July 6 | July 7 | July 8 | July 9 | July 10 | July 11

July 6 – Travel Day Update

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to share a quick update from our first day of travel. The group met bright and early at SFO around 7:30 AM. After checking in and getting our boarding passes, there was even a little time for some of the kids to toss a ball around before we headed to our gate, grabbed some breakfast, and boarded our flight.

The flight was smooth and direct—beautiful views out the window, with just a few bumps as the captain flew around a storm. Once we landed, we picked up our rental vans (yes, it was raining!), loaded up the luggage, and made our way to First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.

We were greeted with warm smiles by Pastor Jaime, who arrived a few hours ahead of us and picked up dinner, and our wonderful hosts from Raleigh Youth Mission, Jackson and Lilly (that’s Lilly with two Ls!).

After a quick orientation, we had dinner—Chipotle and Taco Bell—then got settled in. The sleeping setup is cozy: plenty of chairs & couches with cushions which were used in addition to their sleeping mats and bags. We aimed for lights out at 10:30, but the kids were still settling in, so we finally shut everything down by 11:00 PM.

Everyone’s doing well and excited for our first full day of work today!

Please keep us—and those we’ll be serving—in your thoughts and prayers.
More updates to come! Alex

July 7 – Service Day ONE

The team woke up, had a good breakfast, and packed their lunches for the day. Everyone pitched in for morning chores, including tidying up the dining area. We then split into two groups, each paired with one of our amazing hosts from Raleigh Youth Mission (RYM).
Group 1 rode with Cynthia and Jaime
Group 2 rode with Marty and Alex
Everyone was in great spirits!

Group 1 Summary by Jaime – Oak City Cares and North Raleigh Ministries
Today, the youth in our group went to Oak City Cares and a local thrift store founded by North Raleigh Ministries.  Oak City Cares began more than 10 years ago as an answer to better serve the growing population of people who are homeless in Raleigh, North Carolina (Wake County).   Over the past five years, they have seen the population of homeless people surge and they provide services for more than 6,000 people each year.  They provide services for basic needs such as toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, diapers, etc.) and provide laundry and shower services in addition to wrap around services like mental health services, primary care services, legal and job services, and support for victims of domestic violence.  The youth cleaned the facilities, sorted toiletries, and perhaps most importantly, learned about people’s stories to better understand the root causes of homelessness.  The youth served with compassion and understanding.

In the afternoon, we served at North Raleigh Ministries.  Their vision is we believe God desires for everyone to thrive.  Their mission is to equip families and individuals in crisis with the resources and skills they need to achieve stability.  The youth helped beautify the store, set up displays and sorted an incredible amount of clothing and put it out on the thrift shop stores.  They interacted with guests and supported the existing volunteers. It was a wonderful day of service together!

Group 2 Summary by Alex – First Baptist Church and St. John’s Shelter
One of the most inspiring things we learned today is how several churches in downtown Raleigh have come together in unity to serve their community—not in competition, but in collaboration. Rather than duplicating efforts, each denomination (Baptist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Catholic, etc.) focuses on one specific ministry, and all churches support it. For example, one church runs a clothing ministry, another provides adult day care, another handles food distribution, and another offers financial assistance. It was powerful to see this kind of intentional cooperation in action.

Our group visited First Baptist Church, which runs a Clothing Closet/Store for individuals experiencing homelessness. Community members can come and “shop” for clothing—entirely free of charge. We were welcomed by Sabrina, the ministry coordinator, who shared the story behind the work they do. The entire operation was beautifully organized and full of dignity and grace. Just like a retail store, it had clearly labeled sections for men, women, teens, and kids, with clothes and shoes neatly sorted by type, size, and color. Our team jumped in to help guests in choosing clothing, offering feedback and support, carrying baskets, helping with checkout and restocking and organizing the racks. After wrapping up our shift, we walked back to the church where we’re staying, had lunch, and got ready for the afternoon site.

