S.T.A.R.T.S. calling!

The month-long break at Luther Burbank Elementary School in Long Beach is almost over.  It’s time to being S.T.A.R.T.S. again, but we need partnership from you. We need resources to run S.T.A.R.T.S. – Soaring To Achieve, Reaching To Succeed, our arts and tutoring program for inner city children -  in this new semester.

For the past year, we have provided the children with nurturing, compassionate care, community involvement, and tutoring.  Many of you, who are reading this post, have given your time and talents to make this happen.  You have experienced frustration and joy, exhilaration and challenges, and the blessings of bonding with children who oftentimes come from situations where love and direction are lacking. You have helped make a positive difference in a young life who probably would not have had it if not for your being willing to show up and step up!

Now we need to hear from you; whether you can give an hour, a day (3 ½ hours), or any time frame – we need to hear from you. If your forte is tutoring 1-5 grade children, or if you are knowledgeable in some kind of art – we have offered drawing, painting, ballet, pottery, sports – we need to hear from you.

We also need the financial resources to make sure S.T.A.R.T.S. is able to continue. S.T.A.R.T.S. is free to needy families and we know that S.T.A.R.T.S. is making a difference in the lives of the children and also in the lives of the families.

Ask God what He would have you contribute, and then please call or email us in response to this letter.

Thank you for considering “changing the world, one child at a time” at YesWeServe’s S.T.A.R.T.S. program!

"Cup for a Cause" Event Launched!

As the sun descended in the sky last Saturday night, workers at the Royal Cup Café were busy taking orders from eager customers;  tea latte, mocha royale coffee, vegetarian salad never tasted this good (and came in a size plenty big enough to satisfy two grown men who’d brought their appetites)   -  and don’t get us started on the paninis…  : )

In the backroom of the café, surrounded by eclectic artwork and furniture, Marcus Gerakos strummed the first tunes on his guitar for YesWeserve’s inaugural monthly “Cup for a Cause” event.  His expertly performed Chick Corea’s “Spain” was followed by a string of numbers from his own CD “Marmelade Sky” as well as several of his own compositions. Marcus was instrumental (!) on our “For the Children” CD project, as he wrote two of the songs, and played guitar on several of the other numbers.

The intimacy of the venue, the closeness between artist and listeners were indicative of  how we do ministry:  near, hands-on, present, real time.

Here is how this new venture works: By ordering delicious food from Royal Cup Café we support the local business, which provides us the venue in the back room of the café, located on the SE corner of 10th and Redondo in Long Beach, CA.  To support the ministry of YesWeServe we presented several options on convenient sign-up lists.

We have several top notch musicians who support the cause of YesWeServe: “changing the world, one child at a time”.  Through this new third-Saturday-of-every-month event, we wish to give a platform to our musician/artist friends, while at the same time giving everyone a chance to listen to great music, enjoy delicious food and give to YesWeServe through a one-time or regular donation, or purchase YesWeServe items like tees, Ghana beads, Indian glass bracelets.

Thank you, Marcus, for a great musical evening!  Thank you to all of you who showed up to enjoy his music and support the ministry of YesWeServe.  All glory to God!

August YesWeServe Happenings

On a hunch we stopped by Mision Frontera on our “Missionary for a Day” trip to Mexicali last Saturday.  A change in leadership had left the Home empty over the summer, so it was a pleasant surprise to find that it is up and running again!  New people have come in to lead the Childrens Home, and we were very happy to meet Claudia, the new person in charge.

It is always so encouraging to spend this time with the children, and particularly when we can join them at the waterpark for a few hours’ respite from the heat.

That was our first YesWeServe event this month, and here are two more, both of which we are excited about: 

Our second event this month will be taking place on Saturday 11 August; YARDSALE!  After our initial attempt rained out in March, we will now do an even better yardsale in the gym at Grace UMC (on the NE corner of Junipero and Third street in Long Beach, CA).  Interest has already prompted us to move the opening to 7 a.m.  We still need your help to “man” tables, help with ticket sales, assist at the food station, etc.  Please email me back or call us at (562-234-7378) to let me know that you will be helping out to do your part to make this yardsale a success : )

Remember that the proceeds from the Yardsale will benefit YesWeServe’s ministries; S.T.A.R.T.S., Mexicali, Ghana, India.

The third YesWeServe event will take place NEXT Saturday, 18 August.  The Royal Cup Café, on the SE corner of Redondo and 10.th Street in Long Beach, CA, is the venue for a mini YesWeServe concert.  This new feature will take place the third Saturday of every month, at 6:30 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. 

We will have a rotation of musical artists, highlight YesWeServe’s ministry and invite attendants to support/get involved. 

To kick off this series is MARCUS GERAKOS, who will thrill you with his guitar music!  Many of you have heard Marcus play already; he is part of the original “YesWeServe Band”, he features prominently on our CD “For the Children” where he composed and performed two of the cuts.

So, make your way to The Royal Cup Café on Saturday night, make a date night out of it, have a cup of tea or coffee and some sandwiches, listen to beautiful music, and support a great cause!