El Hanne'eman ~ Week 15

"Know therefore that the Lord your GOD is God; he is the faithful GOD, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands." (Deut. 7:9)

Our victorious GOD is faithful and I encourage people to never forget that! The Hebrew title El Hanne'eman translates 'The Faithful God', describing His support, His nourishment.

This is now our 15th week in this ministry and I'm amazed at the things we've seen and experienced thus far. Things are coming along quite well. We are able to feed multitudes of people almost to an exact amount; The Holy Spirit is moving around amungst the people and it's starting to show in their lives, fruit is starting to bloom; The police dept has been very supportive and respectful; and GOD is placing people in our path who give financial donations to keep this going each week....

It's been an emotional week. I received a call from our photographer friend asking about one of the men. He was drinking and fell, split his head and was taken to the hospital. I called around and located here he was. The ER was releasing him by the time I found out what happened, they asked if I could pick him up. When I arrived, this particular man could not comprehend why I would sacrifice my sleep to pick him up. The explained that my love is genuine and the ministry that I lead extends far beyond just a Friday night feed. The drive back to PB was sad, as my friend revealed his emotional scars tearing at his soul. I did not want to just drop him off in the cold all alone, so we sat on the boardwalk for 2-3hrs just talking. I kept turning the conversation towards Jesus when I had the chance. This man was still in shock that I went out of my way to pick him up. I explained to him that the love of GOD is inside me and that is how I'm able to such things. I believe with all of my heart, that simple act will not be forgotten and all glory goes to GOD. I saw this same friend at the feed and he was again... very intoxicated. The police were just about to take him away because he was so drunk. I walked up to the scene and was welcomed by name from the group of officers. They asked me to please get some food into this guy, hoping it will sober him up some. They told me that because I was now there, they would not take him to away and entrusted him to us for the night. I'm astonished that they didn't take him just because I came, but very, very thankful at the same time. We were able to sober him up (a little) with garlic bread and a large plate of spaghetti.

We met some new faces this week who came for the food. We met some people who walking by, asked what we were doing and if we needed help. We could always use the help. Some said they'd return next week to help serve wherever needed.

A woman stopped by and blessed us with a generous donation to help with the cost of food.

The food continues to go so fast these days, and alot of the men immediately leave but there is a handful of people who stay for fellowship and have prayer requests, so we pray for their needs and hang out. It was a great night and 2 of the men are to help me with chair set up for church. Seeds are being spread in Pacific Beach! "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear." (Matthew 13:1-9)

Week 14 (Saturday)

Chicago was sitting on the boardwalk wall when I came to get him. He was full of enthusiasm so early in the morning, anxious to help with chair set up. He had lots of interesting stories to tell throughout the morning, which made the time fly.

He explained how it was that he came to fall back off the wagon. He made it clear to me that he was only sticking to beer this time though. I kept tossing scripture his way, trusting that GOD's word would sink in. It breaks my heart to see the lives and hear the personal stories of these men & women who have no hope. I strongly feel it is my duty to share with them that there is hope in Jesus Christ.

We left the campus at 10am to help Randy with some moving. Chicago had plenty to say on our road trip. He reminds me of an uncle I have. I foresee he and I being friends for the rest of our lives.

As I dropped him off, I did my best to persue him to church the following morning. He promised that he'd join us next week, but had to pass this time. He needed to go "canning" for his daily income. We parted ways with a half hug/half tight gripped hand shake, and promised to meet up for dinner on Friday.