Something is happening...

I was a bit caught off guard when I walked onto the boardwalk tonight and noticed Stephen sitting on the bench. He's been away from the beach for several months now, staying at the SDRM. Unfortunately something had happened, and he was in no shape to talk, much less I spend time trying to understand what few words he could get out. It broke both my heart and the heart of dear my wife. I'm sure we'll make a trip down this weekend to get some clarity with him, once he sobers up.

We had a large gathering of hungry folk waiting for us. The few good men that I knew I could rely on helped unload and set up. I'm forever grateful to have the help with such things... it just expedites the starting time.

I shared a message, and by faith arranged to have Bibles on site. We were blessed with a small army of help tonight, including our good friend, Mary Clo. I'll get to how awesome that is shortly...

After I'd shared and prayed over the meal, I was introduced to a gentleman who'd been passing by and inquired about what we're doing. He offered to assist in building a resume for those that might be interested in getting off their feet and into the workforce again. A few short moments later, I was interrupted by commotion in the crowd.

A woman who'd come for dinner, one that I'd never seen before, had fallen down and slightly split her head open. She's diabetic and passed out due to her blood sugar level. At first she was unresponsive! Mary Clo just so happens to be a nurse! She came to the aid and helped assess the situation. Not only is Mary Clo a nurse, she's also one of the biggest prayer warriors I know.

My friend Adam and I rushed over and started praying over the woman who'd fallen. We learned her name is Tracy. While Mary Clo is praying over this lady, Adam and I are praying that whatever happens... Jesus would be glorified in all of this. Completely surrounded by everyone, Mary Clo used the powerful name of Jesus Christ and commanded Tracy to open her eyes... at that very moment, her eyes opened wide! Everyone witnessed it, and were astonished at what they just saw! Tracy was now awake, and the paramedics were called, arriving shortly after. They took Tracy away in the ambulance.

The food went faster than I would have ever imagined it would, but there was nothing we could do about it. Everyone ate, some had seconds, some didn't. Although the food was gone, a vast majority of the people remained to stick around. I soak up every opportunity I can when that happens.... with so many eager students with us now from HSE, there is hardly a moment where one isn't already spending one-on-one with somebody. As I glanced up and down the boardwalk, it was pure beauty to my eyes! There were 6 or 7 separate ministries going on! It was exactly how I had imagined it to be from the beginning.

My friend Ray and I had the opportunity to speak with a gentleman named Press. I asked if we could pray for him. He'd mentioned some health problems that he's currently dealing with. In the middle of praying for his health, I heard GOD speak to me. He literally stopped me in mid-prayer. All of a sudden, I asked Press if he was ready to be forgiven of his sins and washed new. He wanted to be forgiven and wanted Jesus to come into his life. We then prayed with him to accept Jesus Christ. It was a trip for both Ray and I to experience that, right then. I encouraged Press to get rooted into a Bible-believing church. He said he'd check out Horizon and I promised to keep an eye out for him.

Our brother, Lamarr spent most of his time speaking with a man named Resty. I didn't catch much of their conversation, but by the time I had come over, Resty was asking where our church was located because he'd like to check it out too. Lamarr is another prayer warrior, and somebody I know I can always count on. I thank GOD for answering my prayers and giving us such awesome people to share this Ministry with.

I encountered 4 people who wanted & received new Bibles tonight. I would agree that the Bibles we have access to are of smaller print, which isn't always the easiest to read... I met a man named Dennis today. He respectfully turned down one of our Bibles because of the print, and size. For many of these guys, a large zip-lock bag is what holds all of their possessions. Another HSE student, James, kindly and very humbly offered his own personal pocket Bible to Dennis because it was much more suitable to his needs. I was moved and honored to see such a deed. I pray that GOD blesses James for that.

In closing... I'd wrap everything up by saying it was just a crazy night. So much went on and I'd hate to bore any readers. My plan is to have others join in with their input from their own perspectives. I feel it would be much more interesting.

Answered prayers! (April 9, 2010)

Amanda and I were away this week. It had been planned long ago, and to be honest we were worried what would happen while we were gone. Would we find anybody to help out? Would we find anyone to cook the meal? Would we this or would we that..... so we prayed and prayed and prayed some more.

How silly we are to sometime forget who our Father is! GOD is always faithful, and I believe that as long as we're in His will, He'll take care of the small things.

All of the necessary food was taken care of... and then some! The food was purchased, then cooked by volunteers, picked up by other volunteers, and served. It also just so happens that my friend, Rob has a truck, so he was also able to pick up and transport the tables and cooler that wouldn't fit in a car. I can't help but give a heart felt thank you to all of those who helped out this week in our absence. It means so much to Amanda and I. For me, it's a reminder of what a family is supposed to be like and for that, I'm very grateful.

From what I've been told...
Joey shared from 1 Corinthians 15 to a group in the upper range of 80 hungry people.
There was just the right amount of food and nobody went away unfed.
There was some one-on-one interaction going on, witnessing with the men in love.
I'm unaware of all the people who came to serve, but I trust that GOD strategically placed them at the right place at the right time for the right person.

My encouragement is to trust GOD. As long as we're obedient and keep our focus on Him, there's nothing to worry about because our Creator gently handles His Creation, like a Potter with his clay.

GOD is good all the time, and all the time GOD is good!