We knew in advance that this particular weekend would be packed in PB, due to Memorial Day weekend, so we arrived a few minutes earlier to give us time to park. As we unloaded the truck, my stomach knotted up once I saw the amount of people waiting for us...
I should back up and mention that the reason we were able to get down there earlier enough is because we rushed out of the house... and now I'll take full responsibility... I forgot the 4 loaves of bread that I had cut up & buttered, and the trays necessary to keep the food warm. I immediately started to stress out. With the help of my brothers & sisters in Christ Jesus, we were able to lift that to GOD and my problems seemed to evaporate. I then shared a message based off of Proverbs 3:5,6~ Trusting in the Lord.
The food went quick with such a large crowd and unfortunately we had to turn away 5-10 people because the food had run out. While we were serving, there was a man standing in line waiting for food (who made me a bit uncomfortable) that the SDPD had some questions for, so they removed him from the line to discuss their matters with him. When they were finished, the man returned to the now empty line, only to find the food was now gone. He started to throw a fit. Our brother, Ruben wisely suggested we join together for prayer. By the powerful name of Jesus, we rebuked the enemy from our presence and for peace in the area... I then noticed the man walking away. A lot went on tonight and it felt weird. I can't really describe it, other than to say we can all feel the Spiritual Battle going on down there.
We sincerely appreciate all of the prayers and support from The Body of Christ. Thank you!!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Persistence Pays Off... (Friday)
As Amanda and I walked to our area, we were astonished at the size of the group waiting for us. This by far was the biggest crowd I'd ever experienced in our Ministry... (And of course... we had to use wisdom when it came to portions, so that everyone was able to eat... which worked out perfect, to the very last person.)
The message was about persistence and how to keep moving forward, putting your trust in the Creator, no matter what your circumstances are. I looked into the eyes of everyone as I was sharing what GOD had put on my heart. I saw the pain & loss of hope in their eyes. It's very sad most of the time. As I was looking around, this was the first time I'd really paid any attention to my surroundings behind me. I noticed about 25-30 tourists that had been passing by, stopped and were listening too. (For some reason, that gave me butterflies in my stomach.) More importantly, I noticed some of the neighbors (from the expensive condos) on their balcony, video taping us! I know the time is short before the city will come to try and shut us down. The enemy is doing everything he can to put a stop to this... so please pray for us. At the end of the message, there was another opportunity for the people to accept Jesus as their Savior.
After the meals were served, a 'newcomer' walked up to me and asked if we could talk. As a courtesy for privacy, I shall call him "L". We picked a quick spot down the path to sit and talk. He admitted that he was intimidated by the size of the group and noticed that nobody else raised their hands to accept Jesus, but he wanted to. GOD touched L's life that night! I explained to him that GOD sees all things, including the heart of men. GOD knew whether or not he was raising his hand. I explained that I only asked for a show of hands so that I can remember who to pray for, but it wasn't a necessary thing. We sat and had the most intimate one-on-one conversations I've had in a very long time. It was great to see somebody who was genuinely interested in the things of GOD, asking questions with pure motives. We ended up hanging out together until 10 or 11pm. By the end of the night, we'd made arrangements to pick L up for church on Sunday.
Amanda had her own endearing encounters too. She prayed with Patricia and Bobby (A couple in their late 40's-early 50's). We don't know how long they've lived on the streets. (There are some things with some people, that you just don't ask.) Bobby has lots of health problems and needs a walker most of the time. They are eager to find a place to stay. I can't even begin to imagine what life is like for them. I'm thankful that GOD has strategically set us in PB for these people, to share of His love for them. As prayers were lifted to His thrown room, tears flowed down their cheeks because GOD is real and touching people.
The message was about persistence and how to keep moving forward, putting your trust in the Creator, no matter what your circumstances are. I looked into the eyes of everyone as I was sharing what GOD had put on my heart. I saw the pain & loss of hope in their eyes. It's very sad most of the time. As I was looking around, this was the first time I'd really paid any attention to my surroundings behind me. I noticed about 25-30 tourists that had been passing by, stopped and were listening too. (For some reason, that gave me butterflies in my stomach.) More importantly, I noticed some of the neighbors (from the expensive condos) on their balcony, video taping us! I know the time is short before the city will come to try and shut us down. The enemy is doing everything he can to put a stop to this... so please pray for us. At the end of the message, there was another opportunity for the people to accept Jesus as their Savior.
After the meals were served, a 'newcomer' walked up to me and asked if we could talk. As a courtesy for privacy, I shall call him "L". We picked a quick spot down the path to sit and talk. He admitted that he was intimidated by the size of the group and noticed that nobody else raised their hands to accept Jesus, but he wanted to. GOD touched L's life that night! I explained to him that GOD sees all things, including the heart of men. GOD knew whether or not he was raising his hand. I explained that I only asked for a show of hands so that I can remember who to pray for, but it wasn't a necessary thing. We sat and had the most intimate one-on-one conversations I've had in a very long time. It was great to see somebody who was genuinely interested in the things of GOD, asking questions with pure motives. We ended up hanging out together until 10 or 11pm. By the end of the night, we'd made arrangements to pick L up for church on Sunday.
Amanda had her own endearing encounters too. She prayed with Patricia and Bobby (A couple in their late 40's-early 50's). We don't know how long they've lived on the streets. (There are some things with some people, that you just don't ask.) Bobby has lots of health problems and needs a walker most of the time. They are eager to find a place to stay. I can't even begin to imagine what life is like for them. I'm thankful that GOD has strategically set us in PB for these people, to share of His love for them. As prayers were lifted to His thrown room, tears flowed down their cheeks because GOD is real and touching people.
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