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Navigating the Journey
This is a KUNV Studios original program.
Speaker 2:The content of this program does not reflect the views or opinions of 91.5 Jazz and More, the University of Nevada Las Vegas, or the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education.
Speaker 3:Blackball Triple 7 Productions presents the Blackball Triple 7 Productions podcast, faith knowledge and college edition. This program has been brought to you by Blackballpoint Triple 7 Productions. And now, here is your host.
Speaker 4:And Blackball himself Hello. Here is your host. And Blackball himself is bouncing back on radio. Yeah. What's going on everybody?
Speaker 4:Blackball here with my 2 familiar guests, Dylan and Shyla. We're here to talk about Vegas Urban Services. This is a as they call it, a urban justice. We've got some students that come from California. They they often join us and we do multiple different things throughout the week.
Speaker 4:It's, it's usually a 5 day program, 4 to 5 day program. To talk about it a little more in-depth, I'm here with Dylan, Chinelika, villain, and Shyla. How are you guys doing today?
Speaker 1:I'm good. Doing well, Jibri. Thank you for having us.
Speaker 4:No problem. Great to have you guys on again. And fun fact, Dylan and Shyla actually attended Vegas urban services with me, VASP for short.
Speaker 1:That's right.
Speaker 4:Yeah. I've done it like 3 times in a row. Last year, not this year. Last year was my favorite for a personal reason. Well, yeah, kinda.
Speaker 4:I mean, it's all it's all a great time, but our main purpose for this this trip is to get to know about Las Vegas a little more, like learning about the city other than like the stereotypical details people like to talk about here and there about different parts of Las Vegas, and we're gonna go into more details with it. So as always, my main man, Kayce, got my questions. We're gonna be asking my I'm gonna be asking my guests. So let's get the black ball rolling. So what were your guys' original expectations before attending Vegas Serpent Services, like, when Kevin or whoever it was that told you about it, what were your original expectations of the trip?
Speaker 1:Alright. I'll go first. I'd say, in fact, it was actually Dominic Basile that, told me about it. And he's like, yeah. I think this would be really good for you to do.
Speaker 1:Like, he was trying to convince me to do it. And I'm like, alright. I'll look into it. And then there was just one weekend I was like, this was like a weekend before, like, the, we're supposed to do, the urban service project. I I'm, like, out of town that weekend, and suddenly I get this text from Dom.
Speaker 1:And he's like, hey, Dylan. You want are you gonna do the Vegas urban service project? I'm like, I better get on it before registration closes. So I got on it, and I'm like, alright. I guess I'm going.
Speaker 1:And once, I got there, I thought for some reason, I just thought it was gonna be, like, we actually do, like, a community service type, like, where we actually go through, like, actually doing some work for, like, whether it's, like, cleaning up the streets or whatever, that kinda stuff. But it was more like a, you know, talking to people, learning about the neighborhoods that we went into, and just, learn, like, what more there is to the city of Vegas than what we're used to.
Speaker 4:Well, fun fact, 2 year wait. 2 or 3 years ago, I remember oh, VASPA twenty 22, it was. So we actually did a little bit of that cleaning up the a neighborhood where the club one of the Club Christ locations are. I remember me and one of my friends this is when daddy Joseph was in town, aka Joseph Lito, one of our old staff members.
Speaker 1:Love that man.
Speaker 4:Yeah. And, yeah, we were in the neighborhood. There was there was an apartment complex where one of the Club Christ locations are. We were cleaning up trash for in that particular part of the neighborhood. What about you, Shiloh?
Speaker 4:What were your thoughts your your original thoughts?
Speaker 5:Well, I knew it was gonna be hot, and I wasn't gonna wanna be in the heat. But it was actually hotter than I expected. And then same as Dylan, I thought we were gonna be doing more, like, tangible things to, like, help people. When I think of, like, like, a mission trip, even if it's in Vegas, I think of more being more active and doing things to help people in more tangible ways than just talking. So that was my initial expectation.
Speaker 4:Yeah. It was hot. It was hot during that trip. I I'll never forget the first day. It was me and you going out walking around.
Speaker 4:We went somewhere. We were cooking up a store.
Speaker 1:It was like brutal that day. Like, I'm like, oh my gosh. This is why I don't go outside often during the summer.
