Flood Journal

PARTY IN THE PARK!

2009-07-06T17:24:00.000-07:00

The Saturday Night Outreach will be hosted in Weill Park throughout the month of July. Weill Park is located North of Golden State on Q St. nestled against the railroad tracks. Our first Party was a big success with many churches joining in to serve. Pastor Phil Neighbors of Valley Baptist Church spoke to the crowd about God's blessing and how we can petition for God to bless America! Watermelon, Ice Cream, Hamburgers and Hotdogs added to the festivities and many 1st timers received groceries. Three dedicated their lives to Christ with a volunteer and many received prayer. We have three more weeks in the Park, don't miss out!

THANK YOU LAURELGLEN BIBLE CHURCH!

2009-04-19T09:52:00.001-07:00

Laurelglen Bible Church spent Saturday. "Neighbor Helping Neighbor", doing various community service projects throughout the city. They ended their day at Flood with Pastor Greg Baker and the Praise Band leading worship and giving a message about God's amazing kindness to us. Then all guests were treated to a fabulous beef stew (actually deep pit stacked on top of broth with vegetables) cooked up and served by Kent Halley's small group from Laurelglen. Many more served distributing groceries, greeting guests, serving drinks and praying with hurting individuals in the audience. We are so grateful to all who volunteer on Saturday Nights, you are making a difference in the lives of Flood guests.

Oh the Wonderful Cross

2009-04-11T22:51:00.000-07:00

"Flood was awesome tonight, some new faces and lots a familiar ones. There were two very large wooden crosses up at the front for folks to nail their sins to, lots went forward to start a new life with the Lord. Some Great Stuff huh!!!" From Denise and Taylor Brock

Calvary Bible Church and Crossroads Christian Fellowship teamed up to night to offer all in attendance another moving evening at Flood. The meal was "5 stars" according to one hungry attendee. Kevin Scot challenged all to accept the forgiveness that Christ died on the cross for and as you can see above there was a genuine response. Rob Saranpa and his crew rocked the house and sent a powerful message through the music. Thank you to all who participated this evening!

Night of Worship!

2009-03-29T04:46:00.000-07:00

The Kristin Matthews Band led a night of worship at Flood this week. Almost 50 minutes of fantastic worship music truly brought the Message of who Christ is and his power through the music. A large crowd was treated to a fried chicken dinner meal from Crossroads Christian Fellowship and fresh loaves of bread were distributed with the regular grocery packs. Over 400 swarmed the Garden campus and many received prayer and were touched by the love of Jesus through a Flood volunteer. The band even blessed the crowd with free cds! We are so grateful for all who give up there Saturday night to serve the hurting in inner city Bakersfield.

Lots of Changes!

2009-03-22T12:11:00.001-07:00

We had another huge crowd, with the Pearsey small group from the Bridge Bible Chruch serving a super spaghetti dinner. We tried some new approaches to manage the crowd and were not very happy with the results. Stay tuned more changes to come! Volunteers you did a super job of reaching out, adapting and being flexible. Billy Freels from Living Grace challenged all with a heart felt message and the band from the Bridge lead a great worship set complete with How Great Thou Art which the crowd really responded to. We covet your prayers as we struggle to seek the Lord's will for a location where we can continue to serve more and more fmailies in need each Saturday Night. We desire to be outside some this spring with the terrific weather!

CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE!

2009-03-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

Calvary Bible Church treated all to a fabulous meal on Saturday, Corned Beef and Cabbage with cake and other great sides. Pastor Steve Truitt challenged the crowd with his message and Doug Tjepkema blessed many with Bibles from the Gideons. The CBC Contemporary Band led all to worship the Lord through music with 301 adults were in attendance. A larger percentage of those attending are needing grocery assistance, please pray the Lord will provide additional resources for Non-Cook food packs. Valley Baptist Chruch also had a large group of volunteers show up to help. We are so greatful for the continued outpouring of volunteers ready to serve.

