I'll do my best to share what has been happening this past week. There's so much to tell and I'm shaking with excitement to write everything out!
First off, for those that have been following along... Jeremy is a completely differant person, by the grace of GOD. He's successfully completed his detox and has now made the transition into a 4 month sober living home in Costa Mesa. He's on the hunt for a job now and is looking forward to attending Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, as long as it's within walking distance from his new home. (I've yet to look up that small detail for him.) It's hard for me to comprehend that this new Jeremy has replaced the guy that first stepped onto the sandy beach in PB. GOD is sooooo good. I contacted his mother in Arizona awhile back and informed her where he was and that things are starting to look up now. It had been weeks since she'd last heard from him and she admitted that she was prepared to fly to San Diego only to discover her son... dead laying in some alley. It broke my heart as I tried to take this in. Hopefully she'll never have to worry about such nonsense again.
Again GOD has shown himself faithful and all-knowing, in His perfect timing. Work has been slow for me, which means alot less income to use on my behalf. Just this past week, we came to the end of our resources that we've been blessed with in support of this ministry. Less than 24hrs had gone by before I was approached by a brother who has been very supportive of this and again he graciously blessed us with enough to get us through another month. (Brother, from the bottom of my heart I THANK YOU!!)
My sister and her boyfriend donated tons of clothes; t-shirts, shorts, socks, and jackets for the cause. It always touches me when other donate for the sake of ministry, whether they know Jesus yet or not. "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward." (Mark 9:41)
We had the honors of Jerrica joining us again, with her amazing baking skills and sincere heart of a servant. I know Amanda appreciates the extra help. Her cookies are to die for, yum! Randy, the man from Vista, brought down a sleeping bag for a gentleman who earlier in the week had requested one, as he's new to the streets.
Joey and I had planned on teaching a Bible study during dinner tonight because Thursdays have not been working out so well with the guys showing up, or the lack of.... it didn't work out so well though. My mom and cousin made the drive from El Cajon to join us, which was a real treat for me to see them.
Dan, one of the guys from Campus Crusade for Chirst brought a team with him to help serve. There was about 6 of them I think. It was awesome to have the manpower now to have stations fully ready to take what the night had in store.
We fed a great multitude of people tonight. Somewhere between 50-60 people. It's nice to have more than just food to offer them now with the constant clothing donations for them to browse through.
Chicago, was sober as a butterfly tonight! Today was his 3rd day of not drinking and he felt great. I didn't get a chance to hear how it came about, but all glory to GOD none-the-less. (He's been drunk everytime I've seen him, he's never not had alcohol on his breath before.) He was fully aware of all discussion tonight and we had the privilage of praying with him. There was absolutely no obnoxiousness to be found anywhere around us. It was a calm and amazing night. (I need to up my vocabulary... I feel like I say amazing & awesome wayyyyy too much.)I encouraged him some and invited him to church. Be on the look out for good ol' Chicago at 1st service people.
The police stopped by to actually encourage me, calling me by name like we've been buddies for years. As always, I offered the Deserving, a hot meal & cold water to enjoy before they rode off on their bicycles.
We were set up and serving by 6:00pm, food was gone by 6:52pm. We all hung out and shared thoughts about life. Alot of new faces came tonight and I feel bad not remembering everyone's name. I did meet a man, whom I'll leave nameless, who's only had 1 week to experience the street life. He's a believer too. He's beating himself up for this hard part in his life. I did my best to encourage him and advised him to get rooted in a Bible teaching church immediately. I offered to pick him up if need be. He respectfully declined. Please pray for the man I shall call "Spike".
There is so much more to share, but I'll leave you followers on the edge for a few days. I love you and thank you for following along and most importantly for your prayer support.
