Our home church, Horizon Christian Fellowship, was able to donate some care packages made by Dovetail Ministries. They consist of toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving razors, soap, shampoo, some had lotions and moisturizing creams but most importantly all came with a Bible tract. All of the people seeing these boxes on the table... it was almost like Christmas time when they received them and found out what was inside them.
Our team was blessed with more donations/contributions from the man in Vista. I personally appreciate his effort to help out this ministry because it's almost an hour drive just for him to even get to the beach.
We had tons of clothes available for the guys! They respectfully rumagged through the neatly folded stacks picking and choosing. I don't recall a single person leaving our area without finding something new to wear. This is exactly the direction I've been aiming for since the beginning of this ministry. I thank the Almighty Lord GOD for touching my heart and calling me to do something for these needy people.
The crowd is starting to rotate with new faces & new stories. Although last night some people from the very beginning showed back up and they seemed surprised to see us still around. I believe that alone speaks of consistancy, which they may never really see down there with so much hustle & bustle. There was alot of pain surrounding us last night. One of the men finally opened up to me because he feels as though now he can trust me having proved myself worthy after nearly 3 months. He allowed me to pray for him and I encouraged him to seek Jesus, our great Comforter.
Joey was able to answer certain questions by scripture. I'm greatful for his knowledge and thankful for our friendship & his heart. It's nice having Joey be part of this ministry. He's been bringing Men to his home church, The Rock for the past few weeks as well.
The highlight of my evening was running into Lee. He was the first man I was able to lead into Salvation 5 weeks ago. He told me how he's been praying to Jesus and how having Him in his heart has changed his lifestyle already. It's so amazing to witness firsthand! I shared with Lee the importance of fellowship and studying The Word together with The Body... I'll be meeting him on Sunday for church.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Week 9 (Thursday)
Bible study at Starbucks was interesting to say the least. I was running a bit behind schedule and showed up around 6:10pm. While driving down there, I was worried that maybe the guys would leave thinking I flaked on them. As soon as that thought was processed, my phone rings....
One of the guys called me asking if I was showing up. He told me 3 of them were waiting for the study. Awesome, right!!
I arrive with my notes and study guide for the book of John. The Spirit had other plans. Turns out one of the younger guys can't read. So I let them ask questions and I was able to give them Biblical answers backed up with scripture and analogies for them to relate to.
Towards the end, I had a sudden urge to ask about one of the regulars that hangs out. They said he was around the corner, so I went to see if I could find him. I didn't see who I was looking for, but I did find another regular that needed immediate medical attention. His girlfriend had broken up with him and he was tolding 2 empty prescription bottles. He was overdosing before my very eyes and he knew it too. He asked for help, I called 911 and the paramedics arrive 4 minutes later... so did the police. He was taken away and I knew that was a divine intervention and I probably saved that mans life.
I look forward to tonights feed!
One of the guys called me asking if I was showing up. He told me 3 of them were waiting for the study. Awesome, right!!
I arrive with my notes and study guide for the book of John. The Spirit had other plans. Turns out one of the younger guys can't read. So I let them ask questions and I was able to give them Biblical answers backed up with scripture and analogies for them to relate to.
Towards the end, I had a sudden urge to ask about one of the regulars that hangs out. They said he was around the corner, so I went to see if I could find him. I didn't see who I was looking for, but I did find another regular that needed immediate medical attention. His girlfriend had broken up with him and he was tolding 2 empty prescription bottles. He was overdosing before my very eyes and he knew it too. He asked for help, I called 911 and the paramedics arrive 4 minutes later... so did the police. He was taken away and I knew that was a divine intervention and I probably saved that mans life.
I look forward to tonights feed!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Week 9 (Sunday)
8am sharp, waiting at our meeting spot were the usual suspects ready to join us for Sunday service... sober! Jeremy told us that after we had dropped them off Saturday afternoon, he and Andy attended 3 AA meetings and then enjoyed a free local comedy show in the evening.
Steven broke his Sunday routine of leaving town and was surprised to see me in PB. He asked if there was room for one more. Of course! We arrived early, as usual, and the 2 were amazed at all the chairs we had set up the day before were now being filled. GOD is so good!
Today's message spoke to our friends like no other. Mike had mentioned 'the poor' & 'the homeless' and how to be content as long as you have The LORD in your life. This lifted their spirits and it showed. Afterwards we ran into others who the guys had met Friday night, belonging to our home fellowship group. They encouraged the guys to come along and this made them feel a bit more welcomed. Andy and Jeremy both want to get involved as much as they can now, so Lord willing, nothing will hinder them from joining us this Tuesday evening.
Steven broke his Sunday routine of leaving town and was surprised to see me in PB. He asked if there was room for one more. Of course! We arrived early, as usual, and the 2 were amazed at all the chairs we had set up the day before were now being filled. GOD is so good!