MANY HANDS!

2009-03-10T14:50:00.002-07:00

Volunteers from First Presbyterian Church, Valley Baptist Church, Calvary Bible Church, the Bridge Bible Church, Valley Bible Fellowship, Garden Community Church and others came to the Saturday Night Outreach to lend a hand and make all on the campus feel loved. Sloppy Joes with all the fixins , fabulous worship time and a meaningful message were the lead in to an amazing time of sharing a meal and grocery distribution. Over 300 were on the campus and 185 food packs were distributed. Praise God for His Faithfulness!

SOMEBODY LISTENED!

2009-03-02T11:11:00.000-08:00

I had two people attending Flood seek me out as the evening came to a close Saturday night to compliment the volunteers serving. They both commented that someone really listened and responded to their story. Wow! If you have ever been in volunteer training you know that is truly what we are striving for each and every Saturday night at Flood. God works as we strive to reach 5 lives and Jesus' love is felt. Crossroads lead the worship time, Pastor Brian Murphy explained the trials of his childhood as he was judged by what was on the outside but explained that what is important to God is what is on the inside. He also shared the sacrifice his Father made to improve his outer appearance. The children's program really put forth the extra effort and I had a mother come by Monday morning to share how her son could explain what he learned about prayer. Living Grace served a wonderful meal and all were blessed to have come. - Kim Albers

Pictures from Valentine's Day!

2009-02-21T23:40:00.000-08:00

The Number of Hurting Keep Growing!

2009-02-21T23:15:00.000-08:00

Tonight at Flood the Bridge Bible Church lead worship, taught and served the meal. Many volunteers were on hand to serve and we are so grateful to all who came to be part of another fantastic evening on the Garden campus. Over 400 came to celebrate Jesus and receive assistance. For the first time in our history, we ran out of grocery packs. The need grows each week as more in our community are with out jobs and struggling with the economic downturn. God is faithful through the storms and the message tonight focused on our loving father caring for us even in the most difficult times.

WORSHIP!

2009-02-17T17:22:00.003-08:00

Saturday was Valentine's Day and at Flood we made it a night to Celebrate God's Love. Hearts, red, hand decorated cookies and special giveaways all helped create a party atmosphere on the Garden campus. But it was the band that took the crowd of 317 into the throne room to worship our Savior, virtually every person was on their feet or on their knees as we praised the only true provider of unconditional love. Rob Saranpa was back from Tehachapi and the crowd was thrilled. Kevin Scot, Calvary Bible Church, provided the message about God's love and the sacrifice Jesus made for our sin. Another fabulous meal by the CBC team and many other volunteers who stepped in to help with all areas during the evening. THANK YOU TO ALL!

February 7, a house to PRAY!

2009-02-08T20:25:00.001-08:00

February 7 drew a large crowd to the Garden despite the weather! All were treated to an awesome worship time by "Higher Ground". Their final song Oh How He Loves Us.... was ringing through the crowd as all seemed to be crying out those simple words. Eric Simpson, from the Bridge Bible Church, taught the crowd the importance of Prayer and broke it down into P-Praise R-Release A-Acceptance and Y-Yielding. The crowd echoed the Lord's prayer found in Matthew. Afterwards a small group from First Presbyterian Church served a terrific meal with white chili, salad and HOMEMADE COOKIES! Many lives were touched by the outpouring of love by the volunteers as they mirrored Christ's actions. To God be the Glory!

The Last Night of January!

2009-01-31T21:36:00.001-08:00

January 31st was another special evening at Flood, Living Grace served an excellent meal and Brian Murphy, Executive Pastor at RiverLakes Community Church, taught a message that really hit home with all in attendance. Four came forward to make a decision as well as many others for prayer. Despite sound troubles, Barrell of Hope rocked the house with worship music. And over 100 volunteers were on campus from at least 6 different churches to love on those attending Flood, WOW!!! It was definitely a night when we could touch 5 lives with so many of the set volunteer spots covered. Thank you for all who attended and gave up their Saturday Night to serve.

