Mark Sang Jesus Loves the Little Children - Sort've

Day 4 at the Dream Center was filled with new adventures.

In the morning, a crew of three (me, Linda and my mom, Barb) work up at 5:15 to serve in the kitchen. For Linda and me, this was our second time and we enjoyed working alongside the women in the discipleship programs, level 1 and level 2. There's something about the order and precision of serving food for over 300+ people; plus, prepping for other meals.

The rest of our team loaded one of the Food Trucks and traveled to a unique site (an alley between two buildings) to distribute food and pray with people. Check out the pictures of our team working hard and  praying with people.

In the afternoon, Amanda, Sheila and Ivette worked at the His Hands Extended Thrift Store. Ivette described the joy of a little girl (a regular shopper at the thrift store) who arrived and excitedly asked, "How many? How many?" Apparently, every week - depending on whats available - whoever comes to shop is given an number representing how many items they can take. Today's number was five. Five free things; and the kids got a toy. What an amazing ministry!

The rest of the team traveled to South Central L.A. (Compton) to participate in Kidz Jam. The actual location of the event every week is the largest housing projects west of the Mississippi River, Nickerson Gardens. This ministry is essentially a sidewalk Sunday School. We handed out flyers, inviting kids to come. Then, whatever kids gathered at the playground, we hung out, played games, and just encouraged and loved them. FYI…Ashlee took one for the team by volunteering for the game and ended up getting soaked (see picture below). When the whistle blew, all the kids sat on a blue tarp (and some of us big kids did too) for games and a Bible study. Sarah, our outreach leader, gave every child an opportunity to accept Jesus as Lord and we were so excited to see may hands raised. 

Probably one of the highlights of our Kidz Jam experience was Mark having to sing for a game (essentially Musical Chairs, only instead of fighting over chairs, the participants passed around a wet sponge). He had to sing several different songs for the game and at one point, stumbled over the words to "Jesus Loves the Little Children." We think he said, "Jesus loves the kids…or, um…children." He was pretty much making up lyrics as he sang and we're not sure what key he was singing in, but he gave it his all and represented Kingsway well (although, we decided that Joey probably won't invite him to be on the Worship Arts Team anytime soon). 

Thanks to everyone who has left comments (or sent them via text). You've all been so supportive while we've been out here. Keep praying! Tomorrow is a BIG DAY! We're going to be on Skid Row in the afternoon and in the evening. 

Plan to join us on Sunday so you can hear all the stories of what God has done though us for the sake of helping others find and follow Jesus. 

Love you all! Pastor Arlena