As Jeremy and I pulled upin PB, we saw Chicago and Steven waiting on the wall. We said our good mornings as they enjoyed their hot coffees. I was happy to see Chicago and assumed that he was joining us for service this morning... he held an almost empty garbage bag containing maybe 3 or 4 aluminum cans. He sat and waited on the wall with Steven until I arrived, just to tell me face to face that he wasn't going to make it as he had promised because he needed to try and earn his income for the day. Talk about respect for one another! By 8am, for a homeless man, that's a good 4hrs wasted with a potential of $15 in collecting cans.
We arrived at church early enough to grab our regular seats. I went outside to meet with Amanda, who was still on her way, while the two sat inside. I ran into the brother who promised Jeremy some clothes and he blessed Jeremy with a nice backpack stuffed with all kinds of goodies. Jeremy was blown away later in the afternoon as he discovered how generous the Good Lord had been to him thru this kind man.
The message spoke to all of us. It was our home fellowships turn to assist in the cafe, so I informed Jeremy and Steven that they'd have to wait around until we were thru before I could take them back. Steve opted to walk back down to PB instead of waiting, so we walked to the vehicle so he could retrieve his belongings. He told me how deep the message hit home for him and how he's tired of living the street life. I offered prayer and advised him to pray about the situation.
After cafe duty, we met up with Jeremy... who had plenty of adventurous stories to share in the 3hrs he's had to himself. It is never a dull moment with Jeremy around. We decided to attend the 7pm service at The Rock. That was a powerful message and it was there that Jeremy gave his soul 100% to Jesus Christ during alter call. I informed him that he made an amazing choice and a life changing decision. GOD our Father promises: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Deut. 31:6)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Week 16 (Saturday)
With the back up of Chicago, Jeremy, and Steven we were able to bless our Campus Service brethren with setting up for service. Things went smoothly, it was great. All was rather organized and friendly with each other. I had the opportunity to continually share scripture in conversations throughout our time in passing. In GOD's perfect timing, Charlie (campus service staff) walked into the room and was able to give his input which validated what was being said. I picked up on the golden moment... and so did Charlie as we both shared that Holy Spirit smile. It feels so good inside knowing that our simple acts of love and giving a hand for a few hours, really takes a load off of someone's back. This day opened my eyes to a whole new perspective... not only were we blessing the staff at Horizon, but also the home fellwoships who come in obediance. Now they too have extra time to fellowship with one another before they go on their seperate ways. It's encouraging to see 'the fruits spring forth' as my group gives back to GOD with whatever it is they do have. We were able to meet with the home fellowship that came to assist and talk about what's been going on.
After dropping Chicago & Steven back off, back on campus I was able to get Jeremy a well needed shower. One of the men from the home fellowship we had met earlier, said he had some clothes he could contribute to Jeremy.
Jeremy hung out with us the entire day. My heart knots with sorrow and pity as I drop these men off to sleep in a bush while we both know I'm on my way to a home and bed. It kills me! Having dropped Jeremy off a hour earlier, I couldn't handle it, so I came back out and picked him up to hang out. I showed him around town and went up to Mt. Soledad where we prayed together and I felt the presence of GOD among us as we talked. I stayed out until I could tell he was too tired to stay up any longer.
After dropping Chicago & Steven back off, back on campus I was able to get Jeremy a well needed shower. One of the men from the home fellowship we had met earlier, said he had some clothes he could contribute to Jeremy.
Jeremy hung out with us the entire day. My heart knots with sorrow and pity as I drop these men off to sleep in a bush while we both know I'm on my way to a home and bed. It kills me! Having dropped Jeremy off a hour earlier, I couldn't handle it, so I came back out and picked him up to hang out. I showed him around town and went up to Mt. Soledad where we prayed together and I felt the presence of GOD among us as we talked. I stayed out until I could tell he was too tired to stay up any longer.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Week 16
There's not a single ounce of doubt in my mind that the Holy Spirit of GOD is doing mighty things in the souls of the people in Pacific Beach. I'll tell you why towards the end of this entry....
