The college sophomores spent a beautiful weekend in the Sierras at the first annual Sophomore Discipleship Retreat, led by Pastor Ed and Kelly Kang. They heard inspiring and challenging messages, shared life visions, worked up a sweat helping out at Sierra Lodge, discovered a beautiful meadow of wildflowers, played at the lake, and came away with greater excitement for the coming school year and what God has in store for them.

Throughout the summer, several groups of staff had the chance to spend time at the Sierra Lodge with Pastor Ed and Kelly, engaging in Bible teaching training sessions, as well as cooking, working, and playing together against the refreshing backdrop of the Sierras.

The Gracepoint and Waypoint directors had their bi-annual retreat at the Sierra Lodge for a time of planning and fellowship, as well as the last extended time with Pastor Manny and Sunny and John and Kelly Lin before they left for Austin. There were times of prayer and Bible study, meetings, and fellowship times at the nearby lake as well as a huge family gathering and a king kong shower tournament with all the kids.

We bid farewell to Pastor Manny and Sunny and the Austin Team, as they left to start Gracepoint Fellowship Church, Austin. Amid the laughter, tears, and words shared by so many brothers and sisters impacted by their lives of love, we were convicted that God goes ahead of them, eager for many more precious souls in Austin to experience His love through his church.

This year our church participated in World Vision's 30 Hour Famine program. By pledging to go without food for 30 hours, 425 participants raised $100,000 to help feed and care for children worldwide! Throughout the day, we engaged in many different service opportunities, such as volunteering at the SF Food Bank, visiting the Oakland Children's hospital with activity bags, working on various projects at our church building, and organizing bake sales and yard sales to raise more funds. Many of us also visited the World Vision Africa exhibit, where we were able to pray for and sponsor children in need.