Tonight something so special happened... actually a few things are worthy of mentioning.
It is customary for our entire team to open in prayer together, before we start the night and I give a message. From the beginning, prayer has always been the focus. We try to primarily keep that prayer circle to our team, but it's been open to others who feel as though they'd like to join in...
Alyse, a woman that Amanda has poured into over the past 19 months, has been opening up to her a lot because of the love shown. Through time, she's made it very clear to us that she does not believe in our God. She has deep emotional pains & bitterness and we've learned how to be gentle & step back when speaking with her.
Well, tonight she joined us in our prayer circle! That is an incredible step forward for her! Please note, that yes I am using exclamation points. We are excited to see this new breakthrough with her!!!! It gets even better though...
Our team members, Marci & Carl, donated a useful tool for the Ministry. A prayer request journal, so that people can quietly write what they'd like said, doing so anonymously if choosing to do so. Prior to the message given, I'd announced that this book was available and there for them to use. At the end of the night, one person took that opportunity to fill something out. Alyse! The good Lord is doing something in that woman's heart, and we're so thankful to be a part of that.
The Ministry has been blessed week after week, with clothing donations; financial support at just the right time; and the extra helping hands. There is no doubt that GOD is still the one orchestrating this Ministry. Due to the abundance of people willing to help serve and pass materials out, it's really freed me to roam around and meet people after the message. Tonight I spoke with several people who were just passing by and wanted to know what was going on. After telling them what we're about, some asked how they could get involved. It is so awesome to see how the act of Loving your neighbor as yourself, has an impact on others.
A man named David, whom I'd met last week, came to help out tonight. I noticed that James could use a partner on the hygiene/clothing table, so I pointed him in that direction. It was another large crowd (especially for the first Friday of the month) upwards towards 70-75 people. To my knowledge, everyone was able to eat and there were only a very few small scuffles between the crowd.
I'm also proud to announce that our church, Horizon Christian Fellowship, has put on a Thanksgiving outreach for the homeless, for a very long time. Normally the shuttles would pick people up from the Downtown areas of San Diego. This year, they have added PB to their pick-up location. When I made that announcement to the crowd, I saw nothing but shining faces... I could almost see their minds imagining the hot showers, hair cuts, and Thanksgiving meals filling their bellies. I am so pleased with the tremendous cooperation & assistance we've received from our home church. I thank GOD the Father, for raising up a strong God-loving, body of Believers, with hearts to help each other out, in the name of Jesus Christ.
One of the women from PB, Tanya, asked about coming to service on Sunday. She inquired about finding a female who could pick her up. I got her contact information (some of them actually have cell phones) and promised to look into seeing what could be done for her. My prayer is that the enemy would not snatch the seed over the weekend, and that she would have her needs met. My wife might be able to pick her up.
Tonight, what I feared would happen, did. One of the neighbors from the area came down and gave us a hard time due to the size of the crowd. He informed us of the permit requirement for large gathering (in a not-so-friendly manner). Please pray for us. It's very possible that we might not be able to obtain a permit for a few reasons... 1) They cost money. 2) We are feeding homeless people with hot meals and are not a resteraunt. We are trusting GOD to take care of this problem one way or another. We are there to love all neighbors, including those who actually have a roof over their heads at night.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Refreshing times (Friday)
It has been a very busy past few days for myself, so I apologize for yet another delay in posting the latest.
The crowd doesn't seem to thin out throughout the month anymore. It's been a steady 100+ people for quite some time now... some old time regulars, and some just barely hearing about it. No matter how big it gets, or how late we have to stay down there talking with the people, GOD is so faithful to provide even the smallest of needs.
A few weeks ago, I'd mentioned a newer guy named Sid. He and I had spoken about the SDRM earlier and he was interested in hearing more. I told him that we'd have a chance to sit down and talk in depth as soon as the line started to die down... I looked to my left, and become joyfully shocked with whom I saw standing next to me. Our young friend Quentin! He's been in the SDRM for the past 10months. He was able to make it down to visit us while out on his all-day pass. He looks so refreshed... so new... so happy... so relieved to be set free from his old addiction to alcoholism. It literally couldn't have been more perfect that he showed up this night. He was able to spend the next 1.5hr sharing with Sid about the SDRM and what GOD has done in his life.
It's awesome to see such a transformation in someones life, and hearing that individual give credit to where it's due. There are no 12 steps, there's 1... and that is the step of faith, handing it over to the Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour!
