Anthony & Tiffany Salerno lead worship at backpack giveaway event

Saturday, July 31, 2021

It was a blessing to minister at Curbside Community Center's backpack giveaway event today at Oro Grande Park in the High Desert, near Victorville.

Pastor Abel Razo has been ministering for about a decade in the forgotten towns of the High Desert, where some have gotten so small that they are only unincorporated communities of the county, and where many have alarmingly high rates of drug use and teen pregnancy, amongst poverty and the epidemic of a lack of purpose.

As I write those last words — “the epidemic of a lack of purpose” — a tear comes to my eye. It’s so sad to see people who have given up hope and don’t know that they have a calling in Christ.

That’s why I made sure to tell them all from the microphone that they have calling and purpose in the Lord, and that they are so so special to God.

Thank you to Pastor Abel for opening our eyes to the needs of this area!

Pastor Abel not only gives them resources, like backpacks for school, but also things like groceries, which he also gave away at this event. He and his church also do big giveaways around Christmas and Easter times.

Also, at each event, he make sure to present a Biblical message and give people an opportunity to pray to commit their lives to the Lord. No one gets to receive the donated items without hearing the preaching!

Anthony did a great job speaking as always, and his prayer of salvation that he led on the microphone really touched my heart. He is a true worshipper.

In this photo, Anthony says "amen" at the end of the prayer, while I am still basking in the heartfelt love for the Lord that I heard in his prayer.

Thank you to Sara Saucedo for giving us snack and candy prizes for the kids,

Anthony gives out snack packs to kids at the event.

Anthony and I huddle in for a photo with Sara at the event.

and thank you to film, TV and event producer Anna Kim for filming and for assisting with our merch table.

Anna Kim films Anthony speaking while I pass out treats from Sara for the kids.