Tuesday was sadly our last day helping at 7 Bridges. After getting ready and eating some breakfast at our hotel we headed over to the church to begin our work day. We began with our morning affirmations which was lead by Javi and following that was sandwich making. Half way through our time making sandwiches, a group of high school students from a local Christian school joined us in bagging chips and making lunches. The other students also joined us on our routes when we headed to a few of our usual spots like the cal-de-sac and Hispanic trailer park.
While on route we encountered new people but we also ran into many familiar faces. For example, one man we knew as CD recognized me and I had the opportunity to talk with him for the third time! This was very heart warming and encouraging for me. Although, route felt a little different than normal days due to the large number of helpers it was still just as impactful. I was so encouraged when I saw how grateful the homeless or poor were for prayers.
After our routes we parted ways with the local high school and then headed back to the church after our debrief to do some more work. We helped sort produce, baked goods, pre-made meals, and we filled boxes with meals for people to take. This was a lot of work but in the end it all came together and we were able to bless many people. Sadly, this was the last thing we got to do with the men at 7 Bridges. We prayed, hugged, and said our goodbyes to one another. We then went back to the hotel to eat and do devotions with our team. After devos we played games together as a big group then went off to bed.
Looking back on this week, my key takeaway was definitely seeing the mens' faith at 7 Bridges and seeing the knowledge they had of the Bible's truths. They are so strong and confident in the word of God. It makes me want to take after that in my personal life. I am definitely going to miss these amazing people and their dedication to, and faith in God mission.
~ Rubi Weber
Today was our last day at 7 Bridges. We started the morning off as usual, heading over to the church, and doing private devotions. While making lunches, a large group of students from a local high school showed up to help with the work and then go on route with us. While we were a little disappointed at first (due to the size of the group), in the end it allowed us have a further reach on the people we were helping, and it freed us up to do other work that needed to be done around the church.
On route, it was clear how much more could get done with such a large group of people, and because they were from a fellow Christian school, it was easy to click with people in the group. Overall, the route went well, and I was happy that the group that joined us could share in some of the experiences and emotions we had on our first route.
Afterwards, there was plenty to do at the church. We unloaded 3 trucks filled with food, mattresses, grills, and more. While we waited in between trucks, we sorted food (good from rotten/moldy). I had trouble at first deciding whether or not to get rid of certain foods, but Tank said, "if you wouldn't eat it, neither should they," and that clicked in my head that they deserved the exact same level of respect and love as we do. Just because someone is homeless doesn't mean they get the leftovers, or whatever we don't need. We should make it a priority to give them proper food and respect, and nothing less.
Overall the last day was a big success, and I can speak for everyone when I say I'm very thankful for the impression that both the church and the people on the street left on us.
~ Nathan Parks
Today would be our last day at 7 bridges! We began with personal devotions which were about 30-40 minutes. It was quite peaceful and refreshing to spend time in God's word. Once we finished, we took a trip downstairs for our “preparation time”. This was a moment where we as a team and the men of 7 bridges recited scripture and said prayers to humble, focus, and remind us of our reliance on Lord’s strength. It also was a time we could seek God's will and pray His will be done.
Today was a little different, however. Charles, the head of the men's ministry at 7 Bridges asked me to do the leading. Though I was nervous it was extremely enjoyable to live out what I am called to do, to move outside of my comfort zone and get used to the uncomfortable. I enjoyed it too!