Speaker 4:Yeah. We were reduced to food. Like, we might as well have been food for, what's his name? Rest in peace to Spidey, buddy, but we might as well have become food for him. Like, it was it was in the 100.
Speaker 4:Sorry.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It was I mean, typical, like, June weather.
Speaker 5:Yeah.
Speaker 4:Sorry. Sorry. I was checking the time. But what were some unexpected challenges that you guys have faced?
Speaker 1:Some unexpected challenges that I faced. So I was kinda going through, like, some rough things, like, during my during that week just in my personal life. Like, I was just going through some of the friendships that I have, having to go from seeing them every day to now long distance friendships. And also, like whenever we're like on any of our inter varsity retreats, I've always liked this squeaky clean record of like no temptations on any of our retreats whatsoever, no matter how tempted I am. And it's always taken everything in me not to be tempted.
Speaker 1:But during this, one, I, of course, have a slip up and I'm like and the moment that the slip up actually happened, I'm like, why can't I'm like, great. Now my squeaky clean record is gone. And on top of that, I'm like, what am I even doing? And I was just going through all the emotions of, like, everything. And it got to the point, I'm like, something's gotta be done about it.
Speaker 1:And when it happened to me, like, I started just, like, open up to people about it, like, opening up to people that I trust and that I'm close with to, like, help me through it. I'm like, this just happened. I don't know what to do, like, in the moment. Like, okay. I felt good afterwards, but then, like, after the temptation issues that I was fighting one night, it led me having a really bad, like, sleepless night.
Speaker 1:I couldn't get any sleep that night. My brain was just so, like, blank empty. I couldn't think straight. It's just a lot that happened to me that night.
Speaker 4:Now that you mentioned, like, the whole squeaky clean thing that, that's that, that's a good reminder of the gospel. I'm gonna get to that now because I've noticed in past shows, I've forgotten to bring that up. So how do you get saved? 1 Corinthians 51 through 4. Christ died on the cross for our past, present, and future sins.
Speaker 4:He was buried and rose again on the 3rd day. You believe that you are saved, sealed, and sanctified. The Holy Spirit will lead you. He'll guide you. He will help you.
Speaker 4:And yes, like, we're definitely gonna have temptations. We're definitely gonna mess up. So unfortunately, our flesh likes to convince us that we can keep everything squeaky clean, but we mess up. We mess up a lot. I mess up a lot.
Speaker 4:Pastors mess up a lot. Nobody's perfect because Christ paid the price for all of that, for all of our sins, past, present, and future. Yes, we do wanna honor God with all of our heart, with everything that we can, even what we can with the Holy Spirit. Anyway, Shaila, what were your some unexpected challenges you faced?
Speaker 5:For me, I think everything was more personal. I didn't expect to feel so convicted in the trip. I thought I would actually, like, feel better about myself because I'm helping the community. And I actually started to feel worse about myself during the trip because of how convicted I felt. So I would say that was a really big challenge.
Speaker 5:I was just dealing with a lot of emotions and trying to process a lot of things during that trip.
Speaker 4:I felt different my first time after attending FOSS for the first time. I had the I had the thought that people chose to be homeless and stuff like that while going through the program, like the manuscripting, the bible study, listening to the speakers. There is like so much that's out of someone's control. Like, people do things that cause things happen to people that cause their situations, or it just happens out of nowhere, like, when we least expect, and people wanna, like, stereotype them. Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Totally.
Speaker 4:And it's kinda it's kinda funny because I was I remember walking down a couple of times, and I'm the type of person I I tend to get defensive, not like physically, but always be ready to act in case someone does something. But none of that actually happened in the areas that we were in. Like, I remember people were more friendlier. Some were willing to talk and share their stories. They were they were sad, unfortunately, for the most part.
Speaker 1:Totally. Like, I I was, talking to 1 homeless man, like, during one of the days, and he talked about, like, some of the stuff that he sees, like, on the streets. Like, I won't go too much into detail about it because it's like, you know, some of it might not be appropriate for our young viewers out there. But, he talked about, like, some of, like, the gang related stuff that happens on the streets, the some of the deaths that happen on the street, like, actually close-up in person, even fights that can break out. Like and it it's usually, like, at night that it happens.
Speaker 1:And that had me realizing it's like, wow. I just I didn't think I mean, I always knew that stuff like that does happen on the streets, but hearing it, like, from a personal perspective and all that, I'm like, woah. It this it's real. Like, it's I'm, like, having to, like, pinch myself. I'm like, am I dreaming, or is this a reality?
