Besides the traffic coming into PB, tonight went really smooth.
To start the night off, my buddy Ruben, shared his testimony to a captive audience. He gave a loving & sincere message, and as he spoke, he called out to some of the regulars, by name, which made it a bit more intimate for them. I strongly believe that it's instances like that, that are going to win over their hearts, and give us the guidance to direct them towards the things of GOD.
Thanks to Danna's wonderful idea, we started celebrating birthdays together down there for each month. This week, it just so happened to be one of our very own. Before Ruben finished speaking, he called Amanda out from behind the tables (also out of her comfort zone) and the entire group of maybe 60 people, all joined and we sang "Happy Birthday". It was fun! What I especially liked, was as each person passed down the line for their dinner, they each encouraged Amanda for her cooking and gave her another Happy Birthday wish. There was love for one another in the air tonight, and GOD was there!
We had plenty of friends to help make the team tonight: Ray (who's been a huge help); Joey (now back in town); and of course the awesome duet Danna & Ruben (with their amazing salads, crock pot of meatballs, and their hearts of gold); James (the one who can handle the hygiene & clothes, like no other!)
Towards the latter end of what pasta we had left, 3 young men (early 20's I'd guess) came over and asked how much we were selling the food for. Their eyes lit up with delight when they discovered it was absolutely free. They hustled into the line. As we hung out chit chatting, I learned they were backpacking tourists from Ireland. I enjoyed hearing their thick accents when they spoke. I had the chance to ask them about their beliefs. They believe in Evolution, yet they have a concept of GOD as well. They said that in Ireland, religion is shoved down everyones throats, and they aren't for it. I explained to them about Christianity, and the freedom that we have in Christ... that it's about a personal relationship with Jesus, and not about being bound to follow routines, or bowing to statues. As they listened, I could see them weighing this new found discovery, against what they've known. After 10 minutes of sharing, I asked if I may take their picture, so that my friends and I could continually pray for them, they said sure. Before we parted ways, I had the privilege to pray for Do'nald (Donald), Eghoan (Owen), and Dave right then and there.
A decent amount of people showed interest in attending the City Fest next week, which was awesome to hear. I'll try to get an accurate count next week, so that we can do what we can to make sure they get there.
All went well, and yes we were surprised that being the first Friday of the month, we still had a large number crowd... yet thanks to the addition from Danna's meatballs and salads, everyone was able to eat something tonight.
Everything happened so fast... and that's the way it's been the last few months actually. We were done and packed up by 6:30-6:45pm.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Even in the thickness, GOD is there! (Friday)
I apologize for the delayed posting. This past week has been anything but normal for me. I'd planned to be out of town on Friday, so I'd arranged for a friend of mine, Gio, to step in and share a message. He did share, but I actually stayed back and came down to witness the work of GOD.
Upon arrival, the eerie feeling of the oppression was thick.
A few guys were waiting for us as we pulled to the curb to unload. Amanda went to park the truck as we set up and prepared for the evening. To my very own surprise, Patrick (a common problem) actually helped set up. I instantly recalled the prayer request listed on his behalf, and thanked GOD for all the faithful prayer warriors, because I see that he's changing before our very eyes. Again, I thank Jesus!
As Gio gave the message, I sat behind him on the upper level. I scanned the crowd and quietly prayed for each person. I noticed there was alot going with most of them: drunk or high, and some suffering with schizophrenia, which leaves them with very little room (if any) to pay attention to anything being said. It's something I've never really noticed before, and it broke my heart to see it. One of the regulars, Lt. Ron, was taken away by ambulance from some sort of alcohol issue. Last week, he'd claimed to have fought with 12 SDPD officers and was full of scabs on his face. I'd mentioned him before, but he's a Reverand turned atheist. From the looks of this man, he doesn't have much life left in him... so please join me and commit to prayer specifically for Lt. Ron's salvation.
