The South of Market Area had an early harvest this year and God sent the workers. We had twelve different churches and colleges join us this spring. They came from as far away as Oregon and as close as Daly City (8 miles). Their communities were as urban as the school of Berkeley and so rural the population was a little over 200. No matter how diverse God used each of them to minister just where he needed them. They held the hand of the elderly and little child. They ate at an ethnic restaurant during their free time or sitting on the sidewalk sharing their lunch with someone who didn’t have any. They joined us at church  praising God for changed lives as we celebrated numerous baptisms. It was a good time as people from all tribes and nations gave glory to our heavenly Father.

We have many teams returning this spring to work with us. Two of the colleges that have come for some time now are Westmont College from Santa Barbara, CA and Warner Pacific from Portland, OR. Both of these teams always plan a great week and minster throughout the city sharing the Gospel message with a great amount of love. The Social Work Graduates came from Anderson, IN to get some inner-city experience before heading off to their jobs. The professors that were with them were returning for the third time. A new high school group came last year from Costa Mesa and will be returning again this spring. It is always such a blessing for us to see familiar faces and old friends.

I remember when Mike was looking for a word to describe the ministry here in San Francisco and he came upon the word “outpost”. We were praying about what we could do to bring more help to the city, as the need here was so great. Webster’s definition talked about a security detachment sent to an outlying frontier to secure it from the enemy. That’s what we are doing.

This last year we served many of God’s children both young and old. Again we emptied ourselves through serving or sorting food, handing out socks, doing yard work for seniors, playing with kids and praying with people. God blessed us as missions groups came from all over the U.S. to work alongside us through this ministry. They held up our arms as Aaron did for Moses when we were too tired to do it anymore. The missionaries that come through SFMO make it possible for us to keep going and see the difference long-term.

We get to watch as a person walks through the door looking at the floor. Then each time we are allowed to minister to them their head is held a little higher until they are looking up, raising their hands and praising God for what He has done in their life. This is the blessing!