I apologize for the delayed posting. This past week has been anything but normal for me. I'd planned to be out of town on Friday, so I'd arranged for a friend of mine, Gio, to step in and share a message. He did share, but I actually stayed back and came down to witness the work of GOD.
Upon arrival, the eerie feeling of the oppression was thick.
A few guys were waiting for us as we pulled to the curb to unload. Amanda went to park the truck as we set up and prepared for the evening. To my very own surprise, Patrick (a common problem) actually helped set up. I instantly recalled the prayer request listed on his behalf, and thanked GOD for all the faithful prayer warriors, because I see that he's changing before our very eyes. Again, I thank Jesus!
As Gio gave the message, I sat behind him on the upper level. I scanned the crowd and quietly prayed for each person. I noticed there was alot going with most of them: drunk or high, and some suffering with schizophrenia, which leaves them with very little room (if any) to pay attention to anything being said. It's something I've never really noticed before, and it broke my heart to see it. One of the regulars, Lt. Ron, was taken away by ambulance from some sort of alcohol issue. Last week, he'd claimed to have fought with 12 SDPD officers and was full of scabs on his face. I'd mentioned him before, but he's a Reverand turned atheist. From the looks of this man, he doesn't have much life left in him... so please join me and commit to prayer specifically for Lt. Ron's salvation.
On the other hand... there were quite a few people who were paying attention and nodding in agreement with what was being shared. Those are the ones who came through the line during dinner, full of encouragement and thankful hearts.
I know that GOD is bigger than any drug, alcohol, or mental problem... and I rest in confidence, trusting that His word does not return void. I know that as long as we remain faithful, and continue to love on the people of Pacific Beach, GOD will continue to pour out His love and continue to give us the strength to always move forward, sharing the Good News, and His provisions will continue to come.
Man, oh man! I'm so happy to be a child of GOD... and I'm super excited to be a part of something that He is doing!!!
We've prayed about socks and hygiene materials, and we received them. We've prayed about financial support, and we received it. We've prayed about a strong team of fellow servants, and we received them. We've prayed about simple things like good parking when we pull up, and we received it. We've prayed about having worship music, and guess what..... we got that too!
There were some minor chaotic outbreaks during worship this week, but it didn't stop Jason from continuing to praise The Lord of Lords with his guitar. It was actually pretty awesome to see one of the guys, gently pull the disturber to the side and ask him to move along and 'let us be'.
The highest demand as summer has come to an end is blankets. I'm not 100% sure but I think it's still quite some time before the City Shelters open up for the season. It has really gotten cold quickly as the marine layer rolls right in, even while we're serving.
There is much more that could be told about the events for the evening, but I'm not the one to tell because I wasn't aware of everything that others experienced. I only found out their stories afterwards.
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