I've come to the conclusion, that 'making sure I write an entry every Friday' is not mandatory and in some way could partially be my flesh thinking that I must contribute something for the readers.... so I've taken a slight step back.
Concerning the events for the evening of March 2nd-
The LORD showed His powerful strength during the most difficult time, during an incident with a man named Ivan. Ivan is one of our guests, who had previously been somewhat of a disturbance/distraction for me while trying to share with the group.
It would be best to compare Ivan, to the account of 'Legion' in the Gospels. He was throwing his arms, cursing, spitting, and very threatening. He had this glazed look in his eyes, as if nobody were going to control him.
Approaching him, I had no choice but to FROG (Fully Rely On GOD) for this to go right. Long story short... Ivan ended up crying, asking for forgiveness, and asked if I'd pray with him to overcome his anger issues. That was truly the power of Jesus Christ!
As for tonight- Nothing visually supernatural happened.
We did have an extraordinarally abundance of volunteers come down tonight though. It worked out well, since we were down a few of our regular team members, but we still had an extra 4 or 5 on hand. I feel guilty because so many people want to help serve, when there's a dire need for one-on-one counseling, but we lack the manpower for such.
Can't wait to see what GOD has in store for next week!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
It's like a Reunion...
Due to the fact that our Ministry reaches out primarily to the houseless population, we never really know if we'll see the same faces again the following week. Each week can be a totally different sea of faces. There are those 'regulars' who choose to stay in the same responsibility-free lifestyle that keep coming back for a free handout, but then there are those few who are in a rut, fallen on hard times and for whatever reasons... those people catch your attention. As such was the two brothers, Daniel & Kieth, whom we first met June 2010. Daniel was in really bad shape, as was his brother. We last saw those men the following August before they just vanished.
Tonight Daniel was back. His life has radically changed. He sadly informed Amanda and I of Kieth's passing last year, but that he is doing really well compared to the last time we saw each other. Daniel is 100% sober and doing side-work for a church on as-needed terms. He's befriended a Pastor and has given his heart to Jesus Christ. Word on the the streets got to him that our Ministry was still around, so he took the 1.5hr bus ride to pay us a visit and grab a bite to eat. It was totally an answered prayer to see this new man! It's very sad though, to hear of his brother.
Another long time buddy from the area is Justice. I'd last heard of some tragic incident happening to him but had no way of knowing whatever happened to him. Justice had come to church with us before and he's such an impressionable guy, there's no way anybody could ever forget him... He showed up tonight with great reports too! Justice has also since given his heart to Christ and is currently living at SDRM too! He's attending church services regularly and working on getting his license to be a hair stylist. He encouraged me so much, by mentioning the impact that our Ministry had on him and he recalls the moment that GOD started working on him. Glory be to the King of Kings!
All was well tonight. Alot of really cool things happened. I shared another verse that was from shared this morning from our Pastor, and I kinda included my own style into it so that our attendees would be able to apply it better to their own lives. It worked because 7 or 8 people confessed their sins and gave their hearts to Jesus Christ tonight!
Two other guys who we've befriended are Sean and Drew. We noticed their absence almost 2 months ago. Tonight those two guys also came sharing good reports... no they haven't turned to Christ yet, but both of them have found work in this economy and are living in a hostel downtown, really close to the SDRM. They even made an attempt to visit Paul at the SDRM, and what I can only hope would turn into an extended visit that casually flows into a church service... but they were unsuccessful in visiting their friend.
The events of tonight have really re-kindled my fire and GOD has given me so much encouragement to see some of the fruit from our labor.
Tonight Daniel was back. His life has radically changed. He sadly informed Amanda and I of Kieth's passing last year, but that he is doing really well compared to the last time we saw each other. Daniel is 100% sober and doing side-work for a church on as-needed terms. He's befriended a Pastor and has given his heart to Jesus Christ. Word on the the streets got to him that our Ministry was still around, so he took the 1.5hr bus ride to pay us a visit and grab a bite to eat. It was totally an answered prayer to see this new man! It's very sad though, to hear of his brother.
Another long time buddy from the area is Justice. I'd last heard of some tragic incident happening to him but had no way of knowing whatever happened to him. Justice had come to church with us before and he's such an impressionable guy, there's no way anybody could ever forget him... He showed up tonight with great reports too! Justice has also since given his heart to Christ and is currently living at SDRM too! He's attending church services regularly and working on getting his license to be a hair stylist. He encouraged me so much, by mentioning the impact that our Ministry had on him and he recalls the moment that GOD started working on him. Glory be to the King of Kings!
All was well tonight. Alot of really cool things happened. I shared another verse that was from shared this morning from our Pastor, and I kinda included my own style into it so that our attendees would be able to apply it better to their own lives. It worked because 7 or 8 people confessed their sins and gave their hearts to Jesus Christ tonight!
