The poor weather did not prevent us from coming this week. The Lord provided shelter for us in case we ever ran into rainy nights like this.
We were unsure how big of a crowd we've get but prepared for the regular amount of people (average of 100). Once we had the canopies set up, a small number of people stood under them as we finished setting up the meal.
It was a real cozy night with everyone showing enough respect to at least not talk among themselves while the message was being shared, since we were in such tight quarters.
We didn't bring any clothes this week, due to the rain, but we did bring hygiene materials.
James shared an incident with me later this night, about the man named Daniel. He couldn't fully understand how or why we were giving things out for free. I'm sure that somehow, that type of genuine love will not be forgotten anytime soon.
It was nice that the crowd was smaller, because it gave us plenty of food to go around, and it also gave us the freedom to hang out after serving.
I think the absolute best statement made tonight is the fact that we were faithful to come even in the rain. Many did not expect us to show, which is why the crowd was so much smaller.
With next Friday being Christmas Eve, we made sure to announce that we still planned on coming down and wanted them to know that they can count on us being there.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Let the angels rejoice!
Earlier in the week, Jeff (the newest of our guys residing in the SDRM) prayed to receive Jesus Christ into his heart!!!
Please pray that he would use this time to soak up the Word of GOD and discipleship, to strengthen & grow in his new found faith.
Please pray that he would use this time to soak up the Word of GOD and discipleship, to strengthen & grow in his new found faith.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
I love watching GOD work!!
"Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided. When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, He causes their enemies to make peace with them." ~Proverbs 16:6,7
As previously mentioned, there have been a small handful of individuals 'on the streets' who've been somewhat enemies to us at one point or another.... particularly a guy named Daniel that we ran into while street evangelizing.
This week, we prayed for His peace among us and we got exactly what we'd asked for. I can testify that His peaceful presence was actually felt. There were no outbreaks, no disturbances, no harassing gestures. It really felt like GOD had His hand blanketing the area exactly like we'd asked for.
Okay, so a few things to mention...
First, Jeff was able to get into the SDRM a few weeks back with no problems at all. (I forgot to report that earlier) He's doing well and adjusting to his new life. **The biggest thing that we can together pray for, would be for those seeds that have been planted daily to continually be watered and would sprout into fruit in his life. Jeff went into the SDRM as an unbeliever that was willing.
Second, the team has been praying to receive more clothes for the crowd. Again, GOD showed His faithfulness. Throughout the week, we've received about 15 large garbage bags full of clothing, and a bag full of shoes, that Amanda and I still need to go through to wash & organize.
Third thing, another priority prayer has been blankets & sleeping bags. Surprise-surprise! GOD came through again... Ron (one of our regulars) arranged to meet with us before we arrived to the spot for set up. He was blessed with numerous sleeping bags (some brand new!) and wanted to donate them to the Ministry, so we picked them up. I also got a call from a brother in Christ, who had some blankets he wanted to donate. When he arrived in PB, he literally had a minivan FULL of blankets to give us. We took what we could fit in the cab of our truck, but made plans for him to drop the rest off at our home. While we were serving... a young woman (complete stranger) walked over and donated a brand new sleeping bag too! It's so crazy to watch GOD work and answer prayers!
Fourth, our buddy Pockets (who'd previously been reported as dead) is 100% sober and clear headed. Just last week he was in the worst shape of his life, drunk as a skunk, but has love for Jesus. This week he had a moment of clarity and decided to hand it over to Jesus once and for all. He's clean shaven now and a real pleasure to talk with. I did not recognize him when he walked up to me this week.
In the beginning of this post, I brought up Daniel. When I met him a few weeks ago, he wanted nothing to do with hearing about the Bible unless I "broke bread" as he called it. My heart broke because I didn't know how to get through to him at that moment, but I remained calm and invited him to our dinner. He actually showed up this week. I doubt he remembers our prior encounter, but it doesn't matter to me. I'm glad that he came because he needs to see the love of Jesus just as much as anybody else.
It was a very sweet night. After all the serving was finished and the truck was packed up, we spent a good amount of deep intimate time with a couple of guys that stuck around. It's been awhile since we've gotten to just hang out with them, like we started off in the beginning.
On a side note, our house is starting to look like a storage facility and we're considering that we build a large shed in the backyard... unless GOD wants to donate an actual facility to the Ministry. ** Keep that in your prayers please.