On the other hand... there were quite a few people who were paying attention and nodding in agreement with what was being shared. Those are the ones who came through the line during dinner, full of encouragement and thankful hearts.
I know that GOD is bigger than any drug, alcohol, or mental problem... and I rest in confidence, trusting that His word does not return void. I know that as long as we remain faithful, and continue to love on the people of Pacific Beach, GOD will continue to pour out His love and continue to give us the strength to always move forward, sharing the Good News, and His provisions will continue to come.
Man, oh man! I'm so happy to be a child of GOD... and I'm super excited to be a part of something that He is doing!!!
We've prayed about socks and hygiene materials, and we received them. We've prayed about financial support, and we received it. We've prayed about a strong team of fellow servants, and we received them. We've prayed about simple things like good parking when we pull up, and we received it. We've prayed about having worship music, and guess what..... we got that too!
There were some minor chaotic outbreaks during worship this week, but it didn't stop Jason from continuing to praise The Lord of Lords with his guitar. It was actually pretty awesome to see one of the guys, gently pull the disturber to the side and ask him to move along and 'let us be'.
The highest demand as summer has come to an end is blankets. I'm not 100% sure but I think it's still quite some time before the City Shelters open up for the season. It has really gotten cold quickly as the marine layer rolls right in, even while we're serving.
There is much more that could be told about the events for the evening, but I'm not the one to tell because I wasn't aware of everything that others experienced. I only found out their stories afterwards.
Upon arrival, the eerie feeling of the oppression was thick.
A few guys were waiting for us as we pulled to the curb to unload. Amanda went to park the truck as we set up and prepared for the evening. To my very own surprise, Patrick (a common problem) actually helped set up. I instantly recalled the prayer request listed on his behalf, and thanked GOD for all the faithful prayer warriors, because I see that he's changing before our very eyes. Again, I thank Jesus!
As Gio gave the message, I sat behind him on the upper level. I scanned the crowd and quietly prayed for each person. I noticed there was alot going with most of them: drunk or high, and some suffering with schizophrenia, which leaves them with very little room (if any) to pay attention to anything being said. It's something I've never really noticed before, and it broke my heart to see it. One of the regulars, Lt. Ron, was taken away by ambulance from some sort of alcohol issue. Last week, he'd claimed to have fought with 12 SDPD officers and was full of scabs on his face. I'd mentioned him before, but he's a Reverand turned atheist. From the looks of this man, he doesn't have much life left in him... so please join me and commit to prayer specifically for Lt. Ron's salvation.
On the other hand... there were quite a few people who were paying attention and nodding in agreement with what was being shared. Those are the ones who came through the line during dinner, full of encouragement and thankful hearts.
I know that GOD is bigger than any drug, alcohol, or mental problem... and I rest in confidence, trusting that His word does not return void. I know that as long as we remain faithful, and continue to love on the people of Pacific Beach, GOD will continue to pour out His love and continue to give us the strength to always move forward, sharing the Good News, and His provisions will continue to come.
Man, oh man! I'm so happy to be a child of GOD... and I'm super excited to be a part of something that He is doing!!!
We've prayed about socks and hygiene materials, and we received them. We've prayed about financial support, and we received it. We've prayed about a strong team of fellow servants, and we received them. We've prayed about simple things like good parking when we pull up, and we received it. We've prayed about having worship music, and guess what..... we got that too!
There were some minor chaotic outbreaks during worship this week, but it didn't stop Jason from continuing to praise The Lord of Lords with his guitar. It was actually pretty awesome to see one of the guys, gently pull the disturber to the side and ask him to move along and 'let us be'.
The highest demand as summer has come to an end is blankets. I'm not 100% sure but I think it's still quite some time before the City Shelters open up for the season. It has really gotten cold quickly as the marine layer rolls right in, even while we're serving.
There is much more that could be told about the events for the evening, but I'm not the one to tell because I wasn't aware of everything that others experienced. I only found out their stories afterwards.
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