In the afternoon, we served at St. John’s Church, which has taken a bold and compassionate step: when attendance dwindled, the church decided to downsize its worship space and convert the sanctuary into a shelter for people experiencing homelessness. The shelter has around 100 beds, and we helped set them up with blankets and towels. We also helped clean up the grounds and picked up trash around the church. One meaningful thing we learned was about the “White Flag” system—when temperatures drop below 35°F, the city issues a White Flag alert, and shelters like this one open extra beds so people have a warm and safe place to sleep.

After both groups wrapped up their service projects for the day, we returned to our home base and enjoyed a couple of hours of much-needed downtime. Some took showers, others played in the huge gym at the church, and a few relaxed with a game of Spicy Uno—a trip favorite! A handful even snuck in a quick nap to recharge. Our youth also stepped up in a big way to help cook a delicious dinner: pasta with both meat and marinara sauces, bread, green beans, and salad.

Later in the evening, our Raleigh Youth Mission (RYM) hosts led us in a thoughtful and fun program. We played a few interactive games that sparked powerful conversations about income inequality and the ways it affects people’s access to basic needs.

We closed the evening with a reflection on 1 Timothy 6:6–11, a passage that challenges us to find contentment beyond material things and to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

After the program, we had popsicles, downtime and then lights out around 10.

It’s been a full and humbling day. The team is working hard, learning a lot, and truly making a difference. Thank you for keeping us—and the people we’re serving—in your thoughts and prayers. More updates to come!

July 8 – Service Day Two

Even after a full day of work yesterday, the team woke up with high energy and great attitudes, ready to take on Day 2! After breakfast, packing lunches, and knocking out our morning chores, both teams were geared up and excited to head back out and serve. The enthusiasm is strong, and it’s amazing to see how well everyone is working together.

Group 1 summary by Jamie – First Baptist Church of Raleigh and Lions Food Bank of Raleigh

The youth served at First Baptist Church of Raleigh in their free thrift store. The students enjoyed the time they served alongside two long-time volunteers and members of First Baptist Church. They enjoyed their stories and getting to learn more about the area and all the joys and challenges of living in Raleigh. They learned more about poverty in this community and the working poor, meaning people with one or more jobs who still cannot make ends meet. They learned about the day-to-day conditions of living in poverty in Raleigh and shared how hard it must be to live in such a hot and humid place without shelter. The youth sorted and cleaned more than 400 pairs of shoes and sorted thousands of pieces of clothing. The thrift store is free for all people, and they shared the care they took with each client and how they build relationships with those they serve. The church has been leading this ministry for more than 10 years. It was a place with a special heart for God and people.

The afternoon was spent serving at the Lions Food Bank of Raleigh, the 7th largest food bank in the United States. We had the opportunity to see the beautiful garden where they produce vegetables like white potatoes and sweet potatoes, to name a few. The students made over 500 senior boxes in a very cozy and warm warehouse. The senior boxes are delivered monthly and have an assortment of cereal, pasta, canned vegetables and beans, canned meats and milk. It was hard and rewarding work. It has been eye opening for the youth to see food insecurity and what it means in another city across the country from California.

Group 2 summary by Alex -Farm Church and Moore Square Park

Our group headed to Farm Church, a truly unique and non-traditional church here in Raleigh. The church was gifted a corner plot of land that couldn’t be built on (due to overhead power lines), and instead of seeing limitations, the founder saw opportunity—transforming it into a community garden and gathering space.

We were welcomed by Margie, who shared the church’s story and how they use the land to connect people, meet community needs, and care for the earth. Our team broke into smaller groups for different tasks: One group relocated flowering plants to better organize the garden beds, another pulled weeds from flower and vegetable beds and the others spread mulch using shovels and wheelbarrows. We also learned about a technique called lasagna planting, where layers of cardboard, mulch, and compost are used to prevent weeds naturally. The garden is thoughtfully planted—with black-eyed Susans and marigolds to attract pollinators, and crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and even heritage seeds from Palestine that serve the needs of the local community. Though the heat and humidity were intense, it felt grounding and meaningful to work with our hands and contribute to something lasting.