They keep coming --- God receives the glory!

2009-01-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

An amazing night was enjoyed by about 450 people on Saturday! All were blessed by the wonderful worship provided by Crossroads Christian Fellowship worship team and their church also provided a warm meal. Denise Brock shared her testimony. Denise showed a two cent check from the Kern County Jail from two years ago to the day. She shared how the Lord had transformed her life to where she attends college, has a job, and received her daughter back! We all can learn from her story as we relate it to our own personal story, everyone has one, and see how God is and has always been there. Denise' belief in herself, and the willingness to allow God to transform her touched many lives as many came forward for prayer.

Food distribution was phenomenal as we prayed for many who came from many miles away because they heard that this is the place where they would be blessed with food. Please pray for Flood to continue to be blessed with the resources needed to bless the increasingly number of unsheltered and people in need in our community.

We appreciate all of you who support us prayerfully and financially on a regular basis - the need is great. Please come and join us and experience Jesus's work on Saturday nights at Garden Community Center, 23rd and P St.

FLOOD ROCKS!

2009-01-18T17:25:00.000-08:00

The Worship Band from the Bridge Bible Church rocked the Garden on Saturday night and lead the crowd to the KING! Wayne Meade shared about our choice, it is Heaven or Hell, and that the door is open to all. Sloppy Joes were served plus all the fixins by the Pearsey's Small Group. At the Distribution trailer it was not only hygiene night, but Costco had blessed us with turkeys to go with our CHF Cook Boxes! Thanks to Larry Miller for keeping what could have gotten crazy, orderly and prayerful in the distribution line. Thank you to all who continue to make the items at distribution special, as we continue to BLESS FIRST!

KIDS AT THE BRIDGE PACK SNACK BAGS!

2009-01-12T18:26:00.000-08:00

During All Star Sunday School at the Bridge Bible Church this week, students had the opportunity to color and write messages to Flood attenders on the snack packs. Then they filled them with lots of great snacks to help those living in shelters or recovery homes. Thank you Kids at the Bridge for thinking of those in need in our community!

READ YOUR BIBLE!

2009-01-12T18:21:00.000-08:00

Calvary Bible Church was on the Garden campus for Flood on Saturday night. Pastor Steve Truitt played a video showing the importance of reading the Bible. Steve really inspired many in the audience to crack the Bible open and get interested. The gym was full and many were standing in the back. God provided many volunteers to share Christ's love with all in attendance. The Flood leadership team is so grateful to Calvary Bible Church for their amazing level of support each and every month.

January 3, 2009 Happy New Year

2009-01-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful start of 2009 with our attendance being 226 men, women & children. The music from Higher Ground was awesome as usual and the message from Pep Robie was inspiring reaching out to all. We had pizza, salad & cookies for our meal that is always a crowd pleaser. We praise God for what he is doing at Flood and we keep seeing the wonderful changes and growth from all that attend.

CHRISTMAS at FLOOD

2008-12-22T15:45:00.000-08:00

Saturday night Flood hosted at least 468 on the Garden Campus for Christmas Dinner, Rockin Praise to Jesus, Biblical teaching and Christmas gifts. Josh Vietti spoke, the Kristin Matthews Band rocked the house, the Pearsey small group from the Bridge Bible Church treated all in attendance to ham, baked potatoes, green beans and all the fixins of a great holiday meal and a large white tent decorated for the season was full of individual gifts for men, women and children. Volunteers personally shopped with each person in attendance. Hygiene kits, groceries and drinks were also distributed to help individuals and families throughout the week. We are so grateful to all who participated in this very special evening!

November - An Awesome Month!

