Blessings ~ Week 8 (Up to date as of 6/19/09)

The Holy Spirit touched a brother whom I've never met in person, while lifting up a prayer request and donated towards the ministry. This is so incredible! He's also become our prayer support team. We definately need the prayer support. He graciously blessed us with a gift card towards groceries. GOD is too good. It could not have come at a better time. The gatherings continue to grow each week. It reminds me how GOD is faithful to His children. I recall a saying I heard many years ago: if it's GOD's will, then it's GOD's bill.

Last night Joey and I started a small bible study with Steven, sitting in front of Starbucks, which we plan to continue every Thursday night from now on.

Tonight was the best night we've had so far!!!!! Amanda, Teri, and Jason came. We decided to BBQ for a change. We brought 2 grills, hot dogs & hamburgers, home-made potatoe salad. No sooner then the smoke starts raising from the grills do the police show up. The told me that the same lady reported us again. This time it was for the BBQ. We even moved to a differant location on the lower level, to keep the peace between neighbors but apperantly that didn't help any. The cops asked what organization we were with and I told them the same thing I tell everyone... "We're here representing Jesus Christ and GOD's love, although we go to church, we're not here representing our church." I shared which church we are part of and ironically enough.... the officer knows our pastor very well and was part of our church from the beginning. The officer took the time to go through the legal mumbo-jumbo fine lines of the laws in PB with me. The officer was very encouraging and I thanked him.

We now have a home and a stronghold backing for our ministry. GOD is good all the time and all the time GOD is good! During my discussion with the officers, there was some disappointing commotion coming from one of the guys joining us for dinner. He was obnoxious and way out of line. He received a citation for Disorderly Conduct because of his behaviour. Steven started praying by himself and tried to gather the believers together for prayer, for the Holy Spirit to ease the ordeal. That was awesome to see him take upon himself. Afterwards I asked the man if he and I could talk, and he flipped out on me. I let him vent and go on his way. About 45 minutes later he returns and tries to join our group again. Now that he was calm, I asked if I could finish saying what I wanted to say in the first place. He agreed to listen. I explained to him why it was out of line and how timing is everything. I opened his eyes to see the damage his actions may have caused to our ministry just by doing the things he did and claiming to be part of our group. He asked if I wanted him to leave and that allowed me to share GOD's grace & mercy and my own self conviction. There's no way I could rightfully call myself Christ-like if I turned my back on somebody because they fell into sin. I explained that our ministry is all about Love and it's times like that, that it counts most. He began to cry and I felt what I could only describe as the Holy Spirit fall down and blanket over us.

We met a man named Dave tonight. He knows his scripture, it's only a shame that he's not walking the narrow path.

Mike asked for a bible and promised to study it. I invited him to join us for Thursday night study at Starbucks. He said he'd check it out.

Tomorrow I'm taking Steven to the swap meet to get a few things...

Sunday I'm picking up Jeremy & Andy for 1st service, and they'll be volunteering in the cafe during 2nd service. I advised Jeremy that it's not in the best interest to come to church while intoxicated because it can be a distraction at moments and agreed to be sober from now on.

I sit in awe of our LORD and His mightiness!!!!!!!!!

Week 7 (Sunday)

Jeremy & Andy came to church with us again.

It was so awesome because a woman who had heard about our ministry through home fellowship noticed us hanging out in front before service approached Jeremy, who was full blown drunk at 8:30am, and welcomed him with open arms. That moved me to see her love flow, without any judgment. Jesus said "Come, follow me." (Matthew 4:19) Not: Straighten up your act and then come, follow me. I prayed during the entire service that GOD's word would pierce deep into Jeremy's soul.

The battle begins ~ Week 7

I have a favorite song titled "The battle belongs to The LORD!!"
This week was our first real encounter with spiritual warfare. Good news is GOD always wins.

