Urban Plunge

Gabriel Rademacher died Tuesday when he drowned approximately 70 feet from the shore of a Fremont-area lake. He was 18 years old, celebrating his high school graduation with more than a dozen other members of Concordia High School’s senior class.

Gabe went on the Urban Plunge last year. He wrote on his application that he wanted to build on and deepen his relationship with Christ by continuing to serve Him as well as praising and worshipping Him. We have confidence that Gabe is absent from his body and present with the Lord, right now, as you read this, worshiping and praising Him in person.

On the Plunge Gabe hung out with several hundred homeless people. He told us that “one of the things that surprised him was that there was so many problems and things going on just blocks away from the glitzy old market. But not only bad things, it was also great to see how God is bringing together His people in the midst of the pain to further His kingdom.”

Gabe started a blog… in his only post he writes about the solar system and the sun, which he spells “Son.” In a cleverly written metaphor… talking about both the universe and his relationship with “the Son” he ends his post with these words:

“And then there is the heat. In the farthest reaches of my orbit, icy particles of shame, doubt and fear quickly attach and weigh me down, until I can barely move. But even here, the Son’s heat blasts from out across the solar system, in rhythmic, pulsating waves, the very heartbeat of God. The ice of apathy and inadequacy melt quickly away and are replaced by glowing warmth. Though I am still bombarded by an endless storm of ice, it cannot overpower the warmth of God’s love that has penetrated to my core and now radiates from me as well.” http://greeneurosunglasses.wordpress.com

Gabe carrying a box of food at Mission For All National

Gabe with Angels on Wheels, hanging out with the homeless

Gabe getting ready for a prayer walk on Park Avenue

Gabe with youth leader, Adam, and a buddy

Saturday Night

I was impacted when we got the chance to help feed those at the Siena Francis house. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone. They all appreciated it and kept thanking us. As one man said, “being homeless can be really hard, but seeing you guys and having this food really makes us happy.”  This was really encouraging.

-Laura

All Nations Church's Youth Praying with the Homeless.

Have you prayed for the homeless in your city today?

Saturday Evening

Coming from a small town I didn’t really know what to expect. I was forced to leave my comfort zone and interact and pray with the homeless people. Although I was very scared, I thought that was the most meaningful part of the Plunge. I learned that they are actually the same in a way to you and me even though their daily routines may be different. I also learned that I take way too many things for granted.

-Kelby

Saturday Evening

While my two friends and I were walking around socializing with the homeless we met an older man who was deaf. We all were nervous because we had no idea what he was saying or what to say to him. But after a few minutes we realized he was the nicest and happiest guy that we had met. He tried telling us stories and he asked us if we played basketball and throughout the entire conversation he always had a smile!

-Alyssa

At Siena Francis we served watermelon and pink lemonade. The lemonade was in a 4 gallon cooler and we were at Siena Francis for almost 3.5 hours. There were several times that we were saying the lemonade was almost gone and we should refill soon, but it lasted two hours after we said that. It reminded us of Jesus and the fish and the bread. It was just so awesome that I had witnessed a miracle like that.

-Myca