January 2019
In Matthew 25, Jesus instructs us through a parable to take care of the hungry, the thirsty, the ones needing clothes, the sick, and the ones in prison. Christianity is as much about loving our neighbor as it is about loving God, and in the past two months Santa Clara First Baptist Church has gone outside the church to reach out to others.
San Francisco Homeless Outreach Ministry
On the Sunday after Thanksgiving a group of over 30 of us gathered the clothing that had been donated or collected by church members, and took the items onto the streets of San Francisco. It was a very cold night and we were surprised how many people were on the sidewalks preparing to sleep for the night. We divided into four groups and canvased the Tenderloin / Civic Center area, providing comfort and hope to those who so often have none. We saw smiles and relief on people's faces as we asked them if they needed any warm clothing. Some who were wearing only t-shirts and jeans were quickly digging through the bags to find anything – from blankets, hats, and jackets – that would provide warmth. We also offered prayer, and many allowed us to pray for them – especially that their situation would soon get better.
Sunnyvale Community Services
Sunnyvale Community Services on Kifer Road is a place where low-income families and people with emergencies can find hope, food, and shelter when times are unexpectedly difficult. For the past six Christmas seasons, the church has helped clients of the center gather presents for their children, and food for their family Christmas dinners. We also restocked the shelves of the Holiday Center to get it ready for the next day when more clients would be coming for help. Thank you to all who came out to help with this event. We were able to bless many by a small gesture of volunteering our time. "By love serve one another." –Galatians 5:13
Bethlehem
It was amazing to see the over 200 volunteers from SCFBC and the community who came together for five nights to create the town of Bethlehem. Even with the impending rain we all worked together towards a common goal of sharing the Biblical Christmas story with our community in the most authentic way we could. And the community responded wholeheartedly, as over 18,500 guests came through the gates to find themselves in a simpler time when animals provided for people's needs, where marketplaces provided livelihoods, and Roman oppression was part of everyday life. Our Bethlehem Host Team, led by Karen Dong, made a countless number of connections with those who came to Bethlehem.
We pray that lives in our community will be changed through this simple act of kindness.