Distribution of more than 2,000 items of clothing, 200 sack lunches and 500-plus hygiene kits, health screening, skits, music and literature distribution all combined to make "Tell The World: Your Community Matters" a historic event. For the first time, 500 senior youth and young adults from around the Southern California Conference came together in Los Angeles' MacArthur Park to minister through service to the community. Joining with them were ministry leadership teams from La Sierra University and health professionals from Loma Linda University.
"This experience reminded youth and young adults that we are here to bless the communities surrounding our churches," remarked Pastor Ron Pollard, chairman of the SCC Senior Youth and Young Adults Committee and youth coordinator for the Greater Los Angeles Region. "God's Spirit was definitely present as young people from near and far witnessed by selflessly giving their time to help those in need. It was a chance to show the community that all people can do the Lord's work together."
The Drum Corps of the Tamarind Avenue church added an attention-getting note to the extraordinary day, drawing positive reactions to the enthusiastic young people providing services. Dressed in black and orange, the drum corps paraded throughout the park, showcasing the talent with which God has blessed them. "I am happy to reach out to people with my ministry of playing the drums," said corps member Paul Bufford.
More rewarding than putting on the puppet shows, performing music or acting in skits, many young adults said they were touched personally by the people in the park. "The people here have motivated me to do better in school," acknowledged Wendy Ochola.
For some, the day was an encouragement to get out and help their own communities. Will Williams and TJ Anderson said the experience in the park inspired them to help stop gang violence. After the eye-opening experience at MacArthur Park, "I feel empowered to get the message out about the blood Jesus Christ has shed for everyone," TJ said.
