The people have multiplied each week and last night was certainly no different. I know I've said that I try to not keep track of numbers, but I couldn't help myself last night. Amanda and I were short handed, so it was just the 2 of us and I wanted to see what we where up against before we got started, so I kinda looked down the platform and was slightly overwhelmed with what I saw. The Lord fed somewhere between 80-90 hungry people and used us to serve them.
We did our best to familiarize with the faces as they passed down the make line. I made it a point to recognize who we'd missed the previous week and ask about others who haven't shown up, only to show that we do care about all them as individuals. We try to remember all the names of the men & women down there, but as it grows it gets harder and harder. The one thing that saddens both Amanda and I is that as it grows, the intimacy of speaking with each person slowly evaporates because we become too busy to stop and just talk.
Most of the people are sincere and show their appreciation for what we're doing. Our response is always to give thanks to GOD, not us. Be thankful to Him for making this happen. This has nothing to do with us. We're merely His workers doing as we're told, and we love it!
On 2 separate occasions last night, we had passer-byers ask which church was putting this on, which ironically both attend church at The Rock, but we told them the situation and they were both blown away at what they'd heard. One of the women, made a comment that struck me like nothing before. She said 'This shows me that I need to step out and just do something too.' I'd never really thought about it before, but by my wife and I being obedient to GOD, He's also using us to encourage other believers who maybe need to see such a thing, to possibly "ignite their own fire".
I regret that I wasn't able to share a bible study. Although every single noodle and every single crumb from the brownies and Lisa's cookies were gone in 30 minutes, everyone still seemed to vanish when it came time for The Word. I feel something inside when that happens. I can't seem to find the correct word to describe the feeling either. I'm not disappointed, because it's not about me... Pity maybe? Sorrowful? These men & women are missing out on the opportunity to hear GOD's love and promises. They are the ones missing out! I feel sorry for them, not because they're homeless, but because they're all choosing to seek something on their own. I'm there to feed them physically and spiritually. I will never be one to push anything upon anyone. GOD's gift of Salvation is free, and I'm there to help show people how to obtain that.
