Saddleback San Diego Launches Local PEACE

Local PEACE is Saddleback’s tool to achieve our Daring Faith goal of assisting people in need.Through ordinary people, empowered by God, our church family is able to serve our community in a variety of ways. From serving the military and elderly to helping the incarcerated and the homeless, over 500 ministries are available to do what Jesus did, together, wherever we are.

Saddleback San Diego is the latest campuses to introduce Local PEACE. Less than a year after they launched, they kicked off their Local PEACE efforts on July 22 with The Lunch Brigade. This powerful new ministry serves meals to veterans struggling with PTSD and military sexual trauma. 

Every Saturday from 10:00-12:30, nearly 40 veterans meet with a group that assists struggling military with trained service dogs. While the service dogs are in training, our Saddleback volunteers pray with the veterans before serving lunch. They also assist them in any way needed, engage in friendly conversation, and interact with their dogs. Their main goal, however, is to show veterans the love of Christ and let them know how much they are valued and appreciated.

The idea behind The Lunch Brigade originated with Campus Pastor Jeff Gonzalez. A father of four, he formerly served as pastor of our Saddleback campus on a military base in Afghanistan. With a large military presence at Saddleback San Diego, and his pastor’s heart to help service men, this ministry seemed a perfect fit for the first Local PEACE outreach.

 “We lose around 20 service members a day to suicide,” says Pastor Jeff. “When we provide a meal, it creates a sense of community and decreases the risk of isolation, which often leads to depression and suicidal thoughts. We can be the hands and feet of Jesus and help save a life.”

For their first Lunch Brigade on July 22, a team of Saddleback volunteers—led by Alan Rose—purchased meals from Wahoo's Fish Taco and brought homemade desserts to serve the veterans. While several of the vets were initially reserved and reluctant to interact, the volunteers made sure to show compassion by act of serving and simply being present.

“It’s really about being a bright spot on a Saturday for them and showing human interest and interaction,” says Saddleback Volunteer, John Stueber. “We get to do good on a ‘right now’ moment that you can actually see happening in front of you. It’s truly a humbling experience to be around these vets who have sacrificed so much. It’s just one small way to give back.”

Held every Saturday at Oceanside’s Capistrano Park, the Lunch Brigade takes place just south of Camp Pendleton in a secluded area that allows for discreet and unobtrusive interaction. Stepping up to join the ministry are other Saddleback campuses that are discussing ways to assist San Diego’s efforts. The need is great for other members to get involved. Small groups are invited to provide lunch, help serve, assist with set up, or distribute leftovers.

 “This is a great opportunity for anyone who has a heart and passion for service people and their rescued dogs,” says John. “Serving them lunch and connecting together is the least we can do for these vets who have done so much for us and our country.”

To be part of this incredible outreach, including volunteering at the next Lunch Brigade on August 12, email John Stueber at jcs@summit-capital.net. Learn more about Local PEACE at www.saddleback.com/localpeace.