A local resident in the condos behind our spot called the police to complain. The woman came downstairs and started degrading our friends with no shame what-so-ever. We tried explaining to her why we are there as the cops pull up in their cars. She claimed that she pays a very high price to live there and "the sight of such people is an eyesore" to her. The police asked us to pack up and leave. I respectfully declined and told them I'm not breaking any laws and I'm doing what the Bible tells me to do, which is Love Thy Neighbors. The cops realized I wasn't going anywhere and asked if we could at least take our gathering down to the beach sand. I agreed for the sake of respect for our police department. I told the officers that I support them and what they have to do. One of the officers is a brother in The LORD and encouraged me to keep up the good work and hinted that maybe one day he'd even join us in serving. I think the biggest impact was on our new friends who saw us stand up for their sake. The police informed me that people have called City Counsel on our gatherings because it's been a re-occuring thing. I rejoiced inside and told the officers PRAISE THE LORD! "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10)

I encouraged our team to pray for that lady and the rest of the people like her, who place themselves higher than others.

Week 6 (Sunday)

I returned 7hrs later and picked up Jeremy, Andy, and Patrick for Sunday service.

Jeremy was entrigued at our pastor's message and started referring to Horizon as his home church by late afternoon. Hmmmm, funny isn't it??!!

My wife and I dropped Andy off back in PB and took Jeremy with us to Park Chapel. We heard there were donations available for pick up. I met with the pastor of H.U.M. (Horizon Urban Ministries) and told him what's been going on. He seemed very enthusiastic about the ministry and gave us a 60lb. sack of potatoes to help out. Incredible! We were also informed of well needed information, such as networking phone numbers to assist with the homeless. We then went back to PB and spent the entire day just hanging out with the guys.

Week 6 (Saturday)

The following day I get there on time and see Andy sitting alone. He told me that he hasn't even had a desire to drink any alcohol the entire day. Praise The LORD!!!

Jeremy wanted to go to church too and tried to stay sober, but around 2pm he took a drink of vodka and started having with drawls causing him to have seizures. Jeremy was taken by ambulance to the local hospital. Amanda met me and the 4 guys at church. After service I took the guys back to PB and Amanda called the hospital to check on Jeremy, leaving our contact # for any emergency. Around 11pm my cell phone rings. Jeremy was being released from the hospital after hours of detoxification and rehydration in a city he knows nothing about. We picked him up and drove back to PB, spending 30 minutes helping him find Andy before we just left him there alone. Before we drove away Jeremy said he wanted to come to church. I said I'd be back in the morning to pick him up if he wanted to go so bad.

Amazing Grace ~ Week 6

Amanda, Teri, Jason and Joey all came. For whatever reasons, both Amanda and Teri made an additional portion of their tasty meals. It was a great thing they did! Funny how we hear that little voice telling us to do something and when we obey, it fits like a puzzle.

We arrive, set up, and people start to line up. This was the biggest gathering yet! All the smiling familiar faces pass down the makeline and I notice Andy is back. I asked him a simple "How are you?" and his half smile turned into sorrow & brokenness, fighting back tears. He had been drinking and explained that his life was big mess. The Holy Spirit came down upon me that very moment and I boldly told him that he needs to accept Jesus into his heart. That is the only true way to find peace and everlasting comfort. The comfort from any bottle is only temporary and Jesus wants to take all his burdens away. Andy gave his heart to GOD right then, I mean literally right then. I couldn't even set the plate down before he asked me how to pray to receieve Him. I fought back tears of joy that night.

We met a Vietnam vet who was shot and injured 3 differant tours. He is a man of GOD and read scripture to us from the very bible he held onto during his tours in the Vietnam war. It was an honor to have met SSGT George. I saluted and prayed with him before he went on his way to enjoy his dinner.

We spent alot of time with our new friends and I invited them to Saturday night service at our home church, Horizon Christian Fellowship. I agreed to come down the following day and pick them up at 4pm.

Divine Appointments ~ Week 5

In full force this week was my wife, Teri, Jason, Jen, Joey and our friend Amy, from home fellowship. The blessings keep coming and coming. Teri and Jason have been awesome in helping out with food and sharing in the costs to keep this running. The more people that come, the pricier it gets, yet GOD still provides.

