In Focus Church

We made it to Monument of Love Baptist Church (Memphis) and now we’re hungry! We're headed to dinner, then back to the church for orientation and to get prepared for tomorrow.

After Sunday School at Monument of Love Baptist Church, we attended our ENC church partner, Kingdom Church for Sunday Worship.

Our first stop on our Prayer Strike was at the last known auction block in downtown Memphis. This was a somber moment for our group as Pastor Derrick Joyce shared about the history of this block.

Our second stop was at the 1866 Massacre marker. Many families were lynched on that spot of ground. Pastor Joyce provided insight and we prayed for race reconciliation.

Our last Prayer Strike was at the Memphis Martyrs Marker. This marker signified the courageous assistance from citizens during the yellow fever epidemic. Again, Pastor Joyce was our facilitator. What a great experience of Memphis!

We started the morning off right by preparing our devo for group discussion.

We served the Mid-South Food Bank for a few hours bagging granola. The food bank serves thousands of families in the mid-south area.

Our service project today was bagging tons of granola!

The street ministry project was to canvass in the neighborhoods of Bethel Grove and Orange Mound. Pastor Joyce had flyers and info cards for us as we shared the gospel and prayer.

This morning we served at Room In The Inn, which is a family transitioning housing facility and they serve those who are unsheltered and need recuperative care.

Room In The Inn (RITI) also provided us opportunities to pack care bags, fold sheets, and place things in order. They love volunteers!

One of our favorite places to serve in Memphis is Calvary Rescue Mission. We have built a relationship with the staff and guests staying there; they look forward to us coming twice a year.

The message at Calvary Rescue Mission was prepared and presented by Robert, Josiah and Thomas. They spoke on love, God's work in you and how God sees you. The message was well received!

This morning's service project was to assist Leadership Preparatory Academy with their clothes closet. We sorted and packed clothes with smiles.

Leadership Preparatory Academy is a premier school in Memphis. One of the students, Brian Williams Jr, led us on a campus tour. In the photo is Brian's brother, Blake.

We always serve 2 nights at Calvary because of our great love for our brothers. Tonight's meal was Potato and Sausage soup with delicious biscuits. Of course, the men enjoyed it. And, we’ll stay for Chapel service.

There's always an opportunity to pray for someone at Calvary and Robert is always ready. (His face is covered since I didn't have a chance to ask for permission to post.)

After 3 days of serving, we hit the downtown streets of Memphis for our Recreational Day: the National Civil Rights Musuem/Lorraine Motel, Big River Crossing, the Peabody Hotel and for some delicious barbecue, Central BBQ!

The Peabody Hotel is touted as The South’s Grand Hotel. The daily feature is the Ducks parade, 10am from their grand condo and 5pm, back to their condo; the Duck Master is Keenan. We truly enjoyed our downtown experiences!