2008-12-05T20:19:00.000-08:00

Five Saturdays in November almost 1500 folks served! The impact of God on the lives of those that came to worship, hear HIS word and receive prayer, a meal and food pack is what really counts. We thank all our partnering organizations and volunteers that made this a month of transformation for many. We passed out close to 900 food packs and welcomed over 200 who attended Flood for the first time. PRAISE be to God for HIS ministry and all the great things HE is doing through Flood!

If you have not experienced Flood on a Saturday night - is it time, just come and join us on a Saturday night at 5pm, 4:30pm if you want to volunteer, on Avenue P between 22nd and 23rd at the Garden Pathway Community Center and experience the love of God and the excitement of the spirit in our services and ministry!

Welcome Laurelglen Bible Church

2008-12-05T20:14:00.000-08:00

All of us at Flood are excited about the commitment of Laurelglen Bible Church to our Saturday night outreach. Their presence on the first Saturday of each month, starting tomorrow night, with the word of God and a dinner is much appreciated. We look forward to our partnership and its impact on the lives of those in our extended family from the inner city! Thanks Laurelglen Bible Church congregation!

Christmas Tree Lot Opens Friday!

2008-11-24T15:33:00.000-08:00

Flood will be selling Chritmas trees at the Corner of Coffee Rd and Meany Ave across from Winco beginning this Friday, November 28. Lot will largely be staffed by volunteers that have been benefiting from the groceries and meals on Saturday nights. If you can help by voluteering please e-mail kim@floodbako.com with your name, date and hours you can volunteer and a contact phone number. The lot will also serve as a collection site for food and hygiene items! These items will greatly benefit those in need this Christmas: Canned fruit, chili, soup and meat (all pop-tops, please) Crackers, Cereal or Granola Bars, Peanut Butter, Shampoo, Soap, Deodorant, Razors and Diapers (size 3, 4, and 5). Come see us!

Super Saturday Night

2008-11-17T10:53:00.000-08:00

We had well over 350 in attendance this past Saturday Night. The evening started with the Kristin Matthews Band leading all of us in worship. This was their first time at Flood and we were all blessed. Thanks so much Kristin for leading us before HIS throne and filling our hearts with joy and praise through song! The message was delivered by Wayne Meade. Through the word he stressed the importance of being ready to be with our Savior. Several came forward for prayer and we are thankful for and rejoice with one who rededicated her life to Jesus. Our meal, a hearty stew, was prepared and served by the Pearsey Small Group from the Bridge Bible Church. This being the third Saturday of the month we distributed hygiene packs in addition to our normal weekly food distribution.

We are ever so grateful to our new volunteers and are excited about the continued growth in our attendance and group of faithful volunteers. In order for us to continue to meet all the needs for our clients we are asking for continued prayer and financial support. If you have any questions or would like to donate please check out the website for more information or stop by the office at the corner of 34th and Jewett Monday through Thursday 9am - 2 pm, (661) 32-FLOOD.

Christmas Trees

2008-11-14T09:56:00.001-08:00

Flood will be sellling Christmas trees at the corner of Coffee Rd and Meany Ave this season. We are excited to partner with Alpine Christmas Trees to raise needed funds for groceries and hygiene items distributed at Flood. Please come by and see us, open daily between Thanksgiving and Christmas Sunday - Thursday 9-9 Friday and Saturday 9-10. Purchase your Christmas Tree from Flood and help feed Bakersfield!

NOT TO US!

2008-11-09T21:41:00.001-08:00

The Calvary Band Worship Team opened with "Not to us, but to your name be the glory", that was certainly the theme this past Saturday at Flood. Those in attendance poured out their hearts and voices in worship and it really touched first-timers. The meal was fantastic, sliced ham, party potatoes, pumpkin pie, we were already feeling the holidays approaching. Pastor Kevin taught about accepting God's forgiveness for our past sins and turning to the new life without looking pack, getting rid of the backpack that weighs us down. We are so grateful to partner with so many at Calvary Bible Church that have such enthusiasm for what God is doing in downtown Bakersfield. Praise the Lord for his abounding faithfulness!