It's a giant weight lifted off my shoulders when we make the u-turn in the cul-de-sac and I notice the group of men sitting on the wall anxiously waiting to help unload and set up when I arrive. They trust us to be there, and (Lord willing) I will not be the one guy to let any of them down. I know for alot of these men & women this is the ONLY hot meal they get to eat.
Steven was helpful in cleaning up and wiping down the tables before serving. Tonight with Jeremy back on the scene, he wanted to be part of the ministry to bless others instead of being in the multitude, hanging out and getting drunk. I asked him to pass out the waters as needed. Randy was a big help tonight as well and took the task of dispersing the (delicious!) potatoe salad that my mother & cousin had prepared and dropped off.
We had about 35 guests or so, and we were wise with our portions. The food lasted almost 2hrs this time, and everyone was able to get 2nds if they wanted. There wasn't a single person turned away and it felt really good inside. Again, the majority ate and immediately took off, but there were some new comers and they stuck around until the end. I was saddened to find out that 2 of our regulars had moved on to venture in another state... so long Mohawk Mike & Ray, you will be missed. I did not have the opportunity to sit down for an actual 'bible study' but I took full advantage of sharing about the bible when the door opened during conversation.
Our photographer friend, Lisa arrived and blessed us with some more photographs she had taken weeks ago. She is such a kind and soft spoken woman that wears her heart on the outside. She has been a blessing to all of us. (Some of the shots on the slideshow are from her.)
The power of GOD's love speaks so much louder than words! The man whom I've mentioned in the past, has now gained my trust. When I first met him, he snapped at me everytime I mentioned the bible to him. He was one of the men a few weeks back that stayed for the bible study when we changed nights. In conversation tonight, I suggestively asked when he was going to join us for church since I'm always picking somebody from PB up anyways. As it is right now, it looks as though he'll be waiting on Sunday for the ride with the other men. It's taken about 14wks for that barrier to crumble and now it's obvious that GOD has opened this man's eyes to see that it's about GOD's love and not religion. Anyone can put on the religious act for a few hours.
It was clear that Chicago may have had some drinks today, and he has happy to see his buddies show up like clockwork. He's got a big heart and I know he means well. Before we parted ways, he made sure to remind me to pick him up tomorrow for chair set up... so did Steven... and so did Jeremy. I almost feel bad knocking out the chairs so fast on Saturday with my hard-working crew because by the time home fellowships show up, everything's pretty much done. Praise the good Lord though. He's blessed us with healthy physical bodies and there's no reason why we shouldn't use that to give back to Him.
In 7hrs I'll be heading back to PB and picking up the crew. I pray that the men rest comfortably with a full stomach and a refreshed soul knowing that GOD loves them just as much as the next man. In Christ, there is no differance between rich or poor. We all have struggles and being Christian doesn't make us perfect, just forgiven. Please pray for my brothers that still fight with their daily alcoholic struggles and addictions. Jeremy had the strength tonight to pass up the opportunity to drink with his old friends and I can see it's important for him to hear that people like Amanda and I are proud of him.
It's a giant weight lifted off my shoulders when we make the u-turn in the cul-de-sac and I notice the group of men sitting on the wall anxiously waiting to help unload and set up when I arrive. They trust us to be there, and (Lord willing) I will not be the one guy to let any of them down. I know for alot of these men & women this is the ONLY hot meal they get to eat.
Steven was helpful in cleaning up and wiping down the tables before serving. Tonight with Jeremy back on the scene, he wanted to be part of the ministry to bless others instead of being in the multitude, hanging out and getting drunk. I asked him to pass out the waters as needed. Randy was a big help tonight as well and took the task of dispersing the (delicious!) potatoe salad that my mother & cousin had prepared and dropped off.
We had about 35 guests or so, and we were wise with our portions. The food lasted almost 2hrs this time, and everyone was able to get 2nds if they wanted. There wasn't a single person turned away and it felt really good inside. Again, the majority ate and immediately took off, but there were some new comers and they stuck around until the end. I was saddened to find out that 2 of our regulars had moved on to venture in another state... so long Mohawk Mike & Ray, you will be missed. I did not have the opportunity to sit down for an actual 'bible study' but I took full advantage of sharing about the bible when the door opened during conversation.
