Tonight went well!!
We found a really good parking spot as soon as we pulled up (which is harder to do as it gets closer to summer). I had a group of men to help me unload the truck and others to help Amanda set up for dinner. There was a decent amount of people already waiting against the seawall when we got there. The size of the group probably grew to somewhere in the ballpark of 70-80.
I was pretty nervous to share tonight. Not because of the message or the size of the audience though.... after some prayer this past week, I accepted Reggie's gift as an encouragement and decided to use the megaphone. It felt strange as I stood on the boardwalk, holding the giant megaphone in my hand. Honestly I wasn't sure how it would be received, and feared it could possibly be stumbling to some people. I eventually over came my fears, and jokingly explained why I brought it down, and the crowd seemed to appreciate it. I mean the reason behind it is for them anyways. I can hear myself just fine.
The message was about loving GOD and doing things out of love for Him. I also shared what Jesus tells us about 'loving our neighbors' and 'turning your cheek when others strike you'. The message was well received, which then led into me sharing something that's been on the heart of Amanda and myself for a few months. A community beach clean up! We decided to do this in 2 weeks, on Saturday (May 15, 2010) at 9am (Please feel free to join us!) We'll be meeting in front of the big Life Guard tower at the end of Grand. Nearly 10 men showed interest in participating. I foresee some neat things happening from this.
We were blessed with the presence of our friends, who've become regulars in helping with this Ministry. Delicious cookies seem to go fast down there! As the people stood in line for their meal, the beautiful sound of Worship music poured onto the boardwalk and down to the sand. I'm so thankful to see how GOD has anointed this Ministry.
I had opportunities to sit down and pray with a few people, listen to what they're going through, and give encouraging words according to the Holy Scriptures.
One of the guys that I've mentioned on numerous occasions.... Vista, was actually sober and looked 'fairly good' considering what he's been going through lately. He had a glow about him tonight. He was smiling! With the help of our dear friend Lisa, who's a gem to us and the people of PB, he's getting admitted into the Salvation Army. That truly is an answered prayer!
The food seems to go so fast now, yet GOD continues to provide and meet our needs each week. It's good to be a follower of Jesus Christ and be on the winning team, where we will never hunger or thirst again.