Thanks for reading and may the good LORD richly bless each and every one of His children!
As previously mentioned, there have been a small handful of individuals 'on the streets' who've been somewhat enemies to us at one point or another.... particularly a guy named Daniel that we ran into while street evangelizing.
This week, we prayed for His peace among us and we got exactly what we'd asked for. I can testify that His peaceful presence was actually felt. There were no outbreaks, no disturbances, no harassing gestures. It really felt like GOD had His hand blanketing the area exactly like we'd asked for.
Okay, so a few things to mention...
First, Jeff was able to get into the SDRM a few weeks back with no problems at all. (I forgot to report that earlier) He's doing well and adjusting to his new life. **The biggest thing that we can together pray for, would be for those seeds that have been planted daily to continually be watered and would sprout into fruit in his life. Jeff went into the SDRM as an unbeliever that was willing.
Second, the team has been praying to receive more clothes for the crowd. Again, GOD showed His faithfulness. Throughout the week, we've received about 15 large garbage bags full of clothing, and a bag full of shoes, that Amanda and I still need to go through to wash & organize.
Third thing, another priority prayer has been blankets & sleeping bags. Surprise-surprise! GOD came through again... Ron (one of our regulars) arranged to meet with us before we arrived to the spot for set up. He was blessed with numerous sleeping bags (some brand new!) and wanted to donate them to the Ministry, so we picked them up. I also got a call from a brother in Christ, who had some blankets he wanted to donate. When he arrived in PB, he literally had a minivan FULL of blankets to give us. We took what we could fit in the cab of our truck, but made plans for him to drop the rest off at our home. While we were serving... a young woman (complete stranger) walked over and donated a brand new sleeping bag too! It's so crazy to watch GOD work and answer prayers!
Fourth, our buddy Pockets (who'd previously been reported as dead) is 100% sober and clear headed. Just last week he was in the worst shape of his life, drunk as a skunk, but has love for Jesus. This week he had a moment of clarity and decided to hand it over to Jesus once and for all. He's clean shaven now and a real pleasure to talk with. I did not recognize him when he walked up to me this week.
In the beginning of this post, I brought up Daniel. When I met him a few weeks ago, he wanted nothing to do with hearing about the Bible unless I "broke bread" as he called it. My heart broke because I didn't know how to get through to him at that moment, but I remained calm and invited him to our dinner. He actually showed up this week. I doubt he remembers our prior encounter, but it doesn't matter to me. I'm glad that he came because he needs to see the love of Jesus just as much as anybody else.
It was a very sweet night. After all the serving was finished and the truck was packed up, we spent a good amount of deep intimate time with a couple of guys that stuck around. It's been awhile since we've gotten to just hang out with them, like we started off in the beginning.
On a side note, our house is starting to look like a storage facility and we're considering that we build a large shed in the backyard... unless GOD wants to donate an actual facility to the Ministry. ** Keep that in your prayers please.
Thanks for reading and may the good LORD richly bless each and every one of His children!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Another cold week, new faces...
It finally feels like San Diego is feeling the winter weather at night. The air is so sharp & cold coming off the ocean shore. I know it's not my fault, but I feel guilty every week as I have the luxury to choose which clean sweatshirt or jacket I should wear for the evening, knowing that our friends don't have that choose. I do my best to always be thankful for the things GOD has given us, but the truth is... I fall short most of the time. It's so easy to take the smaller things for granted, and I'm asking the Lord to work with me on that. "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Job 1:21)
For those that may not be aware of this. Yes our primary night for this Ministry is Friday, but the ministering goes on throughout the week as well. Some of us return to PB to witness or just pour out some extra love when it's needed. My roommate, Spencer and I encountered alot of encouragement & complete sadness, as we went evangelizing this past Saturday. AS we walked up Garnet Ave with backpacks full of 'John gospels', I noticed a familiar face. It was Richard (with the injured leg)! We stopped to speak to him and the group he was hanging out with. Richard was the only guy I knew of the bunch. He welcomed us, but the others wanted nothing to do with us... unless we gave them money. It was a frustrating experience. The loud mouth of the group- Daniel, started threatening violence if we didn't walk away. Richard tried to explain that we were 'friends', which in turn got him into a heated match with Daniel. The gospel was not welcome there by the group. Richard stood his ground and made a bold stand for Jesus Christ. Almost immediately after that, a young couple came walking up with arms full of blankets for everyone. Richard got a blanket and together we walked down Garnet Ave talking about Jesus some more. He encouraged me alot, telling me that we are making a difference what we're doing and the word on the streets is that we help others "find hope" again. It was a sweet time spent.
