BLAST FROM THE PAST
At our anniversary celebration in May, Barry and Terryl reunited with many beloved old friends and supporters. Among them were Ann Parizeau and Dr. Maribel Contreras —whose picture is worth a thousand words. Ann was our Victors (girls) Club volunteer and the ministry’s first recipient of our Volunteer of The Year Award in 1987. Maribel was a poor little girl growing up in the barrio of Hawaiian Gardens then and never missed the weekly club. She was a positive, happy and smart girl who loved learning the Bible stories and participating in the activities and special trips that took her out of her neighborhood and exposed her to many possibilities. Through The Way Out Ministries and Christian volunteers like Ann, Maribel would come to receive Jesus and lead her family in that way too. She would continue her education on scholarships, work for a short time at the ministry, become a Doctor of Social Work and serve on our board from 2006-2008. We thank God for the privilege of connecting with these two Christian ladies so many years ago. They have been a blessing to the ministry and to the many who know them.
Our summer fun season ended with two mountain camps held at Angeles Crest Conference Center in the Angeles National Forest. Both had nautical themes—one fashioned for grade school kids and the other for jr. high and high school youth. The young campers were exposed to high energy activities like zip lining, hiking, swimming, and water relays. They enjoyed a more traditional camp with campfires, singing and bible teachings about keeping their eyes on the Lord (Psalm 16:8). Our youth group camp was built on team spirit and competitions, which concluded with a wild team-built boat race. Our team came in second overall, but had a first rate experience of friendship in the great outdoors while learning some of the many names of God and praising His name together. Thank you camp sponsors for affording these campers with such great experiences. Please click on “media” in the menu at thewayout.org to see all the camp highlights!
SENDING OUT AN SOS
In this 40th year, by all looks and appearances, The Way Out Ministries is doing great, but please don’t let all our good looks and grand news side track you from our great need. The infrastructure of The Way Out Ministries has been struggling this whole year and at this present time is dipping. While designated grants and gifts have kept coming, our general funds have steadily declined. Our general budget includes: staff salaries, property mortgage, building maintenance, utilities, weekly program expenses and administrative materials and supplies. We attribute the sharp decline in our monthly donations to a bad economy, but we also clearly see the devil at work because the ministry has never had such a profound impact on our community or in the world as it does now. Please pray and ask God how you might increase your giving to this work or become a monthly giving partner if you are not already. Please also tell your friends about this ministry and encourage others to give. Thank you for your help.
Our annual Harvest outreach at The Way Out Ministries in Hawaiian Gardens featured a large line of cars decorated with various themes and offered a variety of interactive games with prizes… and lots and lots of candy of course! Hot dogs and drinks were also provided. It was a great way to remind the community that Jesus loves them and to invite families to the many programs and services of The Way Out.
MISSION POSSIBLE
October 2024 marked our first mission trip to our ministry headquarters and church in Occidental Mindoro, San Jose, Philippines. The team of twelve came back to the U.S. full of stories and life-changing experiences.
Thank you for helping us bring Jesus to so many people. God bless you all!