 p.m. - Walk Kids Home/Cleanup 2:30 p.m. - Volunteers Head Home
Fridays: Every Friday is Fun Friday at DayBreak so this is always field trip day!
What Would I need to Bring with Me?
Lunch
Sometimes the kids go to the pool or play water games in the afternoon. If you would like to join in on the fun, bring a modest swimsuit, towel and some sunscreen!
This weekend I traveled for the first time to Washington DC to meet with our ministry partners and try to gain an understanding of the need and the heart that God has for Washington. I was amazed at the sheer amount of people that were walking around places like the Lincoln memorial and the Korean War Veterans memorial, and if I had to guess most of these people probably have no clue that just 5 or 6 miles away in ward 7 there is a place called Lincoln heights. This is a place of severe poverty with a near 40% unemployment rate. A place where most of the apartments are single mother homes full of drugs and violence. A place were when you trust in Christ as your savior you have to return to a house of darkness. A place where they need more believers to come alongside ministries like Daybreak and encourage and disciple new believers so they can continue to break this bondage of sin.
There is also a homeless shelter called Central Union Mission that is reaching out to men that are trapped on the streets without a home. A place where people like Daryl Vaughn is growing in his relationship with Jesus Christ and is being discipled and working towards reconciliation with his family.
Prayer Requests
A reading coordinator at Daybreak
More churches from around the area to come alongside the new believers at Lincoln heights
Strength for Daryl to move onto the next stage in the spiritual transformation program and to be reconciled back to his wife and 5 year old boy.
Enjoy some more video from the last few days of Morse Street Baptist's trip to Washington.
In the last few days the group worked with kids in a park, worked with DayBreak Ministries in Lincoln Heights and prayer walked around the Capitol Hill.
On Wednesday I was blessed with the opportunity to serve with Daybreak Ministries. I came in excited to serve and help out with the 1st and 2nd grade boys and girls but walked away impacted a ton by a boy named Markel. I noticed him earlier in the day and he stuck out to me because he had a shirt that said "RIP Daddy". The shirt spoke enough for itself, I was curious how it happened but I did not want to pry. Later that afternoon, Markel said to me "kids always ask where my Dad is at." He opened up to me after that, he told me that his father was shot and died. I was heart broken to hear the words he spoke. He then went on to tell me that he did not have any friends and that kids were mean to him. God began to put Markel on my heart and later in the day I told him I was his friend. I prayed for Markel and God continued to put him on my heart but with even greater intensity. The next day I came back and hung put with Markel at Daybreak. I was excited to hear that one of the boys in the group Jeremy, said that he really liked hanging out with Markel and loved going to his house. This was something Markel needed to hear and know, that God loves him and that he was a friend.