Spencer and I then ran into Totally Todd (one of our regulars) & Dave. Spencer spent time explaining the difference of being a Believer and a Follower of Jesus Christ. Both men struggle with alcoholism. Spencer handed them both some John booklets and gave them passages to look up while they felt temptation to drink. We prayed with them, and they too shared encouraging words of the Ministry!
Shortly after that, we run into some more of our buds from the beach, Keith & Dave. Keith is no longer on the streets and has a full time job now. He gives credit to the inspiration & love that came from Loving Thy Neighbor. He started crying when he gave thanks. I gently urged him to give credit where it's properly due... and it's not to any of us. He quickly changed his praise and called us 'Godsends' then, which I'll accept that because if it weren't for Him sending us, we wouldn't be there anyways.
As Spencer and I were walking back to the car, we ran into William. He is a Believer and keeps to himself. He purposely stays away from the crowds of other homeless people and buries his head in his Bible. We spend a good amount of time with him this night talking about the sweetness & blessings of GOD. Spencer prayed for him and we closed the night off with big warm hugs. (It's been years since some of these people have felt a hug!) I asked him if he had any needs, which he shared, and the following day those needs were met as Amanda and I returned back to PB.
* I share these things, not to boast about us or what we're doing, rather to maybe help others realize that we are genuine and do care about the people of PB. It's nice to get positive feedback from others and to see fruit starting to show after 21 months of labor.
On to last night now.... (Friday)
The sun has already set by the time we got there. The city lights are so dim that they don't help us any. We are fighting against the time of light left during this season. It is a big help seeing willing hands standing at the curb to help unload the truck. Every minute really counts for us.
The message was from Exodus 22, explaining that GOD has compassion for the needy.
A newer friend from church returned to help give a hand. James surely appreciated the help on the hygiene table. The Ministry was blessed was pallets of hygiene supplies this week... and yes I literally mean 2 pallets. "Where GOD guides, GOD provides."
There were no outbreaks this evening, everybody was fed, respectful and seemed happy to enjoy a warm home-cooked meal with friends.
I do not consider LTN my Ministry at all. Everyone brings something special to the tables in their own special way, and together we make Loving Thy Neighbor what it is. We would not be what it is today, without the help and contribution from others. With that being said... two of my favorite ladies are a big part of that... Danna & Marci. They are the sweetest and most thoughtful women. I won't ruin the surprise coming but they are awesome and the crowd will definitely be blessed this month.
For those that may not be aware of this. Yes our primary night for this Ministry is Friday, but the ministering goes on throughout the week as well. Some of us return to PB to witness or just pour out some extra love when it's needed. My roommate, Spencer and I encountered alot of encouragement & complete sadness, as we went evangelizing this past Saturday. AS we walked up Garnet Ave with backpacks full of 'John gospels', I noticed a familiar face. It was Richard (with the injured leg)! We stopped to speak to him and the group he was hanging out with. Richard was the only guy I knew of the bunch. He welcomed us, but the others wanted nothing to do with us... unless we gave them money. It was a frustrating experience. The loud mouth of the group- Daniel, started threatening violence if we didn't walk away. Richard tried to explain that we were 'friends', which in turn got him into a heated match with Daniel. The gospel was not welcome there by the group. Richard stood his ground and made a bold stand for Jesus Christ. Almost immediately after that, a young couple came walking up with arms full of blankets for everyone. Richard got a blanket and together we walked down Garnet Ave talking about Jesus some more. He encouraged me alot, telling me that we are making a difference what we're doing and the word on the streets is that we help others "find hope" again. It was a sweet time spent.
Spencer and I then ran into Totally Todd (one of our regulars) & Dave. Spencer spent time explaining the difference of being a Believer and a Follower of Jesus Christ. Both men struggle with alcoholism. Spencer handed them both some John booklets and gave them passages to look up while they felt temptation to drink. We prayed with them, and they too shared encouraging words of the Ministry!