Quentin reported to us, that Jeremy is back on a faithful walk and doing well in the SDRM. He's taken what he's learned from his fallen experience, and growing maturely from it. We also got word that Stephen is back in the SDRM too. Hopefully Stephen is touched by the hand of GOD this time, and surrenders his life to Christ our Lord.
I'm sure the rest of our team has their own incredible stories of their encounters with people down there in PB. Again, I'm thankful that GOD has built up a really strong and dedicated team of volunteers & servants to serve Him through love in action.
I think back to the very few lives that has been tremendously impacted by what we're doing down here, and if we were to stop today... it would've been worth it. The neat thing is that, none of us have any intentions of giving up. It's too exciting to see what GOD is going to do each week!
The crowd doesn't seem to thin out throughout the month anymore. It's been a steady 100+ people for quite some time now... some old time regulars, and some just barely hearing about it. No matter how big it gets, or how late we have to stay down there talking with the people, GOD is so faithful to provide even the smallest of needs.
A few weeks ago, I'd mentioned a newer guy named Sid. He and I had spoken about the SDRM earlier and he was interested in hearing more. I told him that we'd have a chance to sit down and talk in depth as soon as the line started to die down... I looked to my left, and become joyfully shocked with whom I saw standing next to me. Our young friend Quentin! He's been in the SDRM for the past 10months. He was able to make it down to visit us while out on his all-day pass. He looks so refreshed... so new... so happy... so relieved to be set free from his old addiction to alcoholism. It literally couldn't have been more perfect that he showed up this night. He was able to spend the next 1.5hr sharing with Sid about the SDRM and what GOD has done in his life.
It's awesome to see such a transformation in someones life, and hearing that individual give credit to where it's due. There are no 12 steps, there's 1... and that is the step of faith, handing it over to the Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour!
Quentin reported to us, that Jeremy is back on a faithful walk and doing well in the SDRM. He's taken what he's learned from his fallen experience, and growing maturely from it. We also got word that Stephen is back in the SDRM too. Hopefully Stephen is touched by the hand of GOD this time, and surrenders his life to Christ our Lord.
I'm sure the rest of our team has their own incredible stories of their encounters with people down there in PB. Again, I'm thankful that GOD has built up a really strong and dedicated team of volunteers & servants to serve Him through love in action.
I think back to the very few lives that has been tremendously impacted by what we're doing down here, and if we were to stop today... it would've been worth it. The neat thing is that, none of us have any intentions of giving up. It's too exciting to see what GOD is going to do each week!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A sweet time spent (Friday)
Hello readers. I apologize for another delayed entry. I have been suffering from some type of illness for the past 12 days now, and am finally feeling well enough to sit down & write.
As for Friday, the best word to describe the entire night would be... SWEET!
From arrival, easy parking, lots of help setting up, to enough friends to help serve... everything was just perfect.
We were blessed with enough resources to this past week to pick up additional pasta, which was a great and (well needed) plan. The gathering was much larger than we'd have ever expected during the cold season. There was well over 100 people standing in line for dinner.
As always, before dinner, a message was given and of that 100+, I'd say maybe 30 people actually were listening & paying attention. GOD has patiently taught me that it's not about how many people listen, it's who listens. His word doesn't return void, and His Spirit speaks to certain people at certain times. My job is to only remain faithful and speak The Word of truth.
I could see what The Lord was doing in the hearts of those that He'd given the ears to hear that night, and I was given the opportunity to spend the next 1.5hr sitting with those and talk more about GOD on an intimate level. I am so truly thankful that I've been given such a unique opportunity to become a friend to some of these men & women, just by the love of GOD in their lives.
Loving Thy Neighbor (as a team of friends) has become such a powerful tool that GOD has used in Pacific Beach. None of us that volunteer, may ever know the full extent of what GOD is doing in the lives of those that we encounter, but it is exciting to see even just a glimpse each week. Each one of us, have unique gifts that God has handed to us, to be used in different ways for different people. As we are approaching nearly our 2 year mark down there... I look back and can only sit in awe of what GOD is doing. When Amanda and I first started coming down to PB, it was to feed some spaghetti to maybe 5 people... but it's become so much more because of what GOD is allowing.
If I can be of any encouragement to anybody... please don't keep GOD in a box, step out in faith, and allow Him to use you in ways you couldn't even imagine!
As for Friday, the best word to describe the entire night would be... SWEET!
