“God showed up that day.” That’s the overwhelming feeling of the Serve Day that just took place at Aliso Meadows, a low income housing area with about 400 units, in Laguna Niguel. Every detail fell into place and the residents of Aliso Meadows were blessed in a major way,  making the Serve Day a huge success.

Dawn Maestas, a Project Hope City Coordinator who planned the Serve Day, asked for volunteer help from Saddleback’s small group hosts, attendees of Fuel (one of Saddleback’s venues), Saddleback high school small groups, and attendees of Crave, Saddleback’s college ministry. Volunteers from each of these groups showed up and helped plant 900 new plants and shrubs for the Aliso Meadows community. Not only did the volunteers do the work, but the residents themselves began to help and work alongside the team that was there to help them! And after they were done, it didn’t look like the same place.

Dawn said that God showed himself in many ways: She prayed for 80 volunteers, and there were 80…plus Dawn! The volunteers were served lunch, and there was just enough food for everyone. The volunteers all brought their own tools and gardening supplies, which meant the home owners association didn’t have to pay a dime in supplying the group with tools. Needless to say, the association was very happy and took notice of Saddleback’s generosity.

By the time the work was complete, the residents and volunteers were having a great time together, as evidenced by the 6 kids who were enjoying hanging off of one of the volunteers! One of the kids even asked a volunteer, “Will you and your church be back?” The volunteer was happy to say that yes, they would be back. Having a serving presence at a place like Aliso Meadows which is right in our own backyard, is what PCH is aiming for.