An Update from Stephen!

 We (Stephen's parents and sister) got to visit Stephen and hear how he and his five teammates are doing in East Hollywood. Here are a few updates:

• They are all doing great! Living on $5 per day (per person) has been easier than they thought. In fact, they decided to give some of the money that they would spend on food to support local initiatives in the community.
• Everyday, the team has been going to LA Community College to help out with an Intervarsity Christian Club there. Stephen said he has had quite a few meaningful conversations with students and he and his team have helped host a few events for students as well. 
• This week is the start of a 2-week Science-themed "camp" for kids in the local community. The team has been working hard to create their own program, including one of the teammates writing original songs, and planning fun games and activities (hence the smiley donut pinata in the pic below will be one fun part of the program).
• They are learning from community members who are committed to loving their neighbors and demonstrating God's love to others. Stephen and his team are partnering with people who run a church that doesn't have a physical building but meets in parks instead. This enables this church to use funds that would otherwise go to paying for facilities to be used for the events they hold and to pay for community meals. 
• The team has been relying on God's provision for energy, creativity, and growing in their faith.

THANKS for your prayers and letters of encouragement. Stephen appreciates it. :) 

                                 

PRAYER POINTS:

• Praise God that they are doing well, and have had some great connections with students and families in their community. 
• Please pray that they would have lots of energy this week as they run the kids' camp the next two weeks as well as with their volunteering at LA Community College.
• Please pray that they would each continue to grow in their relationship with God and with each other and that they can serve and love others out of the overflow of experiencing God's love for them.