Living Water

To my delight, as we arrived, I noticed my buddy, Ron waiting to help us unload. I didn't care that he was there to help unload though, because I was more happy to see him mobile again. It was evident that he was in pain, but he said it was bearable for the time being. (Please continue to pray for a complete healing.)

The message I gave was based on the historical account of 'The Poor Widow'. Through that, God touched the hearts of 2 men, Doug & Mike, which lead them to making a decision to drink from the Living Water and follow Christ. (I pray that the seed planted would be secured by the Holy Ghost.) At a last moment's though, I brought down a case of booklets: Living Water (The Gospel of John) I handed out about 15 booklets to those that asked for them. We are starting to see fruit!

We were blessed with a hefty food donation, through left-overs from a benefit dinner, the night before. It consisted of a large salad & dressings, tons of spaghetti with a delicious meat/mushroom sauce, and close to 50 dinner rolls. Danna, contributed her crockpot full of meatballs. (Ruben is sick, and was unable to join us. Please pray for his health) Our dear friend, Lisa brought down her plate of cookies to provide dessert for the evening. Altogether, it was another wonderful spread of a feast.

Recalling that it's the first weekend of the month, we assumed that we'd have less of a crowd, but that was not the case at all! The amount of people waiting in line seemed to never end... unfortunately, the food ran out before everyone made it though the line with a bite to eat.

This week we also obtained a large pack of razors to hand out, thanks to a generous brother. Nearly everyone was happy about those being available. James passed out what few socks we had left, and took care of all the hygiene materials. (Standing from an observation perspective, I think the crowd has taken a real liking to James.)

Perhaps some of you might remember me sharing about 2 brothers, Daniel & Keith (June 2010). They went to Ramona to get in a rehab program. Well, sadly enough they returned to PB this week due to lack of funding. Daniel was in really bad shape. He's an alcoholic and to my surprise, he's also a severe heroin addict. He's trying to kick that habit on his own and was suffering with withdrawals tonight. Amanda almost had to call the paramedics for him, but he refused. As I sat with Daniel, I tried to reach out and encourage him that Jesus is bigger then any addiction and can deliver him from the torment, but he'd need to be the one to ask for His help. He's too hard on himself and doesn't feel that God would help him due to the path he's on. Another 'person in need' named Roberto, came to my aid and together tried to be encouraging and prayed with him. Daniel is aware that I've never been in his shoes having to struggle with such an addiction, and is quick to tell me so. I let him know that Christians aren't perfect and we come from many different walks of life before knowing Jesus. (I'm praying that God would help me find somebody this week, who has been in his shoes, that would be willing to come down next week, to specifically speak with Daniel.)

Love That Goes Beyond The "Normal"...

I am reading a book named "Crazy Love"... It's about Christians breaking out of the "Christian routine" and living a life that is extreme for the Lord, leaving aside all comforts and just going for it. There was a passage in the book that I recently read that talks about the profiles of people that are obsessed with God and consumed with Jesus. This one in particular was the profile of "Lovers". It talked about how we as Christians sometimes think that being nice or polite people will make people want to come to Jesus, but in fact there has to be more.

The Bible teaches us about how we should love and not just loving the people we care about or like, but our enemies; the people that are unlovable; difficult; will probably never love us back; that are hateful of us.

Luke 6:32-36 says... “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

It is so awesome and amazing to see this very act poured out by the people who give their time and resources to this ministry. The love of our Lord looks so different and it stands out. I felt so honored and thankful to have such a large group come along side of us and be able to love the way that Jesus tells us to.

With Beau and a few others being away at the men's retreat Lamarr gave the message. I had a lot of extra help (thank you all so much for your heart and willingness to help)... We had a large crowd and thank goodness for Dana's smart thinking she made some sandwiches in case we ran out of food (which we did). Nobody went away hungry thanks to the sandwiches. The food went very fast as well as the hygiene supplies.

We had a few pleasant surprises! Ron was back! He is in a lot of pain from the pinched nerve in his back so please remember to keep him in prayer. Despite his pain, which was visible, he was the first one to come and help us unload the truck and then helped me set up as he always does. He really is an amazing guy, really different from a majority of the people we minister to, always willing to help with a big smile on his face despite his circumstances.
Another wonderful surprise.... Jersey Jeff has been sober for 3 weeks, he has a job and he looks like a whole new person. We all are so proud of him. He commented that when he was drinking he knew God was with him but now that he is sober he knows that even more. He gave the credit to God for his sobriety and said that we (the people of LTN) helped him too.

