Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

This morning we arrived at Hope City Church, our host for the week. We are grateful for their hospitality and eager to partner together as we serve the community of Tucson!

For our first day of ministry here in Tucson, half of us served at GAP Ministries. GAP’s mission is to stand in the gap for those in need, bringing help to children, healing to families, and hope to their community.

We served in a variety of ways which included moving furniture out of their old space and into their new one, as well as setting up the new warehouse. Many community members came to shop at the community warehouse and we were touched by the moments of connecting with them.

The other half of our team served at Gospel Rescue Mission, a local nonprofit that provides a secure home to individuals in need. We helped put away Christmas decorations and jumped in with their kitchen crew to prep food for a community meal.

During our debrief time last night, Carson used the analogy: “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day but if you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” This is what Gospel Rescue Mission is doing in this community, teaching people to fish.

The sunset last night was glorious and we were in awe!

“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3

We were treated to a very special dinner prepared by our friend Val, also known as the King of BBQs here in Tucson. He was such a fun host and he spoiled us with amazing food!

We also had a birthday celebration for all of our January birthdays. Happy birthday Anna, Samantha, Kelsey, and Abby!

On Friday we switched locations so that we would all have the opportunity to serve at both places. Our crew at GAP worked on setting up shelves in the new warehouse and breaking down boxes. We also sorted through many large sacks of onions!

When our other group arrived at Gospel Rescue Mission, we got a tour of the facilities and heard all about their vision.

We then had some fun in the kitchen preparing and serving lunch for the people at the shelter! Several residents shared testimonies of how God is transforming their lives and it was powerful to hear from them.

There is a very large homeless population here in Tucson and today we went to a local park to connect with them. We were deeply blessed to hear Faith share her story and heart for this ministry before she led us in packing bags and handing them out.

In the park, we connected with many people and were able to pray over them and share the love of Jesus!

On Sunday morning we served in various roles at Hope City including setting up before service, preparing breakfast, welcoming people, and in children’s ministry.

During worship Pastor Jeff spoke about new beginnings as we enter into the new year. We also shared some of the gifts God has given us. Abby shared her testimony and a poem she wrote; Kaitlin, Emma, Anna, and Rebecca sang Ten Thousand Reasons; and Georgia sang and played keys.

A member of Hope City said that she believes these students are our future. It is beautiful when we use our God-given gifts to bring glory to His name!