Truth be told, this week finances were a little tight for Amanda and I, which in turn would have been tight on the Ministry. If it weren't for an incredible miracle (that still gives goosebumps) we may not have had enough money for a meal tonight. No... we didn't get rich or anything like that, but GOD did show Himself faithful to provide what was needed for His glory.
The man who runs the kitchen at our church, called me mid-week, saying he tons of left-over food and instantly thought of us. So tonight we served somewhere between 300-400 hot dogs, baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad. This was obviously GOD's perfect planning because had we been able to stick to our norm, we would have run out long before the line finished coming through, but instead we had an abundance of food!!!! It was completely amazing to see all the puzzle pieces fall into place.
I thought it was appropriate due to the hot dogs, to talk about condiments, which lead to sharing about the mustard seed parable. For the most part this group is starting to pay attention to scripture and the seeds are growing. The feed-back I receive from our neighbors is very encouraging. Although I'm not ordained, they all see me as their Pastor... in fact they call me "Pastor", which I think is kinda cute because they took it upon themselves to start that. I strongly feel called to become a Pastor but only want what GOD has planned for me.
We've made some new friends who've become a part of the LTN team. I truly appreciate every person that GOD gives us to serve with. Each individual brings such a unique element to the team. I love how GOD orchestrates all those things.
We are still praying where GOD wants us (location wise). I'm on the fence about staying where we are. My flesh wants to 'make a stand for our freedom to be here', while I feel a gentleness inside telling me to love all our neighbors and to keep a peace between those who have and those who have not. Is it time to relocate? We just don't know. The Lord has given me people who want to help us from an administrative perspective, which could lead us to far greater things. For now, we shall take things one day at a time.
Tomorrow, we start a brand new branch of LTN out in Lemon Grove, CA. I'll be sure to share how that goes afterwards! Until then...
Friday, August 26, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Friday (8/19/11)...
Everything went smooth without incident this week.
Marci joined us again and brought down a large birthday cake so we can celebrate all those for the month of August. Her idea is so thoughtful and loving. As the majority of 100+ people sang together, you could see the incredible joy it brought to those we sang to. It's not always about preaching or distributing materials down here.... to sum everything we do up.... it's all about loving our neighbors.
What baffles me is the tremendous encouragement we receive from all people passing by and yet there are select people who still oppose what we do. I've been reading alot from Proverbs this month and there is a repeated theme talking about those who oppose the helping hand of the needy. Shame on them.
I do wonder what GOD has in store for us next...
Marci joined us again and brought down a large birthday cake so we can celebrate all those for the month of August. Her idea is so thoughtful and loving. As the majority of 100+ people sang together, you could see the incredible joy it brought to those we sang to. It's not always about preaching or distributing materials down here.... to sum everything we do up.... it's all about loving our neighbors.
What baffles me is the tremendous encouragement we receive from all people passing by and yet there are select people who still oppose what we do. I've been reading alot from Proverbs this month and there is a repeated theme talking about those who oppose the helping hand of the needy. Shame on them.
I do wonder what GOD has in store for us next...
Monday, August 15, 2011
Blessed (Friday 8/12/11)
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
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
Friday, August 5, 2011
Where one door closes, another is opened....
GOD is definitely doing something!
This afternoon, I was informed by the owner of a surrounding business, that he is losing some serious money, and he claims it's because of our ministry... Not due to 'us' but rather the gathering of people who are "a problem for the area".
It's been a very long time since we've had an issue from a neighbor complaining. The man has a valid excuse, and rather it's true or not, is strictly between him and GOD. I admitted to the upset man, that I never once took into consideration that angle in respect to the businesses. Again... this is all a learning process. Homeless or rich... Jesus called us to love all neighbors, and that includes respecting them as well. We wish to cause no harm to anybody or their livelihood.
Praying for guidance from my heavenly Father, I wondered what His plan is for us as a Ministry. I prepared those we serve, that there may come a time where we are no longer coming to the boardwalk. I passed around a notepad for those that wish to stay in touch with us via email and some wrote words of encouragement. It was very touching to see the positive impact we've had on their lives. Thank you Lord!
