FACEBOOK: FUSION SAN BERNARDINO MINISTRIES
NCC Young Adults Build Relationships
with the Unhoused Residents on the Streets of Sacramento
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A Volunteer’s Story During our time in Sacramento, we sat with Nick as he shared the trap of homelessness. He’s stuck, panhandles in order to survive, and feels hopeless. The only time he can get a grasp on his life is when he is near his mom’s house. He gave his mom a call over my phone, saying, “It’s your son,” and continued: “I need you, Mom, I need your support. It’s too hard out here, and the only way I can get better is with your support.” I’ve realized the importance of connection, love, and support to fight personal addiction. Sobriety is not the opposite of addiction; it’s connection—true, non-judgmental acceptance and affection. ____________________ By Lariza Tarango
36 Pacific Union Recorder
Northern California Conference
hat can we do to serve our community better?” Little did the Northern California Conference Young Adult Committee (NCC YAC) know as they prayed this how God was going to answer their question. Led by the Holy Spirit, the NCC YAC connected with Bo Kim, homeless director at the Loma Linda University church and founder of Fusion San Bernardino Ministries (FSBM). In less than a week, and in partnership with FSBM, NCC YAC developed a full three-day ministry over Labor Day weekend. They invited all NCC young adults to Sacramento to minister to its unhoused residents. On Friday, 25 young adults showed up. By Sabbath, over 100 were feeding and fellowshipping with this forgotten and vulnerable population. Throughout the weekend, these compassionate young adult volunteers gave away a total of 375 food bags, water bottles, hygiene kits, and GLOW tracts. But beyond this, they did even more. “Fusion is more than just feeding the homeless; it’s about building relationships and connections with God’s people,” said Jade Tuleu, NCC YAC member who spearheaded the effort. “Jesus says in Luke 17:21, ‘for the Kingdom of God is already among you.’ I truly believe that the kingdom of God that Jesus speaks of is truly here among us. The kingdom of God is made up of all of God’s children. It’s our relationships with friends, family, and strangers— whether rich or poor, happy or sad.” “Not only did we give people things they needed, we sat down, ate, and conversed with them,” said Vacaville/ Woodland district Pastor Dan Garza, who attended the event. “We really got to know them.” ____________________ By Laurie Trujillo
