Jolene Lima (9) – Today was my first time ever visiting Knotts. I’m not a very big rollercoaster person but I could feel the love and support of God through my friends. They noticed I was nervous and scared to get on some rides, so they comforted me and showed me love. I really saw God through their comforting words and actions. I am so blessed for my friends and the love of Christ they showed today making my first time at Knotts a very fun experience!

Maximus Gerges (9) – Even though we went to Knott’s, not a place like a food drive, clinic, or VBS, we can still have God with us. While it may be harder because the thing you are doing isn’t always 100% Jesus, it is still possible by keeping him in your thoughts, and having a mindset around him. Maybe for you that’s being optimistic. Like if you got soaked on a ride, at least your not hot, if your food fell, at least you got some in your mouth, and while walking out of nowhere, your glasses broke, at least you can still see, just know it could be worse, and remember if you see someone alone or struggling, even in places of happiness, maybe bring some joy to them, and invite them on  your rides. 

Leah Silva (9) – Today the Local Missions Team had a really fun experience at Knotts Berry Farm. We rode on a different variation of rides, starting from scary rides, to little kid rides. I would have to say that my favorite ride was Ghost Rider. Through this experience, I would say that God impacted my trip by providing me with protection through the rides and keeping me safe. Overall, I really enjoyed Knotts Berry Farm and I would do it again 100%.

Sammy Sandoval (9) – Today was great and awesome! I got to enjoy Knotts berry farm with my friends and grew closer to them. It brought me great joy to share new experiences with others and do it together. I had my own personal experience with God because some of my friends really wanted some food, but they had no money. I remembered that the Bible says to give to all those who ask, and so I used some of my money. Even though it was small, I felt God reminding me to give when asked for.

Autumn Blackburn (11) – Today was very fun at Knotts Berry Farm. All of us went on rides, especially Ghost Rider and Silver Bullet. We had a great time with friends and rode the roller coasters together. It was fun seeing everybody around the park and asking what rides they went on. I saw God through all of us being safe throughout the day and healthy since it was extremely hot

Chase Christian-Williams (11) – Today we walked around putting post cards on houses inviting them for an Easter party and we prayed over a couple of people that we saw while walking around. We then went to the new property they bought and prayed over it and then came back to the school. I think I saw God while praying over the people.

Brayden Unzueta (9) – Today we got to go to the Dream Center and help out Jill and pass around fliers for an Easter celebration. When we were passing out the fliers, we were praying over the houses. One thing that stood out to me was when Joey said prayer changes things and since we prayed over the homes, I really hoped that since we prayed, they would come to the Easter celebration. I had a fun time giving out fliers and helping clean Jill’s house. I learned that I should be grateful for what I have and pray for the less fortunate so that they have God in their life.

Onai Baselius (11) – Today was day 4 of our missions for the local team! We were split into teams. Some of us went to the Dream Center in Lake Elsinore, some went to the food pantry, and some people went to Jill’s house to help her clean out her yard. My team was passing out cards for the Dream Center’s Easter event in the neighborhood. It was a pretty hot day today; the sun was really coming down on us the whole time. As we walked around going house to house, dogs kept barking at us from behind fences, which made some people a little stressed but also kind of funny sometimes. We were all pretty tired and sweaty, but we kept going and handing out cards. Even though it wasn’t the easiest day, it was actually fun getting to do it together and knowing we were working toward something important. I feel like I felt God working through us because maybe someone sees the flyer and goes down to the Dream Center, and it changes their perspective on God. I really hope we helped people and sent a message with the flyers we were passing out.

Karla Garcia (9) – I went to clean Jill’s house, and her backyard was full of trees and junk. So we all picked up all the trash and started clearing the area, and as we all worked the yard slowly began to look better. We all made sure everything was neat and organized, and by the time we finished Jill’s house her house looked completely different.