Stephen is really moving forward in his walk with Jesus! For the past week, he has donated his time in helping with Ministry stuff. He's completely sober and going to church on his own. Please keep him in your prayers. GOD used His own power, through Stephen to show the rest of the crowd standing in line, that He can work in anybody... that nobody down there is unreachable. Stephen is now reaching out to his old friends, praying with them, for them, and sharing words of encouragement and trying to get others to come to church! It's really amazing.
Other than the phone call, our evening went well. There are other things that our team is praying about, but I'll share that another time. We're just trusting Jesus that When one doors closes, it's an opportunity to step in faith and walk through the next open door.
This afternoon, I was informed by the owner of a surrounding business, that he is losing some serious money, and he claims it's because of our ministry... Not due to 'us' but rather the gathering of people who are "a problem for the area".
It's been a very long time since we've had an issue from a neighbor complaining. The man has a valid excuse, and rather it's true or not, is strictly between him and GOD. I admitted to the upset man, that I never once took into consideration that angle in respect to the businesses. Again... this is all a learning process. Homeless or rich... Jesus called us to love all neighbors, and that includes respecting them as well. We wish to cause no harm to anybody or their livelihood.
Praying for guidance from my heavenly Father, I wondered what His plan is for us as a Ministry. I prepared those we serve, that there may come a time where we are no longer coming to the boardwalk. I passed around a notepad for those that wish to stay in touch with us via email and some wrote words of encouragement. It was very touching to see the positive impact we've had on their lives. Thank you Lord!
Stephen is really moving forward in his walk with Jesus! For the past week, he has donated his time in helping with Ministry stuff. He's completely sober and going to church on his own. Please keep him in your prayers. GOD used His own power, through Stephen to show the rest of the crowd standing in line, that He can work in anybody... that nobody down there is unreachable. Stephen is now reaching out to his old friends, praying with them, for them, and sharing words of encouragement and trying to get others to come to church! It's really amazing.
Other than the phone call, our evening went well. There are other things that our team is praying about, but I'll share that another time. We're just trusting Jesus that When one doors closes, it's an opportunity to step in faith and walk through the next open door.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
On rare occasions....
This entire week GOD has been revealing things to me like never before: Fresh Fruit, the Humility in others, Love, Rapid Growth... and yes, it's a trip!
I don't typically share during the week on here (as most of you can tell) but after reading this morning's devotional from an awesome book titled 'Breakfast with God', I was really blessed by what I read and wanted to share this with others.
The following is exactly what I read-
Feeding the Poor
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 NASB
One day a young executive was asked to share with his fellowees employees how he felt about participating in the company's voluntary "feeding the poor" program. He took one early-morning slot each week to ladle soup and pass out sandwiches to nearly 400 homeless and street people in his city. The young man said:
"I go on Tuesdays to feed those we call poor, and in fact, they are poor in material things. Some of them are poor in many ways, and we also try to help them with encouragement, advice, and on occasion, a word of prayer. But in many ways, these hungry and poor men and women have nurtured something in me - they have made me more aware of the pritual side of my life and they have led me to be aware that we all 'feed' each other in many ways every day - either good nourishment for the sould, or poison.
"I have a new understanding that when I go home and genuinely compliment my wife, or sit down to read a story to my daughter, or toss a ball with my son, I am feeding something inside them. I no longer see myself as part of the Tuesday-morning feeding team, but as a 24-hour-a-day feeding volunteer."
Who will you feed today?
And what will you feed them?
Mother Teresa wrote in A Gift for God, "People are hungry for something more beautiful, for something greater than people round about can give. There is a great hunger for God in the world today. Everywhere there is much suffering, but there is also great hunger for God and love for each other."
Today you will encounter people who are hungry - outwardly and inwardly. God has equipped you in unique ways to "feed" them with natural food as well as His Word, His love, and His presence. He invites you to volunteer to participate in His feeding program.
