Making a Difference Outside of our Comfort Zone
As Jesus Calls Us out to Pass On the Good News and to Share HIS love, we strive to do the same. Here is information on the next opportunity.
Day 6: Saturday, April 23rd 2011
Saturday Thoughts April 23, 2011
Today was our Final Day. Most of the team took time to sleep in till about 7. Mary, Mike and Chuck worked on finishing up the landscaping projects. The rest of the team worked on cleaning and finished packing Eggs.Our Team met for Breakfast, worked on Walls of Encouragement and did some final cleaning. We met up with several staff members from Powerhouse and said our goodbyes before heading home. Truely a Life Changing Week!
Thanks for All Your Support!
By His Grace,
Jackson
Today was our Final Day. Most of the team took time to sleep in till about 7. Mary, Mike and Chuck worked on finishing up the landscaping projects. The rest of the team worked on cleaning and finished packing Eggs.Our Team met for Breakfast, worked on Walls of Encouragement and did some final cleaning. We met up with several staff members from Powerhouse and said our goodbyes before heading home. Truely a Life Changing Week!
Thanks for All Your Support!
By His Grace,
Jackson
Day 5: Friday, April 22 2011
Friday Thoughts April 22, 2011
Today was kind of jammed packed, and exciting. This morning we awoke and had breakfast. Thanks to Mary, Pricilla and Chuck for all of their preparations!
After taking some time to prepare for the day, parents and children started arriving for the Powerhouse Field Trip. We ended up going to the Folsom Zoo. We ended up having over 74 join us! It was pretty amazing. Our team got spread out throughout the group and the Powerhouse staff was pretty amazing at getting us inside. Our group had a Blast! One of the things that kind of blew me away was how the children were sooo excited about going to the zoo. I guess it’s really easy to forget to appreciate the little things when we move so fast. I really enjoyed listening and watching the reactions of the kids and how our team stepped up to love on them.
After time @ the zoo, we met together for a time to connect for a BBQ Lunch at the park. It was a great blessing to interact with different parents and kids. Our team spent time playing different sports and activities with the kids. Lena and Rose, some of the kids that we had interacted with made us a pretty big thank you poster. A large number of the kids had signed it. That was really neat.
When we had dropped off kids and returned to the Powerhouse Transitional Center, we took some time to meet with some of the leaders there who gave us several work projects. We did a great deal of landscaping, some team members did a little bit of everything, from digging, raking, using a saw, a grinder, cutting down posts, doing some concrete, patchwork, cleaning and more. Thanks to Our Project Leaders Mike and Chuck!
We took some time to clean up and then we enjoyed a great Lasagna dinner and spent some time talking and connecting together.
Tonight we took time for a different kind of debrief. We took time to participate in a “Family Circle”, it was a time to express gratitude and appreciation for each other. Our team is very grateful and insightful. They had so much to share. It was pretty amazing.
The girls decided to stay up and help with a project for Powerhouse Children. Sunday there will be an Easter Egg Hunt. So they started stuffing Easter Eggs.
I am very blessed and thankful for our team.
God brought each one to offer something very significant.
Thanks God!
Still Amazed,
Jackson
Here are additional thoughts from the team:
- The zoo today was so fun! I loved my group. I’m sad to leave. L
- Today I think was the funnest day for the kids and us.
- The last day was sad, but really sweet as well. A few of the girl’s came up to me and gave me a Beanie Baby (All of them got one) It was the Sweetest thing. Wonderful talk at night.
- Today was an amazing day. It was a blessing to be able to play with all the kids in the park. Seeing the joy on their faces while playing with everyone there. Being able to the girls I had in my group and walk around the zoo with them was also exciting.
- I loved the Family Circle. It was all positive and encouraging. I’m sad it was our last day, but now I can sleep on my own bed. I also enjoyed the park and zoo.
- We are all on a field trip today. As part of Powerhouse Hero Fest the groupgoes to Folsom Zoo. Childcare is taken to a new and different level. Powerhouse is taking good care of us – But I wonder if other food than hamburger can be BBQed. The group got to know each other better tonight.
- It was an Amazing Day today with the kids at the Zoo. Chris and I were in charge of several kids and It was Amazing. Thank you Lord! I even took the kids on a train and we were the only ones that went on the train. Last night before we all went to bed, the 10 of us did the Family Circle. That was so amazing and sure much needed. Thank the Lord for Everything. Amen.
Today was kind of jammed packed, and exciting. This morning we awoke and had breakfast. Thanks to Mary, Pricilla and Chuck for all of their preparations!
After taking some time to prepare for the day, parents and children started arriving for the Powerhouse Field Trip. We ended up going to the Folsom Zoo. We ended up having over 74 join us! It was pretty amazing. Our team got spread out throughout the group and the Powerhouse staff was pretty amazing at getting us inside. Our group had a Blast! One of the things that kind of blew me away was how the children were sooo excited about going to the zoo. I guess it’s really easy to forget to appreciate the little things when we move so fast. I really enjoyed listening and watching the reactions of the kids and how our team stepped up to love on them.
After time @ the zoo, we met together for a time to connect for a BBQ Lunch at the park. It was a great blessing to interact with different parents and kids. Our team spent time playing different sports and activities with the kids. Lena and Rose, some of the kids that we had interacted with made us a pretty big thank you poster. A large number of the kids had signed it. That was really neat.
When we had dropped off kids and returned to the Powerhouse Transitional Center, we took some time to meet with some of the leaders there who gave us several work projects. We did a great deal of landscaping, some team members did a little bit of everything, from digging, raking, using a saw, a grinder, cutting down posts, doing some concrete, patchwork, cleaning and more. Thanks to Our Project Leaders Mike and Chuck!
