A few weeks ago, while Jeremy was back down in PB hanging with his crowd of drinking buddies, we had the privilage meeting a guy named "Pockets". He was a very funny guy. He had a gentleness to him. He was quick to share with us some scripture he'd memorized over the years.
Before we parted ways, we'd asked to pray with him... but he reversed the offer and wanted to pray for us. Although, we'd only met him this one time, he'd made an everlasting impression on me and I won't forget him.
I received word today, that this man Pockets passed away. I do not know the details of his death or if he has any family. What I do know is this....
The men that called Pockets their 'friend' have a desire to do some type of memorial service for him. I would certainly like to be involved with this. My prayer is that this sad incident would be an eye-opener for all of them.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
A full circle (Friday)
Earlier in the week, I'd been praying about the message I was supposed to share. I was led to return back to the Romans Road, which is exactly what I'd started off sharing with. It was a full circle for me, and it was rewarding to see how GOD stirred the hearts of at least 3 men that surrendered their hearts to Christ, our Lord.
The attendance was another large number and unfortunately we ran out of food before everyone could get a bite to eat. We're so blessed to have such a powerful source of support, which makes up the Loving Thy Neighbor "team". Although some of the people didn't get to have some dinner, they chose to stick around for the fellowship with us. I encouraged the new Believers to get plugged into a Bible Believing/Bible Teaching church before we parted ways. I informed them of our church and gave them directions, should they desire to go.
A guy standing in line, informed Amanda of some great news... he is currently staying in the SDRM, and brought a message that Jeremy has made it back into the SDRM as well!! Prayers have been answered and hopefully he has learned from his recent experience and he uses it to grow in his walk.
The night ended early.
The attendance was another large number and unfortunately we ran out of food before everyone could get a bite to eat. We're so blessed to have such a powerful source of support, which makes up the Loving Thy Neighbor "team". Although some of the people didn't get to have some dinner, they chose to stick around for the fellowship with us. I encouraged the new Believers to get plugged into a Bible Believing/Bible Teaching church before we parted ways. I informed them of our church and gave them directions, should they desire to go.
A guy standing in line, informed Amanda of some great news... he is currently staying in the SDRM, and brought a message that Jeremy has made it back into the SDRM as well!! Prayers have been answered and hopefully he has learned from his recent experience and he uses it to grow in his walk.
The night ended early.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Jehovah Jirah (Friday)
GOD is faithful to provide. GOD uses people as vessels for His Holy purpose and that is exactly what Amanda and I experienced this past 2 weeks. Loving Thy Neighbor, now has a brand new stove top to continue cooking hot meals for the people of Pacific Beach. With the new stove top, we're actually able to cook faster and now have the capability to cook more if necessary. I am genuinely in awe at the goodness of GOD and so very thankful for the people He channeled through to make this happen.... from the most deepest, bottom part of my heart... I THANK YOU!!!!
Soooooo, to the point....
It doesn't matter how long we've been doing this, or how many times I've spoken to the numbers of people.... I still get butterflies in my stomach as we pull up near Crystal Pier, because I'm confident that something positive is going to happen, and I'm excited to be able to participate. I'm only speaking for myself of course, but if I had to take a guess, I'd say that some of our team may feel the same way. I've said this over & over, and I'll continue to say it... because it's the truth - I'm strongly encouraged by the strength & support from so many people who have joined LTN and become part of the Ministry. Ultimately yes.... Glory be to GOD, but my wife and I could not have gone this long without all of the help from so many people who have given up themselves and their own time on Friday nights, to be a part of what GOD is doing. (I'm man enough to admit this... so here it is... as I sit and consider everything that has gone on and all the love we've been shown, I sit here crying with tears of joy!)
Our friends Marci & Carl arrived with a huge bag of brand new socks to pass out for the guys. Danna & Ruben arrived with their enormous and delicious salads. John & Benni brought the awesome chocolate chip cookies that everybody raves about. My buddy Ray came and made himself available to serve. Our good friends John and Lamarr joined us and helped with one-on-one ministering.
There is absolutely no room for any doubt, that the Love of Jesus Christ is being poured out week after week to so many in PB. As summer time thickens around us, it brings alot of hungry youth through our line.
I was inspired by GOD to share a message on the topic of faithfulness this week. In the message was a story of a young man, who'd lost his entire family, who had no income. As he passed near a bakery, he smelled something good. A old woman noticed the young man, paid him some attention, showed him a Love offering and shared her fresh bread with him. She than, began to open the door to share who Jesus was, referring to Himself as the Bread of Life.