We met with our usual posse and plenty more to come. The whole night people seemed to flock to us, not only to eat but to fellowship and hang out with new friends. It was great. I was able to share scripture with a few of the regulars. Jeremy was there but his sidekick Andy was nowhere to be found. I noticed a guy walking towards us collecting plastic bottles. I offered him some food and sat with him away from everyone else. The LORD put it on my heart to really speak the truth to this man. I can't take any credit what-so-ever, because The Holy Spirit spoke through me, but after 5 minutes of talking with Don... he repented of his sins and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord & Saviour. He walked away refreshed, happy as ever and clinging a new bible tight in his grip. It took me about 15 minutes to realized what had really just taken place, I was in shock. GOD actually used me. Wow!!!

Amy and Amanda sat down and ministered with a woman named Jane. She has seen alot of loss in her life and it really shows. I don't know the details of what was said, but we all pray that GOD puts His touch on her life and she can feel His unfailing love.

As the night grew later, food was just about gone... a lone woman named Nancy sat near us. My wife noticed she was crying and went to speak with her, offered her food and sat down with her. Nancy has experienced some of the worst things a woman can deal with. She spills everything out to Amanda and she used what she could to tell about GOD's faithfullness and love towards her.

The entire night felt like it was all about divine appointments for each of us.

The word ~ Week 4

During mid week studies at C&V, I was able to get bibles donated from the pastor at out church because the men want to know more about the word. I'll be grabbing them as I need them. I'm trusting The LORD will direct that department.

Teri was able to get her husband, my friend, Jason to join us. A friend I had met through church, named Joey wanted to participate as well. It was nice to have some other men join the team. Joey is very theologically equipped and it's great having him at my side ministering to others.

Awaiting our usual spot sat, Steven. A very likeable guy who resembles Richard Gere. He questioned some things he didn't quite understand, and I was able to share some input from what little I do know about GOD and the way he works in today's society. I shared with him the story of Lazarus and GOD's timing is not our timing but it always works out for His glory. I gave him a new bible and his excitement filled me with joy. I like Steven.

Teri ministered to an older woman with a broken soul from many years of abuse. She suffers from emotional pain. This woman was hestitant on accepting anything from us because she explained that alot of people do "bad things" to the food they offer the homeless. We prayed with her and eventually she accepted the meal.

Two drifters from Arizona, Jeremy & Andy, walked into our lives. Andy had never seen the ocean and was excited to be in San Diego. They came here in hopes of finding work and starting a new life. These guys are great guys!! Polite, friendly, respectful... the kind of guys you meet and feel like you've already known them for years.

It was about 10pm when the food was gone. Walking to our truck, we ran into Carl. He's an older man, loves The LORD and is somewhat stand-offish from the rest of the regular guys down there. He keeps to himself and is another very respectful gentleman, calls my wife ma'am. Anybody that respects my wife like that is okay in my book. Carl seemed very lonely this night and wanted somebody to talk to, so my wife and I hung out with him for another 1.5hour. He played us a blues tune from his harmonica and it moved my soul. He explained that he once had a fantastic set but somebody stole it while he was asleep. It would be nice to one day bless him with a replacement just as nice.

Growing ~ Week 3

This time we knew our friends were spreading the word and they realized that they can depend on us to be there for them.

The LORD put it on Teri's heart to contribute to this ministry and blessed us with her Chicken Alfredo and some cookies for dessert. I admit this was something extra that I certainly wasn't expecting, but I thank JESUS for her heart. Jen joined us again and so we now had a choice to offer our new friends, either spaghetti & meatballs or chicken alfredo. Our friends loved this idea and still can't believe that this kindness exists.

I met a man named Joshua, who from his exterior, might be one that would cause others to cross the street for their own good. At first Joshua seemed very hardened, but slowly began to open up towards our love pouring out on him. Joshua does not shake hands, which I respect but do find odd. He thanked us for his meal and we told him that it's because of GOD's love that we're able to do it and He should get the thanks, not us.

I spoke to many drunk people this night. It was very sad to come face to face with such pain. I shared the Truth with everyone that gave me the time to sit with them, but obviously we had an unwanted spiritual visitor fighting against us that night. About 6 differant people all told me that they believe GOD is what the individual wants GOD to be, whether it's sand on the beach, themself, a plam tree, etc. I honestly felt somewhat defeated at first, but then I was encouraged by the Holy Spirit to just pray more, and pray harder.

