A Parish Story from Linda Vista | San Diego, CA

Ebenezer Church is deeply rooted in their neighborhood of Linda Vista in San Diego and committed to linking across difference and collaborating for renewal. Ebenezer focuses their efforts and resources on creating shalom in their neighborhood in practical ways. Each month, they have a serve day where they gather in their community to beautify their place and help others.

Melissa Musicha

“When we’re face to face, it creates more grace.” 

In a neighborhood with a reputation for violence, crime and danger, Ebenezer has chosen to work to help break barriers between the police department and the local youth and families. 

During the coronavirus pandemic, Melissa Musicha worked with neighbors to create a youth sports program in Kelly Street Park. In 2020 this park was identified as being in poor condition by the city of San Diego and was also named one of San Diego’s deadliest parks by a local magazine, due to gang-related shootings that had occurred the year before. 

Hoping to improve the relationship between families in the neighborhood and the San Diego Police Department’s Gang Intervention Unit, they created a weekly soccer program with friendly competition. Over the past few years they have continued to build bridges between the community and the police department while helping to create a safe environment for youth in the neighborhood. Watch this video to hear more from Melissa and other community members about the impact this program has had.

Pastors Noel Musicha and Jer Lester are dear friends of the Parish Collective and members of the Cultivate Gathering Host Team. They would love to connect with you through their website or their Facebook page. 

We hope you can join us Sept 30-Oct 1, 2022 for the upcoming Cultivate Gathering to connect with Noel, Jer, and Melissa in person, alongside other Parish-minded friends in the Southwestern Region! Click here to buy your ticket.