I don't typically share during the week on here (as most of you can tell) but after reading this morning's devotional from an awesome book titled 'Breakfast with God', I was really blessed by what I read and wanted to share this with others.
The following is exactly what I read-
Feeding the Poor
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 NASB
One day a young executive was asked to share with his fellowees employees how he felt about participating in the company's voluntary "feeding the poor" program. He took one early-morning slot each week to ladle soup and pass out sandwiches to nearly 400 homeless and street people in his city. The young man said:
"I go on Tuesdays to feed those we call poor, and in fact, they are poor in material things. Some of them are poor in many ways, and we also try to help them with encouragement, advice, and on occasion, a word of prayer. But in many ways, these hungry and poor men and women have nurtured something in me - they have made me more aware of the pritual side of my life and they have led me to be aware that we all 'feed' each other in many ways every day - either good nourishment for the sould, or poison.
"I have a new understanding that when I go home and genuinely compliment my wife, or sit down to read a story to my daughter, or toss a ball with my son, I am feeding something inside them. I no longer see myself as part of the Tuesday-morning feeding team, but as a 24-hour-a-day feeding volunteer."
Who will you feed today?
And what will you feed them?
Mother Teresa wrote in A Gift for God, "People are hungry for something more beautiful, for something greater than people round about can give. There is a great hunger for God in the world today. Everywhere there is much suffering, but there is also great hunger for God and love for each other."
Today you will encounter people who are hungry - outwardly and inwardly. God has equipped you in unique ways to "feed" them with natural food as well as His Word, His love, and His presence. He invites you to volunteer to participate in His feeding program.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Faith like a child....
I apologize for yet another delayed post.
I'm just coming off of a spiritual high.
These past few days, I've been blessed to spend some time with an incredible youth group of God-loving teenagers called Identity, based out near Palm Springs, CA. For those that know anything about HSE, this program is pretty much just like that.
There were 20 teenagers: Servants, Bold, Eager to bless, Prayer Warriors... who came out to give a hand with us. The Lord used this group to speak to the lives of our neighbors, through a drama skit 'The SIN chair', through some powerful testimonies, and a full night of worship music teamed up with my buddy Jason. The sound of 2 acoustic guitars and 2 sweet voices leading, with others singing along was amazing. I know our neighbors enjoyed it.
Before we served dinner, an invitation was given to accept Jesus... 3 or 4 people embraced that free gift and became part of our Eternal Family in Christ Jesus. Bibles were given out to those that wanted them.
Our weekly volunteer team has grown as well. To see others catch the vision and following the calling the Lord has put on their hearts to come participate with us, is touching. The men we serve, have become regulars at helping with the unloading and setting up. All the extra help and ministering going on was nothing else than the work of our Good Lord. I tell ya, it's no coincidence that all those young soldiers came the same week that we had another record breaking attendance... and of course, The Lord multiplied the food enough so that not 1 person went away hungry.
All in all, it was both encouraging & refreshing to see such love & compassion for the lost from the next generation. Those kids wear their full Armor of God, and they wear it proudly. I had the honor of joining them on other occasions while they were in town, and as we said our good-byes, I kept hearing the Jars of Clay song 'Faith like a child' playing in my head.
I'm just coming off of a spiritual high.
These past few days, I've been blessed to spend some time with an incredible youth group of God-loving teenagers called Identity, based out near Palm Springs, CA. For those that know anything about HSE, this program is pretty much just like that.
There were 20 teenagers: Servants, Bold, Eager to bless, Prayer Warriors... who came out to give a hand with us. The Lord used this group to speak to the lives of our neighbors, through a drama skit 'The SIN chair', through some powerful testimonies, and a full night of worship music teamed up with my buddy Jason. The sound of 2 acoustic guitars and 2 sweet voices leading, with others singing along was amazing. I know our neighbors enjoyed it.
Before we served dinner, an invitation was given to accept Jesus... 3 or 4 people embraced that free gift and became part of our Eternal Family in Christ Jesus. Bibles were given out to those that wanted them.