Week 2

Sharing the story of GOD's awesomeness with a friend named Teri, it was put on her heart to join us. Along came Teri's friend, Jen who felt compelled to come and bless us with help.

We decided to make the 6pm time frame official and set up. Again many people stopped by giving encouragement and thanks for helping out the community. Majority of those people were our own brothers & sisters in Christ Jesus.

Generosity comes in all shapes and sizes. Some of our new friends offered us things in return for blessing them. Simple things such as newspaper articles, spare change or leftover food they received from the afternoon. Of course I told them we're there to bless them and there was no way to accept their offerings. It's really opened my eyes to see things in a whole new perspective.

We've made an abundance of food, and there's been times where we've offered seconds or even thirds to some of the guys and yet they very humbly decline because they do not want to possibly take away from another in need who might show up later.

There seemed to be a dead period inbetween groups of people passing through. During one of those periods, a gentleman walking by himself came up to us and blessed us with a donation, again... enough to continue for the following week. We thanked him and assured him it will be put to good use.

I introduced myself to a young man named Gabe, who plays guitar on the boardwalk and invited him to have some food. His sign read: Music is good for the soul, Money is good for the pocket. He writes all his own songs and played his newest for me. I asked if he knew any Christian songs. He said not at the moment, but that he's a big Jars of Clay fan. I informed him that they are coming to our home church to perform in July and asked if he'd like to join us. He came over and endulged in the spaghetti. Men continued to gather for the food and commented on the garlic bread, which was an opportunity to share that Jesus Christ declared "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35). They were surprised to hear that I was sharing scripture and asked for me to read more with them. I read them chapter 6 of John. Gabe liked what he was hearing and decided to utilize what he was hearing and transform that into a melody to play for our small group singing scripture for us.

Again, GOD is awesome!!!

Ministry ~ Week 1 (Late April)

We arrived in Pacific Beach around 6pm and decided to set up near Crystal Pier on the boardwalk near some inviting palm trees. Of course the presence of our table set up, along with the aroma of spaghetti & meatballs filling the cool air, caught the attention of everyone passing by. In our first hour we met a handful of people who definately needed some hot food. We sat down and just hung out with them, remembering their names, listening to their stories, and simply befriending them. (For the sake of privacy I'll leave certain names out)

It was shocking to hear the same questions/comments over and over... "What church are you guys from? Why are you here doing this? I can't believe you're giving food away! Our response was the same each time as well... "We're here because GOD loves you and wants us to tell you that."

Around 8pm, a casually dressed woman walked by and she kept looking at us. She walked back to our table and in her gentle, soft spoken voice asked what we're doing. We told her we're there to help give food to the needy and share GOD's love. Without hesitation, she generously hands us a few balled up bills from her pocket. We thank her for her kindness and assure her that it will be put to good use towards the meals for the following week. Awhile later my wife pulls out the money from her pocket and it's exactly the amount she has calculated in her head while in line buying everything!!!! Coincidence? I think not...

Luke 21:4 comes to mind.

GOD showed us that He doesn't need our money to provide, He is in control, and He will take care of what needs to be done. We just need to make ourselves available for Him to share in the blessings.

The process...

I can't describe how incredible GOD really is to an unbeliever. My goal is to share the mighty wonders that I've experienced on this journey, in hopes that the readers can get a better glimpse of who GOD is, how He provides, and that GOD is real and wants a personal relationship with all of His children.

(Please note that I have started off writing this blog in past tense. I wish that I had started it from day 1, so read on, catch up, and follow along.)

The LORD tugged at my heart one morning during prayer and reminded me that "Faith without works is dead." (James 2:26) My wife and I both share this passion and knew we should do something to help the needy in our area.

How can we do this though? We decided to start cooking hot, home-cooked meals for the homeless in Pacific Beach on Friday nights and simply share GOD's love with everyone we encounter. Spaghetti goes along way, so we took a trip to Costco, filled our basket with the necessities. While in line, my wife calculated the cost in her head, what this would cost in order for this to continue.