Shortly after that, we run into some more of our buds from the beach, Keith & Dave. Keith is no longer on the streets and has a full time job now. He gives credit to the inspiration & love that came from Loving Thy Neighbor. He started crying when he gave thanks. I gently urged him to give credit where it's properly due... and it's not to any of us. He quickly changed his praise and called us 'Godsends' then, which I'll accept that because if it weren't for Him sending us, we wouldn't be there anyways.
As Spencer and I were walking back to the car, we ran into William. He is a Believer and keeps to himself. He purposely stays away from the crowds of other homeless people and buries his head in his Bible. We spend a good amount of time with him this night talking about the sweetness & blessings of GOD. Spencer prayed for him and we closed the night off with big warm hugs. (It's been years since some of these people have felt a hug!) I asked him if he had any needs, which he shared, and the following day those needs were met as Amanda and I returned back to PB.
* I share these things, not to boast about us or what we're doing, rather to maybe help others realize that we are genuine and do care about the people of PB. It's nice to get positive feedback from others and to see fruit starting to show after 21 months of labor.
On to last night now.... (Friday)
The sun has already set by the time we got there. The city lights are so dim that they don't help us any. We are fighting against the time of light left during this season. It is a big help seeing willing hands standing at the curb to help unload the truck. Every minute really counts for us.
The message was from Exodus 22, explaining that GOD has compassion for the needy.
A newer friend from church returned to help give a hand. James surely appreciated the help on the hygiene table. The Ministry was blessed was pallets of hygiene supplies this week... and yes I literally mean 2 pallets. "Where GOD guides, GOD provides."
There were no outbreaks this evening, everybody was fed, respectful and seemed happy to enjoy a warm home-cooked meal with friends.
I do not consider LTN my Ministry at all. Everyone brings something special to the tables in their own special way, and together we make Loving Thy Neighbor what it is. We would not be what it is today, without the help and contribution from others. With that being said... two of my favorite ladies are a big part of that... Danna & Marci. They are the sweetest and most thoughtful women. I won't ruin the surprise coming but they are awesome and the crowd will definitely be blessed this month.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Jesus is far greater than anything else...
There is so much to tell tonight!!
We had a large group of volunteers that made up the team, which is always a real delight to watch it grow as it has. Like normal, we formed a circle together and invited Jesus to join us and to bless the evening. I shared another message and closed with an invitation to accept Jesus... nobody steps forward or made any movement. (It's those very moments that I begin to wonder what I'm really doing down there.)
Being the day after the huge Thanksgiving outreach, there were alot of happy faces in the crowd tonight. For some of them, this year was the first time they'd experienced the outreach at our church. I know I've mentioned this before, and I certainly don't mind repeating it... I absolutely love the Love that is poured out by the people that congregate and make our church what it is. I have never seen or heard reports of hypocrisy. Almost anyone can tell when somebody isn't being 100% genuine and our crowd said they loved the atmosphere at the outreach and felt very loved and welcomed.
Jeremy has finally reached his time at the SDRM to earn passes again. Tonight, he and two of his buddies (also from SDRM) rode their bicycles to join us and hopefully encourage souls to take a leap of faith and give the SDRM a shot. In GOD's perfect planning, one of Jeremy's friends, Stacey, just so happens to be the intake manager, so he has the inside scoop on the available beds. If Stacey tells somebody they are getting in, there's no way around it... they will have a bed. Jeremy, Stacey, and Jeff spent the evening talking with the crowd one-on-one. My favorite part about the SDRM is the fact that everything is founded on Jesus Christ. It is not a shelter, it is a stepping stool to help others grow into a wonderful relationship with Jesus, and through that comes deliverance from whatever addictions one might have.
We had a hiccup again with Patrick. For whatever reasons, he decided to act out again. This time he was upset with another person of the streets: cussing, yelling, threatening violence... pretty much just causing another scene. My first response was to look towards the condos where the rich neighbors are. Sure enough several of them were on the balconies with camcorders and cameras. We'd asked Patrick to please calm down. It's this very thing that doesn't help what we are doing at all. I quietly said a prayer to myself while trying to calm the situation with my brother, Ray. He said some things to me that I shall not repeat, but I would like to share just one. He said that none of us really cared about the homeless! That was the opportunity for Jesus to make His presence known before all of us... the whole group standing in line (and I mean the whole entire group) all stood up for what we are doing. "They love us!"... "Stop it Pat!"... "These are good people!"... "Why do you think these people are here if they didn't really care for us?!?" Everyone down there knows what we stand for and why we come back each week. We come in the name of Jesus Christ as a love offering to help the needy.