After lunch, we loaded up coolers with cold water and popsicles, grabbed a cornhole set and soccer ball, and walked to Moore Square Park, located near the main bus terminal in Raleigh. The day was hot and sticky, and many people in the park—including those experiencing homelessness—were incredibly grateful for a cold drink and a friendly game. It was a simple act, but it meant a lot.

Once we got back to the church, everyone had some downtime—showers, naps, card games, basketball—before helping with dinner prep. Tonight’s menu: mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, and some delicious fried chicken brought in by our hosts.

The RYM evening program was especially fun and thought-provoking: we split into teams for four escape-room-style challenges designed to help us better understand issues of justice and inequality. It sparked great conversations and team bonding.

We capped off the night with a group walk to Insomnia Cookies, where our youth director Cynthia treated us to warm cookies and ice cream—well deserved after another meaningful day.

Thank you for continuing to keep us—and those we’re serving—in your prayers. We have one more workday and one educational day left, and we’re soaking up every moment.

July 9 – Service DAy THREE

We started Day Three with our usual morning routine—breakfast, packed lunches, and chores—and set out ready to serve with energy and purpose.

Both groups served together in the morning at the Diaper Bank of North Carolina. We were welcomed by Madison, the Chief Administrative Officer, who explained the critical role diapers and menstrual products play in the lives of families.

She shared a powerful message: When parents can’t afford enough diapers, they often can’t leave their child at daycare—meaning they may not be able to go to work or school. It creates a ripple effect. The Diaper Bank removes barriers by providing free supplies—no eligibility requirements, no red tape—just compassion and practical help.

Our mission? Repackage diapers from their original boxes into sets of 10, using saran wrap to make them easy to distribute. Our team got to work and packed an incredible 9,936 diapers in under two and a half hours! Everyone stayed focused, worked efficiently, and took real pride in the impact they were making.

After lunch, the team split up again for the afternoon:

Group 1 – Moore Square Park
This group visited Moore Square Park, a central gathering place for people experiencing homelessness in downtown Raleigh. With temperatures soaring and a heat advisory in effect, many people were seeking shade and relief. Our youth stepped in with heart: handing out water, popsicles, and deodorant, connecting with individuals with kindness and compassion. Their smiles, conversations, and willingness to simply be present made a difference. It was a powerful reminder of how ministry doesn’t always look like a sermon—it can be as simple as showing up, listening, and offering comfort.

Group 2 – North Raleigh Ministries Thrift Store
This group went to a local thrift store operated by North Raleigh Ministries. The team helped organize the huge store by removing empty hangers from the rack, pick up items off the floor, organize shelves and move misplaced items to their right place and made the store more welcoming to the shoppers. Our host, Joy, spoke about how this thrift store is a lifeline for many, offering affordable clothing and household goods. The proceeds from the thrift store go towards a food bank directly supporting those facing food insecurity.

After returning to base, everyone enjoyed some well-earned downtime—showers, games, naps, and just relaxing together. Dinner was pizza, followed by another thoughtful and interactive RYM evening program, including an energizer game and discussions on how systems and rules can be shaped to reduce inequality and inequity.

And to top off the night—we celebrated Hawken’s birthday with ice cream cake and lots of laughter. Lights were out after 11 PM since we have a later start tomorrow for our educational day.

We’re so proud of this group’s hard work, heart, and humility.

Please continue to keep us—and the people we serve—in your prayers as we head into another meaningful day.

July 10 – Day Four Education/Recreation

After three impactful days of service, we shifted gears today for an educational and recreational day—and it was a great mix of learning, exploring, and unwinding together as a team.

Morning: Walking Tour of Downtown Raleigh

We began our day with our usual morning routine and then headed out on foot for a guided walking tour of downtown Raleigh led by our amazing RYM host, Jackson (aka JJ).