Speaker 1:And it was a reality.
Speaker 4:So what were some things that you learned about the city, the population, and other details about Las Vegas during during Vegas urban services? I
Speaker 1:think, what I learned about the city during that time, just the fact that we have people that are living on our streets, homeless, and the fact that nobody seems to wanna do anything about it or have some compassion for them
Speaker 4:That is what I'm saying. It's like peeve.
Speaker 1:Oh my it gets on my nerves. It's like, we care more about, you know, being greedy. And with inflation going on, the cost of living right now is so unaffordable to the point it's, like, that even, like, to be able to afford to live anywhere, right now, you have to make a huge, like, certain amount. Like, it used to not be that way, but over time now, the inflation that we're living through right now is just getting much worse, and it's leading to people being homeless. It's leading to people who can't even afford are just can't even afford living.
Speaker 1:And the fact that no one bats an eye to, like, literally have some consideration and maybe do something to help the situation, they're instead focusing on stuff that's, like, so, like, not even relevant or even focus on stuff that we could care less about, maybe actually help the homeless people or the people who are struggling. Stop focusing on, like, all the crazy not other nonsense out there. How how about have some compassion?
Speaker 4:Facts. What about you, Shaila?
Speaker 5:I think I realized, like, for me personally and just, like, people in general, how we stereotype homeless people and, like, how false that stereotype is. I don't think I talked to one rude homeless person. And, like, their their character like, they're really sweet people. I mean, not all of them. You have, like, like, your crackheads and stuff.
Speaker 5:And a lot of them, they wanted to have conversations. They wanna be seen. They don't wanna be ignored. And, like, it was really uplifting to see that side of the city that people usually try to avoid and that they give a bad name to. But, like, it doesn't deserve it.
Speaker 5:Because even though there might be bad, they're still good in it. And people are still people, even if they're homeless. Sometimes they can't control circumstances, and that doesn't mean that we should ignore them or have a perception about them that is false.
Speaker 4:Facts. I I'll never forget the the last the last day of, the second the my sec the second and third trips that I went to, or a recent one. This year and last year, we were on this trip for the final day, and the tourists that we had to talk to, like, some of them did talk. I I ran in I remember I ran into like a Scotsman and people from Scotland, and they they were they were down they were down to talk for a little bit, and it was mainly people from abroad that were willing to talk. Otherwise, nobody wanted to talk.
Speaker 4:But it's like a it's like a huge difference. It's like a huge difference. I don't know if you guys noticed that.
Speaker 5:Yeah. I got There
Speaker 4:really is.
Speaker 5:More responses from homeless people than tourists.
Speaker 1:That's the same here.
Speaker 5:Vegas locals. They didn't really wanna talk. They're actually rude.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Actually, there was, like, a how about there was an interaction that I had with them. Because when we were hosting that barbecue for the people who live within that apartment complex that we went to
Speaker 4:Oh, terrific. Keep this one clean.
Speaker 1:Yeah. I'm just gonna
Speaker 4:I'm gonna try
Speaker 1:to keep this one clean. Oh, my friend and I, we knocked on the door, and this guy came out. He's like, what the do you want? And I'm like, oh my gosh. Okay.
Speaker 1:Okay. I'm, like, quickly, like, slowly, like, backing up because I was trying to make because I was backing up in case he tried to, like, like, kill me or rob me or something. I'm like, no. No. No.
Speaker 1:No. We're we're we're with the we're with the church. We're just putting on the bed. And he's like, oh, okay. Sorry.
Speaker 1:My bad. I'm like, okay. That was close. But,
Speaker 4:it
Speaker 1:was oh my gosh. Jabri, I can't even tell you, like, how, like, scared I was for my life in that moment.
Speaker 4:It's an it's not it's not funny. Just No. The way he the way he, the way he told me it was funny.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It's it's like the way, like, if you like, just hearing the story may sound funny, but in reality, having to deal with it, it was really not funny in the moment. If anything, it was pretty scary.
Speaker 4:Yeah. I'm sure.
Speaker 1:I was, like, I and then after that, I just had all this adrenaline rush me. I'm like, oh my gosh. I'm like, like, it was but, he ended up being pretty cool. But, when he explained, like, why he was the way he was, it I'm like, okay. Makes sense.