Two other guys who we've befriended are Sean and Drew. We noticed their absence almost 2 months ago. Tonight those two guys also came sharing good reports... no they haven't turned to Christ yet, but both of them have found work in this economy and are living in a hostel downtown, really close to the SDRM. They even made an attempt to visit Paul at the SDRM, and what I can only hope would turn into an extended visit that casually flows into a church service... but they were unsuccessful in visiting their friend.
The events of tonight have really re-kindled my fire and GOD has given me so much encouragement to see some of the fruit from our labor.
Friday, February 17, 2012
The Children!
Tonight was really special and I pray that our dinner guests were touched by the experience.
A few children from the 2nd grade class at Horizon Christian Academy, joined our team for the evening with their own thoughtful touch. They (along with their teacher) made 80 bagged lunches: Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwiches, chips, bottled water, and scripture verses of GOD's love. The sandwiches were made with their own little hands and passed out personally to each guest that came through the line. It was really sweet to see the hearts of such young people, who have a desire to serve our LORD in simple acts of love.
The crowd, for the most part, was receptive to the message shared. It's encouraging to see that more and more are starting to pay attention to the sharing of GOD's Word. As for the attendance tonight, we had a larger crowd and unfortunately those who arrived later missed out on the meal.
It's cool to see how GOD works things out in His perfect planning. Some of our team members were out sick or had other obligations, which normally would've left us short-handed, but with those children, came their parents... which helped fill those empty spots. It worked out well because it gave those people new to our gatherings, an opportunity to serve and get hands-on experience getting to know some of our guests.
We also shared the celebration of some birthdays with singing and cake. I love that one of our team members had that loving act put on her heart by our Heavenly Father.
A few children from the 2nd grade class at Horizon Christian Academy, joined our team for the evening with their own thoughtful touch. They (along with their teacher) made 80 bagged lunches: Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwiches, chips, bottled water, and scripture verses of GOD's love. The sandwiches were made with their own little hands and passed out personally to each guest that came through the line. It was really sweet to see the hearts of such young people, who have a desire to serve our LORD in simple acts of love.
The crowd, for the most part, was receptive to the message shared. It's encouraging to see that more and more are starting to pay attention to the sharing of GOD's Word. As for the attendance tonight, we had a larger crowd and unfortunately those who arrived later missed out on the meal.
It's cool to see how GOD works things out in His perfect planning. Some of our team members were out sick or had other obligations, which normally would've left us short-handed, but with those children, came their parents... which helped fill those empty spots. It worked out well because it gave those people new to our gatherings, an opportunity to serve and get hands-on experience getting to know some of our guests.
We also shared the celebration of some birthdays with singing and cake. I love that one of our team members had that loving act put on her heart by our Heavenly Father.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
This past Friday (2/10/12)
I was physically absent from this week's outreach, but I was there in spirit & prayer.
Our worship leader & friend, Jason shared the message from John 1. We can only trust that GOD's Word does not return void.
From what I was told, the evening went really good.
I thank The LORD for the faithful that continue to serve the King of Kings regardless of circumstances or how short-handed we might be.
GOD is still in control and doing His thing.
Our worship leader & friend, Jason shared the message from John 1. We can only trust that GOD's Word does not return void.
From what I was told, the evening went really good.
I thank The LORD for the faithful that continue to serve the King of Kings regardless of circumstances or how short-handed we might be.
GOD is still in control and doing His thing.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Resources
The past few months, the LORD has presented our Ministry with some great opportunities, of which are incredible avenues for additional resources. LTN recently partnered up with New Era Outreach (NEO) http://www.neweraoutreach.com/ where we've now obtained non-profit status with 501(c)3 ... where generous donations are now tax deductible.
A gentleman and fellow follower of Christ, named Charles, informed us that he is making his way back to his hometown of Rhode Island. He'd been one of our dinner guests for some time now, and his friendly, encouraging words will be missed. Things are the things that make this Ministry a difficult one for me. I find myself making friends with our guests and then they disappear so often. I know that Charles is somebody that I will see on the other side someday.
The events of the night went smooth without complications or trouble. People were fed Spiritually & Physically. Some appreciated one over the other.
I still trip out how GOD has been so faithful in providing and meeting the needs to simply share His love through these dirty clay vessels. I thank The LORD Jesus Christ for His promises!
A gentleman and fellow follower of Christ, named Charles, informed us that he is making his way back to his hometown of Rhode Island. He'd been one of our dinner guests for some time now, and his friendly, encouraging words will be missed. Things are the things that make this Ministry a difficult one for me. I find myself making friends with our guests and then they disappear so often. I know that Charles is somebody that I will see on the other side someday.
The events of the night went smooth without complications or trouble. People were fed Spiritually & Physically. Some appreciated one over the other.