In closing, it was a great evening. The power of the Holy Spirit was evident. I was blessed by so many helping hands and hearts that over flow with the love of our Lord. Many people were fed, physically and spiritually. I know with out a shadow of a doubt that God is doing a mighty work among us (the volunteers) and the people we minister to. I thank God for this opportunity that He has given us to be involved in what He wants to do and my prayer is that day by day our lives as Christians will be transformed into lives that are completely sold out for Him and completely obsessed with Him.

A huge thank you to all of you that help, support and pray for us and most of all thank you for loving the people that are unlovable, difficult, and will probably never love us back. You are making a difference! We know it and the Lord sees it!

God Bless!!

Rest In Peace...

A few weeks ago, while Jeremy was back down in PB hanging with his crowd of drinking buddies, we had the privilage meeting a guy named "Pockets". He was a very funny guy. He had a gentleness to him. He was quick to share with us some scripture he'd memorized over the years.
Before we parted ways, we'd asked to pray with him... but he reversed the offer and wanted to pray for us. Although, we'd only met him this one time, he'd made an everlasting impression on me and I won't forget him.

I received word today, that this man Pockets passed away. I do not know the details of his death or if he has any family. What I do know is this....

The men that called Pockets their 'friend' have a desire to do some type of memorial service for him. I would certainly like to be involved with this. My prayer is that this sad incident would be an eye-opener for all of them.

A full circle (Friday)

Earlier in the week, I'd been praying about the message I was supposed to share. I was led to return back to the Romans Road, which is exactly what I'd started off sharing with. It was a full circle for me, and it was rewarding to see how GOD stirred the hearts of at least 3 men that surrendered their hearts to Christ, our Lord.

The attendance was another large number and unfortunately we ran out of food before everyone could get a bite to eat. We're so blessed to have such a powerful source of support, which makes up the Loving Thy Neighbor "team". Although some of the people didn't get to have some dinner, they chose to stick around for the fellowship with us. I encouraged the new Believers to get plugged into a Bible Believing/Bible Teaching church before we parted ways. I informed them of our church and gave them directions, should they desire to go.

A guy standing in line, informed Amanda of some great news... he is currently staying in the SDRM, and brought a message that Jeremy has made it back into the SDRM as well!! Prayers have been answered and hopefully he has learned from his recent experience and he uses it to grow in his walk.

The night ended early.

Jehovah Jirah (Friday)

GOD is faithful to provide. GOD uses people as vessels for His Holy purpose and that is exactly what Amanda and I experienced this past 2 weeks. Loving Thy Neighbor, now has a brand new stove top to continue cooking hot meals for the people of Pacific Beach. With the new stove top, we're actually able to cook faster and now have the capability to cook more if necessary. I am genuinely in awe at the goodness of GOD and so very thankful for the people He channeled through to make this happen.... from the most deepest, bottom part of my heart... I THANK YOU!!!!

Soooooo, to the point....

It doesn't matter how long we've been doing this, or how many times I've spoken to the numbers of people.... I still get butterflies in my stomach as we pull up near Crystal Pier, because I'm confident that something positive is going to happen, and I'm excited to be able to participate. I'm only speaking for myself of course, but if I had to take a guess, I'd say that some of our team may feel the same way. I've said this over & over, and I'll continue to say it... because it's the truth - I'm strongly encouraged by the strength & support from so many people who have joined LTN and become part of the Ministry. Ultimately yes.... Glory be to GOD, but my wife and I could not have gone this long without all of the help from so many people who have given up themselves and their own time on Friday nights, to be a part of what GOD is doing. (I'm man enough to admit this... so here it is... as I sit and consider everything that has gone on and all the love we've been shown, I sit here crying with tears of joy!)

Our friends Marci & Carl arrived with a huge bag of brand new socks to pass out for the guys. Danna & Ruben arrived with their enormous and delicious salads. John & Benni brought the awesome chocolate chip cookies that everybody raves about. My buddy Ray came and made himself available to serve. Our good friends John and Lamarr joined us and helped with one-on-one ministering.

There is absolutely no room for any doubt, that the Love of Jesus Christ is being poured out week after week to so many in PB. As summer time thickens around us, it brings alot of hungry youth through our line.

