The UrbanPromise eight grade class decides to send money raised for their class trip to help the people of Malibu Presbyterian Church, instead.


This past October I watched angry and aggressive flames sweep down the Malibu Hills of Southern California and encircle Pepperdine University. The ferocious winds whipped the fire into frenzied, terrifying destruction.

My good friend, Greg Hughes, is the pastor of Malibu Presbyterian Church— located across the street from the Pepperdine campus. His church has been a long time supporter of UrbanPromise Ministries. Greg’s dynamic university outreach program attracts students from Pepperdine and challenges them to serve in the world’s neediest communities. The children of Camden have gotten to know many of the incredible students from Malibu when the California volunteers come to Camden as missionaries and interns.

When the helicopter cameras panned away from the campus to the surrounding areas, I could see thick black smoke billowing from the steeple; flames danced out of shattered windows. The Malibu Presbyterian Church, in moments, was reduced to charred wreckage.

During our chapel service the next week, the news was shared with our young students at the CamdenForward School. Pictures were shown, newspaper clippings were read, and the children were encouraged to pray for their California friends. The children were moved by the fire’s devastation.

Later in the day a student said to Mr. Muzyczek, his teacher, “A few of us were talking. As you know we’ve been selling pretzels to raise money for our class trip. And we decided we want to send our trip money to the church in California to help them rebuild.”

“That’s a great idea, Jose. But we’ll need to get everyone in the class to agree on the idea. We can take a vote. It’s the class’s money, so everyone’ll need to agree to make this gift.”

Mr. Muzyczek gathered the class together. “You are all aware that we have been raising money for our class trip. Everyone has worked hard and I am proud of you. Now, a few of you have suggested that we should send our money to First Presbyterian Church in Malibu to help them rebuild. As you learned in chapel today, their church is gone. If you think it’s a good idea for us to send our trip money to our friends in California, raise your hand.”

Hands began to rise. Then all 17 popped into the air. Unanimous!
Next week I will have the privilege of sending a small, but, oh so generous check of $150 to my friend Greg, from a group of thirteen year olds in Camden. Against the magnitude of the task, our gift will not do much-- a few bricks, a couple of hymnals, a child sized chair.

But how symbolic! It’s a symbol of the kind of young leaders UrbanPromise is nurturing—compassionate, caring, kind and generous.

I hope your heart is encouraged and touched by this story, and that you will continue to invest in the terrific kids who walk through our doors at UrbanPromise each day. Because of your generous help we are building a city of promise...one child at a time.