Our team had prayed all week regarding some possible changes taking place, and we were still praying on it when we decided to return this week. Needless to say, all of the people waiting for us were relieved to see us there. A few said they were 'happy', while the majority used the term 'blessed'. It made me really consider what GOD has done on their hearts since this all started, and I was the one who became blessed.
We had a few extra hands helping out. Some of our team members haven't been able to make it lately, so those who come unexpectedly really help make a difference. Our new friend Gary and his wife helped distribute the clothing. Being positioned there, really opened his eyes to the needs some of the men have. I enjoy hearing how GOD reveals things to those that help us and to hear the empathy in their voice.
We had an encouraging encounter with somebody who manages a local business. The woman said our Ministry was such a blessing to see such love for those in need and to keep up the good work. That blew my mind due to the opposition we faced last week. All we can do is continue to trust in our Heavenly Father. He will either have His hand on this Ministry and keep us in this location, or He will shut the door and make it clear to us where we should go next.
It breaks my heart to see some of our friends on this roller coaster of sobriety & spirituality. Stephen has fallen again. Jeff has fallen again. Pockets continues to fall and has stopped showing up. There are so many people who just can't let GOD do the work in them. They all fall and feel too condemned to ask Him for help again. It's almost overwhelming to see so many people in such pain and sadness. I know the best thing we can do is to pray for them all, but there comes a point where even I struggle with the question "When is enough, enough?" Alcohol & drugs are slowly killing these men & women.
At the end of the night, all of us agreed that for the time being.... GOD's hand is still on us and there is still plenty of work to be done here.
In closing, I'd like to share a line from one of my favorite Chris Tomlin songs:
"And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us... And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?"
For the full song, check out this cool youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlA5IDnpGhc
