Week 17

Where do I even start? There is so much to share this week!!

Jeremy has been under my wing everyday since his return to San Diego, and he's been making a lot of changes... or shall I say he's finally allowing GOD to take control and have The Holy Spirit make those changes in his life day by day. Tonight he helped serve for the second week.

My father, mother, and cousin all contributed to the ministry tonight. All of them worked together and made some of the most amazing chili I've ever tasted. They came out and brought 2 giant pots. It was really nice having my family participate in the ministry.

Randy was able to bring along some guests as well. Merry has been a blessing to our ministry for a few weeks and tonight I had the honors of finally meeting this special woman and her delightful children. Tonight Merry made a very large bowl of salad for everyone, of course with a variety of dressings to choose from.

Lisa, our spectacular photographer, blessed us with a large platter of fresh baked cookies. I felt it was necessary (for everyones safety, hehe) to try the cookies before anyone else did. Oh man!

Amanda made the usual Chicken Alfredo and Spaghetti dishes, with Garlic Bread. We could have used another table because our spread was so extreme for a change. The kitchen from our home church donated a couple containers of potato salad. It was a real blessing to offer these men & women a 3-course meal for once. A bowl of chili & salad, Pasta & Bread, then some fresh cookies. As we served, I stood and observed the crowd.... just thanking GOD Almighty for placing it in everyones heart to give what they could to help those down on their luck.

It saddens me, when describing this ministry to others, to see the reactions from some people. The homeless?!?!? Yes, the homeless. GOD touched my heart and has given me compassion for such people and I thank Him everyday for doing so, because I've gotten to know the ones the public does not love. Jesus Christ, himself was homeless: Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." (Matthew 8:20)
I've come to realize that this ministry isn't for everyone and it's increased my thankfulness towards God more so because He's still in control and has chosen us to do His work in this dept.
I certainly didn't ask for this to happen, but GOD knows best, so for now.... here I am.

It was great to be fully staffed tonight with helping hands from my family and Jeremy, which enabled me to move around and speak with people as The Spirit led. I spoke with a troubled young man named Rocco. He's weighed down with severe depression. There's a lot of pain in his soul and is searching for comfort. I shared about the unfailing and everlasting comfort that ONLY Jesus can provide. We prayed together and he joined The Body of Christ tonight. Praise be to Jesus!

Thankfully Spike came early enough to enjoy some food. He was persistent on hearing The Word of GOD spoken tonight through bible study, so after the majority left we sat down in a small circle with Spike, Jeremy, Chicago, and Geoff. We were able to finally wrap up John 2 from weeks ago. Our cities finest did a quick walk through and shared encouraging words with our small group and went on their way to keep the streets safe another night. I ask those reading to please stop and pray for the safety of the Police Officers.

Tonight was a great night! It's 1:06am as I write this. I'm so full of joy seeing what GOD is doing with this ministry that I can't even sleep!!! GOD is so good.

Week 16 (Sunday)

As Jeremy and I pulled upin PB, we saw Chicago and Steven waiting on the wall. We said our good mornings as they enjoyed their hot coffees. I was happy to see Chicago and assumed that he was joining us for service this morning... he held an almost empty garbage bag containing maybe 3 or 4 aluminum cans. He sat and waited on the wall with Steven until I arrived, just to tell me face to face that he wasn't going to make it as he had promised because he needed to try and earn his income for the day. Talk about respect for one another! By 8am, for a homeless man, that's a good 4hrs wasted with a potential of $15 in collecting cans.

We arrived at church early enough to grab our regular seats. I went outside to meet with Amanda, who was still on her way, while the two sat inside. I ran into the brother who promised Jeremy some clothes and he blessed Jeremy with a nice backpack stuffed with all kinds of goodies. Jeremy was blown away later in the afternoon as he discovered how generous the Good Lord had been to him thru this kind man.

The message spoke to all of us. It was our home fellowships turn to assist in the cafe, so I informed Jeremy and Steven that they'd have to wait around until we were thru before I could take them back. Steve opted to walk back down to PB instead of waiting, so we walked to the vehicle so he could retrieve his belongings. He told me how deep the message hit home for him and how he's tired of living the street life. I offered prayer and advised him to pray about the situation.

After cafe duty, we met up with Jeremy... who had plenty of adventurous stories to share in the 3hrs he's had to himself. It is never a dull moment with Jeremy around. We decided to attend the 7pm service at The Rock. That was a powerful message and it was there that Jeremy gave his soul 100% to Jesus Christ during alter call. I informed him that he made an amazing choice and a life changing decision. GOD our Father promises: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Deut. 31:6)

Week 16 (Saturday)

With the back up of Chicago, Jeremy, and Steven we were able to bless our Campus Service brethren with setting up for service. Things went smoothly, it was great. All was rather organized and friendly with each other. I had the opportunity to continually share scripture in conversations throughout our time in passing. In GOD's perfect timing, Charlie (campus service staff) walked into the room and was able to give his input which validated what was being said. I picked up on the golden moment... and so did Charlie as we both shared that Holy Spirit smile. It feels so good inside knowing that our simple acts of love and giving a hand for a few hours, really takes a load off of someone's back. This day opened my eyes to a whole new perspective... not only were we blessing the staff at Horizon, but also the home fellwoships who come in obediance. Now they too have extra time to fellowship with one another before they go on their seperate ways. It's encouraging to see 'the fruits spring forth' as my group gives back to GOD with whatever it is they do have. We were able to meet with the home fellowship that came to assist and talk about what's been going on.

After dropping Chicago & Steven back off, back on campus I was able to get Jeremy a well needed shower. One of the men from the home fellowship we had met earlier, said he had some clothes he could contribute to Jeremy.

Jeremy hung out with us the entire day. My heart knots with sorrow and pity as I drop these men off to sleep in a bush while we both know I'm on my way to a home and bed. It kills me! Having dropped Jeremy off a hour earlier, I couldn't handle it, so I came back out and picked him up to hang out. I showed him around town and went up to Mt. Soledad where we prayed together and I felt the presence of GOD among us as we talked. I stayed out until I could tell he was too tired to stay up any longer.