As always, I do what I can to study the faces and eyes when I share. (It was so much easier to do this week because we only had about 40-50 people). I felt a few connections that may have struck a nerve with the visual story. My prayer is that these people start to hunger for Righteousness above all else. All we can do is continue to be faithful to our own callings, by showing up and love our neighbors, as they are.
I was informed of something rather strange that happened, that I did not notice early on in the evening. At the same moment I'd started to share the message, a flock of pigeons formed into an attack pattern and started diving at the crowd. Although people wailed their arms and tried to scare the birds away, the birds continued to come back with a vengeance. I'm not sure how I missed that activity, but I'm glad I did, because there's not a doubt in my mind that it was a distraction sent by the enemy. Do you recall Mark 5 or Matthew 8 involving the herd of pigs???
Jeremy is nowhere to be found again. I'd heard that he was trying to get back into a program but I'm not positively sure. I pray that he is in good hands wherever he may is. Ron is another guy that I'd consider a friend, and nobody seems to know of his where-abouts either. It's really sad when you think of the possibilities where somebody who has no place to call "home", might be. I pray that GOD would shield him and keep him healthy & safe.
I know that GOD is faithful and will never leave us, nor forsake us... and that He is our strength & refuge. I can't help but wonder when the crowd will see that for themselves.
Soooooo, to the point....
It doesn't matter how long we've been doing this, or how many times I've spoken to the numbers of people.... I still get butterflies in my stomach as we pull up near Crystal Pier, because I'm confident that something positive is going to happen, and I'm excited to be able to participate. I'm only speaking for myself of course, but if I had to take a guess, I'd say that some of our team may feel the same way. I've said this over & over, and I'll continue to say it... because it's the truth - I'm strongly encouraged by the strength & support from so many people who have joined LTN and become part of the Ministry. Ultimately yes.... Glory be to GOD, but my wife and I could not have gone this long without all of the help from so many people who have given up themselves and their own time on Friday nights, to be a part of what GOD is doing. (I'm man enough to admit this... so here it is... as I sit and consider everything that has gone on and all the love we've been shown, I sit here crying with tears of joy!)
Our friends Marci & Carl arrived with a huge bag of brand new socks to pass out for the guys. Danna & Ruben arrived with their enormous and delicious salads. John & Benni brought the awesome chocolate chip cookies that everybody raves about. My buddy Ray came and made himself available to serve. Our good friends John and Lamarr joined us and helped with one-on-one ministering.
There is absolutely no room for any doubt, that the Love of Jesus Christ is being poured out week after week to so many in PB. As summer time thickens around us, it brings alot of hungry youth through our line.
I was inspired by GOD to share a message on the topic of faithfulness this week. In the message was a story of a young man, who'd lost his entire family, who had no income. As he passed near a bakery, he smelled something good. A old woman noticed the young man, paid him some attention, showed him a Love offering and shared her fresh bread with him. She than, began to open the door to share who Jesus was, referring to Himself as the Bread of Life.
As always, I do what I can to study the faces and eyes when I share. (It was so much easier to do this week because we only had about 40-50 people). I felt a few connections that may have struck a nerve with the visual story. My prayer is that these people start to hunger for Righteousness above all else. All we can do is continue to be faithful to our own callings, by showing up and love our neighbors, as they are.
I was informed of something rather strange that happened, that I did not notice early on in the evening. At the same moment I'd started to share the message, a flock of pigeons formed into an attack pattern and started diving at the crowd. Although people wailed their arms and tried to scare the birds away, the birds continued to come back with a vengeance. I'm not sure how I missed that activity, but I'm glad I did, because there's not a doubt in my mind that it was a distraction sent by the enemy. Do you recall Mark 5 or Matthew 8 involving the herd of pigs???
Jeremy is nowhere to be found again. I'd heard that he was trying to get back into a program but I'm not positively sure. I pray that he is in good hands wherever he may is. Ron is another guy that I'd consider a friend, and nobody seems to know of his where-abouts either. It's really sad when you think of the possibilities where somebody who has no place to call "home", might be. I pray that GOD would shield him and keep him healthy & safe.
I know that GOD is faithful and will never leave us, nor forsake us... and that He is our strength & refuge. I can't help but wonder when the crowd will see that for themselves.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Love is patient, Love is kind... (Friday)
I'll openly admit that there are times that I find it harder to love certain people, but GOD knows what He's doing... and I'm thankful that He's the one in control.
We're nearly settled with getting our new stove top issue, but we're not there yet. We took our neighbors up on their generous offer in allowing us to use their kitchen for the meal this week.
Our team arrived on time as normal, and a message was given, like normal... but I found myself getting distracted because of a few people in the crowd. One 'trouble maker' in particular, stood directly in front of me and downed a few shots of whiskey and then started a conversation with others... (which I found out afterwards, was all to get a reaction out of me. Those are the types that I find harder to love, not for lack of respect, but because they have a personal issue with me, and hope that they can be the cause to stir something up to see if what I preach, is that of the same that I practice.
It's really encouraging for me to see how this Ministry has grown. Specifically with the Servants that have been touched by the Holy Spirit, and have made a decision to join our team. I'm very thankful for each and every one who has been a part of this Ministry!
Besides the previously mentioned distraction, all went well for us. We had our opportunities to spend one-on-one time with a few people. One guy named Mikey stands out most to me. I'd never met him before, so I didn't want to pry much. As we sat talking by the sand, he mentioned that he'd appreciate some prayer, so I took that chance and lifted his needs to GOD.
Amanda was able to speak with her buddy, Alyce for nearly an hour. She is like a delicate person that will need alot of gentleness & time to break through her walls, but it's been working over the past year. Alyce, now greets us with warm hugs.
There's so much more to share, but due to complications with my home computer... I'm keeping the next few posts short and direct, because I'm on a borrowed pc.
We're nearly settled with getting our new stove top issue, but we're not there yet. We took our neighbors up on their generous offer in allowing us to use their kitchen for the meal this week.
Our team arrived on time as normal, and a message was given, like normal... but I found myself getting distracted because of a few people in the crowd. One 'trouble maker' in particular, stood directly in front of me and downed a few shots of whiskey and then started a conversation with others... (which I found out afterwards, was all to get a reaction out of me. Those are the types that I find harder to love, not for lack of respect, but because they have a personal issue with me, and hope that they can be the cause to stir something up to see if what I preach, is that of the same that I practice.
It's really encouraging for me to see how this Ministry has grown. Specifically with the Servants that have been touched by the Holy Spirit, and have made a decision to join our team. I'm very thankful for each and every one who has been a part of this Ministry!
Besides the previously mentioned distraction, all went well for us. We had our opportunities to spend one-on-one time with a few people. One guy named Mikey stands out most to me. I'd never met him before, so I didn't want to pry much. As we sat talking by the sand, he mentioned that he'd appreciate some prayer, so I took that chance and lifted his needs to GOD.
Amanda was able to speak with her buddy, Alyce for nearly an hour. She is like a delicate person that will need alot of gentleness & time to break through her walls, but it's been working over the past year. Alyce, now greets us with warm hugs.
There's so much more to share, but due to complications with my home computer... I'm keeping the next few posts short and direct, because I'm on a borrowed pc.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Salvation is a sweet thing... (Sunday)
We met with our buddy, Simon this morning for service. I'm proud to announce that everyone greeted him well with open arms, as he waited for me to arrive. It's such a beautiful thing to know with confidence that I need not worry how others from our congregation will treat guests.
Simon enjoyed the service and shared with me that the sermon message had a lot of things in it, that really spoke to his heart and made a promise to return for further services with me.
After service, Amanda and I seized the opportunity to spend a little bit more time with Simon, over some lunch. The entire time we waited the 20 minutes for our seats and during the meal, it was complete Q & A, followed with Biblical responses. He kept referring to Jesus as 'The Prophet' and Amanda took the open door asking him his own personal belief of who Jesus was to him. He admitted that he wasn't completely sure about that, but confessed he realized there was something very special about Him and His impact on this world. Before we parted ways, I took the risk of asking Simon what was stopping him from putting his trust in Jesus according to what the Bible says. He was honest and said nothing was stopping him.
In the parking lot of IHOP, we stood there and prayed with Simon, where he confessed Christ as his Lord & Savior, asking for his sins to be forgiven and to start his relationship with Jesus from this very memorable day. GOD is sooooo good!
Simon enjoyed the service and shared with me that the sermon message had a lot of things in it, that really spoke to his heart and made a promise to return for further services with me.
After service, Amanda and I seized the opportunity to spend a little bit more time with Simon, over some lunch. The entire time we waited the 20 minutes for our seats and during the meal, it was complete Q & A, followed with Biblical responses. He kept referring to Jesus as 'The Prophet' and Amanda took the open door asking him his own personal belief of who Jesus was to him. He admitted that he wasn't completely sure about that, but confessed he realized there was something very special about Him and His impact on this world. Before we parted ways, I took the risk of asking Simon what was stopping him from putting his trust in Jesus according to what the Bible says. He was honest and said nothing was stopping him.
In the parking lot of IHOP, we stood there and prayed with Simon, where he confessed Christ as his Lord & Savior, asking for his sins to be forgiven and to start his relationship with Jesus from this very memorable day. GOD is sooooo good!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Love is a powerful thing! (Friday)
We had to do another bar-b-que, due to our stove top still being broken. Using this method for the meal adds up nearly tripling the cost it takes to do the pasta dishes, and yet GOD provided again this week. Using the word "amazing" doesn't even come close to describing our GOD and His love for us all.
Our team was strong in numbers this week. We all came prepared to feed another small army of hungry people. We just forgot one thing... it's the first week or the month, which tremendously cuts down the size of the group, as they receive their SSI or welfare checks. We've discovered this to be a routine thing as they get whatever income they can, it's used to get a hotel for a few nights and maybe some not-so-healthy things to consume before they're back on the streets.
The only hiccup throughout the night, occurred at the very beginning while we were setting up. (To the unbelieving readers, this might sound strange.) I'm pretty sure I stood face to face with a demon! I'd forgotten to bring a lighter for the food, and this person loaned us his. The man came and stood next to me while we were getting arranged and started saying he was hungry and demanded chips and water. I'd asked him to please wait while we finished setting up and blessed the meal. His attitude immediately changed, and started cussing at me, calling me names, barked orders at Amanda to return his lighter, and rode away on his bicycle. I was baffled at his response and studied his eyes while he was speaking. The best way to describe what I saw would be to say 'he looked unhuman-like'. I don't think I'm going to forget that hostile look anytime soon.
Moving right along... I felt almost guilty having so much help & food and not nearly enough people to serve & Minister to. The good news is that for those that did show up, they had the opportunity to eat as much as they wanted. I'd guess there was maybe 40 people (if that). We'd prepared 100 hot dogs, 72 hamburgers, and tons of side dish items to compliment everything. We ended up giving one of the men an entire pan of 50 hot dogs & buns to take with him to another place he knew of that could use the extra food. Later in the evening he gave me a call to report how the food did not go to waste and was greatly appreciated by the other Ministry.
The best part about this Ministry, is that it is not tied down or labeled as a Homeless Ministry. Our primary guests might fall into that category, but we'd never turn anyone down who stumbles across our path. Jesus commands us to 'Love your neighbors as yourself' and the way we see it is that everyone down there is our neighbor... even the tourists. A small group of college-aged girls stopped by and joined us for some food. Some of our team had an opportunity to speak with them a little bit. They approved of our Ministry and even contributed donations to help support us. Whether or not we shared the Gospel with them, they saw Love in action while visiting San Diego.
There was a flag vendor booth just a few feet from our set up, so I took the opportunity to give them some food, which they were very happy to receive from us. Spencer came with me to break the ice and speak with them. After a few minutes, I slipped away, leaving Spencer to converse with the man and his wife. Before Spencer was finished talking to the guy, the man asked to come to our church. It's exciting to see Jesus work through acts of kindness and a little bit of conversation!
My highlight of the evening was while we were packing up to leave. I was carrying some items towards the truck, when Simon offered to help. As we set some items down waiting for the truck to pull up (it was a few blocks away), he started some small talk, which lead to a very encouraging compliment. Simon is ex-military, where 'talk is cheap'. He's been coming for over a year, and confessed that he's been studying us. He knows the Bible and has met lots of Christians from different denominations who've invited him to church. He said there's something different about our Ministry that has caught his interest. The Love that we pour out week after week, match what we talk about. That Love can only come from one place and he wants to explore that for himself. He mentioned something specific that he needs prayer on, and as I prayed for him... I was lead to share scripture in my prayer, and a particular verse struck him while we prayed. Although our eyes were closed, it was very visible due to his shaking. When we were done praying, he had goosebumps all over and shared what hit him. He was shocked that I said what I'd said in my prayer was something he'd just read earlier. I told him that there was absolutely no way that I could know what he's going through and that whatever was said was from GOD through me directly to him for that very moment. I gave Simon my cell number, and he'll be meeting us at church Sunday morning.
I'm so encouraged to see what effect this Ministry has on all of us. I'd guarantee that for everyone one of our team members, this has been a positive impact on each of them, and it's all because of the Love that is found through Jesus Christ. I thank our Beautiful Lord for the work He's doing through the lives of everyone who's willing to step outside of their comfort zone and into His call.
Our team was strong in numbers this week. We all came prepared to feed another small army of hungry people. We just forgot one thing... it's the first week or the month, which tremendously cuts down the size of the group, as they receive their SSI or welfare checks. We've discovered this to be a routine thing as they get whatever income they can, it's used to get a hotel for a few nights and maybe some not-so-healthy things to consume before they're back on the streets.
The only hiccup throughout the night, occurred at the very beginning while we were setting up. (To the unbelieving readers, this might sound strange.) I'm pretty sure I stood face to face with a demon! I'd forgotten to bring a lighter for the food, and this person loaned us his. The man came and stood next to me while we were getting arranged and started saying he was hungry and demanded chips and water. I'd asked him to please wait while we finished setting up and blessed the meal. His attitude immediately changed, and started cussing at me, calling me names, barked orders at Amanda to return his lighter, and rode away on his bicycle. I was baffled at his response and studied his eyes while he was speaking. The best way to describe what I saw would be to say 'he looked unhuman-like'. I don't think I'm going to forget that hostile look anytime soon.
Moving right along... I felt almost guilty having so much help & food and not nearly enough people to serve & Minister to. The good news is that for those that did show up, they had the opportunity to eat as much as they wanted. I'd guess there was maybe 40 people (if that). We'd prepared 100 hot dogs, 72 hamburgers, and tons of side dish items to compliment everything. We ended up giving one of the men an entire pan of 50 hot dogs & buns to take with him to another place he knew of that could use the extra food. Later in the evening he gave me a call to report how the food did not go to waste and was greatly appreciated by the other Ministry.
The best part about this Ministry, is that it is not tied down or labeled as a Homeless Ministry. Our primary guests might fall into that category, but we'd never turn anyone down who stumbles across our path. Jesus commands us to 'Love your neighbors as yourself' and the way we see it is that everyone down there is our neighbor... even the tourists. A small group of college-aged girls stopped by and joined us for some food. Some of our team had an opportunity to speak with them a little bit. They approved of our Ministry and even contributed donations to help support us. Whether or not we shared the Gospel with them, they saw Love in action while visiting San Diego.
There was a flag vendor booth just a few feet from our set up, so I took the opportunity to give them some food, which they were very happy to receive from us. Spencer came with me to break the ice and speak with them. After a few minutes, I slipped away, leaving Spencer to converse with the man and his wife. Before Spencer was finished talking to the guy, the man asked to come to our church. It's exciting to see Jesus work through acts of kindness and a little bit of conversation!
My highlight of the evening was while we were packing up to leave. I was carrying some items towards the truck, when Simon offered to help. As we set some items down waiting for the truck to pull up (it was a few blocks away), he started some small talk, which lead to a very encouraging compliment. Simon is ex-military, where 'talk is cheap'. He's been coming for over a year, and confessed that he's been studying us. He knows the Bible and has met lots of Christians from different denominations who've invited him to church. He said there's something different about our Ministry that has caught his interest. The Love that we pour out week after week, match what we talk about. That Love can only come from one place and he wants to explore that for himself. He mentioned something specific that he needs prayer on, and as I prayed for him... I was lead to share scripture in my prayer, and a particular verse struck him while we prayed. Although our eyes were closed, it was very visible due to his shaking. When we were done praying, he had goosebumps all over and shared what hit him. He was shocked that I said what I'd said in my prayer was something he'd just read earlier. I told him that there was absolutely no way that I could know what he's going through and that whatever was said was from GOD through me directly to him for that very moment. I gave Simon my cell number, and he'll be meeting us at church Sunday morning.
I'm so encouraged to see what effect this Ministry has on all of us. I'd guarantee that for everyone one of our team members, this has been a positive impact on each of them, and it's all because of the Love that is found through Jesus Christ. I thank our Beautiful Lord for the work He's doing through the lives of everyone who's willing to step outside of their comfort zone and into His call.
Friday, June 25, 2010
"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!
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