Mo Li (11) – Today on our mission trip, we went to the Dream Center and had the opportunity to serve by helping clean up an elderly lady’s backyard. At first, the yard was overgrown with weeds and clutter and full of all kinds of garbage such as car parts, but as we worked together we were able to make a big difference. It was getting super hot but it felt really meaningful to know that something as simple as cleaning could help improve her daily life. The woman was very thankful, and seeing her reaction made all the hard work worth it. This experience reminded me that serving others doesn’t always require something big, small acts of kindness can also have a huge impact. All in all, it was a great day that helped me grow and appreciate the importance of helping those in need.

Maddox Hernaez – Today I went to Jill’s house and helped clean up her yard. I was raking leaves, throwing plants and trees into the trash, and throwing away a lot of waste from the yard. Even though it was manual labor, it was definitely a blessing to help her out and knowing that it was for a good purpose. I felt like God definitely blessed Jill and for us as well. I loved helping her out and emotions definitely showed on how much she appreciated it. Overall, I enjoyed today, and many other learners were happy as well to help out Jill.

Dylan Chaires (9) – I was on the food pantry team on day 4 and it was a great experience. Me, Walker and Wyatt were delivering carts full of food to cars pulling up to the pantry. Serving these people and seeing how thankful they were was truly a blessing. Serving at this location showed me how God was using me and the pantry to help these people and spread His word to others. I am thankful that I was able to serve here and spread the light of God.

Emily Habashy (9) – On Thursday, 9 learners got the opportunity to help out at a food pantry! When the learners got there, they were divided into groups. 3 learners went to pack hygiene bags, 4 learners got sent to pack food packages, and 2 learners went to give the food packages to cars outside. Even though people were assigned things to do at the start of the day, everyone helped everywhere. Whether it was switching positions, or just helping out around the facility, everyone helped.

Craig Allen (10) – Today was such a joyful and full day during our mission trip! I had the opportunity to serve on the game team for our VBS day with the kindergarteners, and it was amazing to see how excited and energetic they all were. We spent our time leading games and interacting with the kids, who brought so much happiness and enthusiasm to every activity. One of the most special moments was seeing a few brave students step forward to pray, which was really meaningful to witness at that age with the crowd they faced. Although it was definitely a tiring day, I felt so grateful to be part of it.

Victoria Zuidema (9) – Today I was at the game station which was for the Vacation Bible school for Kindergarten and Pre K classes. We stayed in the building and played games. The games included red light green light, Duck Duck Goose, Sharks and Minnows, and freeze tag. I had such a fun time with the kids and my friends all helping out and having a good time with everyone. I feel like God moved so much in making sure everyone had a good time, but especially in growing our relationships with the little kids. It can be hard to have relationships with the kids because we often aren’t with them so it is good to connect with them.

Joseph Ji (9) – I was in the Packing House at CCHS today and was helping at the snack station in Lab 2. Today we did VBS for the little kids and I was at the snack station talking to them and getting to know some of them. We had Goldfish, Caprisun, and coloring pages for them to do, and there were Veggietales playing on the screen as well.  I saw God working when I saw that they were having a good time and seemed to enjoy the different stations like the games, and storytelling stations. The kids also seemed to enjoy watching Veggietales and asked about what they were doing in the show.

Katie Herreras (9) – For our third day of missions, we had the opportunity to host a VBS at our school for TK and kindergartners! I was a part of the story and song team and it was so much fun! We danced and sang with the little kids. We also performed a fun skit that taught them that only Jesus will satisfy us. Something that stood out to me was a little kindergartner girl who was so joyful and really jamming out to the songs. Me seeing her smile and her happiness helped me keep going and dancing even though I was tired. It’s so cool seeing how God works through people to help other people! 

Samantha Villegas (9) – On Wednesday, it was VBS day for missions week, which means we stayed on campus for the day! I was a part of the “Story & Song” section of the rotation for the day. I was given the opportunity to lead worship songs and perform a biblical skit, alongside other amazing learners, for the little kids this day. I saw God working in the hearts of those who were engaged with the songs and skit by helping them remember that only Jesus can satisfy us. Overall, it was a super fun day, and I was lucky to be able to spend it with these amazing kids and help deepen their relationship with Christ.