We took some time to clean up and then we enjoyed a great Lasagna dinner and spent some time talking and connecting together.
Tonight we took time for a different kind of debrief. We took time to participate in a “Family Circle”, it was a time to express gratitude and appreciation for each other. Our team is very grateful and insightful. They had so much to share. It was pretty amazing.
The girls decided to stay up and help with a project for Powerhouse Children. Sunday there will be an Easter Egg Hunt. So they started stuffing Easter Eggs.
I am very blessed and thankful for our team.
God brought each one to offer something very significant.
Thanks God!
Still Amazed,
Jackson
Here are additional thoughts from the team:
- The zoo today was so fun! I loved my group. I’m sad to leave. L
- Today I think was the funnest day for the kids and us.
- The last day was sad, but really sweet as well. A few of the girl’s came up to me and gave me a Beanie Baby (All of them got one) It was the Sweetest thing. Wonderful talk at night.
- Today was an amazing day. It was a blessing to be able to play with all the kids in the park. Seeing the joy on their faces while playing with everyone there. Being able to the girls I had in my group and walk around the zoo with them was also exciting.
- I loved the Family Circle. It was all positive and encouraging. I’m sad it was our last day, but now I can sleep on my own bed. I also enjoyed the park and zoo.
- We are all on a field trip today. As part of Powerhouse Hero Fest the groupgoes to Folsom Zoo. Childcare is taken to a new and different level. Powerhouse is taking good care of us – But I wonder if other food than hamburger can be BBQed. The group got to know each other better tonight.
- It was an Amazing Day today with the kids at the Zoo. Chris and I were in charge of several kids and It was Amazing. Thank you Lord! I even took the kids on a train and we were the only ones that went on the train. Last night before we all went to bed, the 10 of us did the Family Circle. That was so amazing and sure much needed. Thank the Lord for Everything. Amen.
Day 4: Thursday, April 21 2011
Thoughts for Thursday April 21 2011
This morning we awoke to connecting with some homeless outside of the church. We then took some time to prepare, then had a breakfast of Biscuits and gravy and hash browns. (Thanks to Mary, Pricilla and Mike!)
We took our last day at Habitat for Humanity and we spent time working on three projects. One group spent time clearing and organizing the Habitat for Humanity Restore Warehouse. Another group painted a room and a third group worked on putting together furniture models.
I really got a kick out of seeing the team quickly come together to do some intensive work. I was also increasingly blessed to see how God used the team to kind of blow away some of the staff at Habitat 4 Humanity. To know that God used His people to accomplish more than was expected is a great feeling.
This afternoon after returning from Habitat for Humanity and doing some additional cleaning and prepping, we took some time to play with some of the kids.
This evening we had 22 children join us for the kid’s program at Powerhouse. The interaction was much more intense and vibrant. More of our team worked puppets today. Our group had a lot of fun interacting with the students and we had opportunity to present Chuck with a simple surprise for his Birthday.
Tonight we had dinner with their Youth program. They held a beautiful worship set and reminded us of the sacrifices that Christ made. Our students and adults were given some time to interact with their group. We also saw one of their students produce some pretty amazing art.
Before heading off to bed, most of the group went on a little road trip to 7-11. Several of the group never had a Slurpie before and were given the opportunity to have one. Sometimes, the little things in life can mean so much more when we slow down.
Today has been a great experience!
Grateful and deep in thought,
Jackson Fong
CEFC Student Ministries Pastor
Here are some additional thoughts from the team:
-Best part of today would have to be youth group. It was so much fun and I really enjoyed it. I had so much fun playing basketball.
- Today was one of those days that God had me thinking my walk and how he has been giving me tools to be used and equipping me for His work.
- I loved starting the day with giving the homeless man outside the church coffee.
- The VBS was great, but youth group tonight was an Amazing experience, so intense and full of God. And I got to meet some new people.
-Being able to play the puppets and hearing the joy of the children when they saw them was the best part of today. I am also very happy to have had instruction in building cabinets!
- Today is Chuck’s Birthday! A member of our mission is spending his birthday with us. This is a Blessing! And an Inspiration. The team worked hard together and played hard today as well. Best day ever of the VBS program. God’s blessings only get better the longer we are together. Praise the Lord!
- Once again today we got a lot of things done at the Restore (Habitat 4 Humanity). But today was the last day there. Today at Powerhouse Ministy, to be able to see the joy on all of those kids’ faces realy touched my heart big time. It will be very sad when we leave. Hopefuly one day I will be able to come back some time. These kids really really touched my heart. Hopefully someday GOD will Bless me with at least one kid or two. Thank you LORD for this day.
This morning we awoke to connecting with some homeless outside of the church. We then took some time to prepare, then had a breakfast of Biscuits and gravy and hash browns. (Thanks to Mary, Pricilla and Mike!)
We took our last day at Habitat for Humanity and we spent time working on three projects. One group spent time clearing and organizing the Habitat for Humanity Restore Warehouse. Another group painted a room and a third group worked on putting together furniture models.
I really got a kick out of seeing the team quickly come together to do some intensive work. I was also increasingly blessed to see how God used the team to kind of blow away some of the staff at Habitat 4 Humanity. To know that God used His people to accomplish more than was expected is a great feeling.
This afternoon after returning from Habitat for Humanity and doing some additional cleaning and prepping, we took some time to play with some of the kids.
