Week 16

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.

Lost... (Monday)

I received a phone call last night just before 7:30. It was Jeremy! He was unable to get into a recovery home due to lack of money... and returned to the streets, only in a new city with no friends, no hope, and liquor stores on every corner. He fell off the wagon hard this time.

The good news is that he called me for a reason. He's reaching out and I did not hesitate to make the 1.5hr drive to bring him back to San Diego. The smell of alcohol on him filled my car as we drove back, but he admitted this life is not what he wants. He sincerely wants deliverance from this heavy bondage, and after ministering to him, he realizes the ONLY way for that to happen is by surrendering his all to Jesus Christ.

Back in town, he did not want to go anywhere near his old crowd of dangerous drunks, and asked where a safe place to sleep is near my home. We went to a nearby park and I helped him scout for a 'good spot' to sleep. Before I left him alone, we prayed together and I encouraged him to trust the promises of GOD.

Now my goal is to locate a sober living home that will be able to take him in quickly. I'm asking all of you that belong to The Body to please pray continually for Jeremy and the situation he's facing right now. It has become emotionally draining for me to care so much for this man, whom I consider a brother, and not have the guidance and/or proper assistance for such a painful problem. Right now I feel as though I'm the one that's lost, not knowing what to do.

Week 15 (Sunday)

8am sharp. Steven and Chicago were on the wall at the now infamous 'meeting spot'. Chicago was surprisingly clean shaven, which really emphasizes his deep creases when he smiles. He has a very gentle, warming smile.... with sad eyes, bearing a lifetime of pain.

We got to church early, like I always do. Reserved our places to sit in the still empty sanctuary, and walked outside to enjoy the fresh air. Amanda joined us shortly after.

The message today was powerful! Not only did GOD speak to me, but certain topics were hit and those touched Chicago in a way that could only be a GOD thing. Steve was pretty quiet throughout our time there.

After service back in PB, we stopped for lunch. While eating Chicago shared what he was feeling inside. He explained how GOD had spoken to him and he was again ready to give up his alcoholic bondage and realized some of the men he chooses to socialize with are the root of his problems. He acknowledges that: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippines 4:13) I encouraged him and Steven to both take time to pray for certain people in their lives who they see lacking a personal relationship with GOD. He is faithful to His word and sometimes we need to sit back and listen for His small still voice.

Week 15 (Saturday)

As planned, I picked up the 2 men that wanted to give back some service to our Lord Jesus Christ. We arrived close to 7:15am and met with the Campus Service crew. We showed our friends the very particular process in which we set up. There is a reason for everything when it comes to setting up for service. The mats are laid down with metrical precision, as is the carpets with their exact measurements. Then comes the many, many, many stacks of chairs.

It's a blessing to see that we are able to bless the staff with our assistance. Us 3 men doubled their manpower this day and things were moving along quite fast. From my past experience, we were breaking record times. We were blessed with bagels and coffee as a token of appreciation for the help. The gratitude of the hungry men radiated in the gymnasium. Again, it's another example of how The Lord Jesus Christ is faithful to take care of His faithful flock. The 2 men could have easily stayed in PB to hold signs asking for money or went canning, but they chose to give up those opportunities of money for the sake of serving The King of kings, and GOD honored that by providing.

On the way back to PB, I asked if they were going to be ready the following morning for church. They both agreed....