Written by Morena Aviles, first-year RED (Restoring and Equipping Disciples) student
What I experienced on our missions trip to Oakland was something I’ve never experienced before. The people I spoke with and the things I saw changed the way I perceive the world. The Lord showed me the hearts of the tender and sweet, but also those who are bitter in heart and thought. God also showed me my gifts and my worth. I’m privileged to not only have the opportunity to explain my experience, but to also show others the beauty of God and how He works in ways we can’t imagine.
Our first day in Oakland was my favorite day because of how much God moved in me in just 24 hours. We served with San Francisco City Impact, where we were each designated areas to help serve within their ministry. I was assigned to not only help serve meals to the homeless, but to also have conversations with them. One person I met was a sweet, humble man who needed prayer for a job. I was able to pray for his life and his future job. Afterwards he said to me, “I know I will never see you again but I’ll remember you.” In this first day God showed our team how to walk humbly before Him as His children, capable of making a difference for God and in the lives of others through simple things like serving a meal.
Later on we participated in a “justice-prayer walk” with Because Justice Matters, where we went around different parts of the city to pray for brothels disguised as massage parlors. Although my group got a little lost through the confusing streets of San Francisco, we were able to pray for one location where we could feel the coldness and fear behind the walls. As I prayed, I couldn't bear the thought of someone in that place—at the same moment—hurting inside while being unjustly forced to “work.” Later as our group talked about it, I felt the Lord console me. Yes, we need to see that there is danger and bad in this world, but we also need to recognize that God is in control.
As a teen in 2016, there are many things pulling students away from God. After our missions trip, I've made a decision in my heart to show mercy, love justice, and walk humbly with God in whatever ways I can. Right now I am experiencing a constant freedom in my relationship with God, being focused on who I am in Christ and using the abilities He has given me each day. On this trip God revealed to me not only who I am, but my value as a gem in the Kingdom.