This evening we had 22 children join us for the kid’s program at Powerhouse. The interaction was much more intense and vibrant. More of our team worked puppets today. Our group had a lot of fun interacting with the students and we had opportunity to present Chuck with a simple surprise for his Birthday.
Tonight we had dinner with their Youth program. They held a beautiful worship set and reminded us of the sacrifices that Christ made. Our students and adults were given some time to interact with their group. We also saw one of their students produce some pretty amazing art.
Before heading off to bed, most of the group went on a little road trip to 7-11. Several of the group never had a Slurpie before and were given the opportunity to have one. Sometimes, the little things in life can mean so much more when we slow down.
Today has been a great experience!
Grateful and deep in thought,
Jackson Fong
CEFC Student Ministries Pastor
Here are some additional thoughts from the team:
-Best part of today would have to be youth group. It was so much fun and I really enjoyed it. I had so much fun playing basketball.
- Today was one of those days that God had me thinking my walk and how he has been giving me tools to be used and equipping me for His work.
- I loved starting the day with giving the homeless man outside the church coffee.
- The VBS was great, but youth group tonight was an Amazing experience, so intense and full of God. And I got to meet some new people.
-Being able to play the puppets and hearing the joy of the children when they saw them was the best part of today. I am also very happy to have had instruction in building cabinets!
- Today is Chuck’s Birthday! A member of our mission is spending his birthday with us. This is a Blessing! And an Inspiration. The team worked hard together and played hard today as well. Best day ever of the VBS program. God’s blessings only get better the longer we are together. Praise the Lord!
- Once again today we got a lot of things done at the Restore (Habitat 4 Humanity). But today was the last day there. Today at Powerhouse Ministy, to be able to see the joy on all of those kids’ faces realy touched my heart big time. It will be very sad when we leave. Hopefuly one day I will be able to come back some time. These kids really really touched my heart. Hopefully someday GOD will Bless me with at least one kid or two. Thank you LORD for this day.
Day 3:Wednesday, April 20th 2011
Wednesday Sacramento Missions Thoughts April 20th 2011
It is the end of Day Three and I think we have had a pretty Amazing day.
After taking time to prep in the morning with devotions, we had some great Breakfast burritos made by Mary, Pricilla, Mike and Tim.
This morning, we traveled back to Habitat for Humanity to do more work in the Restore. We ended up clearing and reorganizing several sections of their warehouse. It was pretty neat to have some of their staff members do “double takes” as they realized how much had been done.
After lunch, several of the students were given the opportunity to check out one of the jobsites.
Once those projects were done, we returned to Powerhouse, took showers and did some additional prep for the evening’s Children’s program.
Tonight’s Children’s program some of the children did not return. (I found out later that one family moved out of the transitional center that morning.) However, we had 21 children join us tonight. It was pretty neat to see how quickly the children got accustomed to us. The Games, Worship, Puppets and crafts all went well.
Tonight, we had dinner at Powerhouse and were blessed to have been able to host several of the women from the transitional center. The ladies were very gracious and the team enjoyed time with them.
Our team took some time to debrief from the day and highlight all of the ways God had been working.
We then took a little time to bond over some ice cream before returning to rest.
Even though there were many ministries and projects that we were unable to help with because we did not have enough people, it was really amazing to see all that had gotten accomplished today because people stepped out in faith and did their best!
It has been a great time to see God work!
Here are some of the team’s additional thoughts:
- I loved that the kids were more open to us!
- I enjoyed being able to rearrange cabinets and furniture at Habitat for Humanity.
- There were more kids and it seemed to get better because they were more comfortable.
- Today was a great day. Everything just went so smoothly. God has truly blessed me. The food was great!
- Today the kids seemed to be more open to us and God. It was amazing to see the effort of everyone at Habitat for Humanity. I think the staff there was impressed also.
- God really showed me that when we leave, these kids are going to miss us so very much. God sure knew what He was doing when He put this team together. We each have special spiritual gifts from Heaven to bring to the table for these kids and Wow it has been shown BIG time!
- I’ve noticed how the children have grown attached to us. And that’s Thanks to God for Him using us to show them Love.
- I really liked working with the kids again. I learned all their names and I felt so accomplished. I really enjoyed watching everyone work with them and us working as a team is always a wonder.
- Working as a team is beginning to become second nature. Individual strengths are becoming evident. We are accomplishing more than what’s expected. And being outside our “comfort zones” is not so uncomfortable when surrounded by good people doing God’s will. We welcome tomorrow!
In Awe of God growing and stretching us,
Jackson Fong Student Ministries Pastor
Community Church of Susanville
It is the end of Day Three and I think we have had a pretty Amazing day.
After taking time to prep in the morning with devotions, we had some great Breakfast burritos made by Mary, Pricilla, Mike and Tim.
This morning, we traveled back to Habitat for Humanity to do more work in the Restore. We ended up clearing and reorganizing several sections of their warehouse. It was pretty neat to have some of their staff members do “double takes” as they realized how much had been done.
After lunch, several of the students were given the opportunity to check out one of the jobsites.
Once those projects were done, we returned to Powerhouse, took showers and did some additional prep for the evening’s Children’s program.
Tonight’s Children’s program some of the children did not return. (I found out later that one family moved out of the transitional center that morning.) However, we had 21 children join us tonight. It was pretty neat to see how quickly the children got accustomed to us. The Games, Worship, Puppets and crafts all went well.
Tonight, we had dinner at Powerhouse and were blessed to have been able to host several of the women from the transitional center. The ladies were very gracious and the team enjoyed time with them.
Our team took some time to debrief from the day and highlight all of the ways God had been working.