Our weekly volunteer team has grown as well. To see others catch the vision and following the calling the Lord has put on their hearts to come participate with us, is touching. The men we serve, have become regulars at helping with the unloading and setting up. All the extra help and ministering going on was nothing else than the work of our Good Lord. I tell ya, it's no coincidence that all those young soldiers came the same week that we had another record breaking attendance... and of course, The Lord multiplied the food enough so that not 1 person went away hungry.
All in all, it was both encouraging & refreshing to see such love & compassion for the lost from the next generation. Those kids wear their full Armor of God, and they wear it proudly. I had the honor of joining them on other occasions while they were in town, and as we said our good-byes, I kept hearing the Jars of Clay song 'Faith like a child' playing in my head.
Friday, July 22, 2011
What's in a name anyways?
The message tonight was from Proverbs 22:1 - "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold."
Prayerfully, the living word of GOD penetrated the core of the hearts of our neighbors. I sure hope that our presence thus far has been successful in representing the 'name' of Jesus Christ... I testify that we have seen people who we may not have ever expected to, be moved.
I'm so thankful for the team of friends the Lord has given us! All of us have different angles of Love to share. Marci (bless her heart) had it on her heart to make things a bit more family orientated, by celebrating birthdays from now on. She and Carl bought a giant cake and we all sang Happy Birthday to the crowd for those who's birthdays fall in July, including myself. It was fun!
Unfortunately we ran out of food this week. It's really hard for us to cope with the fact that homeless or the 'down & out' are traveling to where we are, just so they can have a hot, filling meal.... and then to get to the front of the line, only to see an empty pan. That was the case for an elderly woman named Eva. She took a 1.5hr bus ride, had to transfer at least twice. Broken-hearted Amanda, offered to buy her dinner but all Eva did was gently say 'No, it's okay. I could use the fresh ocean breeze.' It's really sad!
I'm asking for some prayer personally, because there are often times where I'm at a lose for words, when I see people taking advantage of all this. A good handful of the guys have started helping with unloading and set-up, and most are grateful for our help, but there are a few who blatantly express a sense of entitlement... and that's really hard for me to deal with. So please... if you remember to... pray for GOD's gentleness and patience to fill me in such trials.
For the most part things are well in Pacific Beach. There is now Light shining where there was once darkness. All glory to The Father, The Host of Heaven, and His Son The Lord Jesus Christ!
Prayerfully, the living word of GOD penetrated the core of the hearts of our neighbors. I sure hope that our presence thus far has been successful in representing the 'name' of Jesus Christ... I testify that we have seen people who we may not have ever expected to, be moved.
I'm so thankful for the team of friends the Lord has given us! All of us have different angles of Love to share. Marci (bless her heart) had it on her heart to make things a bit more family orientated, by celebrating birthdays from now on. She and Carl bought a giant cake and we all sang Happy Birthday to the crowd for those who's birthdays fall in July, including myself. It was fun!
Unfortunately we ran out of food this week. It's really hard for us to cope with the fact that homeless or the 'down & out' are traveling to where we are, just so they can have a hot, filling meal.... and then to get to the front of the line, only to see an empty pan. That was the case for an elderly woman named Eva. She took a 1.5hr bus ride, had to transfer at least twice. Broken-hearted Amanda, offered to buy her dinner but all Eva did was gently say 'No, it's okay. I could use the fresh ocean breeze.' It's really sad!
I'm asking for some prayer personally, because there are often times where I'm at a lose for words, when I see people taking advantage of all this. A good handful of the guys have started helping with unloading and set-up, and most are grateful for our help, but there are a few who blatantly express a sense of entitlement... and that's really hard for me to deal with. So please... if you remember to... pray for GOD's gentleness and patience to fill me in such trials.
For the most part things are well in Pacific Beach. There is now Light shining where there was once darkness. All glory to The Father, The Host of Heaven, and His Son The Lord Jesus Christ!
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