Kallie Olson (11) – Today we stayed at CCHS for VBS with the Crossroads learners (TK and Kinder). I was on the crafts team as one of the leads and I had so much fun and I got to help the other teams out as well. It was a really cool opportunity to not only be able to put together a craft with the team but also get to shower the kids love and they loved it. I got to watch some of my classmates and schoolmates go out of their comfort zones and it was so wholesome to see a different side of them. It was also really rewarding to be able to bring joy to the kids and also have the kids bring joy to us!

Livianna Costello (10) – Within the past couple of days, I’ve seen God move in many ways. When serving at Studio 6, I saw many people come that were anxious and scared, and throughout the day saw that fear change from anxiety to joy for God. I saw hope restored in them, and the change in emotion for them made a huge difference in not only their day but for us. It was a really beautiful experience to also help them eat and have basic necessities, some of which they didn’t have previously. To be able to provide and serve in all ways possible was just a really cool experience overall.

Hazel Cruz (9) – On day 2, I was blessed to have the opportunity to help the people living in Studio 6. I provided meals and set up the donations for them. I also held conversations and was met with plenty of kindness. I was able to see God working through the people around me. When they told me their stories, they shared how much progress they were able to make through their struggles.

Elijah West (9) – Today, I worked on grilling and picking up trash around Studio 6. I had a great time and got a little tan in the process. I saw God show up today by seeing how the different grades interacted with one another.  It was a huge blessing to see people get together and talk and work while supporting the Lord and having a good time.  The Lord revealed to me that I could interact with everyone without really knowing them or seeing them often.

Christian Oeser (9) – During my local mission experience I had the opportunity to serve others and reflect on where God was present. One thing that stood out to me was going door to door with my friends to invite people to receive food, which showed me the importance of kindness and courage. I saw God moving through the teamwork and care that everyone showed while preparing and serving food to those who were struggling. This mission experience taught me that even small acts of service can make a big difference in someone’s life. I felt a strong sense of joy and purpose and I believe God was encouraging me through this experience.

Jayden Edington (9) – Today we went to a motel and made food for the people there. We gave them hygiene supplies and played with the children. We were able to make a lot of people happy and help them in their time of need. This connects to God because we are helping those in need like he did with us in the past. We are giving to those less fortunate and giving them something that could be a miracle and make their life better. We were able to do God’s work by serving both believers and non believers.

Soren Vance (9) – Today was a fun day. I liked going to a place that I never thought could be a place to represent God. Helping the people makes me feel good because I can see how these people could be struggling, but what we did made their day much better. I feel like God used me in a great way today and showed me that serving can be beneficial to more than who you’re directly serving but yourself as well. I’m excited for the rest of the week and to see what God has in store for me to learn.

Bo Gomez (9) – Today we went to the Zoi Center and helped write cards and package gifts for mothers in need.We got to school by 8 and left around 9, we got to the Zoi center around 9am and started to set up.For my other half of the time I washed cars and took a tour of the place. During lunch time we had sandwiches and finished washing cars. After that we backed up and went back to the CCHS.

Matthew Loudenback (9) – For today, we helped people by washing their cars and making mother’s day cards. God helped us by encouraging us to keep going. It was fun washing everybody’s cars. And we made mothers day cards for women that were a part of a clinic. There was a girl named Jordan that also showed us around on a tour. She was very nice.

LJ Ontiveros (11) –  Today I helped at the Zoi Pregnancy Clinic, washing cars for the clients that attended the program regularly. I mostly helped outside with the cars and I tried my best to stay busy nonstop, I probably had like ten minutes max of not doing something. One way I saw God show up today was when we thought there wouldn’t be many people showing up because only two cars came at first, but we ended up being backed up with a line of cars to wash and vacuum. I think my highlight of today was definitely getting to talk to one of the families and play with their beautiful baby girl Ruby, after the long day of work it was a much needed break. I would say today was a success and it went smoothly. I think it really made me feel blessed to be able to help those families in any way possible. Overall, even though it was really hard work today, and VERY hot and tiring, I’m glad I was able to help and very thankful to have been a part of that team today.