We then took a little time to bond over some ice cream before returning to rest.
Even though there were many ministries and projects that we were unable to help with because we did not have enough people, it was really amazing to see all that had gotten accomplished today because people stepped out in faith and did their best!
It has been a great time to see God work!
Here are some of the team’s additional thoughts:
- I loved that the kids were more open to us!
- I enjoyed being able to rearrange cabinets and furniture at Habitat for Humanity.
- There were more kids and it seemed to get better because they were more comfortable.
- Today was a great day. Everything just went so smoothly. God has truly blessed me. The food was great!
- Today the kids seemed to be more open to us and God. It was amazing to see the effort of everyone at Habitat for Humanity. I think the staff there was impressed also.
- God really showed me that when we leave, these kids are going to miss us so very much. God sure knew what He was doing when He put this team together. We each have special spiritual gifts from Heaven to bring to the table for these kids and Wow it has been shown BIG time!
- I’ve noticed how the children have grown attached to us. And that’s Thanks to God for Him using us to show them Love.
- I really liked working with the kids again. I learned all their names and I felt so accomplished. I really enjoyed watching everyone work with them and us working as a team is always a wonder.
- Working as a team is beginning to become second nature. Individual strengths are becoming evident. We are accomplishing more than what’s expected. And being outside our “comfort zones” is not so uncomfortable when surrounded by good people doing God’s will. We welcome tomorrow!
In Awe of God growing and stretching us,
Jackson Fong Student Ministries Pastor
Community Church of Susanville
Day 2: Tuesday, April 19th, 2011
Tuesday Sacramento Missions Thoughts April 19th 2011
To view this as a PDF with Photos, Click HERE.
Tuesday Sacramento Missions Thoughts April 19th 2011
It is the end of Day Two and I think we had a pretty full share of events for today. This morning our team was quick to get up. They were quick and quite efficient in morning preparations.
Mike drove us to Habitat for Humanity’s Administrative offices with Chuck navigating.
We arrived with no problem. Once we got there and worked through some logistical changes due to changes in the team, our contact, Christine, gave us a briefing on Habitat with some history and a lot of current detail.
With the loss of so many adults and older students, getting together some of the logistical detail was a little difficult, but God worked it out. Apparently there were supposed to be a larger number of others who were supposed to have connected this week with Habitat, but things did not work out. Fortunately, our team was able to fill in some blanks.
Our group cleared out a great deal of trash, junk, did a lot of sorting and organizing and prepared several cases of commercial recycling.
We packed 15 cases of Material from Scratch!
It was interesting how we took a sec to ask God for additional assistance and within minutes, God sent Joe!
We took a break for Lunch.
Early in the afternoon, we took a brief break for showers and to prep for the evening Children’s Program.
We had 18 Children Join us for tonight’s Children’s Program!
The program was well received.
We took time tonight to have dinner at Pastor Scott’s House.
It’s A Great Start to the week!
Blessed and Pleased,
Jackson Fong Student Ministries Pastor
Community Church of Susanville
Here are some additional thoughts from the team: (I'm blown away by what God is doing and it's still the beginning of the week!)
- I LOVED working with the kids today- Highlight of my day!
- Finding different methods of sorting and nail removal was interesting.
- I was so inspired by the men when it came to VBS. To see them involved was priceless!
- It’s nice to see the kids that came and to see how happy they were when they found out more is to come tomorrow!
- God showed me that If I was to move here I would love to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity. I felt a strong connection and passion for the work they do here.
- Today was a prett amazing day. The Sac mission team has had time to get to know each other. Today we really WORKED together … and we did it very well. AMAZING!
- I Loved to see how each one of us in the group pulled together as a team and worked to complete the tasks that we were given and the talents that each of us gave. Both at Habitat for Humanity and the Powerhouse VBS Program God Shown through our efforts.
- Today we worked with Habitat for Humanity, though at first I thought we weren’t doing much. At the end I saw how well and much our team did. Had an Amazing Day! Oh! Smores were Awesome!
- What God revealed o me was how a group of people worked and got a job done like they had done it before, even though they barely knew each other.
- I never realized I could be a positive role model for the youth. And today I realized that I CAN!
To view this as a PDF with Photos, Click HERE.
Tuesday Sacramento Missions Thoughts April 19th 2011
It is the end of Day Two and I think we had a pretty full share of events for today. This morning our team was quick to get up. They were quick and quite efficient in morning preparations.
Mike drove us to Habitat for Humanity’s Administrative offices with Chuck navigating.
We arrived with no problem. Once we got there and worked through some logistical changes due to changes in the team, our contact, Christine, gave us a briefing on Habitat with some history and a lot of current detail.
With the loss of so many adults and older students, getting together some of the logistical detail was a little difficult, but God worked it out. Apparently there were supposed to be a larger number of others who were supposed to have connected this week with Habitat, but things did not work out. Fortunately, our team was able to fill in some blanks.
Our group cleared out a great deal of trash, junk, did a lot of sorting and organizing and prepared several cases of commercial recycling.
We packed 15 cases of Material from Scratch!
It was interesting how we took a sec to ask God for additional assistance and within minutes, God sent Joe!
We took a break for Lunch.
Early in the afternoon, we took a brief break for showers and to prep for the evening Children’s Program.
We had 18 Children Join us for tonight’s Children’s Program!
The program was well received.
We took time tonight to have dinner at Pastor Scott’s House.
It’s A Great Start to the week!
Blessed and Pleased,
Jackson Fong Student Ministries Pastor
Community Church of Susanville
Here are some additional thoughts from the team: (I'm blown away by what God is doing and it's still the beginning of the week!)