Speaker 1:You know, there's some just one of those areas where it's like it can get pretty bad.
Speaker 4:Do you happen to be in Las Vegas from a different perspective post Wasp?
Speaker 1:I think yeah. Yes and no. I mean, before going to VUSP okay. I always knew, like, okay. There's some things going on in Vegas that, that's always been, like, the case, like, people living on the streets or some of the human trafficking situations and just the way, some of the events or some of the stuff that goes on within the city, I always knew that was that was always going on.
Speaker 1:But then doing Vegas Urban Surfs Project that week, I'm, like, realizing it's much worse than I thought before going into it. And then just seeing hearing stories from people, like, up close and in person, it was just it hit differently. I remember, like, I had a few nights where I was just about ready to cry because it's just hearing about all this stuff, I'm like, wow. It just I never knew it was that bad of a reality.
Speaker 4:Yeah. It it really hits you. What about you, Shaila?
Speaker 5:Yeah. I definitely agree with Dylan. I do see Vegas in a new light. 1, because of what Dylan said, like, just how bad things are. But also, like, there's also a good side of Vegas that people don't realize.
Speaker 5:I mean, I still don't like this state or the city, but it's not all bad. And I can understand why people like Vegas.
Speaker 1:I think for me, it's like a you know, don't get me wrong. I mean, I am, like, 702 for life. I'm 702 even till the day I die. I love Vegas, but, you know, I can see why, some don't like it, why some like it. I'm kinda like everywhere as and I'm saying that as someone who is gonna be living in Vegas even up till the day I die even.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Like, I have no desire to live anywhere else or leave Vegas.
Speaker 4:Me either. Like, similar to Shailah, I am a beach person, like, more of a tropical person, but I can't put up with disasters, especially the hurricanes that have been hitting, and the people not even trying to do anything to help out the victims. And, like, yeah, it's it's crazy. Like, similar to what Dylan said about the homeless people, they're doing they're kinda doing the same thing. Like, you kinda gotta do your research.
Speaker 4:I'll make a conspiracy theorist if you want. I can care less. But, I definitely view Vegas more differently after doing Vegas service services at least 3 times in a row. It's like you gotta, you have to explore a place before you before you're before you come to conclusions about it because you can't judge a book by its cover. Like, that's the most popular saying, never judge a book by its cover.
Speaker 1:And it seems like nowadays people are quick to judge a book by its cover.
Speaker 4:Oh, definitely.
Speaker 1:But they take one good look at it, and they're like, nope. Not doing this.
Speaker 5:Yeah. Vegas is more than just Sin City, guys. It's not that bad.
Speaker 4:I mean, pretty much every city in this in this planet is sin city. The whole world is sinned. That's true. Christ died for our sins, so we're going to some positive stuff right now. What are some things that you enjoyed during the trip?
Speaker 1:I think my favorite part of the trip, was actually walking up and down the Strip as a Vegas local. Learn more about, like, the different places that are within the city and also, seeing, like, some of the activity that goes down on the Strip. Because, you know, I'm the type of guy, you know, as someone who lives here full time, I usually don't go on the Strip very often. This would be more of a tourist thing.
Speaker 4:We're excursionists.
Speaker 1:Yeah. But, I think just doing that walk helped me to, like, also, like, clear my mind of, like, things that went on and also just, like it was one of those really fun activities because I got to be around people, got to be around so many different things that, I typically don't get to see, like, on a daily basis.
Speaker 4:What about you, Shaila?
Speaker 5:I think for me, it's seeing the way people light up when you speak to them or, like, see them light up when you do little things. Like, as Dylan was mentioning earlier, we went to an apartment complex and had a barbecue. And the whole time, I was just playing with the kids, and it just brought me so much joy to see them have so much fun because I can only imagine what they're going through. And some of them told me their stories, and I was like, as a kid, I would be, like, having mental breakdowns, and they're over here just so carefree and smiling. I think my favorite part of that was 2 of the girls painted my face, and they turned me into a Smurf.
Speaker 5:And I love kids, but they're so dishonest. Everyone kept telling me that I looked good. And I'm like, you guys, I know you painted my whole face blue. I know I don't look good. But they're so sweet.
Speaker 5:I just loved I think that was my favorite part, definitely. Playing with the kids and just seeing them light up.
