Riverside Church

We made it safely to Escape and got all settled in! We're so excited for this week and can't wait to see how the Lord is going to move in our lives. We started the week with worship and then spent some time hanging out and enjoying fellowship together. We're excited for everything God has in store this week!

Today we had the opportunity to worship at New Hope Baptist Church and hear a wonderful message. It was such a joy to meet members of the church and community and experience their warm welcome.

One of the most meaningful moments of the service was when the church gathered around to pray over our team and the work we'll be doing this week. We are incredibly grateful for their encouragement, support, and prayers. We can't wait to see how God moves in and through this week of serving!

Tonight we had the opportunity to joined Escape Student Ministries students for their evening programming. We spent the night playing games, making bracelets and earrings, and playing ping pong together. It was such a joy to laugh, connect, and build relationships with these amazing students.

We also gathered for a time of worship, and the Lord's presence was so evident in the room. We were encouraged as a church member shared the story of Gideon, reminding us that God often uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things when they trust Him. We are so thankful for this evening and can't wait to see how God continues to work throughout the rest of the week!

Today a group of us went to Latrobe St. Mission and helped prepare meals for the community!

A group of us went to the Restore to help price stuffed animals, sort through donations and electronics.

Here we are packing food bags at House to Home!

Today a group of us stayed at The Escape and helped mud, and sand walls while others fixed electrical boxes.

From packing food boxes to installing shower drains, our team served with everything they had! We spent the day cooking and installing showers at Latrobe Mission, packing food boxes and loading them into cars at Old Man Rivers, sorting clothes at House to Home, sanding and electrical work at the Escape, and prepping a meal at Anna’s house. We’re tired but so thankful!

This evening, we had an incredible opportunity to visit Recovery Church, a church dedicated to leading, guiding and loving those navigating the path of addiction. Together, we shared a time of powerful worship, celebratory milestones, and transformational testimonies. We witnessed hearts changed and lives healed in only ways that God can do. To end the evening, we rejoiced as six people accepted Jesus into their hearts and dedicated their lives to walking in freedom! Praise God!

While the rest of our team served in various locations throughout Parkersburg, some of us returned to Latrobe Mission to continue prepping meals for the homeless. In just three days, we’ve prepared enough meals to feed over 1,000 people. God is continuing to amaze us in the ways He’s moving!

Today we had the privilege of serving the children at the Boys & Girls Club! We loved playing games, making crafts, and reading books together. It was such a joy to spend time with these amazing kids, build new friendships, and share lots of smiles and laughter. We’re so thankful for the opportunity to love and serve the community in this way!

We came together in worship tonight, we were reminded of God's goodness, faithfulness, and unfailing love. There is something so special about setting aside time to praise our great and almighty Lord alongside one another. We ended the evening with ice cream, laughter, and sweet fellowship, a simple reminder that God often meets us in both the meaningful moments of worship and the joy of community. We’re grateful for another day of serving and growing together.

One of the greatest blessings of the night was witnessing four baptisms! What a beautiful declaration of their commitment to follow the Lord. We rejoice with each of them as they publicly proclaimed their faith in Christ. God is moving, and we are so grateful to have witnessed His work, tonight and throughout the whole week.

This morning we said a bittersweet goodbye to The Escape. While it's hard to leave, we're reminded that this isn't the end of the mission it is only the beginning. The mission doesn't stop when we go home, it continues in our everyday lives. As we return home, we are being sent out to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our families, churches, schools, workplaces, and communities. We are grateful for all that God has done this week, and we pray that He continues to shape our hearts and use us for His glory wherever He leads us.