I still trip out how GOD has been so faithful in providing and meeting the needs to simply share His love through these dirty clay vessels. I thank The LORD Jesus Christ for His promises!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Fresh blossom...
There is a beauty in GOD's faithfulness that is so captivating. His love will never fail. His loving efforts will never grow weary. His patience will not thin through time. His love will endure forever!
We have a gentleman that has become our friend. I shall keep his name out of this...
He recently had a difficult time with his health, which ultimately resulted in Open Heart Surgery and nearly 3 weeks in the hospital. He is unlike the majority of our guests. He has a likableness about him that I can't quite explain, but for those of us that know him, understand what I mean. He is one that truly wants to get off the streets, and his new health condition make things all the more worse for him. By the grace of Jesus Christ, this friend was able to get a bed in the SDRM this past Monday morning. Against all the horror stories he's heard from those of the streets, he decided to give it a shot.
This morning, he shared a desire to participate in our Ministry from the other side of the tables. It turns out that he really enjoys the SDRM! I'm not one to toot the horn of another Ministry, but it sure sounds like this friend has went against the negative advice from his acquaintances and has truly seen the good side of things. It was really pleasant to see the joy this friend had tonight in serving his peers. This immediate change gave others hope about a way out, which points them to Jesus Christ. I can already see how GOD is going to use this man in mighty ways to reach those he associates with.
As for the events of the evening, all went well without any problems to mention. Everybody was fed physically and spiritually. More and more people are showing appreciation for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It still surprises me to know that although there are plenty of churches or facilities that give out meals to the needy, there are still people that attend those functions who claim to have never heard that Jesus died for them! As long as GOD is directing us in this location, there will never be a time when His Word is not preached or shared.
We have a gentleman that has become our friend. I shall keep his name out of this...
He recently had a difficult time with his health, which ultimately resulted in Open Heart Surgery and nearly 3 weeks in the hospital. He is unlike the majority of our guests. He has a likableness about him that I can't quite explain, but for those of us that know him, understand what I mean. He is one that truly wants to get off the streets, and his new health condition make things all the more worse for him. By the grace of Jesus Christ, this friend was able to get a bed in the SDRM this past Monday morning. Against all the horror stories he's heard from those of the streets, he decided to give it a shot.
This morning, he shared a desire to participate in our Ministry from the other side of the tables. It turns out that he really enjoys the SDRM! I'm not one to toot the horn of another Ministry, but it sure sounds like this friend has went against the negative advice from his acquaintances and has truly seen the good side of things. It was really pleasant to see the joy this friend had tonight in serving his peers. This immediate change gave others hope about a way out, which points them to Jesus Christ. I can already see how GOD is going to use this man in mighty ways to reach those he associates with.
As for the events of the evening, all went well without any problems to mention. Everybody was fed physically and spiritually. More and more people are showing appreciation for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It still surprises me to know that although there are plenty of churches or facilities that give out meals to the needy, there are still people that attend those functions who claim to have never heard that Jesus died for them! As long as GOD is directing us in this location, there will never be a time when His Word is not preached or shared.
Friday, January 20, 2012
The community
These past few weeks have been extremely exciting for us, as the people of the community have started to take notice of what 'good' our Ministry has on the area and the positive impact we are making.
To my knowledge, tonight went really well from all aspects of the Ministry. There were a few people who opened up with me and allowed prayer. There was plenty of food for everyone to enjoy the feast. Blankets were distributed accordingly to those in need. The clothing area has been very organized since being given over to Danna to oversee. (That has been a very big blessing for Amanda and I to let go of!)
One of our guests/friends was back at the beach, after a long period in the hospital for open heart surgery. Sadly enough, Paul is unable to find a shelter at the time, which I can only imagine to put him in a higher risk due to his health. I ask that the readers, please remember him in your prayers.
The Ministry is growing before our very eyes! We will soon need to invest in another table or two and also another freezer for the food donations that have been coming in. GOD is doing something really awesome and I'm excited to see what He's going to be doing in the near future. Our volunteer base seems to be growing as well. I think that tonight we had close to 15 people or so.
To my knowledge, tonight went really well from all aspects of the Ministry. There were a few people who opened up with me and allowed prayer. There was plenty of food for everyone to enjoy the feast. Blankets were distributed accordingly to those in need. The clothing area has been very organized since being given over to Danna to oversee. (That has been a very big blessing for Amanda and I to let go of!)
One of our guests/friends was back at the beach, after a long period in the hospital for open heart surgery. Sadly enough, Paul is unable to find a shelter at the time, which I can only imagine to put him in a higher risk due to his health. I ask that the readers, please remember him in your prayers.
The Ministry is growing before our very eyes! We will soon need to invest in another table or two and also another freezer for the food donations that have been coming in. GOD is doing something really awesome and I'm excited to see what He's going to be doing in the near future. Our volunteer base seems to be growing as well. I think that tonight we had close to 15 people or so.
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