Adalynn Pendleton (9) – On day one of missions, I went to a church and helped clean up the outside of it. We picked up pine cones, cleaned up trees and bushes. Also, we listened to music and talked while cleaning. I saw God working in many different ways. I saw Him help grow relationships within friends and people that haven’t talked before.

Alyson Blackburn (9) – My experience was great but a lot of hard work. It was fun talking to people that I don’t talk to everyday and getting to hang out somewhere without constant learning. It was hard dealing with the heat and the bugs but the transformation that I saw after was worth it. It looked like a different yard after, even though we didn’t finish, the difference it made was amazing. We were able to fill about 50 bags full to the brim of leaves, weeds, sticks, and even bugs. The leaders were so funny and are amazing people to hang out with. Overall I had a great time!

Hannah Johnson (9) –    Today, the local missions team was split up into 3 different teams to serve in different ways around Corona. One team went to a local church to help clean up their campus and both of the other teams went to senior centers to socialize with the residents. All 3 of these teams were each unique experiences and presented different opportunities to serve locally. At the Corona Post Acute, a senior citizen residency where I served, we helped assemble and paint planters in the garden. This made a huge impact on the residents there and they were very grateful that we could help their garden feel more lively. Serving today allowed me to see how God is working in my life and how He is presenting opportunities for me to provide for people in my community. Being able to serve at the Corona Post Acute today was an incredible experience because it allowed us to see the positive impact that our service and missionary work has on our community. 

Kaitlin Ngo (9) – To start off our first day on local missions which began at 8:30am, everyone was sorted into groups who would be going to three different locations: two elderly care facilities and one church. After that, the entire team joined together outside in a circle to be prayed upon by Jaylene and Katie before going onto the buses. 

The team that I was on went to the Corona Post Acute Center. During my time there, I mainly worked by sanding and painting garden planters in an outdoor area with some other team members. On the other hand, many people began their time serving by playing games and talking with the residents of the facility. Others outside worked on repairing other planters which would later be painted as well. While working on the planters and paint he ing them a sky blue, one of the residents who was outside evidently had great music taste as he played some rock songs which were very motivating. Some people outside were also playing what appeared to be an intense Uno game. Near the end of our remaining time, everyone collaborated together to complete the final planters!

Rohan Gowda (11) – The first day of Local Missions was centered around helping the elderly. The team that I was split off into were sent to a nursing home where we interacted with the elderly people there, and even helped refurbish some planters they had out back. I enjoyed conversing with these people. (And that’s not just because I’m so charismatic and humble) One of the people I remember chatting with was named Tony, a few of us played some Uno with him as he played some rock music. I was surprised at how funny he was! It seemed there never was a dull moment with him, even in a place many would consider uneventful. To put it simply, I loved my time there, and I actually ended up having more fun than I thought. The first day of Local Missions reminds us to go out and interact with people we normally never would, who knows, you might learn a thing or two.

Andre Haskett (9) – Today we went to senior apartments and talked to them. We played games with the seniors and cleaned up around the area and the windows. We were able to make a lot of people happy and have fun with them. God was present during this time as we knew what we had to say and do to help those who felt lonely and sad. We were able to make people happy and many of the people blessed us and felt fulfilled by us being there and spending time with them.

Jaylene Vera (12)  – Today I had the opportunity to serve at one of the senior centers. God was definitely moving, because everyone on the team was always looking for something to do! I was able to help get the team to set up the Easter basket station as well as tables with puzzles, games, and nail polish to paint some nails! All of the residences were just so thrilled that we had come and set up all the activities for them. There was a lovely lady who needed help completing a puzzle, so I sat with her and her nurse to give them a hand. As we completed the puzzle, I found out that she had brain surgery recently, and the puzzle was to help her exercise her brain. It was definitely the Holy Spirit that put me there because I hadn’t realized she had gotten surgery, I just saw that she could use some help and felt led to make my way over. It was definitely so spiritually fulfilling to help out everyone there and to make a difference even if it was just for a day. 🙂