2009 marks our fifth year of partnership and service with CityTeam in Oakland. CityTeam provides meals and overnight shelter for the homeless, offers frequent clothing and food giveaways for local residents, and provides a residential recovery center for drug and alcohol-addicted men. This year, our partnership with CityTeam in Oakland consists of one team serving once a month and another team serving once every other month. Our congregation has been very generous with donations of socks, soap, tooth brushes and wash cloths for the guests and residents, and this giveaway program will continue in 2009. We need team leaders (no experience needed - we can provide training), more volunteers as well as a CV First/CityTeam coordinator. We also need the continued prayers of our congregation – for effective ministry, for new volunteers and leaders, and for strength and endurance of volunteers.
Our service at CityTeam focuses on serving meals to the homeless, but also includes Bible study and providing counseling, mentoring and discipling for guests and those in the residential program. This is a great way to get involved in our church and in real life ministry. Not only are new friends made, but your “family” will be expanded. We pray with one another, serve side-by-side, and respond to the Great Commission. |
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"On my first visit, I arrived with the group in the van and got out in front of the building. I was standing separately from the team watching them unload the food. As this happened, one of the residents walked up to me and said, "You're going to have to get back over there with the other homeless guys while we unload this van, so they can cook for you guys." I was dumb-founded as to why I had to go in with the homeless. It took a couple of second for me and everyone else to realize what the guy was saying. During that few seconds I realized what the homeless must feel like when they are treated as outsiders. Praise the Lord the mistake only lasted a few seconds, or I don't know what I would have done, or where I would be today. I do know that the Lord is in charge of every aspect of our daily lives and for this I am His humble servant."
Lloyd Rash
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