Our photographer friend, Lisa arrived and blessed us with some more photographs she had taken weeks ago. She is such a kind and soft spoken woman that wears her heart on the outside. She has been a blessing to all of us. (Some of the shots on the slideshow are from her.)
The power of GOD's love speaks so much louder than words! The man whom I've mentioned in the past, has now gained my trust. When I first met him, he snapped at me everytime I mentioned the bible to him. He was one of the men a few weeks back that stayed for the bible study when we changed nights. In conversation tonight, I suggestively asked when he was going to join us for church since I'm always picking somebody from PB up anyways. As it is right now, it looks as though he'll be waiting on Sunday for the ride with the other men. It's taken about 14wks for that barrier to crumble and now it's obvious that GOD has opened this man's eyes to see that it's about GOD's love and not religion. Anyone can put on the religious act for a few hours.
It was clear that Chicago may have had some drinks today, and he has happy to see his buddies show up like clockwork. He's got a big heart and I know he means well. Before we parted ways, he made sure to remind me to pick him up tomorrow for chair set up... so did Steven... and so did Jeremy. I almost feel bad knocking out the chairs so fast on Saturday with my hard-working crew because by the time home fellowships show up, everything's pretty much done. Praise the good Lord though. He's blessed us with healthy physical bodies and there's no reason why we shouldn't use that to give back to Him.
In 7hrs I'll be heading back to PB and picking up the crew. I pray that the men rest comfortably with a full stomach and a refreshed soul knowing that GOD loves them just as much as the next man. In Christ, there is no differance between rich or poor. We all have struggles and being Christian doesn't make us perfect, just forgiven. Please pray for my brothers that still fight with their daily alcoholic struggles and addictions. Jeremy had the strength tonight to pass up the opportunity to drink with his old friends and I can see it's important for him to hear that people like Amanda and I are proud of him.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Lost... (Monday)
I received a phone call last night just before 7:30. It was Jeremy! He was unable to get into a recovery home due to lack of money... and returned to the streets, only in a new city with no friends, no hope, and liquor stores on every corner. He fell off the wagon hard this time.
The good news is that he called me for a reason. He's reaching out and I did not hesitate to make the 1.5hr drive to bring him back to San Diego. The smell of alcohol on him filled my car as we drove back, but he admitted this life is not what he wants. He sincerely wants deliverance from this heavy bondage, and after ministering to him, he realizes the ONLY way for that to happen is by surrendering his all to Jesus Christ.
Back in town, he did not want to go anywhere near his old crowd of dangerous drunks, and asked where a safe place to sleep is near my home. We went to a nearby park and I helped him scout for a 'good spot' to sleep. Before I left him alone, we prayed together and I encouraged him to trust the promises of GOD.
Now my goal is to locate a sober living home that will be able to take him in quickly. I'm asking all of you that belong to The Body to please pray continually for Jeremy and the situation he's facing right now. It has become emotionally draining for me to care so much for this man, whom I consider a brother, and not have the guidance and/or proper assistance for such a painful problem. Right now I feel as though I'm the one that's lost, not knowing what to do.
The good news is that he called me for a reason. He's reaching out and I did not hesitate to make the 1.5hr drive to bring him back to San Diego. The smell of alcohol on him filled my car as we drove back, but he admitted this life is not what he wants. He sincerely wants deliverance from this heavy bondage, and after ministering to him, he realizes the ONLY way for that to happen is by surrendering his all to Jesus Christ.
Back in town, he did not want to go anywhere near his old crowd of dangerous drunks, and asked where a safe place to sleep is near my home. We went to a nearby park and I helped him scout for a 'good spot' to sleep. Before I left him alone, we prayed together and I encouraged him to trust the promises of GOD.
Now my goal is to locate a sober living home that will be able to take him in quickly. I'm asking all of you that belong to The Body to please pray continually for Jeremy and the situation he's facing right now. It has become emotionally draining for me to care so much for this man, whom I consider a brother, and not have the guidance and/or proper assistance for such a painful problem. Right now I feel as though I'm the one that's lost, not knowing what to do.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Week 15 (Sunday)
8am sharp. Steven and Chicago were on the wall at the now infamous 'meeting spot'. Chicago was surprisingly clean shaven, which really emphasizes his deep creases when he smiles. He has a very gentle, warming smile.... with sad eyes, bearing a lifetime of pain.
