Friday night went well... We were blessed again to have some of the students from HSE come down, lead worship and minister to our friends. We were also joined by some of our friends from our home fellowship and a friend of mine from work. Dana and Reuben blessed us again with a huge salad, apples and most importantly their presence and willingness to help out.
Beau spoke a message of building strong foundations in our lives. He gave an invitation and 4 men came to know Jesus. Please pray for these men that the seeds that have fallen do not get snatched up.
There were many opportunities to pray for our friends down at the beach and we took full advantage of it. I came across a lady, we'll call her A for privacy reasons, that I had been ministering to for some time. Just recently, maybe 3 months ago, she let me inside her life a little bit and told me a heart breaking story of how she came to be on the streets. I felt like I had made a little break through with her because she had always been very guarded with us. Beau and I had come down on a few Saturday mornings to spend some one on one time with her and to try to get to know her better. Then one week she was gone and she had not been around for the last 3-4 weeks. I was worried about her, hoping that she was OK as she had been telling me of some harassment she had been victim to. Every week I would ask around to see if any of the guys knew where she was. No one could really say much other than "she's around". As we were winding down for the night I looked up and saw her walking on the board walk. I was so happy to see her. I was able to spend some time catching up with her. She told me that she has found a place to stay. In turn for cooking, grocery shopping and running errands she has been allowed to stay in a near by apartment. It was a blessing to see her and a reminder of the love that GOD has placed in my heart for the people down there. I mention her and a little about her story as a reminder to pray for these people, collectively and individually. It is not far fetched for their lives to be taken by an act of violence or a drug or alcohol over dose. They are dying, physically and more importantly spiritually. They desperately need the Lord...
As we approach our year mark of the ministry I can't help but look back at all of the things that the Lord as taught me... In so many ways HE has shown me what true love is. HE has shown me that true love does not judge; that it is gentle and patient; that it can be given without any reciprocation and that it is not self serving. HE has shown me that love is a choice and requires sacrifice. I know that this ministry is not for everyone. It is a difficult ministry and often times discouraging. In fact, I would have thought that this type of ministry was not for me but GOD has this amazing way of teaching me that HIS ministry.... is simply to love.
Thank you all for reading, for your prayers and support. We love you and thank GOD for you continually.
