There's not a single ounce of doubt in my mind that the Holy Spirit of GOD is doing mighty things in the souls of the people in Pacific Beach. I'll tell you why towards the end of this entry....
It's a giant weight lifted off my shoulders when we make the u-turn in the cul-de-sac and I notice the group of men sitting on the wall anxiously waiting to help unload and set up when I arrive. They trust us to be there, and (Lord willing) I will not be the one guy to let any of them down. I know for alot of these men & women this is the ONLY hot meal they get to eat.
Steven was helpful in cleaning up and wiping down the tables before serving. Tonight with Jeremy back on the scene, he wanted to be part of the ministry to bless others instead of being in the multitude, hanging out and getting drunk. I asked him to pass out the waters as needed. Randy was a big help tonight as well and took the task of dispersing the (delicious!) potatoe salad that my mother & cousin had prepared and dropped off.
We had about 35 guests or so, and we were wise with our portions. The food lasted almost 2hrs this time, and everyone was able to get 2nds if they wanted. There wasn't a single person turned away and it felt really good inside. Again, the majority ate and immediately took off, but there were some new comers and they stuck around until the end. I was saddened to find out that 2 of our regulars had moved on to venture in another state... so long Mohawk Mike & Ray, you will be missed. I did not have the opportunity to sit down for an actual 'bible study' but I took full advantage of sharing about the bible when the door opened during conversation.
Our photographer friend, Lisa arrived and blessed us with some more photographs she had taken weeks ago. She is such a kind and soft spoken woman that wears her heart on the outside. She has been a blessing to all of us. (Some of the shots on the slideshow are from her.)
The power of GOD's love speaks so much louder than words! The man whom I've mentioned in the past, has now gained my trust. When I first met him, he snapped at me everytime I mentioned the bible to him. He was one of the men a few weeks back that stayed for the bible study when we changed nights. In conversation tonight, I suggestively asked when he was going to join us for church since I'm always picking somebody from PB up anyways. As it is right now, it looks as though he'll be waiting on Sunday for the ride with the other men. It's taken about 14wks for that barrier to crumble and now it's obvious that GOD has opened this man's eyes to see that it's about GOD's love and not religion. Anyone can put on the religious act for a few hours.
It was clear that Chicago may have had some drinks today, and he has happy to see his buddies show up like clockwork. He's got a big heart and I know he means well. Before we parted ways, he made sure to remind me to pick him up tomorrow for chair set up... so did Steven... and so did Jeremy. I almost feel bad knocking out the chairs so fast on Saturday with my hard-working crew because by the time home fellowships show up, everything's pretty much done. Praise the good Lord though. He's blessed us with healthy physical bodies and there's no reason why we shouldn't use that to give back to Him.
In 7hrs I'll be heading back to PB and picking up the crew. I pray that the men rest comfortably with a full stomach and a refreshed soul knowing that GOD loves them just as much as the next man. In Christ, there is no differance between rich or poor. We all have struggles and being Christian doesn't make us perfect, just forgiven. Please pray for my brothers that still fight with their daily alcoholic struggles and addictions. Jeremy had the strength tonight to pass up the opportunity to drink with his old friends and I can see it's important for him to hear that people like Amanda and I are proud of him.
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