The Backyard Project

We are two weeks into program and I have to say, I am really excited about the staff team that we have this year. The first week of program went so well that it didn't even seem like it was our first week. So many wonderful things happened that I can't even begin to describe. God moved in some great ways in campers, counselors, and staff members lives. I can say, however, that I am very excited about these next three weeks of program.

This last week was unique in the fact that we didn't have anyone in camp. So we started out the week with an extended 4th of July weekend. I got to share my town and all of its craziness with some of my staff family which is one of my favorite things to do. After a weekend full of parade, BBQs, hangouts, Beach houses, and Fireworks we got to start what Holly called the Backyard Project. All of the staff got the opportunity to serve the community in a few different ways. One group helped out at the Ojai Baptist church VBS while the two other groups alternated between service projects at the beach and the Oak View Boys and Girls club, and Operation Embrace. I was in charge of the Operation Embrace group so I got to hang out there all week.

If you aren't familiar with Operation Embrace, you should be. Operation Embrace is an outreach program started by a very small church in Ventura called Harbor Community Church. This church started out with only about 20 members and felt led to start a Homeless outreach program. So they listened to that call and started Operation Embrace. 5 days a week, their doors are opened for homeless throughout Ventura and Oxnard to come and eat, shower, do laundry, use computers to look for jobs, get clothes, meet with counselors, get legal help, and so much more. They serve two meals, breakfast at 8 and lunch at 12. I can't even begin to describe the amazing things God is doing at this church but maybe their description will make things more clear:

Everyday members of The Harbor family go out to the parks and river bottom and "reach the people no body wants inside the walls of a church" . We go to embrace them, befriend them and share the good news and teachings of Jesus Christ. Our goal is to go where they are, and love them and hang out with them where ever they call home and bring church to them. Once trust is developed and they feel there is hope to change their situation, we bring them to the church for help through our MCM Ministry Case Management services. At The Harbor we provide case management services designed to collaborate with the many surrounding city agencies and local city social services operations that can provide services for those addicted through substance abuse, or homeless pregnant woman in need of housing and medical care, etc. plus for those that want to further their education we help them with schooling and Job search services available right at the church. Most importantly we begin a one on one mentoring and discipleship program for each one that chooses to have some one come along side them and teach them more about Jesus and our Christian faith. Our goal is to help every one that comes to our church family for help and help them find value and love and walk along side them with hope and solutions to their addictions and homeless living situations.

It was such a blessing to see a church that actually gets it. To see a church who understands what it means to live a life like Jesus lived. A church that cares for "the least of these." I'm not trying to bash anyone's church. I am sure there are several churches that get it and are living out God's Word in great ways. Even my church I feel doesn't always get it but I see them working towards it everyday and I love that. But to spend a week at this church and watch people interacting with one another and just loving each other, no questions asked was honestly one of the best weeks of my life. This church also started something called the Kingdom Center which is a transitional living center that provides food, clothing, shelter, and over all care for the homeless, poor, widows and orphans in Jesus Name. Their goal is for many churches to come together to provide transitional living situations for those Jesus told us to care for. I pray that I can continue to be a part of this ministry and I hope and pray that others will join with the Harbor to further God's Kingdom.

There were many moments throughout the week that I will remember, but I might have to share them in another blog since this one is quickly turning into a novel. Thank you God for an amazing week of serving You and the community! Thank you that I got to be a part of a community of believers who love You and love others. Thank you that I got to experience a church that gets it so that I can share it with others! Amen!