Tonight was incredible! I'll do my best to share everything I can remember about tonight.
Amanda and I arrived around 5:30pm (just to be safe due to the Labor Day weekend chaos) and GOD hooked us up with a great parking spot right off the bat.
We had the honor of another home fellowship joining us for the evening, which was a tremendous help and blessing.
The spread of food itself was an amazing sight to see! The usual spaghetti, chicken alfredo, and garlic bread... but our brothers & sisters also brought a giant salad w/dressing, and tons of desserts, and also an additional package of bottled waters. Lisa, our sweet hearted photographer, donated another batch of her delicious cookies for all to enjoy.
Our brother Randy was able to make it down from Vista as well, along with his family, which is always a treat to have around. We had enough man-power to take on whatever was thrown our way.
Before we got started, we opened in prayer and I felt confident that GOD was going to do something special tonight. This was the first time we'd been blessed to have some worship music! Everybody manned their stations: from the serving food, passing out waters, dispensing hygiene necessities
A lot of new faces made their way down the make line. One of those was a man with an electric guitar and amplifier. When it was time, he joined in the worship and played along rather well. Worship was AMAZING!! It was so cool to see GOD use that for His glory. I'm learning to not pay much attention to numbers anymore, but for the sake of curiosity for those missing out, I'd say we served close to 60 men & women. GOD's presence was with us tonight and I'm sure all of us felt it. Things went so smoothly, almost as if He had Angels positioned at each end of the pathway. No problems for any of us.
One of our regular buddies was kind enough to use his craft and bless the women in our ministry with roses made from palm leaves. (I'll post pics when I get them) They are really neat! There is so much talent hidden in some of these men down on their luck. The world is against them because of their current residential status and it's sad.
I think it's important to mention that through this ministry GOD is using each of us not only on Friday nights, but during the entire week too. GOD is faithful to use those who are willing to step out of their comfort zone for a change. So much more has been going on in this past week with others who have joined in the ministry, but I'll leave it up to them to share or not. All I can say is GOD is doing things!
This week rolls us into our 5th month in PB and looking back at when things started, GOD's love has come along way. People have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord & Savior; People are attending church on a regular basis; Men are volunteering for service set up; Others have broken free from years of addiction; People are allowing their walls to be broken down and learning to trust us because we've shown GOD's love and not our own.
Of course there's still plenty of work to be done. There's so much pain to be healed and broken lives still need to be touched in an incredible way. Rest assured Satan is not happy with what's been going on, and Lord willing... I'll continue to throw my Holy jabs in his face (in Love of course).
We were able to complete John 3 in tonight's study. It was encouraging to see the home fellowship stick around for that. I was nervous at first but GOD helped settle my nerves as He poured out the message. Sitting there in that circle with the group, I felt a deep sorrow because I knew some of the people I've been ministering to just aren't getting it yet. The Spirit of GOD did stir up Lee though, which gave me hope. For those that have followed this blog, Lee was one of the first guys who accepted Jesus as our ministry was just getting started months ago. I hardly see him around, as he usually just passes through like the wind, but last week he said he'd join us and he kept his word. I know that was GOD speaking to him and I'm glad he showed up and stayed for the study.
Afterwards I was able to pray with Chicago. He definitely needs prayer as he's going through depression right now. When we first arrived and were setting up, somebody had walked over and started beating on him. He was angry about that and asked why GOD would do that to him. Randy and I ministered to him and informed him that GOD didn't do that, although He may allow things like that to happen because of a thing called "sin", but it wasn't GOD who did it. We prayed together before I left asking Jesus Christ to reveal Himself to Chicago. He needs to be set free from the liquor bottles. I wish I could just give him a good shake and all would be fixed, but in reality.... I know it's only the Blood of Jesus that will cleanse him.
