by Matt Grant

Last week, Mars Hill Shoreline kicked off its first ever “mission week.” MH Shoreline community and service groups were encouraged to show kindness, love, and compassion by actively serving their neighbors in the north King and Snohomish County region. With this Biblical call to love others in mind, Shoreline Children’s Ministry parents, kids, and volunteers spent last Wednesday night building relationships with folks at the CRISTA Nursing Center.

Everybody had a wonderful time getting to know each other through singing songs such as Father Abraham, Deep & Wide, Nothing but the Blood, and Amazing Grace. Kids, parents, and seniors teamed up to create paper-plate pumpkins as well. The pumpkin crafts and songs were a great way to facilitate friendships across multiple generations. Having a group of children ages 35 days-12 years old, parents, and volunteers visit really helped put a smile on the Nursing Center residents’ faces; and went along way in providing them (some as old as 101) with company and fellowship for the glory of God.

It was also awesome to see children serving alongside their parents and siblings while learning firsthand what it means to actively show the love of Jesus to others. Many of the older children stepped out of their mini-comfort zones to help the residents with crafts and wheel them back to their rooms when the event was over.

All-in-all the event was a huge success and the CM is looking forward to visiting the CRISTA Nursing Center again very soon. I can’t state enough the overwhelming joy brought to my heart by spending an hour and a half with MH families and volunteers showing the love of Jesus to the residents at the CRISTA Nursing Center.