Cornerstone Church

On the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, Tucson, Arizona is excited to welcome our new friends from Cornerstone Church! 

The first day included a brief history of Tucson and a tour of Hope City Church with some time to unpack and getting to know each other. 

Our gourmet chef, Karen Wilson, prepared a wonderful dinner, but not before the students got to ruin their dinner with a local favorite--watermelon and strawberry flavored Eegees!  Delicious! If this is only day one, just imagine how great the rest of the week will be! 

That's one small step for man, and one giant leap for mankind!  

Following the Sunday gathering at Hope City Church, the students took a trip to San Xavier Mission!  This beautiful piece of history is located on a reservation in a place that was once a part of Mexico prior to the Gadsen Purchase of 1854.

Lightening flashes across the sky!  This one is not as close as it looks, but the ooohs and the aaaaahs were incessant during this monsoon storm.  The rest of the week promises to be a little less dramatic than tonight has proven to be.

Who would ever believe that our students don't do this professionally?!  The only thing better than the quality of their work are the positive attitudes they exude!  It is contagious!  Thank you, ladies!  The Arizona Baptist Children Services appreciates your making the time to serve in our city! 

Yesterday the students made the trip to a local ACE Hardware, the nation's second largest, award winning, ACE Hardware.  Yes, we didn't know there was such a thing, either.  Nonetheless, one of their greatest aisles includes the one that is lined top to bottom with obscure flavors of unique sodas.  If you're from another universe, you might call it pop. 

Nick found one called Green River that reminded him of home.  This was a just reward for the grit it took to put a desk back together for Hope City Church.  The students did an incredible job welcoming a diverse group of people from our neighborhood at this evening's BBQ!  Hope City is super grateful for the love that was shared!

BBQ's for the neighborhood are always a highlight for Hope City Church and the Tucson Neighborhood Food Pantry!  The TNFP serves 1,000 people groceries each and every month. 

Tucson is the 5th most impoverished, metropolitan U.S. city.  Yet, it is also known as a City of Generosity!  This is partly due to the kinds of people that God continually brings here from around the country just to serve the people that He loves!  We are honored to be a part of such a calling with Cornerstone! 

On Tuesday night the students helped to carry groceries out to people's cars, if they had one.  They also played games with children and served Eegees to those who needed the refreshment. 

Ryan and Kennedy barbecued hot dogs and served them up with a smile.  Mostly, the students just sat and listened and asked each guest to share their stories.  Vladimir, Stella and her dog, Pippy, and Trey were just a few of those who were blessed by the hospitality. 

At the end of the night, Sean told me this was the best night of his life!  It never ceases to amaze me what can happen when the church comes together to love people unconditionally!  

God Answers Prayers (GAP).  The vision behind GAP ministry is truly inspired!  The founding family relocated to Tucson with what they thought was a prompting to plant a new church. 

When God revealed that He wanted them to serve foster children, they quickly responded.  A gourmet chef is on staff with GAP ministries to ensure that the quality of food that our foster children receive is top-notch. 

This past year a separate ministry was birthed, teaching former inmates culinary skills to help give them a second chance in life while also serving a quality meal to those who may never have this experience. 

Cornerstone was a part of helping to keep things running efficiently for the many splash houses (foster homes) and volunteer organizations who benefit from the generosity of the GAP Kitchen!

This late in the week, everyone is asking, "WHERE IS RYAN & THE CORNERSTONE TEAM?" 

We just sent them off with an epic breakfast:  oatmeal, fruit, frittatas, and four different french toast cobblers--cherry, blueberry, peach and strawberry. 

The food was so delicious it helped to ease the pain of saying goodbye to everyone!  Lot's of memories, several tears and countless seeds planted! 

We aren't sure about Ryan's shirt, but we praise God for his leadership, your incredible leadership team, and all of your amazing students!  Thank you for blessing our church and the City of Tucson, Cornerstone Church!