Someone recently asked me, “What are you most excited about for the Back to School Event?”My answer was simple… the relieved look on parents’ faces.

As a mom of three, I (Randall) fully understand the weight that going back to school can bring to a family. There are so many things to buy! And as parents, we want our kids to have everything they need to be successful. One of my greatest joys during a back-to-school event is seeing a mom or dad leave with their hands full of supplies for the upcoming school year.

On Saturday, July 25th, our church hosted a ‘Back to School’ Block Party. We were able to serve over 400 guests and activate over 75 volunteers. It was an incredible day for The Heart LA Church!

This year, we partnered with the City of Los Angeles, specifically Council District 5 in the Miracle Mile District. Because of this partnership, the city closed down part of Cloverdale Avenue right next to our event space.

It was an amazing day where we truly got to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

This was far from a single-organization effort—it was a true example of collaborative ministry. One of our key partners was Convoy of Hope, who provided many of the donations we gave out to the community. Here are some of the other organizations that made this day possible:

• City of Los Angeles
• Andre’s Italian Restaurant
• La Michoacana Scoopreme
• Union Rescue Mission
• LA Public Library
• LA Metro
• LAPD
• RVM Salons
• Rica Rica
• One Church Modesto
• Avenue Church

Thank you for praying for our church and this event! It was a truly God-inspired day, marked by so many people receiving a genuine hand-up. While backpacks and shoes will eventually wear out, the hope planted today can last a lifetime. For several guests, that hope began right in our prayer tent. Shoes wear out; hope endures.

Check out photos from our back to school event: