"Romans 8:28"

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose".

I'm sure that most people have heard the term "We're winging it"... at one point in their live. This week, we did just that! Our stove top at home broke earlier this week, and immediately we thought about how we'd cook everything for the Ministry. With no personal savings or rainy day money, buying another stove top with 2 days notice, is just not an option.

Amanda made the decision to do a bar-b-que instead. We purchased and cooked nearly 200 hot dogs & hamburgers, along with a few cases of small chips. We spoke with our friend, Marci, who's become part of our Ministry, and notified her of the menu change for her contribution. So for this week's menu, we served: Hot dogs, Hamburgers, Fresh Fruit Bowls, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Chips, Cookies, and of course... all the condiments. It seemed like everyone down there enjoyed the change up.

The funny thing is that we had far more food this week than we would have, had we served pasta, and everyone was able to get an abundance of food, which surely wouldn't have happened with pasta. Again, GOD knew exactly what was going to happen. So now we're trusting GOD and leaving our stove top situation to Him. "If it's GOD will, then it's GOD's bill".

The awesome thing about this week, was that even though most of our regular team wasn't available to join us, we still had an army of help! Tonight one of the guys, Chris, asked if he could help serve with us. It was his 2nd time helping out and it's so beautiful to see him getting involved to help serve his own and watch the transformation in his life. Two other guys decided to help us serve. One of the them had been a random passer-byer who'd helped out once before, but brought his buddy along this week. It's incredible to see how the Love of GOD is working through people... and affecting those who might not go to church, but desire to get involved. I find myself recalling the saying: "Your life might be the only church or Bible some people ever see."

It was sad to see Jeremy back in his old position. Stephen was also back on the beach scene. I find myself wondering how Quentin is doing and questioning if he's still in the SDRM. I admit that I find myself lacking compassion to it's full capacity. I'm truly saddened that they've chosen to return to the street life, by whatever means brought them back... but I don't understand why. I pray that GOD would continue to break me and chisel away any hardness in me.

The message tonight was from Mark 4, about the Farmer and sowing seeds. As I glanced at the crowd, I studied the eyes of those who were paying attention. I hope that some seed falls on good soil with them.

Our team had the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time praying with people after the meal. It's awesome to see how GOD has broken down the walls that these people have built up over their hard lives and has given us the privilege to witness that taking place week after week.

As we were just about to leave, some commotion arose between Stephen and Patrick. Patrick has always been a trouble maker the entire time we'd been down there. Awhile back, he'd threatened to cut my throat, and tonight that same threat was aimed towards Stephen. I'd asked Patrick to please show some consideration and respect for the family with children standing just a few feet from him. He didn't budge and became physical with Stephen, so I notified him that I was calling the Police and dialed 9-1-1. Patrick rode away on his bicycle yelling and throwing insults at me. He is a loose canon and I feel it's only a matter of time before he actually does try to cut somebody's throat.

I'm considering to ask the SDPD to make a more regular presence while we are there. In closing this post... again the verse Romans 8:28 seems perfect for the events of this week!

Opening up.... (Friday)

The presence of GOD was definitely felt while in PB, which made the night spiritually good... but circumstances made the evening emotionally sad for some of us.

In discussion last week, we'd made a decision to have our team members share their personal testimonies for the next few weeks, as The Lord directs us. As Joey stood in front of the crowd sharing his, my friend Eric and I were up on top, praying as the crowd listened. I gazed the crowd from a different perspective and noticed what looked like my gentle & loving wife, politely asking some of the men to stop talking among themselves as Joey spoke. It was very beautiful to see how well that was received with respect & reverence. As Joey wrapped things up, I shared the verse Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Before we said grace and started serving the meal, 4 of the men made a personal decision to accept Jesus, and asked Him to start that transformation in their lives that very moment.

There was a familiar face in the crowd. One that I never thought I would see there again... Jeremy! He was back on the streets. About 2 weeks ago, he'd started drinking and it was all over from there. The SDRM has a no tolerance policy, and he had to leave. I didn't know what to say to him. I did my best to love him and encourage him. "Nobody is perfect except for Jesus Christ"... "Everyone falls, but it's how fast we get back up that matters". He was too embarrassed & ashamed to stick around, so he left after our brief conversation. I let him know that we'll be praying for him. (I'll be honest, I'd gotten so confident in him before, that I'd stopped praying for him... and now I see the importance to continue to pray for everyone, regardless of their current circumstances. Talk about conviction on my part!)

It's really rewarding to have so many helping hands when it comes to serving, because it has freed me up to move around the group as they enjoy their meal. I've gotten to know some of the guys on a deeper level because of it. I stood there talking with another familiar face, although I'd never known his name until last night. Daniel shared some interesting and very personal things with me. I wondered how often any of these people open up to people outside their own groups and thanked GOD for the opportunity to be there and experience what we experience. We prayed together. Daniel struggles with alcohol. He and his brother, Keith, have plans to go enroll into a rehab in Ramona, CA this weekend. I gave Daniel a promise that if he makes it into the rehab, I'll make it a point to come out to visit and read the Bible with him. He's currently reading through the book of Daniel on his own... and was very proud to tell me all about King Nebuchadnezzar. It was so neat to see Daniel talk about the Bible.... it was innocently child-like.

After the food was gone, Amanda sat with Bobby. He's experiencing major health problems and last night his body was bloated due to his failing liver. As I sat there observing their discussion, I'd hate to say it this way.... but you can literally see him slowly dying. It's very sad! Bobby has alot of sadness in his life and just needs to feel loved. He shared with us an incident he'd had early in the afternoon. He'd run into an old friend, he hadn't seen in quite some time, walking with his family (who Bobby'd never met before) and the young child ran up to him, giving him a big hug. This loving act of kindness from that 3y/o child stirred him up and he was crying with joy as he told us the story. Amanda told him that kind of love is just a small glimpse into the love that GOD has for each and every one of us.

It trips me out how I still sometimes question if this Ministry is where it should be. Last night I was reminded that GOD is still there and doing things through us, exactly where we are. Week after week, He still provides financially for this Ministry to continue... and last night was no exception. I consider it a great honor to follow Jesus Christ and to be under His Lordship.

Another week, another message... (Friday)

I apologize for the delay in this post. I try to make it a point to have everything written down almost immediately after, while it's still fresh, but it doesn't always work out so well.

Amanda and I got there a few minutes later than usual, and noticed our team already on the scene waiting patiently for us. In a smaller aspect, it was nice having the extra hands to help unload the truck, since we normally arrive before our team does, and we get the occasional help from some of the guys, but not always.

While things were getting set up, I went searching for a parking spot which took way too long (almost 20mins). The entire time I was trying to park, I kept thinking how the crowd may be growing impatient... and I started to dread the thought of sharing my message, making them wait even longer... nevertheless, I still shared. The message this week was on thankfulness, ultimately being thankful to GOD for everything, small or big in our lives.

We noticed some of our more fond friends were absent this week, and I wondered where they might be. All the supplies went quickly. The only incident this week was 2 of the guys started to get into an arguement and make a scene, but that was on the upper boardwalk and not in our immediate area. I did glance up and noticed the angry neighbor lady standing at her balcony on her phone. The guys squashed whatever it was between them and we ended up leaving the area with a peaceful vibe.

The most important request that we have is prayer support. One can never have too much prayer, and although we might not be in the Amazon jungle or in Iraq, we are on the front lines of a Spiritual Battle, face to face with the Enemy of GOD. Please remember us in your prayers.

The Crowd Grows...

Well, this week Beau was out of of town but despite that I had plenty of help (thank you all so much for your help and support of this ministry)...

Joey shared the message which ended in leading the crowd in a prayer to accept Jesus. I heard a handful of people reciting the prayer and I hope and pray for sincerity and salvation for our friends.

The evening started of with a feeling of heaviness and no doubt we were all praying against it. There are some nights that this ministry is very difficult. We have been learning that despite how we feel, we are called to be there and it is out of love and obedience to our Lord that we find the strength and perseverance to come back week by week. Sometimes I find that I am naive and I often put off thoughts of the spiritual battle that is raging on. The Lord has been showing me that I (we) really need to put on the full armour of God when we are down there (and always). It's important for us to remember that there is a lot of drug and alcohol addiction and all that comes with it and we are right smack in the middle of it but.... Praise the Lord that He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world!!

We had a few interruptions... As Joey was completing his message a man walked up and started to wrap to the crowd. With no end in site :) I walked up and asked the man if he would sing happy birthday to celebrate Danna's and one of homeless men's birthday (which we had planned to do anyway). The whole crowd sang happy Birthday. It was awesome to see the group celebrate Danna's birthday, who serves with us faithfully as well as one of their own.

As the weather gets warmer and the sun shines the crowd keeps getting bigger and bigger! We prepared a little extra food this week since we had run out of food the week prior. One of the guys we have been ministering to joined in and helped us serve. We were also blessed by a man who said that he sees us on a weekly basis and he had a work function that was catered and they had tons of left overs. He asked if we would like the extra food. We said we did and brought down three huge platters of gourmet salad and pasta salad. The ladies and gentlemen definitely had their fill. Our friends were also blessed with wonderful cupcakes that Ruben and Danna had prepared to celebrate the birthday(s).

The evening ended well... Everyone was able to eat a meal. We had some time to hang out and talk and pray.

The Lord is doing amazing things! Please keep us in prayer... We need it!

Thank you all who pray and support us... We love you!

The Battle Continues... (Friday)

We knew in advance that this particular weekend would be packed in PB, due to Memorial Day weekend, so we arrived a few minutes earlier to give us time to park. As we unloaded the truck, my stomach knotted up once I saw the amount of people waiting for us...

I should back up and mention that the reason we were able to get down there earlier enough is because we rushed out of the house... and now I'll take full responsibility... I forgot the 4 loaves of bread that I had cut up & buttered, and the trays necessary to keep the food warm. I immediately started to stress out. With the help of my brothers & sisters in Christ Jesus, we were able to lift that to GOD and my problems seemed to evaporate. I then shared a message based off of Proverbs 3:5,6~ Trusting in the Lord.

The food went quick with such a large crowd and unfortunately we had to turn away 5-10 people because the food had run out. While we were serving, there was a man standing in line waiting for food (who made me a bit uncomfortable) that the SDPD had some questions for, so they removed him from the line to discuss their matters with him. When they were finished, the man returned to the now empty line, only to find the food was now gone. He started to throw a fit. Our brother, Ruben wisely suggested we join together for prayer. By the powerful name of Jesus, we rebuked the enemy from our presence and for peace in the area... I then noticed the man walking away. A lot went on tonight and it felt weird. I can't really describe it, other than to say we can all feel the Spiritual Battle going on down there.

We sincerely appreciate all of the prayers and support from The Body of Christ. Thank you!!

Persistence Pays Off... (Friday)

As Amanda and I walked to our area, we were astonished at the size of the group waiting for us. This by far was the biggest crowd I'd ever experienced in our Ministry... (And of course... we had to use wisdom when it came to portions, so that everyone was able to eat... which worked out perfect, to the very last person.)

The message was about persistence and how to keep moving forward, putting your trust in the Creator, no matter what your circumstances are. I looked into the eyes of everyone as I was sharing what GOD had put on my heart. I saw the pain & loss of hope in their eyes. It's very sad most of the time. As I was looking around, this was the first time I'd really paid any attention to my surroundings behind me. I noticed about 25-30 tourists that had been passing by, stopped and were listening too. (For some reason, that gave me butterflies in my stomach.) More importantly, I noticed some of the neighbors (from the expensive condos) on their balcony, video taping us! I know the time is short before the city will come to try and shut us down. The enemy is doing everything he can to put a stop to this... so please pray for us. At the end of the message, there was another opportunity for the people to accept Jesus as their Savior.

After the meals were served, a 'newcomer' walked up to me and asked if we could talk. As a courtesy for privacy, I shall call him "L". We picked a quick spot down the path to sit and talk. He admitted that he was intimidated by the size of the group and noticed that nobody else raised their hands to accept Jesus, but he wanted to. GOD touched L's life that night! I explained to him that GOD sees all things, including the heart of men. GOD knew whether or not he was raising his hand. I explained that I only asked for a show of hands so that I can remember who to pray for, but it wasn't a necessary thing. We sat and had the most intimate one-on-one conversations I've had in a very long time. It was great to see somebody who was genuinely interested in the things of GOD, asking questions with pure motives. We ended up hanging out together until 10 or 11pm. By the end of the night, we'd made arrangements to pick L up for church on Sunday.

Amanda had her own endearing encounters too. She prayed with Patricia and Bobby (A couple in their late 40's-early 50's). We don't know how long they've lived on the streets. (There are some things with some people, that you just don't ask.) Bobby has lots of health problems and needs a walker most of the time. They are eager to find a place to stay. I can't even begin to imagine what life is like for them. I'm thankful that GOD has strategically set us in PB for these people, to share of His love for them. As prayers were lifted to His thrown room, tears flowed down their cheeks because GOD is real and touching people.

The beach clean up

It certainly didn't go as we had hoped for. The objective was to get the homeless involved and make a differance towards something positive.

When we pulled up to park, we notice a large group waiting exactly where we'd planned. Amanda and I both felt excited to see such a great turn out, but once we walked up and asked who wanted rubber gloves... out came the excuses. In short, 2 of the 20 something people ended up helping our small team of volunteers clean up the area.

I like to give credit where credit is due, so thank you to Lisa, Ruben, James, Amanda, Ron, and Chris. I'm also thankful for the generous donation provided by Papa John's Pizza. I'd coordinated to have lunch provided for all volunteers when we finished the clean up, as a special blessing for their good works. I chose to not give advance notice of this, particularly because I wanted those with pure motives to partake. Needless to say, we had an abundance of left overs.

At first, I felt defeated and disappointed... but then I looked at things differantly. I felt good about what I had just done. I've never in my life done a beach clean up, nor have I ever in my life picked up cigarette butts before. When we were finished, we'd collected enough trash from the 3 blocks, to fill 4.5 large garbage bags.