The doors that GOD has been opening for us, has been exciting to say the least! Our team is seeing a steady flow of volunteers catching the vision and coming to our side to share His love through simple acts of kindness.
Due to the approach that GOD has given us to use to our neighbors, we are witnessing hearts becoming softened. More of our neighbors are wanting to join us in opening prayer, and more are listening intently to the sermon shared. One of the first things that changed, that has been a huge blessing for Amanda and I.... (and my back...) was the amount of men who help unload our truck and set things up with us. We are in this Ministry to give without the expectation of getting anything in return, especially from a group as our neighbors in need, yet they give what they can through serving with their hands. I appreciate them more than words could ever explain.
This week, we had the company of our high school youth group join us. It was beautiful to see young brothers & sisters sharing His ultimate love, with pure hearts and genuine smiles. There is something very special about seeing young people having a heart for others. I hope and pray those are the events in life that will catch the heart of somebody else who maybe doesn't know Jesus, and seeing that will win them over. There was the laying of hands for physical healing this evening and we're excited to see GOD do the healing.
Our church has a very simple, yet very profound vision statement: Win, Disciple, Send. Tonight, as I'm writing this entry, I feel like GOD has shown me how we can apply that vision to our MInistry. We don't know what HOF has planned for any of us... for any of our houseless neighbors... or anything, but we can win the hearts of people (always pointing to Christ). That is something we know we can do if we keep doing what we're doing in love. We can disciple in the sense of biblical discipleship to our neighbors but we can also disciple volunteers in the sense of education of this culture and how to show the way it's best been effective for 'us'. In that same token, we have also send those that have caught the vision, to other parts of the community to do the exact same thing.... Share the love of Jesus Christ in truth and action.
I was surprised to learn that Amanda and I have earned somewhat of a reputation within the community. People from afar talk about the Christians that feed people pasta on Friday nights by the pier. Perhaps we're not known by name (which is fine by me) but there is undeniable doubt that word on the streets is we are feeding Physically & Spiritually.
I mention that because my heart broke when I first heard that although plenty of churches or facilities will hand out some food, not too many places or people are sharing the Word of GOD to such a crowd as these. I thank my Heavenly Father for calling me to this Ministry and gifting me with a way that I'm able to reach my neighbors without cramming the Bible down their throats and scaring them off... They actually keep coming back, knowing they will hear about Jesus. It's awesome!