Of course 3 SDPD officers showed up within minutes and they had a few words with Patrick. I'm not sure what his deal is. I wonder if it's possible that he might actually be demon possessed. He eventually came back and stood on top, watching us. I walked up to him and asked if everything was okay now, offering him some food. He accused me of being the one who called the cops, so I walked away. Please, I urge, I beg, I encourage all readers to PLEASE pray for Patrick. Something is not right with him.
After dealing with that, I tended back to the crowd and thanked them for backing us up. One of the men, came to me and admitted that when I gave an invitation for Jesus, he was too scared to stand in front of this group. I asked him if I could sit with him during dinner to talk more about this, but he got his food and I didn't see him again. His name is Ray.
Alyse joyfully received the gospel of John! I didn't see how it happened exactly, but I do know that James was able to give it to her and I'd overheard Alyse thanking him for it. That is just soooooooo cool!!!!!
Richard, who has a horrible leg injury due to a robbery (I've mentioned him before) was around tonight. He's been taking antibiotics for his leg and said it was improving, but the poor guy is still hobbling around with crutches.
Towards the end of the evening, I introduced a man named Jeff (who Amanda spend alot of time speaking with at the Thanksgiving outreach) to the SDRM guys. Jeff eventually made a decision to go on Monday and see if he can get in. The funny thing is... while Amanda had spent so much time encouraging him to check it out the day before, he was very evasive about the whole idea and said it wasn't for him. As I'd said earlier... in GOD's perfect planning, He'd orchestrated for the right people to come at the right time to speak with the right person.
We had a large group of volunteers that made up the team, which is always a real delight to watch it grow as it has. Like normal, we formed a circle together and invited Jesus to join us and to bless the evening. I shared another message and closed with an invitation to accept Jesus... nobody steps forward or made any movement. (It's those very moments that I begin to wonder what I'm really doing down there.)
Being the day after the huge Thanksgiving outreach, there were alot of happy faces in the crowd tonight. For some of them, this year was the first time they'd experienced the outreach at our church. I know I've mentioned this before, and I certainly don't mind repeating it... I absolutely love the Love that is poured out by the people that congregate and make our church what it is. I have never seen or heard reports of hypocrisy. Almost anyone can tell when somebody isn't being 100% genuine and our crowd said they loved the atmosphere at the outreach and felt very loved and welcomed.
Jeremy has finally reached his time at the SDRM to earn passes again. Tonight, he and two of his buddies (also from SDRM) rode their bicycles to join us and hopefully encourage souls to take a leap of faith and give the SDRM a shot. In GOD's perfect planning, one of Jeremy's friends, Stacey, just so happens to be the intake manager, so he has the inside scoop on the available beds. If Stacey tells somebody they are getting in, there's no way around it... they will have a bed. Jeremy, Stacey, and Jeff spent the evening talking with the crowd one-on-one. My favorite part about the SDRM is the fact that everything is founded on Jesus Christ. It is not a shelter, it is a stepping stool to help others grow into a wonderful relationship with Jesus, and through that comes deliverance from whatever addictions one might have.
We had a hiccup again with Patrick. For whatever reasons, he decided to act out again. This time he was upset with another person of the streets: cussing, yelling, threatening violence... pretty much just causing another scene. My first response was to look towards the condos where the rich neighbors are. Sure enough several of them were on the balconies with camcorders and cameras. We'd asked Patrick to please calm down. It's this very thing that doesn't help what we are doing at all. I quietly said a prayer to myself while trying to calm the situation with my brother, Ray. He said some things to me that I shall not repeat, but I would like to share just one. He said that none of us really cared about the homeless! That was the opportunity for Jesus to make His presence known before all of us... the whole group standing in line (and I mean the whole entire group) all stood up for what we are doing. "They love us!"... "Stop it Pat!"... "These are good people!"... "Why do you think these people are here if they didn't really care for us?!?" Everyone down there knows what we stand for and why we come back each week. We come in the name of Jesus Christ as a love offering to help the needy.