- I LOVED working with the kids today- Highlight of my day!
- Finding different methods of sorting and nail removal was interesting.
- I was so inspired by the men when it came to VBS. To see them involved was priceless!
- It’s nice to see the kids that came and to see how happy they were when they found out more is to come tomorrow!
- God showed me that If I was to move here I would love to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity. I felt a strong connection and passion for the work they do here.
- Today was a prett amazing day. The Sac mission team has had time to get to know each other. Today we really WORKED together … and we did it very well. AMAZING!
- I Loved to see how each one of us in the group pulled together as a team and worked to complete the tasks that we were given and the talents that each of us gave. Both at Habitat for Humanity and the Powerhouse VBS Program God Shown through our efforts.
- Today we worked with Habitat for Humanity, though at first I thought we weren’t doing much. At the end I saw how well and much our team did. Had an Amazing Day! Oh! Smores were Awesome!
- What God revealed o me was how a group of people worked and got a job done like they had done it before, even though they barely knew each other.
- I never realized I could be a positive role model for the youth. And today I realized that I CAN!
Day 1: Monday, April 18th, 2011
aMonday Sacramento Missions Thoughts April 18th 2011
To view this as a pdf with Photos, click here.
Whew! Today was a pretty Remarkable day! This Morning the team met, packed the church van and left after some parting words and a prayer from Pastor Rick Conrad. We hit some rain coming down from Susanville, but Michael is a phenomenal (and very safe) driver. After a couple of pit stops for gas and for safety stretching, we arrived in Downtown Sacramento. Mary is a most excellent Navigator. Our team had a great time connecting and teasing on the way down.
Once in downtown Sacramento, we traveled to Loaves and Fishes, a Ministry ministering to homeless. There we were greeted by Earl, who called ahead and almost immediately after parking, a young woman by the name of Madonna greeted us. She took us through several parts of their ministry giving us a tour of their facilities and walking us through all their programs and needs. They had just fed over 720 people as we had arrived there. It was quite remarkable to see how they ministered to countless needs of those in trouble, from providing lockers on a monthly basis, to safe places, to places to help people move forward, to helping provide places for showers, help with haircuts, options for personal improvement, and options for not only transitional education, but also for the animals for those who are homeless as well. After not being there for over six years ago, it was neat to see how they had improved and grown and expanded their ministries. We are grateful for Jim, who as one of the directors there as well as staff members like Richard and Marty. It was really quite a blessing to see how this simple exposure trip touched and affected those on our team. I do believe that an opportunity like this would do major changes to anyone who would have joined us. Though our team changed in dynamics every week for the last four months, I am truly blessed by all who joined us.
From Loaves and Fishes, we traveled to have lunch. At lunch, We were joined by Chris’ sister Jen to touched base with us for a little.
From lunch, we traveled to Powerhouse Ministries in Folsom. There, we met Scott, the Executive Pastor and Josh, the Youth Pastor there. After taking a little time for the group to catch their bearings, the group was joined by Nancy, the founder of Powerhouse ministries. She had a great story to share about not only how God used her to create Powerhouse Ministries, but we also connected with many of their ministries and options that were coming up. It was a great blessing to also see how excited they were to have outside people join them in ministry. I personally was also blown away by running into a student who had worked with me with powerhouse over seven years ago. I remember Robert was one of the kids who had been ministered to and now, seven years later, he is volunteering and serving. That was quite reassuring. It was also mindblowing to see how God had expanded their facilities and had increased their staff.
After that briefing by Nancy, We were blessed to have had Josh and a Powerhouse worship team, lead us in a time of worship.
After worship we took time for a brief devotional as well as to take some time to do some team training and preparation for the week. After having so many changes in the make up of the team, it was greatly helpful to have everyone there. It was great to get plenty of input. To have a team that is so willing and eager to serve in whatever the capacity needed was a tremendous blessing and things moved quite rapidly into preparations for the week’s children’s programs.
After Dinner and taking some time to pick up some additional supplies, the team wrapped up the day in smaller groups to talk a little and pray.
Here are some of the closing thoughts from today.
Here are some other thoughts from the team:
- Had a great burrito the size of my head for dinner.
- Had a fantastic and exciting intro for Powerhouse
- Loaves and Fishes is out of my comfort zone and I enjoyed finding that.
- Had some of my favorite food today.
- God worked out me being able to see my sister.
Mary M – I’m very thankful for seeing outside the box. Not all of us have a warm house to go home to. I’m thankful for the Blessing and the life I was given. But also thankful for the heart to want to help out those with less
Courtnie Whipple – What really affected me today was looking at Friendship Garden and seeing several people sleeping on the benches and the grass. I saw this one guy rocking back and forth talking to himself. It broke my heart. It made me grateful for what I have.
Priscilla Mauck - I am Happy and Appreciative of having showers.
Michael Rivas – Today the CEFC Mission Team was introduced to Loaves and Fishes of Sacramento. Our tour guide (Madonna), opened my eyes to the amount of good that can be done when intentions are guided by God! It was a very good, long day …
Chuck Hodgers – At Loaves and Fishes today God reopened my eyes to what it really means to have Nothing. We have been so blessed to have all that we do. They (Loaves and Fishes) do soooo… much for people, it was a joy to see.
Tim Purvis – God DID open my eyes when we took the tour at Loaves and Fishes about the pure Love that He has for the needy and homeless. God is so good all the time. Amen. Thank you Lord!
I am very grateful for how God has provided us with safety and has been regularly been opening up doors for us.