From arrival, easy parking, lots of help setting up, to enough friends to help serve... everything was just perfect.
We were blessed with enough resources to this past week to pick up additional pasta, which was a great and (well needed) plan. The gathering was much larger than we'd have ever expected during the cold season. There was well over 100 people standing in line for dinner.
As always, before dinner, a message was given and of that 100+, I'd say maybe 30 people actually were listening & paying attention. GOD has patiently taught me that it's not about how many people listen, it's who listens. His word doesn't return void, and His Spirit speaks to certain people at certain times. My job is to only remain faithful and speak The Word of truth.
I could see what The Lord was doing in the hearts of those that He'd given the ears to hear that night, and I was given the opportunity to spend the next 1.5hr sitting with those and talk more about GOD on an intimate level. I am so truly thankful that I've been given such a unique opportunity to become a friend to some of these men & women, just by the love of GOD in their lives.
Loving Thy Neighbor (as a team of friends) has become such a powerful tool that GOD has used in Pacific Beach. None of us that volunteer, may ever know the full extent of what GOD is doing in the lives of those that we encounter, but it is exciting to see even just a glimpse each week. Each one of us, have unique gifts that God has handed to us, to be used in different ways for different people. As we are approaching nearly our 2 year mark down there... I look back and can only sit in awe of what GOD is doing. When Amanda and I first started coming down to PB, it was to feed some spaghetti to maybe 5 people... but it's become so much more because of what GOD is allowing.
If I can be of any encouragement to anybody... please don't keep GOD in a box, step out in faith, and allow Him to use you in ways you couldn't even imagine!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Blanketed by His love! (Friday)
I thank God Almighty for giving us another opportunity to share of His love and minister to all the people of Pacific Beach, in His name!
It was an incredible night. At home, we'd somehow managed to get everything prepared a few minutes earlier than normal, so we headed down about 20 minutes early. Upon arrival, it was no surprise to see our buddy, Ron already waiting by the curb ready to help unload for the evening. He and a few other guys have made things so much easier for us, so we've created a system that rewards them: They get firsts in line once we serve. It's a win/win system!
Our team was in full force, minus Marci (whom we miss)... so it was great to see everyone again. We were blessed by Papa Johns, with 3 cases of individually packed salads to contribute to the meal.
The message shared was based on a devotion written by my Pastor, so I take no credit for it, but it was very powerful and the Lord used that to minister to several people. Afterwards I was given the opportunity to pray with a handful of men, all of which are newcomers.
A few guys that stand out, that I'd like to mention are people like:
Herby, he's suffering from multiple blood clots throughout his legs, and has no money nor insurance to assist. He's afraid of losing his legs someday soon.
Justin, has been homeless for sometime now, but it's by his choice to follow his calling from the Lord, as a missionary to evangelize to the people living on the streets.
Sean, is a tourist from Ireland (another lad with a full blown Irish accent), who came to the States for a year long trip, but until last week was living in the local Hostel... until he was robbed and everything he had was taken from him, including his passport & credit cards. For the past week, he's been sleeping on the sand, with only the clothes on his back, and no blanket to keep him warm.
Sid, (I spent most of the evening with him)... he's a Believer, fairly recent to the street life and wants out before it consumes him. I let him know about the SDRM and what their program is all about. He sounded interested and prayerfully he'll take that step and use that year to dive into discipleship and soaking up the Word of GOD. He's currently not rooted in a home church, and plans to come with me tomorrow to service.
One of our friends, Julie came down to give us a hand, which was a real surprise and blessing for us. GOD used her to bless a few of the people with some brand new blankets, which as I mentioned earlier, where much needed. It has been getting alot colder as winter rolls in, and I can't help but feel guilty, even now - sitting in my warm room - writing this blog entry.
I wish there was something more that could be done, besides handing out hot meals and shampoos. So many are thankful for that, but their eyes cry out for real help, which I am unable to provide.
Would you readers please join me in prayer regarding a huge step of faith. I'm dreaming of a warehouse or shelter, for the ones that sincerely want change can come to as a refuge. I would love the ability to pour out as much time as possible and share the Word of GOD, building each one of them up, all to glorify The King of kings. That is my prayer!!
It was an incredible night. At home, we'd somehow managed to get everything prepared a few minutes earlier than normal, so we headed down about 20 minutes early. Upon arrival, it was no surprise to see our buddy, Ron already waiting by the curb ready to help unload for the evening. He and a few other guys have made things so much easier for us, so we've created a system that rewards them: They get firsts in line once we serve. It's a win/win system!
Our team was in full force, minus Marci (whom we miss)... so it was great to see everyone again. We were blessed by Papa Johns, with 3 cases of individually packed salads to contribute to the meal.
The message shared was based on a devotion written by my Pastor, so I take no credit for it, but it was very powerful and the Lord used that to minister to several people. Afterwards I was given the opportunity to pray with a handful of men, all of which are newcomers.
A few guys that stand out, that I'd like to mention are people like:
Herby, he's suffering from multiple blood clots throughout his legs, and has no money nor insurance to assist. He's afraid of losing his legs someday soon.
Justin, has been homeless for sometime now, but it's by his choice to follow his calling from the Lord, as a missionary to evangelize to the people living on the streets.
Sean, is a tourist from Ireland (another lad with a full blown Irish accent), who came to the States for a year long trip, but until last week was living in the local Hostel... until he was robbed and everything he had was taken from him, including his passport & credit cards. For the past week, he's been sleeping on the sand, with only the clothes on his back, and no blanket to keep him warm.
Sid, (I spent most of the evening with him)... he's a Believer, fairly recent to the street life and wants out before it consumes him. I let him know about the SDRM and what their program is all about. He sounded interested and prayerfully he'll take that step and use that year to dive into discipleship and soaking up the Word of GOD. He's currently not rooted in a home church, and plans to come with me tomorrow to service.
One of our friends, Julie came down to give us a hand, which was a real surprise and blessing for us. GOD used her to bless a few of the people with some brand new blankets, which as I mentioned earlier, where much needed. It has been getting alot colder as winter rolls in, and I can't help but feel guilty, even now - sitting in my warm room - writing this blog entry.
I wish there was something more that could be done, besides handing out hot meals and shampoos. So many are thankful for that, but their eyes cry out for real help, which I am unable to provide.
Would you readers please join me in prayer regarding a huge step of faith. I'm dreaming of a warehouse or shelter, for the ones that sincerely want change can come to as a refuge. I would love the ability to pour out as much time as possible and share the Word of GOD, building each one of them up, all to glorify The King of kings. That is my prayer!!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Integrity counts for something! (Friday)
With the piece of information I received last week regarding our area being used, I knew I had to speak against that and announce to the crowd that whatever they're doing in our area while we are there, must be put to an immediate stop or else there would be consequences... because no Christian would/should ever compromise their integrity for the sake of anyone else. I'm relieved that the announcement was so well received from the group.
The more I thought about the issue all week, the more I became thankful that we've been given grace from the City/Police, for not enforcing us to get a activity permit for the large gatherings. Whomever is in charge and has the say in the matters, has not pushed the issue to come down on our group. I thank the Lord for keeping that from happening this far.
Last night may have been the biggest crowd yet! The masses of hungry people came in sets, like waves. At one point, I'd given a quick head-count towards the remainder of the line, just to make sure Amanda gave proper portions accordingly... when I returned to give her that number, the line immediately doubled in size!
I met a few interesting people this week:
Michael- Recently new to the streets, grew up Catholic and took notice the to hypocrisy in his own church, now searching for his higher power & doesn't believe the Bible is inspired by GOD.
Ramon- First time guest to our dinner, very friendly, probably a little intoxicated, but showed great gratitude for the free meal and love shown to him and all of his friends.
I was encouraged by a few passer-byers who stopped to check out what was going on, 'Keep up the good work, you guys are doing such a wonderful thing. We can see the joy they have when they are here.' It's really nice to hear positive feedback.
The more I thought about the issue all week, the more I became thankful that we've been given grace from the City/Police, for not enforcing us to get a activity permit for the large gatherings. Whomever is in charge and has the say in the matters, has not pushed the issue to come down on our group. I thank the Lord for keeping that from happening this far.
Last night may have been the biggest crowd yet! The masses of hungry people came in sets, like waves. At one point, I'd given a quick head-count towards the remainder of the line, just to make sure Amanda gave proper portions accordingly... when I returned to give her that number, the line immediately doubled in size!
I met a few interesting people this week:
Michael- Recently new to the streets, grew up Catholic and took notice the to hypocrisy in his own church, now searching for his higher power & doesn't believe the Bible is inspired by GOD.