Of course 3 SDPD officers showed up within minutes and they had a few words with Patrick. I'm not sure what his deal is. I wonder if it's possible that he might actually be demon possessed. He eventually came back and stood on top, watching us. I walked up to him and asked if everything was okay now, offering him some food. He accused me of being the one who called the cops, so I walked away. Please, I urge, I beg, I encourage all readers to PLEASE pray for Patrick. Something is not right with him.
After dealing with that, I tended back to the crowd and thanked them for backing us up. One of the men, came to me and admitted that when I gave an invitation for Jesus, he was too scared to stand in front of this group. I asked him if I could sit with him during dinner to talk more about this, but he got his food and I didn't see him again. His name is Ray.
Alyse joyfully received the gospel of John! I didn't see how it happened exactly, but I do know that James was able to give it to her and I'd overheard Alyse thanking him for it. That is just soooooooo cool!!!!!
Richard, who has a horrible leg injury due to a robbery (I've mentioned him before) was around tonight. He's been taking antibiotics for his leg and said it was improving, but the poor guy is still hobbling around with crutches.
Towards the end of the evening, I introduced a man named Jeff (who Amanda spend alot of time speaking with at the Thanksgiving outreach) to the SDRM guys. Jeff eventually made a decision to go on Monday and see if he can get in. The funny thing is... while Amanda had spent so much time encouraging him to check it out the day before, he was very evasive about the whole idea and said it wasn't for him. As I'd said earlier... in GOD's perfect planning, He'd orchestrated for the right people to come at the right time to speak with the right person.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Making a difference one life at a time...
The highlight of the evening was definately Alyse!
The dinner went by in a flash, and yeah there was alot of people saying encouraging words, but I can honestly say that the best part was hearing that our friend, Alyse enjoys listening when I share from the gospel according to John.
It's strange, because the 3 verses that I taught from tonight, was clearly from John, but not once, did I give referrence to the scripture address. Next week I'll attempt to offer her a small pocket-sized gospel of John.
It's pretty obvious that God is doing some work in this woman's life! Amanda and I are just so blessed to be a part of it and get a front row seat in seeing how God works.
I gave a reminder about the Thanksgiving outreach that our church is putting on next week, and got a total head count of 34 people this week who want to go. We'll see what happens!
The dinner went by in a flash, and yeah there was alot of people saying encouraging words, but I can honestly say that the best part was hearing that our friend, Alyse enjoys listening when I share from the gospel according to John.
It's strange, because the 3 verses that I taught from tonight, was clearly from John, but not once, did I give referrence to the scripture address. Next week I'll attempt to offer her a small pocket-sized gospel of John.
It's pretty obvious that God is doing some work in this woman's life! Amanda and I are just so blessed to be a part of it and get a front row seat in seeing how God works.
I gave a reminder about the Thanksgiving outreach that our church is putting on next week, and got a total head count of 34 people this week who want to go. We'll see what happens!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Personal Perspective (From Danna)
It has been a few weeks now since Beau asked me if I’d like to share anything God has taught me while serving in Pacific Beach with “Loving Thy Neighbor” ministry. First of all, it has brought my husband, Ruben and I closer because we serve together. We used to think (use excuses) that we couldn't serve in a capacity like this because we wouldn't have the time or money. We both work full time and have a teenage son and a college aged son still living at home with us. First thing God taught me right away is that He is in control of time and money and He can (and will) multiply both right before your very eyes and if you aren’t careful to look for Him; you’ll miss it. I think in my life, He does that so I will know that it is He who is beside me every day. He wants fellowship with me but will not force it upon me. So it is with the friendships we’ve developed on the beach. It takes patience to develop trust with those we serve because of the lies pain has told them.
I’ve never seen Christians work so well together. I don’t see anyone trying to force their own agenda, be in charge, etc. We just seem to work so easily together. Prior to this experience, I had a saying... "It would be so much easier to serve Jesus if I didn’t have to deal with my brothers and sisters." Looking back, I can’t believe I honestly felt this way! God does have a sense of humor. Ruben and I have been helping since last March. We find that God has always provided the money and energy/time to help. It really surprises me sometimes the money He provides because I would have never have thought we could help but it seems like there isn’t a hole in budget when it comes to the ministry. All of our needs are met. I know that it is His economy, budget and calculator so I just go with the flow and it seems so easy.