Today's message spoke to our friends like no other. Mike had mentioned 'the poor' & 'the homeless' and how to be content as long as you have The LORD in your life. This lifted their spirits and it showed. Afterwards we ran into others who the guys had met Friday night, belonging to our home fellowship group. They encouraged the guys to come along and this made them feel a bit more welcomed. Andy and Jeremy both want to get involved as much as they can now, so Lord willing, nothing will hinder them from joining us this Tuesday evening.
Week 9 (Saturday)
In conversation with some of the guys the night before, 3 of them shared interest in wanting to help serve the church the following morning with Amanda and I. We picked up Jeremy, Andy, and Chris about 10am for chair set up in the main sanctuary.
They were blessed to help bless and serve their new home church. It was good for all of us to experience because it's given us a whole new appreciation for those that do it on regular basis. The Lord touched my heart and I now have an additional blessing to share in. Two of the guys also offered to come weekly to help set up with me. I believe it will be great for them to build up accountability for themselves.
It was an honor to give back to our home church!
They were blessed to help bless and serve their new home church. It was good for all of us to experience because it's given us a whole new appreciation for those that do it on regular basis. The Lord touched my heart and I now have an additional blessing to share in. Two of the guys also offered to come weekly to help set up with me. I believe it will be great for them to build up accountability for themselves.
It was an honor to give back to our home church!
Wow! ~ Week 9
Hi all, this is Amanda here… I am taking the honors of recording the amazing things that GOD has done this week! First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has supported us. Your prayers, donations and encouragement have been invaluable. On a personal note, before I jot down what GOD has done this past week in PB I would like to share a little of what GOD has shown me… The Lord has taught me through this endeavor, that He does not need our resources, our talents, or our abilities. He simply looks for a willing heart and he allows us to be blessed by working through us. I have learned the importance of a dollar and that I (we) have a great responsibility for what GOD has given us. He has taught me to value and make good use of my time. He has taught me to love, love and then love some more.
I want to encourage all of you, if you feel as though the Lord is leading you to do something for His kingdom, do it! Take that step of faith. He will honor it and you will be so blessed in the process.
Now, on to week 9…
It is amazing to me how GOD can speak to one about the smallest things. When I prepare to cook I pause for a moment and always hear that small voice instruct me on how much I should prepare. I had only planned on making one tray of spaghetti this week because I knew that other people were bringing food to help out (my mother-in-law and sister-in-law had committed to bringing chili and hot dogs). However, when I started to cook I knew I needed to make more. GOD plans things perfectly! The amount of food we prepare is always just enough!
Word of mouth travels fast… More and more people come week by week. On the streets free meals given to the homeless are called “feeds”. The homeless tell each other where the feeds are and what day of the week one is available. We are now known as “The Friday Night Feed” on the streets.
Our team (Teri, Jason, Jen, Joey, Beau and I) was blessed this week by a family from Vista. Beau and Teri have been placing ads on Craig’s list asking for donations of clothing, blankets and food and man oh man did this family deliver. They were such a blessing. They stayed for hours with us and ate and fellowshipped. They plan on coming back on a regular basis which is a huge blessing. They brought down tons of clothes and blankets as well as nonperishable food items that the guys could take with them to last through the week. The guys and a few gals rummaged through the clothes and you could hear the excitement when a pair of socks or a sweatshirt in good condition was found.
It has been such a humbling and convicting experience. I realize that there are so many things that I take for granted. I never stopped to consider (until now) how fortunate I am to have clean socks, a bed, pillows, and the ability to take a warm shower. I have been shown that something I consider “small” or “insignificant” is huge to someone that goes without.
I was blessed by a little cute lady named Linda. Her son was on the pier fishing and it was too cold for her so she was sitting on the boardwalk. She noticed us and came over to see what we were doing. We explained our ministry and told her that we just want to share the love of our Lord Jesus. She knows the Lord and was encouraged by what was taking place. I asked her to come on over and have some food with us and she asked me to put her to work since she is a “worker”. She stood by my side for most of the evening helping me prepare the plates for the guys. We were able to share some of our life experiences and what GOD has done for us. I will probably never see her again (she was on a 2-3 day trip from Arizona) but I will never forget her.
A man named Larry came to get his plate of food. He handed Beau a hand crafted boat made from a poker chip, paper and matchsticks. You have to see it, it is amazing! Beau will be posting pictures of it. He sells them for 5 dollars but wanted to give one to Beau as a token of his appreciation.
Amy, Joe and Mandy from our home fellowship came by. It was great to have them there. I would look up from time to time as I was serving food and was excited to see that each one of them were opening up and talking to the guys. After meeting Amy, Joe and Mandy a few of the guys let us know that they are interested in coming to home fellowship. I know this will be a good thing, a little more intimate and less intimidating than stepping into a huge church.