Ramon- First time guest to our dinner, very friendly, probably a little intoxicated, but showed great gratitude for the free meal and love shown to him and all of his friends.
I was encouraged by a few passer-byers who stopped to check out what was going on, 'Keep up the good work, you guys are doing such a wonderful thing. We can see the joy they have when they are here.' It's really nice to hear positive feedback.
Regarding October 1, 2010 -- Friday
I was unable to personally make it down this day, but the rest of our Ministry team did and I heard everything went well.
Joey shared a message.
I got word that either a Lifeguard or Police Officer came up to our group, and informed them of things being said 'on the streets'. Supposedly the homeless people are letting each other know that we permit alcohol drinking & naracotic use, while our Ministry is happening... all of which is a blantant lie!
Joey shared a message.
I got word that either a Lifeguard or Police Officer came up to our group, and informed them of things being said 'on the streets'. Supposedly the homeless people are letting each other know that we permit alcohol drinking & naracotic use, while our Ministry is happening... all of which is a blantant lie!
Friday, September 24, 2010
God our Father, knows what we need and when we need it...
Our team was not the normal group tonight. We had several people who'd normally be with us on a gorgeous Friday evening, out enjoying some well deserved fun time. Of course my first thoughts would be to figure that we'd be short handed, but silly me and my way of thinking... God is the one who's in control, and He's the one who brings people down there. As was the case this evening. In fact we weren't short handed at all! The Lord gave us a few friends from church to participate in the blessings.
Amanda, in her discerning wisdom, decided to prepare extra food: sandwiches & chips, just in case we were to run out of pasta. Rick, a fellow brother in Christ, contributed by also making a box full of sandwiches & a large bowl of fruit salad.
It turns out we had just enough for everyone to eat this week. This crowd just continues to grow and grow! It's really sad to see so many hungry people standing in line waiting for a meal. I'm reminded why we are there, and when I'm sharing a message, I find myself comforted by the numerous Believers within the giant crowd, nodding in agreement. I look to everyone else and I'm confronted with emptiness in their eyes and growls of hunger from their stomachs. Most aren't listening, they want food... and then I hear that small; still; gentle voice asking me the same question over and over again.
As the food was being served, I joined Jason in some beautiful worship music. I can't even begin to express what it does for the atmosphere down there when worship music is being played. It's so peaceful! Whether or not the crowd understands whom the words are meant for, everyone seems to enjoy it and share smiles as they pass by. The music being sang to the Lord can change a loud, angry man... into the one of the most polite, gentleman. We've seen it happen! There is a newer regular guest, who's known to be rather obnoxious most of the time, but tonight he was so child-like, in the sense that he wanted to be loved and 'fit in'. As Jason was playing his guitar, I noticed this particular man sit right next to Jason, with his own beat up guitar. He watched for the chords being strummed, and attempted to follow along. It was actually quite a sight to see such a difference with this guy! The Lord showed us that it doesn't take preaching in order for Him to begin a good work in anybody.
Amanda, in her discerning wisdom, decided to prepare extra food: sandwiches & chips, just in case we were to run out of pasta. Rick, a fellow brother in Christ, contributed by also making a box full of sandwiches & a large bowl of fruit salad.
It turns out we had just enough for everyone to eat this week. This crowd just continues to grow and grow! It's really sad to see so many hungry people standing in line waiting for a meal. I'm reminded why we are there, and when I'm sharing a message, I find myself comforted by the numerous Believers within the giant crowd, nodding in agreement. I look to everyone else and I'm confronted with emptiness in their eyes and growls of hunger from their stomachs. Most aren't listening, they want food... and then I hear that small; still; gentle voice asking me the same question over and over again.
As the food was being served, I joined Jason in some beautiful worship music. I can't even begin to express what it does for the atmosphere down there when worship music is being played. It's so peaceful! Whether or not the crowd understands whom the words are meant for, everyone seems to enjoy it and share smiles as they pass by. The music being sang to the Lord can change a loud, angry man... into the one of the most polite, gentleman. We've seen it happen! There is a newer regular guest, who's known to be rather obnoxious most of the time, but tonight he was so child-like, in the sense that he wanted to be loved and 'fit in'. As Jason was playing his guitar, I noticed this particular man sit right next to Jason, with his own beat up guitar. He watched for the chords being strummed, and attempted to follow along. It was actually quite a sight to see such a difference with this guy! The Lord showed us that it doesn't take preaching in order for Him to begin a good work in anybody.
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