July 9th, 2010
- This was a humbling experience. I often felt at a loss for words. I really enjoyed sharing the experience with our Rooted group. I found most of the people gracious and kind. I pray that God will keep every person we came in contact with safe, and will show them what god’s journey for this is. As well as, that God will define my journey more each day.
- I enjoyed this a ton! I have some ideas for next time. I gave a Bible away and the guy was elated, so I will bring more Bibles next time. Thank you.
- I thought everyone was so polite and grateful. They really enjoyed talking and telling their story. Some talked about being disconnected from their family members, which was sad. Next time I would like to bring pull-ups for the children and maybe a toy or book. I would really like do this sometime with my son John.
- *I am forever changed from the heartbreak – they were by-and-large very bright with incredible memories. They loved to be listened to, very kind, very polite. They were a community. They knew each other’s names. They are serious about remembering and reciting. I see this as my son’s ending point, if he can’t accept forgiveness. I cannot quit praying for his mind. They were so confused and disoriented. Only the Holy Spirit can heal their minds and saturate their hearts.
- My heart especially was moved by the little children, wondering what their lives must be like every day: how they play, how will they will be educated, sleep at night, and eat daily. They seem to come out of nowhere. Life is simple for them, yet complex. I did not see sadness but acceptance. I feel very blessed with what I have. We can all share more of ourselves.
- I was struck by the gentleness of the homeless – how gracious and thoughtful they were. That they didn’t ‘rush’ for the food. Often only willing to accept what they needed at the moment and not save any for later. Many liked to share their stories and have us just listen. It was good to exchange names to make the interchange more personal. I was really amazed at how peaceful they were, and the community they are apart of.
- Never done anything like this before. Some people were carrying Bibles. This is something I could do on a regular basis. Remember, and do more things for those less fortunate. I spoke to a couple who were living out of a car. They were from Orange County living in the parking lot by the courthouse. Out of work, no job, no money, just the car and everything in it. This was the first time I had ever been close to this situation and having a conversation with the women who really appeared to be like anyone I would know. Simply down on their luck. Her spirits were very high, and she was hopeful that she would be getting some help soon.
- Father, I think you for this opportunity to be Your hands and Your feet. Lord, I thank You for entrusting us to love Your people. I am so humbled that You called us to this time. Lord I pray over the people we met. I pray for the food we pass out, that it would nourish their bodies and provide an abundance of strength and energy. I pray that they saw us as pillars of Your light. Father, I lift up Linda. I pray for Your hand of protection over her. That no harm would come her way. Father, I thank You for how she knows You. I thank You for her beautiful song and poem that whole-heartedly cry out to You. I pray she continues to turn to You and seek Your fact. That she would know You more. Thank you Lord that You know her. Father, I just lift up all the people we met today and I pray Your hand would continue to be upon them. And God, I pray for our Rooted group, as we listen to how You want us to respond to all this. I pray for obedience in what You’re calling us to, and that we would continue to dive into the work You’re doing in our lives.
- I am so blessed to be a part of this Church. Mariners is a place that makes it easy to serve and also makes the volunteers feel like they are very special and appreciated. I love the training we get to go through in order to be affective leaders. I love that there are so many ministry opportunities, yet if we don’t see what we are looking for that we are encouraged to start a ministry. The volunteers that serve me every Sunday are such a blessing in my life, from the parking attendant to the greeters. Volunteers that a lot of people are probably not Aware of – the security, the men and women that pray over each building and area of our Church are a special blessing to me. I am grateful it is made apparent every Sunday that there are people up front, as well as Elders in the small room that are there to pray for us. I have been prayed over in both areas and those individuals are using the gift God has given them to touch other’s in a powerful way. In the outreach opportunities I have been a part of, I have gained more than I have given. Deep friendships are built when serving next to one another for a cause both are passionate about.
- It has been a privilege and exciting journey on the Rooted Path. I have learned from the ladies in our group that we all struggle with pain and it is the journey of relationship with each other, and in the Lord that helps us to survive. I want to walk more boldly and loose the fear strongholds once and for all in my life. I thank Mariners and especially Bunny, with her wisdom and leadership. A true teacher and an inspiration. A mother’s gift of love to us all.
- I was pleased with the group that we served with through Rooted. I am going to pursue volunteering more there or through another group within Mariners Outreach. I very much feel that the Outreach at Mariners is well run and efficient. As a newly returning member to the church, I know the importance of serving in and around my local community. I pray that the Outreach Ministry at Mariners Church continues to grow and do good works for many.
- Saturday’s outing was tough for me and easy at the same time. I was not sure how the group would respond to my idea of having a scrapbook day. Once the decision was made, it was easy for me to take some ownership. Gathering the supplies was easy, but once there, between my ‘cold feet’ and the language barrier, I found myself not putting out a lot of effort. I think it is also harder for me to do the one time serve projects because I like being able to build relationships and it didn’t seem all that possible in this situation. All in all, it was a good experience though and glad we could do it.
- I served at the Military BBQ with Rooted Group 12. It was a privilege to honor these young men! I hadn’t realized how impersonal the news reports of “our forces” had become until their individual faces and stories were seen by me. I also realize how slack we have become as a Nation, in that we should be celebrating these men as a city, state and government, not just our Church. These men lay their lives on the life and it saddens me there are other battalions that go uncelebrated.