Community

Moore has had church members tell her that they were too scared to do something missional, but because they love animals, this outreach was a natural fit for them.

Because the church is big on families, many events are geared toward kids, including bull riding for teens; Little Wranglers, an event that lets kids ride a horse, milk a pretend cow, “brand” goats with flour and a mop, and barrel race with stick horses; and a special needs kids rodeo.

We wanted to focus on real-life challenges and offer help and encouragement for parents.

“Our pastors have said that the people are so grateful to receive a meal when something tragic happens—or when good things happen, like the birth of a baby—because that part of their daily life has been taken care of,” says Hoffman.

But besides attracting new guests, Compton says the dinners provide opportunities for members to help local families facing food insecurity.

The ministry strives to support the skateboarding community by helping them realize their identity and purpose in Christ.

Once cleared by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the adult migrants the ministry serves arrive at a nearby bus station where they can catch a ride to their destination city. It is there that Navarro and his church greet the weary travelers.

“When our church people started pulling up to these little lemonade stands, it generated a buzz,” says Lead Pastor Brent Wood, noting that families nearby wanted to know what was happening.