Friday, February 18, 2011

Inseparable, Unconditional love...

We can call it rainy, wet, stormy night... and by all assumptions one would say that we were not going to show up. GOD commanded otherwise. Through our obedience... He was able to reveal to the smaller group that His love never fails because it is both inseparable & unconditional regardless of the weather conditions.

The support of the faithful team members still coming together spoke to me as well. It opened my eyes with a truly thankful heart to give GOD thanks for my friends by our side to support the Ministry and fulfill the vision that my wife and I have.

As mentioned, we had a smaller group this evening, obviously due to the rain. Even though we were blessed with 2 pop-up canopies to use as shelter, we all got pretty soaked, but it was worth it to be there. We were unsure of just how much food to prepare, but Amanda decided to make the amount as usual. The folks that came were able to fill their plates a few times.

The best part for me was the genuine thankfulness that most of the guys had for us coming out regardless of the storm. Their response opened the door for me to share how GOD's love is always available. I feel that this week, GOD spoke to them in a different light that they were able to see & understand. There are times when 'words' are just not enough.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

"Sharing is caring"

This week we had the opportunity to share the blessings of the Ministry with a 'Home Fellowship' group of Believers that Jeremy had brought down.... and some newer friends that have joined in the volunteering to love others. It was nice to see so many people come out in faith to see what GOD is doing in Pacific Beach.

I'm confident in saying that I believe it was part of GOD's perfect plan, because it gave some of our team who have built relationships throughout their time down here, to freely spend sweet quality time with certain individuals, instead of standing behind the tables and giving a brief discussion as the line keeps moving. The time spent was absolutely genuine, heart-breaking, and needed. GOD gave each of us somebody that needed somebody to talk to. Some of the women within our team are far more gentler & patient than others might be in specific situations, so it couldn't have been something that we planned, but our Heavenly Father.

This Ministry is special because it might seem like a Homeless Ministry but so many different lives are touched by it: some rich, some not-so-rich, some with a home, some without. Then there are some Believers who have never gotten involved in something outside of their comfort zone within the confines of their 'church activity' on their own campus... and then there are those who have no belief in GOD (or at least confessing such) and want to be involved because they sense such "love" from our group. Everyone involved knows our beliefs and is willing to gather with us in starting the night by opening in prayer as a team, inviting Jesus to make His presence known to all of us.

I met a man named Mike. He is haunted by his past and feels there is nothing to live for. When I asked if I could pray for him, he said it wouldn't do any good for him because he's too far along in sin. (Please pray that GOD would reveal the Truth to Mike!) He also suffers from a mean addiction to Vodka. I'd never seen him before and he said that he would probably never see me again... I trust that GOD doesn't see it that way. There was a reason Mike found his way to our dinner this week, and I'm determined to let Mike know that Jesus loves him just as much as He loves Billy Graham.

I'm stoked to share a praise report regarding something I'd asked prayer about last week... This past Weds night (2/9/11), I received a call that "A" was blessed with a place to live! She won't be living on the streets and will be able to focus on her EMT schooling. She also came to service this morning and loved it. I know that GOD is showing her that He loves her in a way that only He could do. My prayer is that she would fall in love with Him. What a sweet & memorable thing it would be for one to give their heart to Jesus on Valentine's Day!

The crowd was a bit smaller than it's normally been, but that allowed some of the men & women to have second plates of dinner. It's encouraging to take notice that many in the group are being built up to help serve others and do what they can to make this run smoother... even if it's by unloading our truck a few minutes faster (or at all).

I thank Almighty GOD The Father for my friends who have committed themselves to joining us in this Ministry. So, in addition to my prayer request list... I'm asking that Jesus would strengthen, encourage, build up and bless each member of our team this upcoming week.

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.’
Amen & Amen!!!