We may not be feeding 5,000 people anytime soon, but we shared the story of when Jesus did that very thing, with the five barley loaves of bread and two small fish. (John 6:1-14)
As we rolled into December, marking another month for the ministry... I felt it was necessary to let the people know that it's because of GOD's faithfullness, that we are able to continue being down there with enough food to feed everyone. The God of whom they heard about in that historical event, is the same GOD whom we serve today with joy.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!" -Hebrews 13:8
I'm thankful for the many people that GOD has brought to this ministry. We would not have been able to find a decent parking spot if it wasn't for the faithful help of Randy standing in an empty parking stall, waiting for us to arrive. (That really helps us late-comers) As Amanda and Molly were setting up and preparing to serve, Joey and myself went above to speak to the crowd from an audible position. Of course the was crowd back to it's normal larger size again. As Joey shared from the book of John, I observed everyone and realized almost everyone was paying attention to the gospel of Jesus Christ and His goodness. When it came time to pray, EVERYONE bowed their heads to join in.
Again, we introduced ourselves to all of the new comers as we walked through the crowd to get in the make line. It's heart-warming to witness the gentler, softer, and thankful side of such people. To sit with them and hear things from their own hearts, letting us know how thankful they are that we're there, well.... words can't begin to describe that feeling! To see the smiles that are brought to so many faces, because they stand there waiting to receive a steaming hot home cooked meal... it's a wonderful thing to experience. Thinking back to the time when I was praying and heard GOD speak about this, never would I have guessed it'd grow into this. I can't imagine doing anything else now, and I thank GOD for pouring out His blessings.
I discovered that some of the men had volunteered their time on Thanksgiving, to our church and helped serve other homeless people during an outreach.
Kathleen, a sister in Christ, came down after work to bless a woman she'd met with last week while her home fellowship joined us.
Some men spoke of interest in attending church with us, and I gave them my contact number so we could keep in touch. I pray that GOD would speak to their hearts and that all distractions would be set aside so they would actually call me. (There's been numerous times where I've driven down because they've said they'd meet me and never showed... so I now figure by calling me, would save unnecessary wasted gas.)
I trust that Jehovah is working on their hearts, whether they display it or not. The respect shown is a sign, that there's already been a positive impact in their lives.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Week 31
Our team was blessed to have other believers come to our side and help serve wherever it was needed. Knowing this ahead of time, I took full advantage of it and brought plenty of things (such as clothes and hygiene materials) we've accumulated over a period of time. One of the women that came to serve had generosously donated some new blankets too.
It was really nice having an additonal 10 or so people. We even had worship music available... I love worship music! The only thing differant from all other times, was the crowd itself. I'd guess maybe 30-40 people joined us for dinner. Considering the way this ministry has grown, I believe GOD has heard our prayers and examined our hearts desires. He's all knowing, so I shouldn't be surprised when He gives us the smaller intimacy crowds, to give us the opportunity to sit with others and get to the personal talks. I'm so thankful that GOD is in control.
I'm somewhat bummed out a bit though. It was a wise move to change the time to 5pm because of the sunlight, but for those that may not have gotten the memo, they come at 6pm only to find scraps of food left (if they're lucky).
We did not do any sharing of the gospel before hand, nor did we do a bible study. We simply sat with people, and got to know them a little bit better, and share with them the love that Jesus has shared with us in our own lives. The people are very open to hear and receive the things of GOD. The people are spiritually hungry and it was awesome to have enough people with us to literally spend time with each that wanted to talk.
Again, none of this would have been possible if it wasn't for GOD. I'm thankful that He's blessed this ministry and for everything that has come out from it. I'm thankful for those who have been able to contribute in one way or another. I'm thankful for the people who have accepted us and now consider us their friends. My prayer is that the Light of Jesus would shine so brightly in our weekly interactions, that it would ultimately have an life changing impact on them, and a desire to seek GOD would grow from that...
But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!" -Psalms 40:16
God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. -Psalms 53:2
The poor will see and be glad you who seek God, may your hearts live!
The LORD hears the needy... -Psalms 69:32,33a
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. -Matthew 6:33
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. -Matthew 7:8
It was really nice having an additonal 10 or so people. We even had worship music available... I love worship music! The only thing differant from all other times, was the crowd itself. I'd guess maybe 30-40 people joined us for dinner. Considering the way this ministry has grown, I believe GOD has heard our prayers and examined our hearts desires. He's all knowing, so I shouldn't be surprised when He gives us the smaller intimacy crowds, to give us the opportunity to sit with others and get to the personal talks. I'm so thankful that GOD is in control.
I'm somewhat bummed out a bit though. It was a wise move to change the time to 5pm because of the sunlight, but for those that may not have gotten the memo, they come at 6pm only to find scraps of food left (if they're lucky).
We did not do any sharing of the gospel before hand, nor did we do a bible study. We simply sat with people, and got to know them a little bit better, and share with them the love that Jesus has shared with us in our own lives. The people are very open to hear and receive the things of GOD. The people are spiritually hungry and it was awesome to have enough people with us to literally spend time with each that wanted to talk.
Again, none of this would have been possible if it wasn't for GOD. I'm thankful that He's blessed this ministry and for everything that has come out from it. I'm thankful for those who have been able to contribute in one way or another. I'm thankful for the people who have accepted us and now consider us their friends. My prayer is that the Light of Jesus would shine so brightly in our weekly interactions, that it would ultimately have an life changing impact on them, and a desire to seek GOD would grow from that...
But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!" -Psalms 40:16
God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. -Psalms 53:2
The poor will see and be glad you who seek God, may your hearts live!
The LORD hears the needy... -Psalms 69:32,33a
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. -Matthew 6:33
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. -Matthew 7:8
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