Clearfield Community Church

For our first morning in Tuscon, we had the privilege to worship with our brothers and sisters at West Side Church. Pastor Bailey gave an amazing sermon about overcoming obstacles. It met us right where we were at, and it couldn't have been more perfectly orchestrated. God is so good!

After church, we visited San Xavier Mission. We learned about the history of the Native American tribe and their different traditions. The church building was beautiful inside and out. We thought it would be a great background for a group picture!

We finished out our first day by worshipping with our friends and host church, Urban City Tabernacle. Before the service, Pastor Earl shared his vision for the church and the local community. It is always a blessing to see and hear about the passions God has given him for the people of Tucson. During the service, we got to worship in both English and Spanish. Continuing the theme from this morning, Pastor Earl shared about spiritual warfare and how to seek God for protection.

The majority of the day was spent with an amazing group of kids at Gap Ministries. This ministry helps provide a more stable lifestyle for foster kids. We got to give them our love and care through playing games, making crafts, and singing and dancing to some fun songs. It was heart-warming to see the joy radiating from each of the kids that could only come from the Lord. His relentless pursuit of these kids through us and each of their families is such a humbling thing to experience.

Here Marta is helping one of the kids make the craft, which was a wind chime made out of tin cans, silverware, and a part of a dried cactus.

We even got to go for a shortened hike with the kids! The sun drove us inside earlier than we planned, but it was still so fun!

This morning, we journeyed up to an area called Gate's Pass. God's creativity is so breathtaking, especially from where we were exploring. We got to experience first hand the mountainous desert of Tucson.

After we explored Gate's Pass, we gathered together and prayed in groups for Tucson. We prayed and continually pray for revival in this place. Lord, have your way!

The night was filled with prayer walking throughout much of Tucson. Our first stop was at the beautiful A Mountain. We took time to pray over different parts of the city. This group took turns praying simple prayers of whatever God brought to mind. It was such an amazing experience and view!

Once we left A Mountain, we stopped by a couple parks and walked through the downtown to meet some new people. To break the ice, we brought some bottled water to hand out to them. It was also a great opportunity to invite these members of the community to a dinner that will be held at Urban City Tabernacle later this week. God opened so many doors to meet a bunch of cool people.

We are getting ready to head out into Santa Rita Park to hand out water to the homeless members of the community. More importantly, we are preparing to build relationships and spread the Gospel of Jesus and his grace and mercy to all. Lord use us as you will and bless these conversations we are about to have!

June 17, 2015 This morning we went to a park and gave out water to the homeless people, the grounds keepers, and just whoever was passing by. We revisited a homeless couple we spoke to the night before. One of the grounds keepers ran over their blanket and shredded it all up, so we bought them a new blanket that's red and white. We went to two other parks and gave out waters and talked with some people. It was really cool; some people even asked us if we would pray over them. After the parks we went to 4th Avenue and prayer walked and blessed all the neat little stores. When it came around dinner time we had pizza at Time Market. Finally at the end of the day we all went to the dog park and had a really nice worship time and meeting. This whole mission trip was a great learning experience and I'm so thankful God blessed us with the opportunity to get to know the community here in Arizona, also to get to know God better and spread his word to people. Got faith!

We have been blessed this week to have our friend Loretta help us stay nourished all week. It has been amazing to hear about her passion to feed those in need. The ministry she has here has helped thousands of not more. Thanks, Loretta!

This morning, we had the pleasure to hear from Pastor Isaac about his ministry to immigrants through his church, Fuente de Vida. He shared his vision from John 4:35, where it talks about how the fields are already ripe for harvest. We just need to trust in Jesus and simply share with others how he has changed our lives! Amen!

God has shown me how fast he can work miracles. Laura and I got lost while looking for 4th Avenue. We did circles and could not find the other group. So I thought it would be a great time to pray. Right as I finished, they pulled up! God is amazing and if you ask him he will do it. It might not happen right then but it will happen if it is in the will of God.

As we prepare for a community dinner at Urban City this evening, we are doing a deep clean of anything and everything! We want to leave this church cleaner than when we arrived. We are not only physically cleaning, but we are also preparing for the dinner by praying for those who will come tonight. Lord, give these people the courage to come tonight. We pray that they will not have excuses, but take a leap of faith and come!

Some of us were recruited to start preparing and cooking the food. Almost ready for the community dinner!

Tonight was such an amazing night filled with good food, great conversation, and even greater people. It was such a blessing to get to know the people who came for the dinner. They came as they were. It was also humbling to be able to serve them as well. God was moving tonight through each person and every conversation.

This week we saw God move through all, including our team. It has been such an amazing experience, and the Lord has shown us the relentless love he has for his people here in Tucson. We will never forget all that God has taught us and shown us through this trip. Until next time, Tucson.