KERMAN, CA (June 28, 2011) – Kerman Covenant Church members decided to keep their summer mission trip close to home last week.

“Instead of going somewhere else on a mission trip this summer, we decided to camp out on the church property and do mission work in our local community,” says Pastor Dan Shelton. More than 100 members participated in the event.

Throughout the week – as part of what they called “Mission: Kerman!” – church members interacted and played games with residents at a local assisted-living center. For some of the youth, it was the first time they have been to an assisted-living center. Members also cleaned yards, assisted at a food bank, provided free car washes, and did a nightly worship service.

Each day, children in first through sixth grades enjoyed “Parables in the Park,” where they learned Bible stories and songs, completed crafts, and played games. Moms-n-Tots was available for younger children with their moms present.

“A new family has expressed interest in attending worship due to Parables in the Park,” says Shelton. Just as important, members developed a greater understanding of ministering to a local community.