Shaving Cream Fight

We celebrated our last day of service with a shaving cream fight.


The Calm Before the Storm


It Begins!


Sarah and Victoria getting crazy.


The great shaving cream war continues...


Randall and Spencer get in there.



Nathan and Jack in the battle zone.


Jack is somewhere beneath all that shaving cream.


Victoria shows Owen sibling love.



It is finished!

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Work Projects

This week our youth are divided into small group teams doing small repairs, updates and construction projects for the tribal residents. It is amazing to see how much these youth can get done in just 5 days. They are roofing, putting in flooring, painting houses and even building a shed to house a water pump. I'm so proud to see how hard they are working to serve others.




















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Group Bonding

This week our Jr High youth not only have the opportunity to serve at homes on the Chukchansi Rancheria; they also get to have fun at Camp Oakhurst, swimming in the pool, playing games, worshipping and sharing conversation. The relationships the youth form with each other are one of the most powerful parts of mission trips.












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Dancing at SSP

One of the great things about serving with Sierra Service Project is their tradition of songs and dances. Check out this video of our group learning Shabbat Shalom.

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God and Power Tools

This morning our youth were trained in some simple construction tasks. They practiced not only the basics like holding ladders and painting, but also how to use drills and saws. It was awesome to see so many of our youth step outside their comfort zones and do something they've never done before. I think there is something really empowering about holding a tool for the first time and learning how to use it. I am so excited to see how God works through our new skills this week not only to transform the tribal properties where we are working, but to transform each of us.

The Adventure Begins!

Ready to head to coarsegold!



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Creating in the Image of God

One of the best parts of our service this week has been seeing the youth use their creativity to make a welcoming space for the kids who will come to Shining Stars camp next week. I love knowing that their creations will be enjoyed by the community for the rest of the summer.



























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Lights of Evening Find a Voice

Tonight we were able to spend time in fellowship and worship on the beach. It was amazing to watch the light shine over the water and the mountains. We had time to relax as we snacked, talked, laughed and played together in the sand. Then we gathered for worship as we watched the sun begin to set, singing praise songs under the great cathedral of sky. For many of our youth this was the first time they worshipped in such a public space. Our group shared about the power of this experience during our group time afterwards. They talked about how it felt surprisingly freeing and comfortable. Some shared about how they struggle to know what to believe and wrestle with their faith, but singing on the beach, seeing the golden sunlight stream through the clouds was an undeniable encounter with God. For all of us tonight was soul refreshing as we experienced God in nature, in worship and in community.

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Serving in Vancouver

This week our Sr. High youth group is working with Youthworks to serve and learn in Vancouver Canada. It's only Tuesday and already our week has been filled with amazing and unforgettable experiences.
One group is working at Shining Stars Camp helping clean and set-up for the incredible children's camp that they run for low-income kids all summer. It is amazing to know that next week the rooms we've been cleaning and decorating will be filled with children and youth who will learn life skills and experience a safe and supportive community. Our youth have gotten to put their creative skills to work painting banners and posters to welcome the children into this year's theme: "Dare to learn, Dare to Soar."
The other group of St. John's teens is serving in an assisted living facility where they are showing care to the elders who live there. As the youth lead games, facilitate activities, and share conversation, they are building relationships and hearing the stories of the incredible people who live there.
I am constantly amazed at how God's presence is manifested by our youth. Their joy, compassion, laughter make every moment a living prayer.