Inner City Impact Stories

When 16-year-old Jazlene arrived to help her pastor-father with a community outreach at a low-income apartment near their Bakersfield, California church, dozens of children were waiting, though timid and cautious.

Jazlene, already skilled in evangelism through her Cru® Inner City training, began using gospel beaded bracelets to break the ice. The bracelets use colored beads to share the salvation story.

“She easily connected with children and their parents,” Pastor Cherry, of Frontline Outreach Ministry, said. “We shared God’s Word, encouraged families, and prayed together.”

In all, 50 children received Easter Bags and everyone in attendance was served a meal of hot dogs. The bags contained toys, crayons, candy, other treats, and age-appropriate gospel literature.

The outreach quickly caught the attention of the property owner, who was deeply touched by the impact the Easter Bags had on his residents. As a result, Frontline has been invited to establish a Bible study at the apartment complex.

“God’s love was powerfully evident, and doors were opened because of the simple gift of Easter Bags,” the pastor said.