I want to say a special THANK YOU to all that have contributed to this ministry. We appreciate it and just know that your Heavenly account is growing. Tonight I really feel GODS embracing arms of Love wrapping around me. It's nice to feel in tune with Him for a change.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Week 18 (Sat-Sun)
This weekend went by too fast. It was an eventful roller coaster ride full of emotions with it's ups & downs. It had it's disappointments, but better yet it also had it's highs and that's what I'm focusing on most.
Saturday morning I picked up Andy and Jeremy from around the corner. They stayed the night in Clairemont around the corner from us. We made our way to PB to pick up Steven and Anthony. We had hoped for Chicago as well, but seeing the shape he was in Friday night I doubted he'd be making it with us.
We were able to help out the staff at Horizon with the set up again and things went along really quick. Brian was generous enough to kindly buy bagels for everyone, and as it was super hot we also had a large tub full of bottled ice waters to keep us hydrated. Once the set up was complete, Brian hired the helping hands of Jeremy for some work at his home. Jeremy was excited to earn his money for a change. Though this was the first few hours of knowing Anthony, he's a likable guy and very encouraging. He recently moved to San Diego from Virginia to break free from personal issues. I tried to listen and give the best advice I could to him. He knows the bible well.
As we dropped off Steven & Anthony, they both agreed to meet up for church on Sunday.
Amanda, Andy, and I were able to link back up with Jeremy before heading to Vista for a friendly time of fellowship & BBQ at Randy's place. (He makes an awesome steak!) It was a perfect place to relax and enjoy a swim in the pool.
After that, we dropped Amanda off and headed to Horizon Park Chapel, in downtown San Diego to support our friend & brother in Christ while he was doing some live art. The environment was live. The church had many talented people performing: break dancing, choreographed group dancing, poetry, musicians, and a pretty good dj. I believe it was a good thing for Andy to see that there are so many ways to use your talents for The Heavenly Kingdom. I realized that this scene wasn't something Andy would normally put himself in, but he seemed to enjoy it for a short time. Jeremy and I had a blast. As an artist myself, I really enjoyed witnessing a new masterpiece evolve from the hands of Joe and his friend. Being around Joe and seeing how GOD has blessed him with his talents, rekindles my passion for art, yet I'm too nervous to make any attempts to step out and display my own work.
We headed down to PB at Andy's request. He tried really hard to get Jeremy to stay down there with him, but Jeremy held his ground and knew it wasn't a good idea if he'd done that. I could sense a spiritual battle happening right before us, and it upset me to see how crafty Satan is using people to set others up for downfall. As Jeremy and I headed back up to Clairemont, I let him know I understood how hard it must've been to decline a night of possible partying especially since he now had a pocket full of money from working earlier in the day. I wasn't afraid to let him know how proud of him I was. We made arrangements for church in the morning and went on our separate ways for the night.
The following morning the first person I spotted was Anthony, as he waited patiently... then Steven popped up with his large luggage bag and umbrella... then Andy came cruising around the corner with his giant smile and long blond hair. We picked our seats and waited for Amanda and Jeremy to arrive.
I then got a call that Jeremy had been drinking when Amanda went to pick him up, so I made the wiser decision to not bring him. I know he would've been a distraction during service, as he had many times before. His choosing to drink, also voided out his opportunity of me helping him get into the San Diego Rescue Mission. (He and I had an agreement that it was time he pulled his weight and proved that he really wanted help by remaining sober for 24hrs)
Pancho Juarez was our guest Pastor for the weekend. As always, The Lord spoke to each of us in our own ways, but at the end of the sermon... it was Anthony who made that personal commitment to step forward and receive Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior. Praise GOD!!! After service I waited in the backroom for Anthony, there I ran into Brian. He wanted to bless Anthony and offered to take him out for lunch and drive him back down to PB. Though Anthony knew scripture before, his soul was now settled with what he'd faced back home. Looking at him, he glowed of peace & joy.
Steven asked if he could join us during the week for C&V from now on, which we agreed to. Even if the ratio is 1/100 to those we minister to, it's still worth it. I encourage others to never give up hope. I encourage others to run the race as Paul put it. Jesus told us about the parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23), so we should not be surprised that some fall to the side, but we should not be discouraged about that... it should push us to work harder to share the good news with everyone we encounter.
