The title to this page is not a sarcastic remark however we did ministry by working at the Hawaiian Gardens Way Out Ministries in Hawaiian Gardens, CA this past week. A group of 7 people came from Central Reformed Church in Sioux Center on Saturday night and joined us Sunday morning at the Way Out Ministry. We began by all having breakfast at our RV and then we attended the Gathering, as their service is called. We did our share of eating throughout the week but we were totally aware that the object of the mission was what was spelled out in bold letters on a sign that hung on the outside of the Way Out building. Way Out's mission is to show the love of Christ and how it impacts lives in spite of the fact that the people live in an area that has more then it's share of opposition to the gospel. Still the staff of Way Out are bold in sharing the gospel and in making a difference in the lives of people of all ages. As I mentioned last time they run an accredited school for grades 7-12 but the programs offered are for all ages. The positive message of the Bible is sometimes difficult for people to believe when one lives in the shadow of lawlessness so the sign is significance in that it "shouts" out to the people that God does love their city.
Barry and Tarryl Bruce started this ministry about 20 years ago. The school was started 8 years ago. The small sanctuary they have had the last few years was getting too small so a group came the week before we came and took a wall out in preparation of adding the extra room to the sanctuary and our job was to do the finishing work like mudding, sanding, painting, finish a utility room, improve a sound room, replace ceiling tiles, clean carpet and clean and clean after the dust had settled all over the place. Yes, some areas were covered with a plastic drape but sanding dust seeps in all over the place. We worked hard but it was so fulfilling to know we were making worship more accessible with the additional space and the other rooms we worked on would make preparation and maintenance more "enjoyable" because of the improvements.
The two ladies in the picture are the office staff. They not only do office work but act as nurses when students have health concerns, they welcome everyone who comes through the door with a smile and a warm welcome and they even teach some classes. Tarryl's mother, Beverly, opened her home for the Central group to stay. Her house is big and nice and has a pool in the back yard which was really welcoming to the group after a hard day's work. Beverly also taught some classes.Another family m
ember contributed by adding music to each worship service as well as going out with his band to witness in various places. Ryan, Barry's son, was the musician and sang and played the Sunday we were in their Gathering. He is the one on the right. He and his wife are both active in various other areas of the Ministry. Two daughters of Barry and Terryl are also involved in some way. Terryl is also the Principal of the school and very good at "going to bat" for those who encounter "problems" in the community.
ember contributed by adding music to each worship service as well as going out with his band to witness in various places. Ryan, Barry's son, was the musician and sang and played the Sunday we were in their Gathering. He is the one on the right. He and his wife are both active in various other areas of the Ministry. Two daughters of Barry and Terryl are also involved in some way. Terryl is also the Principal of the school and very good at "going to bat" for those who encounter "problems" in the community. The day we left Hawaiian Gardens they were setting up for a community open house called SI SE PUEDE. Wilmer and I are pictured under the sign which announced to the community the special day. Wilmer was responsible for designing and constructing the framework on which the sign hung so we took special "ownership" in it. For SI SE PUEDE they had ministry tables, entertainment areas, (does a dunking booth qualify for entertainment?) vendors such as Starbucks, facials, etc., food, free clothing, Ryan's music (can you image he was singing about Blue Suede Shoes, just our song as Dad w
ore such shoes when we got married), etc. We would have liked to stay for the entire day but we had to leave as the group from Sioux Center had a plane to catch and we had to get out of the parking lot so booths and cars could park in the parking lot. Getting out of the lot with the RV wasn't as difficult as getting parked in it a week earlier but it still drew a lot of attention. We pray the day brought lots of people and many seeds were planted in the hearts of those who attended. That, after all, was the reason for the day, for Way Out Ministries and for our being there for a week. The people were very open to us and we had opportunities to share why we wanted to be at Hawaiian Gardens for a week.
ore such shoes when we got married), etc. We would have liked to stay for the entire day but we had to leave as the group from Sioux Center had a plane to catch and we had to get out of the parking lot so booths and cars could park in the parking lot. Getting out of the lot with the RV wasn't as difficult as getting parked in it a week earlier but it still drew a lot of attention. We pray the day brought lots of people and many seeds were planted in the hearts of those who attended. That, after all, was the reason for the day, for Way Out Ministries and for our being there for a week. The people were very open to us and we had opportunities to share why we wanted to be at Hawaiian Gardens for a week. I will admit, our bodies did rebel a little because of all the physical work but it was worth it to see the smiles and kind words given to us as we left.
Today we again went to URC with Gary and then Gary, MariaElena, Andrew, Hannah and Renee came over for lunch. Andrew leaves for his Air Force training July 21 so we were really glad we had the opportunity to spend time with him.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you as you experience the joys and challenges which each day brings.
God is good, we are Blessed!
Love you all,
Mom and Dad, Wilmer and Marilyn
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