Let’s all be bridge-builders where we are. Whether you’re here in San Francisco, or somewhere else. As Jesus was Immanuel, God with us, let us who know him be with those in our communities and cities.

These kids know and embrace that their neighborhood is not always the cleanest, rough around edges or even unsafe at times; and yet they talk about how they know it won’t be like that forever, because they are going to grow up and make a difference in it. And that is why it’s an honor to walk side by side with these visionaries.

These days the Tenderloin is still a welcoming beacon for all. YWAM is able through God’s provision to provide a place for those in need, giving a place to drop-in, showers, restrooms, food pantry. A place where Jesus is lifted up and shared into the community.

The resurrection of Jesus is my favorite message–story–event ever. Resurrection Day is a day for me that marks the beginning of my year, it reminds me why I breathe, why I do what I do and why I am who I am. It is on this day that I remember that it is Christ who gives me great hope…

Each day we have opportunities to connect; we get to look people in the eye, to learn their names and to know them. We often subconsciously ignore or choose hurry instead of human in these moments. This was me, this is me. It takes work to change our habits and it doesn’t happen in a day.

Living in the Tenderloin has taught me a lot about seeking out God’s beauty amidst the chaos of daily life. The Tenderloin has always been an eclectic neighborhood filled with diversity and creativity. When walking through it’s easy to take the Tenderloin at face value; trash littering the gutters, abandoned items, but really there’s so much more.