Basketball VBS Camp

"One thing I know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve."
~Albert Schweitzer

We are hosting our third annual Basketball Vacation Bible School Camp, a 4 day event organized by our Kid's ministry and a host of amazing volunteers. Each evening is a mix of...an all group worship kick off, Bball drills & skill development, rotating age specific stations with bible lessons that relate to the theme, halftime of goodies, a nurses station, memory verse prizes and it ends Saturday with a competition and awards celebration for the whole family. It really is an amazing event.

One of the things I enjoy is watching the interaction between the volunteers and the kids. Above is a little boy who lives in our neighborhood, his family is from Kazakhstan. I had a chance to talk to his father who was watching from the side...he spoke little english, but he was checking things out. As were many other parents that do not attend Jacob's Well. I think there is nothing more sincere and authentic as far as outreach goes...than serving, empowering, loving and laughing with children. Many families drop their kids off at the camp and we never see them come to our other church activities...but the influence, connection and support in providing good activities for their children...adds up. It becomes street cred around here.
These type of outreaches are a lot of work, and require committed help that will take a lot of time out of their busy lives...but the eternal investment and the immediate rewards are so rich. I find myself extremely proud of seeing Jesus shine through all these volunteers; their love, smiles, hugs, encouragement and joy, glorifies the Lord and makes this neighborhood...a better place to live.

Great job team...you're making a difference...one heart and a time.

Wed. Community Thanksgiving Feast...today at 5PM

Jacob's Well Community Resource Center is hosting our Thanksgiving Community Feast today. Here is a shot of the set up in the center...a lot of people have put in many hours, love, cooking, cleaning, decorating and preparations; to extend an invitation to our neighbors and anyone who desires to come and celebrate together...doors open at 5PM.

Valentine's Day Outreach...

The Valentines Day outreach to Union Gospel Mission’s Women’s Crisis Shelter and our neighborhood was a success. Members of Jacob’s Well donated roses, chocolate and balloons for 36 Valentine’s Day gift packages. A team of three young women and myself delivered the gifts first to 24 women and their children at the UGM shelter; they were very touched and warmly received the gifts. We then delivered them to 12 homes in our neighborhood that have widows, handicapped, elderly or shut in’s and one Muslim refugee family. We included a card that expressed the truth about God’s love for each of them and an invitation to come and worship with us. It was a easy project but expressed a lot of love.