"This trip has honestly changed my life. It was an absolute national disaster relief, working alongside the US army corps. I felt like I was in the army (haha), but the “Salvation Army” because we weren’t just helping homeowners and families, but also praying for them, showing them the love of Jesus in a tangible way.

 

We were able to help bring homeowners closure (like a funeral service for their home) as we looked for items they’re looking for amongst all the rubble (ie. rings, gold, sentimental items, guns).

 

At the end we surprised them with a gift card and a specialized Billy Graham Samaritan's Purse Bible signed by each of us with a message, and then pray over them as a team.

 

We were meeting regular people like you and me, losing everything, walking on a 3 story house with pool and hot tub now complete rubble and ash. They basically fled for their lives and didn't take anything because they didn’t think their house would burn.

 

I’ll never forget Sarah, a young homeowner who was very funny. Her husband passed away 2 years ago and they have 4 kids. She now has to deal with this.

 

Or at our very first home, the atheist Jewish homeowner didn’t want the Bible, but after hearing we all signed it for him, he took it.

 

Our last homeowner, Debbie, a sweet elderly woman had no clothes. The ones she was wearing were donated by the Dodgers baseball team. She was a Christian and said “I’m hanging onto Jesus because he’s all I got left!” (So true. Despite all that she was going through, she ended up praying for us! This deeply touched our team.

 

Over this week 8 homeowners got saved and accepted Jesus. Even on our way back, our Uber driver asked for a Bible, since he’s Catholic and never read one. We were able to give him one of ours, along with the “Steps to Peace…” salvation (booklet) and pray for him and the recent loss of his mother.

 

My love for people has grown so much after this trip, and my desire to serve God, pray for people and share Jesus’ love with them, no matter how small.

 

I’ve learned so much about ministry that I never knew, like how important it is to constantly be challenged (get out of our comfort zone) and grow, it’s all about the journey not the destination, how God reveals our purpose step-bystep as we walk out in faith and obedience, to use whatever tools you have, and how do deal with compassion fatigue.

 

I met so many amazing Christians, missionaries, new Spiritual mentors and tons of new friends. I’ve laughed and cried, been poured into and prayed over so many times.

 

I have a whole new view on life and you really realize that all that matters is faith and relationships, not the things you own. I’m so grateful to Samaritan's Purse, CCOB and the Calvary Relief team - all the different ministries they support, they truly are bringing the Kingdom of God in ways we’d never imagine.

 

Now I can’t wait to apply all the things I’ve learned and experienced to serve those around me!"