Opening up.... (Friday)

The presence of GOD was definitely felt while in PB, which made the night spiritually good... but circumstances made the evening emotionally sad for some of us.

In discussion last week, we'd made a decision to have our team members share their personal testimonies for the next few weeks, as The Lord directs us. As Joey stood in front of the crowd sharing his, my friend Eric and I were up on top, praying as the crowd listened. I gazed the crowd from a different perspective and noticed what looked like my gentle & loving wife, politely asking some of the men to stop talking among themselves as Joey spoke. It was very beautiful to see how well that was received with respect & reverence. As Joey wrapped things up, I shared the verse Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Before we said grace and started serving the meal, 4 of the men made a personal decision to accept Jesus, and asked Him to start that transformation in their lives that very moment.

There was a familiar face in the crowd. One that I never thought I would see there again... Jeremy! He was back on the streets. About 2 weeks ago, he'd started drinking and it was all over from there. The SDRM has a no tolerance policy, and he had to leave. I didn't know what to say to him. I did my best to love him and encourage him. "Nobody is perfect except for Jesus Christ"... "Everyone falls, but it's how fast we get back up that matters". He was too embarrassed & ashamed to stick around, so he left after our brief conversation. I let him know that we'll be praying for him. (I'll be honest, I'd gotten so confident in him before, that I'd stopped praying for him... and now I see the importance to continue to pray for everyone, regardless of their current circumstances. Talk about conviction on my part!)

It's really rewarding to have so many helping hands when it comes to serving, because it has freed me up to move around the group as they enjoy their meal. I've gotten to know some of the guys on a deeper level because of it. I stood there talking with another familiar face, although I'd never known his name until last night. Daniel shared some interesting and very personal things with me. I wondered how often any of these people open up to people outside their own groups and thanked GOD for the opportunity to be there and experience what we experience. We prayed together. Daniel struggles with alcohol. He and his brother, Keith, have plans to go enroll into a rehab in Ramona, CA this weekend. I gave Daniel a promise that if he makes it into the rehab, I'll make it a point to come out to visit and read the Bible with him. He's currently reading through the book of Daniel on his own... and was very proud to tell me all about King Nebuchadnezzar. It was so neat to see Daniel talk about the Bible.... it was innocently child-like.

After the food was gone, Amanda sat with Bobby. He's experiencing major health problems and last night his body was bloated due to his failing liver. As I sat there observing their discussion, I'd hate to say it this way.... but you can literally see him slowly dying. It's very sad! Bobby has alot of sadness in his life and just needs to feel loved. He shared with us an incident he'd had early in the afternoon. He'd run into an old friend, he hadn't seen in quite some time, walking with his family (who Bobby'd never met before) and the young child ran up to him, giving him a big hug. This loving act of kindness from that 3y/o child stirred him up and he was crying with joy as he told us the story. Amanda told him that kind of love is just a small glimpse into the love that GOD has for each and every one of us.

It trips me out how I still sometimes question if this Ministry is where it should be. Last night I was reminded that GOD is still there and doing things through us, exactly where we are. Week after week, He still provides financially for this Ministry to continue... and last night was no exception. I consider it a great honor to follow Jesus Christ and to be under His Lordship.

Another week, another message... (Friday)

I apologize for the delay in this post. I try to make it a point to have everything written down almost immediately after, while it's still fresh, but it doesn't always work out so well.

Amanda and I got there a few minutes later than usual, and noticed our team already on the scene waiting patiently for us. In a smaller aspect, it was nice having the extra hands to help unload the truck, since we normally arrive before our team does, and we get the occasional help from some of the guys, but not always.

While things were getting set up, I went searching for a parking spot which took way too long (almost 20mins). The entire time I was trying to park, I kept thinking how the crowd may be growing impatient... and I started to dread the thought of sharing my message, making them wait even longer... nevertheless, I still shared. The message this week was on thankfulness, ultimately being thankful to GOD for everything, small or big in our lives.

We noticed some of our more fond friends were absent this week, and I wondered where they might be. All the supplies went quickly. The only incident this week was 2 of the guys started to get into an arguement and make a scene, but that was on the upper boardwalk and not in our immediate area. I did glance up and noticed the angry neighbor lady standing at her balcony on her phone. The guys squashed whatever it was between them and we ended up leaving the area with a peaceful vibe.

The most important request that we have is prayer support. One can never have too much prayer, and although we might not be in the Amazon jungle or in Iraq, we are on the front lines of a Spiritual Battle, face to face with the Enemy of GOD. Please remember us in your prayers.