Please pray that God would continue to open doors and change lives of both those on the team as well as all those we come in contact with.
Please pray that additional funding will come in for some of our team members.
Please pray for continued safety as we will be working with Habitat for Humanity and Powerhouse Children’s Ministry tomorrow.
Please also pray for God to help us in travel as well will be traveling through some high traffic timeframes.
So Blessed,
Jackson Fong Student Ministries Pastor
Community Church of Susanville
To view this as a pdf with Photos, click here.
Whew! Today was a pretty Remarkable day! This Morning the team met, packed the church van and left after some parting words and a prayer from Pastor Rick Conrad. We hit some rain coming down from Susanville, but Michael is a phenomenal (and very safe) driver. After a couple of pit stops for gas and for safety stretching, we arrived in Downtown Sacramento. Mary is a most excellent Navigator. Our team had a great time connecting and teasing on the way down.
Once in downtown Sacramento, we traveled to Loaves and Fishes, a Ministry ministering to homeless. There we were greeted by Earl, who called ahead and almost immediately after parking, a young woman by the name of Madonna greeted us. She took us through several parts of their ministry giving us a tour of their facilities and walking us through all their programs and needs. They had just fed over 720 people as we had arrived there. It was quite remarkable to see how they ministered to countless needs of those in trouble, from providing lockers on a monthly basis, to safe places, to places to help people move forward, to helping provide places for showers, help with haircuts, options for personal improvement, and options for not only transitional education, but also for the animals for those who are homeless as well. After not being there for over six years ago, it was neat to see how they had improved and grown and expanded their ministries. We are grateful for Jim, who as one of the directors there as well as staff members like Richard and Marty. It was really quite a blessing to see how this simple exposure trip touched and affected those on our team. I do believe that an opportunity like this would do major changes to anyone who would have joined us. Though our team changed in dynamics every week for the last four months, I am truly blessed by all who joined us.
From Loaves and Fishes, we traveled to have lunch. At lunch, We were joined by Chris’ sister Jen to touched base with us for a little.
From lunch, we traveled to Powerhouse Ministries in Folsom. There, we met Scott, the Executive Pastor and Josh, the Youth Pastor there. After taking a little time for the group to catch their bearings, the group was joined by Nancy, the founder of Powerhouse ministries. She had a great story to share about not only how God used her to create Powerhouse Ministries, but we also connected with many of their ministries and options that were coming up. It was a great blessing to also see how excited they were to have outside people join them in ministry. I personally was also blown away by running into a student who had worked with me with powerhouse over seven years ago. I remember Robert was one of the kids who had been ministered to and now, seven years later, he is volunteering and serving. That was quite reassuring. It was also mindblowing to see how God had expanded their facilities and had increased their staff.
After that briefing by Nancy, We were blessed to have had Josh and a Powerhouse worship team, lead us in a time of worship.
After worship we took time for a brief devotional as well as to take some time to do some team training and preparation for the week. After having so many changes in the make up of the team, it was greatly helpful to have everyone there. It was great to get plenty of input. To have a team that is so willing and eager to serve in whatever the capacity needed was a tremendous blessing and things moved quite rapidly into preparations for the week’s children’s programs.
After Dinner and taking some time to pick up some additional supplies, the team wrapped up the day in smaller groups to talk a little and pray.
Here are some of the closing thoughts from today.
Here are some other thoughts from the team:
- Had a great burrito the size of my head for dinner.
- Had a fantastic and exciting intro for Powerhouse
- Loaves and Fishes is out of my comfort zone and I enjoyed finding that.
- Had some of my favorite food today.
- God worked out me being able to see my sister.
Mary M – I’m very thankful for seeing outside the box. Not all of us have a warm house to go home to. I’m thankful for the Blessing and the life I was given. But also thankful for the heart to want to help out those with less
Courtnie Whipple – What really affected me today was looking at Friendship Garden and seeing several people sleeping on the benches and the grass. I saw this one guy rocking back and forth talking to himself. It broke my heart. It made me grateful for what I have.
Priscilla Mauck - I am Happy and Appreciative of having showers.
Michael Rivas – Today the CEFC Mission Team was introduced to Loaves and Fishes of Sacramento. Our tour guide (Madonna), opened my eyes to the amount of good that can be done when intentions are guided by God! It was a very good, long day …
Chuck Hodgers – At Loaves and Fishes today God reopened my eyes to what it really means to have Nothing. We have been so blessed to have all that we do. They (Loaves and Fishes) do soooo… much for people, it was a joy to see.
Tim Purvis – God DID open my eyes when we took the tour at Loaves and Fishes about the pure Love that He has for the needy and homeless. God is so good all the time. Amen. Thank you Lord!
I am very grateful for how God has provided us with safety and has been regularly been opening up doors for us.
Please pray that God would continue to open doors and change lives of both those on the team as well as all those we come in contact with.
Please pray that additional funding will come in for some of our team members.
Please pray for continued safety as we will be working with Habitat for Humanity and Powerhouse Children’s Ministry tomorrow.
Please also pray for God to help us in travel as well will be traveling through some high traffic timeframes.
So Blessed,
Jackson Fong Student Ministries Pastor
Community Church of Susanville
Sunday, April 17th 2011
Today, after having members rejoin us and losing a couple, we took time to pray and finalize departure plans.
Sunday, April 3rd 2011
Today, after some review and having new members join us, we had a time to overview packing lists, verify jobs for the tritip fundraiser and look over scheduling.
Sunday March 27th 2011
Today we showed the Sacramento Promotional Video. In today's training meeting we reciewed Salvation and Life Testimonies. We also discussed specific options for the Sacramento Trip. Next Sunday we will talk specifically about the fundraising lunch.
