9. A SPOT TO SLEEP We stayed on the main floor, where all the short-term missionaries are housed. The amenities included bunk beds (without ladders), communal showers, and…the karate kid?
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11. THE FOOD BANK Local churches cometo supply their own food banks.
12. THE FOOD MINISTRY Every week, The Dream Center gives away bags of food to people in need.
14. DISCIPLESHIP The discipleship program is a one-year, Christ-centered program that helps adults with substance abuse, anger management, and emotional struggles.
15. DISCIPLESHIP The men and women in the discipleship program stay in theseseparate, dorm-style living quarters.
16. SERVING Everyone on campus serves in some way. These disciples were cleaning up a house by movinga carpet up to the dumpster.
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18. THE TOUR Pastor Matthew Barnett gives us the grand tour, starting in the main conference room, known as the War Room.
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21. SCHOOL TIME Teens staying at TDC go to class in a teaching wing on campus.
58. THE REACH …and funny stunts. These lucky volunteers raced to see who could be the first to drink a soda through a sock—their friend’s sock!Ahh…teens.
59. HIS HANDS People line up early in the morning to “shop” for free clothes at the His Hands Extended clothing ministry.
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61. HIS HANDS EXTENDED We sorted and arranged clothes in preparation for opening.
67. ON OUR WAY… We weren’t sure what to expect on our first trip to Skid Row, but we were happy to go and help.
68. THE JONAH PROJECT TDC works with this ministry to help people living on Skid Row. The Jonah Project provides a place for homeless people to go during the day.
69. THE JONAH PROJECT Our first job on Skid Row was handing out pizza to the homeless.
70. THE JONAH PROJECT The ever-smiling Pastor Patrick and his wife run this awesome ministry.
71. THE JONAH PROJECT Homeless people can come in everyday to pick out a change of clothes.
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74. THE JONAH PROJECT Our guide Jonathan (in plaid shirt) had this to say about us: “When I heard I was taking a team from a publishing company, I thought you’d be a bunch of boring nerds. But you’re so much fun!”
75. FEEDING THE HOMELESS TDC also goes into L.A. neighborhoods to deliver hot meals to the homeless. This church was the first site we visited.
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81. PROJECT PREVENTION TDC builds relationships and helps families stay together by providing them everything from food to furniture.
101. TURKEY GIVEAWAY After getting their food, the people walked past this line of volunteers, who clapped and cheered for them—just for being there. It was a powerful experience for everyone.
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109. ANGELUS TEMPLE TDC has worship services every Thursday night and Sunday morning, down the street at this historic church.
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115. ANGELUS TEMPLE Michelle, left, was our fabulous host for the week. She inspired us with her passion for the people she meets through TDC ministries.
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120. ANGELUS TEMPLE Pastor Matthew is incredibly dynamic, both on the stage and off, and his love for the people of L.A. is evident in everything he does.
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122. YOGURTLAND This glorious yogurt spot was a highlight of the trip. Sadly, a store hasn’t opened in Illinois—yet.
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125. GOING HOME It was a long, but wonderfully life-changing, week for all of us.