Speaker 4:My favorite part was, the the strip as well, but mainly last year because this year, I kinda had a bad experience. There was a lady who's who was quick to underestimate me saying telling me to collect SSI. I'm like, I don't think so. Typical New Yorkers.
Speaker 1:Was this, like, wait, was this like on the strip? Or
Speaker 4:Yeah. We were talking. Me and my the person I was pairing up with, she and I were talking, and I'm like thinking to myself, like, you typical New Yorkers. You guys wanna be rude. Not everybody.
Speaker 4:If you're from New York, no. I don't mean to offend you guys.
Speaker 1:So this was just someone that you guys talked to?
Speaker 4:Yeah. And she was just kinda she was she was kinda she was setting me up like I'd rather people ask me about about my vision and rather than just randomly make assumptions.
Speaker 5:Yeah. I mean
Speaker 1:Yeah. And people these days are quick to make assumptions. Like, I've gotten assumptions made about me, which I'm it's to the point where a few times I've had to, like, denounce some of those assumptions. I'm like, excuse me. I am not what you think I am.
Speaker 1:There's more to me than you think or no. I'm like the total opposite of what you think I am? Or
Speaker 4:Yeah. That's how I was that's how that's what I was thinking, but the holy spirit thank God. The holy spirit was heavily he kept me heavily guarded awake. There was one instance where I had to walk away for like a few seconds for something different, but I'm like, thank you Holy Spirit. Like why can't you do this to me all the time?
Speaker 4:I know I'm not gonna be perfect, but at least do what you did during that time. Please, please, please. Because I wanna I wanna honor God at all times. Like, fill in the Holy Spirit that time, like, I wish it was 247. Even stronger.
Speaker 4:So, would you would you go back?
Speaker 1:Yeah. I'd I'd go back because, you know, it taught me a lot that week. You know, I learned to actually appreciate and be more grateful of the things I have in my life. Because, you know, not everybody has that stuff. So and we tend to take a lot of things for granted.
Speaker 1:Because when we do that, the stuff we take for granted, sometimes not everybody has those opportunities or can even get access to those opportunities, like the ones we have. And I've seen people who actually have access to those things that are, like, super privileged, who just take it for granted and are ungrateful. They just think they're like, oh, yeah, I I'm gonna get that, or no, I don't want that. But it's like, okay, maybe actually have some compassion for those who may not have access to that because they will do it within a heartbeat. If they want access to that in in a heartbeat, they will do it.
Speaker 4:Oh, yes. They will. Like, we can't re you got we have to remember that not everybody has the opportunities that we have individually. We do we do tend to take things for granted. Like, I can't even imagine what the people on the East Coast are dealing with right now from those hurricanes.
Speaker 4:And there's another one coming, and the whole category 6 thing, I had a feeling for 7 years that would happen, but I didn't know when it would. I'm not I'm not a prophet. I don't claim to know the future. It's just a feeling I had. Shyla, would you go back?
Speaker 5:If I had the chance, I would definitely go back. I think it's a great experience. While you learn more about Vegas, you also learn more about yourself, And, you also learn more about the people around you. There's a lot of new people you can meet and grow with, and it's like it's a very good bonding moment for people you don't know or you aren't close with just going through that experience with them. So I think I would go back if I had the chance.
Speaker 4:Me, personally, if I'm able to, well, I would go back given the fact that I'll be an alumni. I mean, granted if Jesus doesn't come back by then. But, I mean, I I I would hope to have, like, stronger connections with students from out of state. I feel like I don't know. They have beef with me or something.
Speaker 4:No. Just kidding. But, anyway, yeah, It's a it's a good experience. It is tough, like, especially walking out in the heat. Like, if you if you're a Vegas student or a student from from California and your school ends up coming here to Vegas, I'd recommend bring at least 64 inches to like a gallon of water with ice, because you will you will need it.
Speaker 4:You will need it. And, fun fact, for my for another show that I'm that I'm planning to host, 2 of the 2 people who went to the Vegas service services were they also went to Bosnia for a global for for a program for another program that InterVarsity hosts. So we'll be talking about Bosnia with them. So again, the gospel. Believe that Jesus died on the cross for your past, present, and future sins, that He buried and rose again on the 3rd day.
Speaker 4:And I wanna thank you for joining us again. Thank you. Until next time, black ball's gotta melt.