Getting Personal

Besides the traffic coming into PB, tonight went really smooth.

To start the night off, my buddy Ruben, shared his testimony to a captive audience. He gave a loving & sincere message, and as he spoke, he called out to some of the regulars, by name, which made it a bit more intimate for them. I strongly believe that it's instances like that, that are going to win over their hearts, and give us the guidance to direct them towards the things of GOD.

Thanks to Danna's wonderful idea, we started celebrating birthdays together down there for each month. This week, it just so happened to be one of our very own. Before Ruben finished speaking, he called Amanda out from behind the tables (also out of her comfort zone) and the entire group of maybe 60 people, all joined and we sang "Happy Birthday". It was fun! What I especially liked, was as each person passed down the line for their dinner, they each encouraged Amanda for her cooking and gave her another Happy Birthday wish. There was love for one another in the air tonight, and GOD was there!

We had plenty of friends to help make the team tonight: Ray (who's been a huge help); Joey (now back in town); and of course the awesome duet Danna & Ruben (with their amazing salads, crock pot of meatballs, and their hearts of gold); James (the one who can handle the hygiene & clothes, like no other!)

Towards the latter end of what pasta we had left, 3 young men (early 20's I'd guess) came over and asked how much we were selling the food for. Their eyes lit up with delight when they discovered it was absolutely free. They hustled into the line. As we hung out chit chatting, I learned they were backpacking tourists from Ireland. I enjoyed hearing their thick accents when they spoke. I had the chance to ask them about their beliefs. They believe in Evolution, yet they have a concept of GOD as well. They said that in Ireland, religion is shoved down everyones throats, and they aren't for it. I explained to them about Christianity, and the freedom that we have in Christ... that it's about a personal relationship with Jesus, and not about being bound to follow routines, or bowing to statues. As they listened, I could see them weighing this new found discovery, against what they've known. After 10 minutes of sharing, I asked if I may take their picture, so that my friends and I could continually pray for them, they said sure. Before we parted ways, I had the privilege to pray for Do'nald (Donald), Eghoan (Owen), and Dave right then and there.

A decent amount of people showed interest in attending the City Fest next week, which was awesome to hear. I'll try to get an accurate count next week, so that we can do what we can to make sure they get there.

All went well, and yes we were surprised that being the first Friday of the month, we still had a large number crowd... yet thanks to the addition from Danna's meatballs and salads, everyone was able to eat something tonight.

Everything happened so fast... and that's the way it's been the last few months actually. We were done and packed up by 6:30-6:45pm.