We celebrated Good Friday yesterday. It was no ordinary day for us, not only were we celebrating the sacrifice our Lord endured for us, but it was also a milestone for our Ministry. As we rolled into the month of April... it was last April that Amanda and I had first started coming down to PB.
There was a lot of emotion this week. Whether or not it's good or bad, is completely up to one's own personal perspective I guess.
Our friend Jeremy, whom you might recall has been sober and living at the SDRM for the past 5 months, has now been able to get 8hr passes during the weekends. He'd decided to ride his bicycle the 20+ mile (round trip) down to hang out and share about how he's living now.
I had a feeling that the guys would be impacted by the transformation they see in him. Keep in mind, most of them had seen Jeremy in his worst condition and had thought he'd passed away.
Joey shared a powerful message about why Good Friday is so important, and how powerful Jesus Christ is, which then lead to Jeremy speaking to the crowd. (As expected, nobody recognized him: clean shaven, sober, healthy, talking about GOD) The crowd constantly rotates, so only a few people remembered who Jeremy was, but when he gave his testimony, it definitely ministered to the men because he was once one of their own. They could relate better to what he was saying, more than I could ever do.
Our team was blessed abundantly with help and dinner contributions. It is so nice having more of The Body coming to our side. It has completely freed me up to sit and speak with those in need of prayers. I was able to talk to Keith, and learn what GOD has been doing in his life. Keith now works 3 jobs, 7 days a week, and has been given the opportunity to move onto his employers boat, as a rent to own. I was surprised and encouraged to hear Keith give credit to the things I've shared over time. He let me know that he appreciates everything I've ever told him and that he's really been inspired and has held onto hope in GOD. He's now starting to understand how GOD desires obedience and honors those that follow through.
One of the men, "Vista" came for dinner. He was in horrible shape. His face was bloated and as red as a tomato. He remembered Jeremy very well, as they used to be drinking buddies, I'm told. Vista started crying and asked for prayer. He said he was ready to quit drinking. He started suffering from withdrawls right in front of us.... assuming he was near to having a seizure, I called the paramedics. They ended up taking him to the hospital, where he'll be treated with medication to help ease his suffering, only to be released back to the streets. Vista knows the 'street life' will kill him. He admitted that he drinks three 5's of Vodka each day. I'm currently trying to get him into treatment through the SDRM and VOA. Please pray that doors would be opened for Vista. He's 32y/o and has a daughter he'd love to have a relationship with again.
After most of the crowd had left, I wanted to honor our Lord Jesus, by breaking bread with my Brothers & Sisters, in remembrance of what was laid down for us. I personally felt like it was meaningful and went well. (I'm always observing!) As we were all standing there holding our bread and cups, the very moment before we partook, I glanced up at the boardwalk and noticed a rather large group of passer-byers staring back puzzled. That very moment, I wondered how often it is that people would see a group of Believers sharing in communion on the boardwalk in Pacific Beach.
I'd like to end this entry with encouraging words for everyone, whether you believe in GOD or not.... 'GOD the Father' is a true GOD, a GOD who is Faithful, a GOD who does answer prayers...
Give Him a chance to reveal Himself to you, and be blessed today.
