I took extra precautions this week, due to threats I've heard from others regarding Patrick. (No need for details, but alot of prayer was involved.) To ensure the safety of everyone, we had more men present than any other time before.
Upon arrival, the first person I ran into was Patrick. I kept my distance until other men could join me before I approached him. He wanted to talk. He apologized for his behavior last time and asked for forgiveness. I immediately felt the peace of GOD, as I watched Pat's mouth moving. I confessed my apologies as well, and invited him to join us for supper. He came down for the fellowship, but chose to not eat. (I can only assume he's trying to punish himself by not partaking.)
I'm happy to announce that some of the people from our own home fellowship decided to join us, including other brethren, Jerry and Joey, and of course our favorite photographer & friend, Lisa.
As the night got started, we opened up the EZ-Up tent, which GOD so graciously had provided for such specific times of weather. The group was significantly smaller this week, guessing 10-15 people... probably because they all thought we were finished. It was actually perfect, because everyone was able to gather under the tent for fellowship & dinner.
The message was about GOD, and how GOD is love. The small group was very receptive to GOD, and needless to say, for me, it was an encouraging event. On a wimb, I'd decided to bring a backpack full of Bibles. Six different people received new Bibles last night... not because I shoved them in their face, but because they had asked for them. I can see how GOD uses the ugly things of this world, and turns it around for His glory. Had the event of 2wks ago not happened, then most might assume we're just another church doing our good deeds, but because of what I'd shared last night, the people saw something that's different with us. We are not "just a feed". We are a Ministry, a Ministry of love. A handful of people not tied down to any organization, just people who follow the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth: "Let us not love in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity)". 1 John 3:18 I believe that GOD has put the desire in the hearts of these men & women to draw near to Him, to seek Him out... and has, in His perfect plan, somehow used us to help them reach that point.
I am so thankful for all of the counsel I've received in the past 2wks. Had I given up, like I wanted to, I'd have missed out on seeing this beautiful transformation taking place.
We handed out brand new beanie caps and more fleece blankets to others in need. It's nice to have something more than just food to offer to these people who have so little.
A few of the men came to me with praise reports of their own. After months of praying, "Spike" was actually blessed with a car free of charge! A woman had felt the need to donate a car to him, so she did.
John had been working on his health for the past few months, and is no longer a diabetic! He's picked up a side-job, selling coupon booklets for marketing.
Mike, a fellow Christian, had heard such good reports of Jeremy's success and asked if we could pick him up for church this Sunday.
Stephen wasn't around, which tells me that he's in stage 2 at the San Diego Rescue Mission, which is the 1yr residential commitment.
The worst of the weather held back until we were just about finished, so that wasn't really a problem for us.
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