I was inspired by GOD to share a message on the topic of faithfulness this week. In the message was a story of a young man, who'd lost his entire family, who had no income. As he passed near a bakery, he smelled something good. A old woman noticed the young man, paid him some attention, showed him a Love offering and shared her fresh bread with him. She than, began to open the door to share who Jesus was, referring to Himself as the Bread of Life.

As always, I do what I can to study the faces and eyes when I share. (It was so much easier to do this week because we only had about 40-50 people). I felt a few connections that may have struck a nerve with the visual story. My prayer is that these people start to hunger for Righteousness above all else. All we can do is continue to be faithful to our own callings, by showing up and love our neighbors, as they are.

I was informed of something rather strange that happened, that I did not notice early on in the evening. At the same moment I'd started to share the message, a flock of pigeons formed into an attack pattern and started diving at the crowd. Although people wailed their arms and tried to scare the birds away, the birds continued to come back with a vengeance. I'm not sure how I missed that activity, but I'm glad I did, because there's not a doubt in my mind that it was a distraction sent by the enemy. Do you recall Mark 5 or Matthew 8 involving the herd of pigs???

Jeremy is nowhere to be found again. I'd heard that he was trying to get back into a program but I'm not positively sure. I pray that he is in good hands wherever he may is. Ron is another guy that I'd consider a friend, and nobody seems to know of his where-abouts either. It's really sad when you think of the possibilities where somebody who has no place to call "home", might be. I pray that GOD would shield him and keep him healthy & safe.

I know that GOD is faithful and will never leave us, nor forsake us... and that He is our strength & refuge. I can't help but wonder when the crowd will see that for themselves.

Love is patient, Love is kind... (Friday)

I'll openly admit that there are times that I find it harder to love certain people, but GOD knows what He's doing... and I'm thankful that He's the one in control.

We're nearly settled with getting our new stove top issue, but we're not there yet. We took our neighbors up on their generous offer in allowing us to use their kitchen for the meal this week.

Our team arrived on time as normal, and a message was given, like normal... but I found myself getting distracted because of a few people in the crowd. One 'trouble maker' in particular, stood directly in front of me and downed a few shots of whiskey and then started a conversation with others... (which I found out afterwards, was all to get a reaction out of me. Those are the types that I find harder to love, not for lack of respect, but because they have a personal issue with me, and hope that they can be the cause to stir something up to see if what I preach, is that of the same that I practice.

It's really encouraging for me to see how this Ministry has grown. Specifically with the Servants that have been touched by the Holy Spirit, and have made a decision to join our team. I'm very thankful for each and every one who has been a part of this Ministry!

Besides the previously mentioned distraction, all went well for us. We had our opportunities to spend one-on-one time with a few people. One guy named Mikey stands out most to me. I'd never met him before, so I didn't want to pry much. As we sat talking by the sand, he mentioned that he'd appreciate some prayer, so I took that chance and lifted his needs to GOD.

Amanda was able to speak with her buddy, Alyce for nearly an hour. She is like a delicate person that will need alot of gentleness & time to break through her walls, but it's been working over the past year. Alyce, now greets us with warm hugs.

There's so much more to share, but due to complications with my home computer... I'm keeping the next few posts short and direct, because I'm on a borrowed pc.

Salvation is a sweet thing... (Sunday)

We met with our buddy, Simon this morning for service. I'm proud to announce that everyone greeted him well with open arms, as he waited for me to arrive. It's such a beautiful thing to know with confidence that I need not worry how others from our congregation will treat guests.

Simon enjoyed the service and shared with me that the sermon message had a lot of things in it, that really spoke to his heart and made a promise to return for further services with me.

After service, Amanda and I seized the opportunity to spend a little bit more time with Simon, over some lunch. The entire time we waited the 20 minutes for our seats and during the meal, it was complete Q & A, followed with Biblical responses. He kept referring to Jesus as 'The Prophet' and Amanda took the open door asking him his own personal belief of who Jesus was to him. He admitted that he wasn't completely sure about that, but confessed he realized there was something very special about Him and His impact on this world. Before we parted ways, I took the risk of asking Simon what was stopping him from putting his trust in Jesus according to what the Bible says. He was honest and said nothing was stopping him.

In the parking lot of IHOP, we stood there and prayed with Simon, where he confessed Christ as his Lord & Savior, asking for his sins to be forgiven and to start his relationship with Jesus from this very memorable day. GOD is sooooo good!