Erika Johnson is a fourth generation member at Lake, and has enjoyed being part of the LAC family her whole life. She graduated from High School this past June and remembers the joy of volunteering in Early Childhood. She is currently on a gap year abroad at Capernwray Bible School in England where she’s enjoying growing in her knowledge of Scripture at Bible School and understanding the reasons for her faith. Additionally, she will be starting at Wheaton College next Fall.
One of Erika’s passions is baking - especially for others. She went on a mission trip to the Tenderloin District in San Francisco last year with Lake’s high school group. “The focus of serving homeless people was so applicable to the work God was doing in my heart- I don’t think that was a coincidence. It was on that trip that I started to really see homeless people through God’s eyes.”
A little while after that, she decided to check out the Community Meal at Lake. She shared about her desire in serving people in need, “I started to develop a heart for the homeless two years ago, when I went to Skid Row several times with a different church. I had a deep sense
of joy when I befriended some of those men and women on the streets,” said Johnson. She felt God put it on her heart to make homemade desserts for the Community Meal, and had been wanting to do so for a while. She believes baking for others conveys love.
“When I baked desserts for the Community Meal I had a lot of fun! I really enjoyed getting to know the other volunteers and the people I sat with,” said Johnson.
She shared how she’s not the leader-type and sometimes doesn’t feel she has any flashy skills to contribute. “I have no idea if the people who ate the desserts appreciated them, but that’s ok.” She looks forward to serving in this way when she’s back home.
And although California is her home, she feels blessed to have the opportunity to rest in and enjoy Jesus’ sweet presence wherever she is.
For more details on how to serve, visit http://mylac.lakeave.org and use the serving finder under the serving tab, or contact Than Veltman at or 626.817.4514.