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Sacramento 2011
Sunday, March 20th 2011
Today we covered Salvation Testimonies, Life Testimonies, and demographics and needs in Sacramento and Folsom
Today we covered Salvation Testimonies, Life Testimonies, and demographics and needs in Sacramento and Folsom
Sacramento 2011
Sunday, February 27th
we held our first team meeting to discuss the alternative to go to Mexico. Below you will find the information that we passed out.
we held our first team meeting to discuss the alternative to go to Mexico. Below you will find the information that we passed out.
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sacramento_missions_trip_2011_application.pdf | |
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sacramento_2011_mtg_1.pdf | |
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sacramento_missions_2011_intro_meeting.pdf | |
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Mexico Mission 2011 Update
Feb 7 2011
As per multiple discussions Sunday regarding violence*, we cancelled our 2011 Spring trip to Mexico.
Out of the 18 who originally showed interest, only 5 were able to attend Sunday’s meeting. 10 had dropped out due to concerns regarding violence or finances. 3 had family commitments.
Aqua Viva Ministries is one of very few Mexico Mission Groups that offer translators AND border escorts throughout the trip.**
This ministry offered the most comprehensive trip and gave us the greatest amount of freedom and flexibility.
Though This ministry is far removed from the main locations of violence. (It’s like saying living in Susanville is bad because of Compton) there have been a great number of questions and concerns.
In sharing with the team about the decision to cancel the trip I have to admit I was a little nervous about the reaction, but after opening in prayer and sharing about some of the most current issues***, I was very blessed by the team’s response.
1. Their immediate concern was for those living in Mexico. “Shouldn’t more of us go then …”
2. They were very understanding and open.
3. They (Jokingly/but serious) volunteered to set up their own trip and go on their own so the church would be less liable.
4. Several are open to our secondary option.
In originally looking into this year’s Spring Mission Trip, several additional options were considered.
Portland Oregon ($375 per person )
San Francisco ($200-300 per person)
Los Angeles ($200-400 per person)
Sacramento ($175 per person)
In speaking with both Ricks, we decided that Sacramento was the wisest option.
It is closer and less expensive. This will open opportunities for more people to participate.
We will leave again during Spring Break and will work in part with Habitat For Humanity. (There are currently 50 spaces available)
We will also be working with at least one other ministry as well.
I will fill you in as things are confirmed.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
God Bless,
Jackson Fong
Student Ministries Pastor CEFC Susanville
*
http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/dispatches/post/2011/02/new-travel-warning-spotlights-mexico-again/141871/1
http://www.examiner.com/drug-cartel-in-national/another-mexican-police-chief-murdered
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7411329.html
Regarding Missionaries
http://www.businessinsider.com/us-missionary-murdered-near-texas-border-2011-2
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/07/us/07border.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
**Aqua Viva Ministries
http://www.aguaviva.com/
***Most Recent
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/World/Story/A1Story20110207-262213.html
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jJTsCr7PgSlzVUtNRiwAgRTA558Q?docId=CNG.53c07fe961abc34cc2f173062bc55b35.da1
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/02/06/mexico.violence/?hpt=T2
As per multiple discussions Sunday regarding violence*, we cancelled our 2011 Spring trip to Mexico.
Out of the 18 who originally showed interest, only 5 were able to attend Sunday’s meeting. 10 had dropped out due to concerns regarding violence or finances. 3 had family commitments.
Aqua Viva Ministries is one of very few Mexico Mission Groups that offer translators AND border escorts throughout the trip.**
This ministry offered the most comprehensive trip and gave us the greatest amount of freedom and flexibility.
Though This ministry is far removed from the main locations of violence. (It’s like saying living in Susanville is bad because of Compton) there have been a great number of questions and concerns.
In sharing with the team about the decision to cancel the trip I have to admit I was a little nervous about the reaction, but after opening in prayer and sharing about some of the most current issues***, I was very blessed by the team’s response.
1. Their immediate concern was for those living in Mexico. “Shouldn’t more of us go then …”
2. They were very understanding and open.
3. They (Jokingly/but serious) volunteered to set up their own trip and go on their own so the church would be less liable.
4. Several are open to our secondary option.
In originally looking into this year’s Spring Mission Trip, several additional options were considered.
Portland Oregon ($375 per person )
San Francisco ($200-300 per person)
Los Angeles ($200-400 per person)
Sacramento ($175 per person)
In speaking with both Ricks, we decided that Sacramento was the wisest option.
It is closer and less expensive. This will open opportunities for more people to participate.
We will leave again during Spring Break and will work in part with Habitat For Humanity. (There are currently 50 spaces available)
We will also be working with at least one other ministry as well.
I will fill you in as things are confirmed.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
God Bless,
Jackson Fong
Student Ministries Pastor CEFC Susanville
*
http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/dispatches/post/2011/02/new-travel-warning-spotlights-mexico-again/141871/1
http://www.examiner.com/drug-cartel-in-national/another-mexican-police-chief-murdered
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7411329.html
Regarding Missionaries
http://www.businessinsider.com/us-missionary-murdered-near-texas-border-2011-2
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/07/us/07border.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
**Aqua Viva Ministries
http://www.aguaviva.com/
***Most Recent
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/World/Story/A1Story20110207-262213.html
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jJTsCr7PgSlzVUtNRiwAgRTA558Q?docId=CNG.53c07fe961abc34cc2f173062bc55b35.da1
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/02/06/mexico.violence/?hpt=T2
Mexico Mission 2011
Join us for a life changing experience that will bless you, challenge you, and will touch the lives of both those close to you as well as those who you will come in contact with.