A few guys from campus crusade joined us. They hung out and talked and ministered to the guys. They told us that their group that is down here for the summer will be praying for us.
The police did come by, as they normally do, but this time they popped their heads over and said “We are just checking on you” smiled and carried on. The power of prayer is amazing.
We spent a good amount of time talking to a man we call “Chicago”. He really opened up and told us many amazing stories about his life. He is a broken man and needs the Lord desperately. Joe spent a lot of time talking to Chicago and Mandy was able to make him smile. We prayed for him and he fought back tears.
To sum it all up, The Lord is doing amazing things. I know that I have to pray ALOT in order to keep up with what He is doing! Our intentions are to follow the Lord in all He will have us do. I am continually amazed and reminded that His ways are not our ways. He has used these men to teach and reveal so many things to me. I have all that I have because of the Lord. In closing, this verse seems to fit!
Proverbs 3:27-28:
Do not withhold good from those whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, “go and come back and tomorrow I will give it", when you have it with you.
I want to encourage all of you, if you feel as though the Lord is leading you to do something for His kingdom, do it! Take that step of faith. He will honor it and you will be so blessed in the process.
Now, on to week 9…
It is amazing to me how GOD can speak to one about the smallest things. When I prepare to cook I pause for a moment and always hear that small voice instruct me on how much I should prepare. I had only planned on making one tray of spaghetti this week because I knew that other people were bringing food to help out (my mother-in-law and sister-in-law had committed to bringing chili and hot dogs). However, when I started to cook I knew I needed to make more. GOD plans things perfectly! The amount of food we prepare is always just enough!
Word of mouth travels fast… More and more people come week by week. On the streets free meals given to the homeless are called “feeds”. The homeless tell each other where the feeds are and what day of the week one is available. We are now known as “The Friday Night Feed” on the streets.
Our team (Teri, Jason, Jen, Joey, Beau and I) was blessed this week by a family from Vista. Beau and Teri have been placing ads on Craig’s list asking for donations of clothing, blankets and food and man oh man did this family deliver. They were such a blessing. They stayed for hours with us and ate and fellowshipped. They plan on coming back on a regular basis which is a huge blessing. They brought down tons of clothes and blankets as well as nonperishable food items that the guys could take with them to last through the week. The guys and a few gals rummaged through the clothes and you could hear the excitement when a pair of socks or a sweatshirt in good condition was found.
It has been such a humbling and convicting experience. I realize that there are so many things that I take for granted. I never stopped to consider (until now) how fortunate I am to have clean socks, a bed, pillows, and the ability to take a warm shower. I have been shown that something I consider “small” or “insignificant” is huge to someone that goes without.
I was blessed by a little cute lady named Linda. Her son was on the pier fishing and it was too cold for her so she was sitting on the boardwalk. She noticed us and came over to see what we were doing. We explained our ministry and told her that we just want to share the love of our Lord Jesus. She knows the Lord and was encouraged by what was taking place. I asked her to come on over and have some food with us and she asked me to put her to work since she is a “worker”. She stood by my side for most of the evening helping me prepare the plates for the guys. We were able to share some of our life experiences and what GOD has done for us. I will probably never see her again (she was on a 2-3 day trip from Arizona) but I will never forget her.
A man named Larry came to get his plate of food. He handed Beau a hand crafted boat made from a poker chip, paper and matchsticks. You have to see it, it is amazing! Beau will be posting pictures of it. He sells them for 5 dollars but wanted to give one to Beau as a token of his appreciation.
Amy, Joe and Mandy from our home fellowship came by. It was great to have them there. I would look up from time to time as I was serving food and was excited to see that each one of them were opening up and talking to the guys. After meeting Amy, Joe and Mandy a few of the guys let us know that they are interested in coming to home fellowship. I know this will be a good thing, a little more intimate and less intimidating than stepping into a huge church.
A few guys from campus crusade joined us. They hung out and talked and ministered to the guys. They told us that their group that is down here for the summer will be praying for us.
The police did come by, as they normally do, but this time they popped their heads over and said “We are just checking on you” smiled and carried on. The power of prayer is amazing.
We spent a good amount of time talking to a man we call “Chicago”. He really opened up and told us many amazing stories about his life. He is a broken man and needs the Lord desperately. Joe spent a lot of time talking to Chicago and Mandy was able to make him smile. We prayed for him and he fought back tears.
To sum it all up, The Lord is doing amazing things. I know that I have to pray ALOT in order to keep up with what He is doing! Our intentions are to follow the Lord in all He will have us do. I am continually amazed and reminded that His ways are not our ways. He has used these men to teach and reveal so many things to me. I have all that I have because of the Lord. In closing, this verse seems to fit!
Proverbs 3:27-28:
Do not withhold good from those whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, “go and come back and tomorrow I will give it", when you have it with you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)