Saturday morning I picked up Andy and Jeremy from around the corner. They stayed the night in Clairemont around the corner from us. We made our way to PB to pick up Steven and Anthony. We had hoped for Chicago as well, but seeing the shape he was in Friday night I doubted he'd be making it with us.
We were able to help out the staff at Horizon with the set up again and things went along really quick. Brian was generous enough to kindly buy bagels for everyone, and as it was super hot we also had a large tub full of bottled ice waters to keep us hydrated. Once the set up was complete, Brian hired the helping hands of Jeremy for some work at his home. Jeremy was excited to earn his money for a change. Though this was the first few hours of knowing Anthony, he's a likable guy and very encouraging. He recently moved to San Diego from Virginia to break free from personal issues. I tried to listen and give the best advice I could to him. He knows the bible well.
As we dropped off Steven & Anthony, they both agreed to meet up for church on Sunday.
Amanda, Andy, and I were able to link back up with Jeremy before heading to Vista for a friendly time of fellowship & BBQ at Randy's place. (He makes an awesome steak!) It was a perfect place to relax and enjoy a swim in the pool.
After that, we dropped Amanda off and headed to Horizon Park Chapel, in downtown San Diego to support our friend & brother in Christ while he was doing some live art. The environment was live. The church had many talented people performing: break dancing, choreographed group dancing, poetry, musicians, and a pretty good dj. I believe it was a good thing for Andy to see that there are so many ways to use your talents for The Heavenly Kingdom. I realized that this scene wasn't something Andy would normally put himself in, but he seemed to enjoy it for a short time. Jeremy and I had a blast. As an artist myself, I really enjoyed witnessing a new masterpiece evolve from the hands of Joe and his friend. Being around Joe and seeing how GOD has blessed him with his talents, rekindles my passion for art, yet I'm too nervous to make any attempts to step out and display my own work.
We headed down to PB at Andy's request. He tried really hard to get Jeremy to stay down there with him, but Jeremy held his ground and knew it wasn't a good idea if he'd done that. I could sense a spiritual battle happening right before us, and it upset me to see how crafty Satan is using people to set others up for downfall. As Jeremy and I headed back up to Clairemont, I let him know I understood how hard it must've been to decline a night of possible partying especially since he now had a pocket full of money from working earlier in the day. I wasn't afraid to let him know how proud of him I was. We made arrangements for church in the morning and went on our separate ways for the night.
The following morning the first person I spotted was Anthony, as he waited patiently... then Steven popped up with his large luggage bag and umbrella... then Andy came cruising around the corner with his giant smile and long blond hair. We picked our seats and waited for Amanda and Jeremy to arrive.
I then got a call that Jeremy had been drinking when Amanda went to pick him up, so I made the wiser decision to not bring him. I know he would've been a distraction during service, as he had many times before. His choosing to drink, also voided out his opportunity of me helping him get into the San Diego Rescue Mission. (He and I had an agreement that it was time he pulled his weight and proved that he really wanted help by remaining sober for 24hrs)
Pancho Juarez was our guest Pastor for the weekend. As always, The Lord spoke to each of us in our own ways, but at the end of the sermon... it was Anthony who made that personal commitment to step forward and receive Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior. Praise GOD!!! After service I waited in the backroom for Anthony, there I ran into Brian. He wanted to bless Anthony and offered to take him out for lunch and drive him back down to PB. Though Anthony knew scripture before, his soul was now settled with what he'd faced back home. Looking at him, he glowed of peace & joy.
Steven asked if he could join us during the week for C&V from now on, which we agreed to. Even if the ratio is 1/100 to those we minister to, it's still worth it. I encourage others to never give up hope. I encourage others to run the race as Paul put it. Jesus told us about the parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23), so we should not be surprised that some fall to the side, but we should not be discouraged about that... it should push us to work harder to share the good news with everyone we encounter.
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