Date: April 15-23, 2011
Local Partner Ministry: Aqua Viva Ministries and Salvation Army
www.aguaviva.com
Cost per person: $375 (This Price does NOT include visa or Passport fees, but it DOES include border escorts and translators.)
Project Options: (The Larger the team, the more options we can explore!)
Project 1: Children’s Ministry (VBS) Dealing with Children associated with the Battered Women’s Shelter as well as local children.
We will have time to lead children in a vbs program as well as make time to connect with children through sports.
Project 2: National Culture Exposure
We will have some time to connect with local churches.
Exposure and connection to National culture, both in a Private National Camp Setting as well as with Local Ministries.
We will have access to one of the largest Christian youth camps in Mexico.
Project 3: Women’s Ministry @ a Mexican national Battered Women’s Shelter
Sometimes the idea of working on simple crafts and sharing stories can be life changing.
Project 4: Painting and basic construction projects
(Various depending on team numbers and qualifications.) In order for us to maximize all the construction projects, it is important to have a larger group. No Experience is Necessary, but it is helpful.
Project 5: Sports Ministry for Youth Camp. (Based on Availability)
Lead, serve and play with nationals.
General Informational Meeting
– Sunday, January 23rd 1 pm @ the CEFC Youth Room*
You can also contact Pastor Jackson as well.
*If for some reason you cannot attend the general informational meeting, but are still interested in attending, please call the Church office and leave your name and a way to contact you.
Date: April 15-23, 2011
Local Partner Ministry: Aqua Viva Ministries and Salvation Army
www.aguaviva.com
Cost per person: $375 (This Price does NOT include visa or Passport fees, but it DOES include border escorts and translators.)
Project Options: (The Larger the team, the more options we can explore!)
Project 1: Children’s Ministry (VBS) Dealing with Children associated with the Battered Women’s Shelter as well as local children.
We will have time to lead children in a vbs program as well as make time to connect with children through sports.
Project 2: National Culture Exposure
We will have some time to connect with local churches.
Exposure and connection to National culture, both in a Private National Camp Setting as well as with Local Ministries.
We will have access to one of the largest Christian youth camps in Mexico.
Project 3: Women’s Ministry @ a Mexican national Battered Women’s Shelter
Sometimes the idea of working on simple crafts and sharing stories can be life changing.
Project 4: Painting and basic construction projects
(Various depending on team numbers and qualifications.) In order for us to maximize all the construction projects, it is important to have a larger group. No Experience is Necessary, but it is helpful.
Project 5: Sports Ministry for Youth Camp. (Based on Availability)
Lead, serve and play with nationals.
General Informational Meeting
– Sunday, January 23rd 1 pm @ the CEFC Youth Room*
You can also contact Pastor Jackson as well.
*If for some reason you cannot attend the general informational meeting, but are still interested in attending, please call the Church office and leave your name and a way to contact you.
Serve Susanville 2010
Make a Difference at Home!
We have TWO Options this Year!
Click on this Link for additional Information.
We have TWO Options this Year!
Click on this Link for additional Information.
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Serve Susanville 2009
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The Mission: Expressing the Practical Love of Jesus
The Location: In our back yard
The Bible talks about the importance of faithfullness - in the little things as well as the big things. As much as we value the importance of mission and service work overseas, we desire to chow consistency and to make a difference here in our hometown.
What we are doing: We are working in partnership with Serve Partnerships Unlimited, a ministry focused on equipping the church to work together in showing God's love to the local community in practical ways.
BOTH students, families and adults will take time to come together for training opportunities as well as work project options.
When is this happening? June 21 - June 27th 2009
Why is there a cost to work in my own backyard? The cost includes but is not limited to assist in providing for the following:
Meals for all participants
Transportation assistance
Training Sessions
Team Tshirt
Family Fun Day (The Community wide family fun day is free to the public and can cost anywhere from 2,000 - 6,000 to put on.) The money has to come from somewhere. With donations and community support, the program can be as little as $50 a person, but that is when there are 40 or more participants.
Why does the team stay overnight in one location?
There are multiple reasions why, some include the following:
This builds a greater family and team unity
It is easier to stick to the schedule
This decreases the time pressure in ending the evening program
It decreases vehicle use
Can I participate if I cannot commit to the entire week?
Yes! Though you may miss out on some training sessions as well as some team building opportunities or Service projects, people are welcome to join and to assist with the week's programs.
What we are doing: We are working in partnership with Serve Partnerships Unlimited, a ministry focused on equipping the church to work together in showing God's love to the local community in practical ways.
BOTH students, families and adults will take time to come together for training opportunities as well as work project options.
When is this happening? June 21 - June 27th 2009
Why is there a cost to work in my own backyard? The cost includes but is not limited to assist in providing for the following:
Meals for all participants
Transportation assistance
Training Sessions
Team Tshirt
Family Fun Day (The Community wide family fun day is free to the public and can cost anywhere from 2,000 - 6,000 to put on.) The money has to come from somewhere. With donations and community support, the program can be as little as $50 a person, but that is when there are 40 or more participants.
Why does the team stay overnight in one location?
There are multiple reasions why, some include the following:
This builds a greater family and team unity
It is easier to stick to the schedule
This decreases the time pressure in ending the evening program
It decreases vehicle use
Can I participate if I cannot commit to the entire week?
Yes! Though you may miss out on some training sessions as well as some team building opportunities or Service projects, people are welcome to join and to assist with the week's programs.