Eighty participants from six churches spent a week learning what it means to live out authentic faith during a SOAR event in Bakersfield, California, June 8-14.
A mission training program coordinated by Multiply, SOAR events bring local churches together to engage and serve the community.
Hosted by Heritage Bible Church, SOAR Bakersfield focused on living out the Christian faith by modeling the character of Jesus.
Participants attended three main discipleship sessions: real faith, real Jesus and real love. Through biblical teaching, personal reflection and group discussions, participants gained a greater understanding of what it means to follow Jesus authentically, grow as disciples and demonstrate Christ’s love in their relationships and communities.
The week also provided opportunities for spiritual growth and practical ministry. Participants learned about discipleship, missional living and how to effectively serve others through their testimonies and acts of service.
Service projects took place throughout Bakersfield at various community organizations, including The Mission at Kern County, Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), Bakersfield Pregnancy Center, Apple Core Project, Salvation Army, Skyes The Limit and Junk-Atique. Participants invested 885 hours of volunteer service during this week.
Team-building sessions led by Heritage Bible Church interns created opportunities for participants to connect, build relationships and feel welcomed throughout the week. Through engaging games, activities and group challenges, participants developed friendships and strengthened their sense of community.
“These moments helped foster unity among the participants and contributed to a positive and encouraging environment where everyone felt included and valued,” says Silvia Lopez, Multiply mission training team coordinator who helped coordinate SOAR Bakersfield.
A highlight of the week was the Heritage Fest Community Outreach Day. The event welcomed more than 90 community members and families who participated in a variety of activities, including live music by the Heritage worship team, food, face painting, prayer ministry, local vendors, inflatable games, a skateboard contest, a basketball tournament and prize raffles.
“It was encouraging to witness SOAR participants actively engaging with the community as the hands and feet of Jesus,” Lopez says. “They prayed with attendees, built meaningful connections, served others with kindness and demonstrated Christ’s love through practical acts of service. Their hearts of worship and willingness to serve reflected a powerful witness of Jesus Christ in action.”
Spiritually, God moved in significant ways throughout the week, including three participants accepting Christ. Prayer permeated the week. Many participants visited the prayer room, where the intercessory team ministered through prayer, encouragement and support. Many participants symbolically laid their burdens at the cross, rededicated their lives to Christ, repented of sin and experienced freedom from spiritual strongholds.
“It was especially encouraging to witness an interracial, intercultural and multigenerational gathering united in prayer,” Lopez says. “Members of the SOAR intercessory team spoke blessings over the lives of the younger generation, creating meaningful moments of connection, encouragement and spiritual impartation.
“The week was marked by a deep sense of God’s presence, healing and transformation in the lives of many participants.”
With files from Silvia Lopez, Multiply mission team training coordinator
This article has been posted by Christian Leader staff. The Christian Leader is the magazine of U.S. Mennonite Brethren.