JJ shared an insightful and powerful history of the city, stretching back centuries. He spoke openly about how racism, gentrification, and systemic inequities have shaped the Raleigh we see today. We walked down what was once known as “Black Main Street,” and saw sidewalk markers that honored the vibrant Black-owned businesses that once stood there before gentrification changed the area.

Our walk also included stops at Moore Square Park, The Governor’s Mansion, The State Legislature buildings and the Old Capitol Building. At each stop, JJ connected history to the present—sharing stories of activism that led to real change, like a protest against rent hikes that threatened to displace low-income residents. That protest eventually led to the Governor vetoing the bill, directly referencing the voices raised outside his mansion. We also talked about the significance of statues—those still standing and those that have been removed—and how symbols of the past continue to impact public spaces and communities.

Afternoon: A Change in Plans (and Milkshakes!)

After the tour, we returned to the church, loaded up the vans, and headed to a local aquatic center for some well-deserved pool time. But it turned out to be very crowded, with a multi-hour wait. So we pivoted! We made a quick stop at Cook Out for their famous milkshakes—which were a big hit with most of the group—and then decided to catch a movie instead. We saw the new Superman movie, and everyone had a great time just relaxing and enjoying the show together.

Evening: Bowling, Arcade Games & Pasta Night

After the movie, we kept the fun going with a visit to a bowling alley, where we had pasta and salad for dinner, played arcade games, and of course—bowled a few rounds. It was the perfect way to unwind and celebrate everything we’ve experienced this week.

We returned to the church after 9 PM, had a thoughtful discussion using prompts from our RYM hosts, and then wrapped up the night with our usual downtime activities before heading to bed. Tomorrow is our final day in Raleigh—another educational experience in the morning followed by travel back to the Bay Area. Hard to believe the week is coming to a close!

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. This group has grown in so many ways, and we can’t wait to share more stories when we’re back home.

July 11 DAY FIVE -Travel/Education

For our final day in Raleigh, we started with breakfast, morning chores, and packing—but also took time to thoroughly clean every space we had used at the host church. From the bathrooms to the common areas to the sleeping rooms, the kids took real ownership and made sure we left the space better than we found it. They did a fantastic job!

Closing Worship & Reflection
Before heading out, our wonderful RYM hosts, JJ and Lilly, led us in a closing worship and debrief session in the chapel. We reflected on the week’s experiences—how they impacted us, what we learned, and most importantly, what we feel called to do moving forward. It was a meaningful and personal time of sharing, and the group came up with some honest and actionable ideas for how to continue making a difference back home.

Lunch at ‘A Place at the Table’
We then had lunch at a remarkable pay-what-you-can restaurant called “A Place at the Table.” This community café allows guests to pay what they can—or even work in exchange for a meal. While the menu includes standard prices, patrons are welcome to pay less or more based on their ability. Our group (LOPC) paid full price, and everyone appreciated both the mission and the meal—with the crowd favorite being the Hot Honey Chicken Sammie! The food was excellent, and the experience was incredibly eye-opening. There’s even a documentary about the restaurant, and we highly recommend checking it out.

Exploring the Museum of Natural Sciences
After lunch, we visited the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, an impressive four-story museum filled with exhibits on nature, science, and history. From fossils to live animals to exhibits on climate and biodiversity, there was plenty to explore and enjoy before heading out.

Heading Home – Full Hearts & Big Dreams
We made our way back to the church, loaded up the vans, filled up with gas, and returned the vehicles before heading to the airport. After a smooth and uneventful flight, we landed at SFO and each went our separate ways—tired, joyful, and filled with memories from an unforgettable week. Throughout the trip, our group served with compassion and curiosity—volunteering at a free clothing store, community garden, homeless outreach in parks, diaper bank, thrift store, and food bank. These experiences left a lasting mark, not just on the people we served, but on all of us. Our hearts are full, but also feel the burden and responsibility to do more.

Parents, we encourage you to talk with your kids about the week. Ask what stood out, what moved them, and how they want to take what they learned and make a difference back home. Your support will help keep their momentum going.

Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, and trust.
This week was transformational—and it’s only the beginning.

God Bless!