One of the biggest lessons and most appreciated that I’ve learned is just to love people where they are at in life. I think Amanda was the person I first noticed it in. It is so easy to emulate when you have another sister or brother who is so authentic and make it easy to follow their example. I’ve learned it doesn’t matter who shows up drunk, high, mean spirited, mentally ill; I can honestly love them because Jesus has put them in my path and His love seems so natural pouring out of me. I don’t think I’d ever experience prior to helping serve at the beach. I’ve volunteered for different events in the past but this is different and maybe because we’ve sensed God’s calling to be faithful on a weekly basis. It is so much easier for me to talk to homeless people now because God opened my heart to see them as people not as homeless. They have stories, lives, family, struggles, dreams and heart breaks... they all need Jesus. It is amazing how many have faith or know of Jesus but addiction or mental illness has lied to them for so long that they now believe that perhaps nothing will change. Jesus does change people though! It is so exciting to see people show up after being missing for weeks and they show up sober and with a job! That makes Ruben and I want to make more salad and serve more meatballs!
I’ve also learned to let go and let God work. One young man really stole our heart and we so wanted to help him, but he really wasn’t ready and I wonder sometimes if he just wasn’t ready to be loved. He hasn’t been back since we reached out to him. I know Beau and Amanda also reached out to him so my prayer is that whatever path He is on in life; it leads him to Jesus.
This has been one of the best experiences in my life. I watch the volunteers grow and wonder what is going to happen to our ministry and where God will lead us but in the meantime, I am enjoying the ride. I’ve made friends there and some Friday nights I’ve hated walking away from them to go home but I trust Jesus for the whole experience and every aspect of it. I’ve often gone down on Friday night just absolutely exhausted or feeling spiritually dry but during the short amount of time it takes to serve Jesus’ children; I find my heart lifted and my energy level return.
I’ve never seen Christians work so well together. I don’t see anyone trying to force their own agenda, be in charge, etc. We just seem to work so easily together. Prior to this experience, I had a saying... "It would be so much easier to serve Jesus if I didn’t have to deal with my brothers and sisters." Looking back, I can’t believe I honestly felt this way! God does have a sense of humor. Ruben and I have been helping since last March. We find that God has always provided the money and energy/time to help. It really surprises me sometimes the money He provides because I would have never have thought we could help but it seems like there isn’t a hole in budget when it comes to the ministry. All of our needs are met. I know that it is His economy, budget and calculator so I just go with the flow and it seems so easy.
One of the biggest lessons and most appreciated that I’ve learned is just to love people where they are at in life. I think Amanda was the person I first noticed it in. It is so easy to emulate when you have another sister or brother who is so authentic and make it easy to follow their example. I’ve learned it doesn’t matter who shows up drunk, high, mean spirited, mentally ill; I can honestly love them because Jesus has put them in my path and His love seems so natural pouring out of me. I don’t think I’d ever experience prior to helping serve at the beach. I’ve volunteered for different events in the past but this is different and maybe because we’ve sensed God’s calling to be faithful on a weekly basis. It is so much easier for me to talk to homeless people now because God opened my heart to see them as people not as homeless. They have stories, lives, family, struggles, dreams and heart breaks... they all need Jesus. It is amazing how many have faith or know of Jesus but addiction or mental illness has lied to them for so long that they now believe that perhaps nothing will change. Jesus does change people though! It is so exciting to see people show up after being missing for weeks and they show up sober and with a job! That makes Ruben and I want to make more salad and serve more meatballs!
I’ve also learned to let go and let God work. One young man really stole our heart and we so wanted to help him, but he really wasn’t ready and I wonder sometimes if he just wasn’t ready to be loved. He hasn’t been back since we reached out to him. I know Beau and Amanda also reached out to him so my prayer is that whatever path He is on in life; it leads him to Jesus.
This has been one of the best experiences in my life. I watch the volunteers grow and wonder what is going to happen to our ministry and where God will lead us but in the meantime, I am enjoying the ride. I’ve made friends there and some Friday nights I’ve hated walking away from them to go home but I trust Jesus for the whole experience and every aspect of it. I’ve often gone down on Friday night just absolutely exhausted or feeling spiritually dry but during the short amount of time it takes to serve Jesus’ children; I find my heart lifted and my energy level return.
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