We got to church early, like I always do. Reserved our places to sit in the still empty sanctuary, and walked outside to enjoy the fresh air. Amanda joined us shortly after.
The message today was powerful! Not only did GOD speak to me, but certain topics were hit and those touched Chicago in a way that could only be a GOD thing. Steve was pretty quiet throughout our time there.
After service back in PB, we stopped for lunch. While eating Chicago shared what he was feeling inside. He explained how GOD had spoken to him and he was again ready to give up his alcoholic bondage and realized some of the men he chooses to socialize with are the root of his problems. He acknowledges that: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippines 4:13) I encouraged him and Steven to both take time to pray for certain people in their lives who they see lacking a personal relationship with GOD. He is faithful to His word and sometimes we need to sit back and listen for His small still voice.
We got to church early, like I always do. Reserved our places to sit in the still empty sanctuary, and walked outside to enjoy the fresh air. Amanda joined us shortly after.
The message today was powerful! Not only did GOD speak to me, but certain topics were hit and those touched Chicago in a way that could only be a GOD thing. Steve was pretty quiet throughout our time there.
After service back in PB, we stopped for lunch. While eating Chicago shared what he was feeling inside. He explained how GOD had spoken to him and he was again ready to give up his alcoholic bondage and realized some of the men he chooses to socialize with are the root of his problems. He acknowledges that: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippines 4:13) I encouraged him and Steven to both take time to pray for certain people in their lives who they see lacking a personal relationship with GOD. He is faithful to His word and sometimes we need to sit back and listen for His small still voice.
Week 15 (Saturday)
As planned, I picked up the 2 men that wanted to give back some service to our Lord Jesus Christ. We arrived close to 7:15am and met with the Campus Service crew. We showed our friends the very particular process in which we set up. There is a reason for everything when it comes to setting up for service. The mats are laid down with metrical precision, as is the carpets with their exact measurements. Then comes the many, many, many stacks of chairs.
It's a blessing to see that we are able to bless the staff with our assistance. Us 3 men doubled their manpower this day and things were moving along quite fast. From my past experience, we were breaking record times. We were blessed with bagels and coffee as a token of appreciation for the help. The gratitude of the hungry men radiated in the gymnasium. Again, it's another example of how The Lord Jesus Christ is faithful to take care of His faithful flock. The 2 men could have easily stayed in PB to hold signs asking for money or went canning, but they chose to give up those opportunities of money for the sake of serving The King of kings, and GOD honored that by providing.
On the way back to PB, I asked if they were going to be ready the following morning for church. They both agreed....
It's a blessing to see that we are able to bless the staff with our assistance. Us 3 men doubled their manpower this day and things were moving along quite fast. From my past experience, we were breaking record times. We were blessed with bagels and coffee as a token of appreciation for the help. The gratitude of the hungry men radiated in the gymnasium. Again, it's another example of how The Lord Jesus Christ is faithful to take care of His faithful flock. The 2 men could have easily stayed in PB to hold signs asking for money or went canning, but they chose to give up those opportunities of money for the sake of serving The King of kings, and GOD honored that by providing.
On the way back to PB, I asked if they were going to be ready the following morning for church. They both agreed....
Saturday, August 8, 2009
El Hanne'eman ~ Week 15
"Know therefore that the Lord your GOD is God; he is the faithful GOD, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands." (Deut. 7:9)
Our victorious GOD is faithful and I encourage people to never forget that! The Hebrew title El Hanne'eman translates 'The Faithful God', describing His support, His nourishment.
This is now our 15th week in this ministry and I'm amazed at the things we've seen and experienced thus far. Things are coming along quite well. We are able to feed multitudes of people almost to an exact amount; The Holy Spirit is moving around amungst the people and it's starting to show in their lives, fruit is starting to bloom; The police dept has been very supportive and respectful; and GOD is placing people in our path who give financial donations to keep this going each week....
It's been an emotional week. I received a call from our photographer friend asking about one of the men. He was drinking and fell, split his head and was taken to the hospital. I called around and located here he was. The ER was releasing him by the time I found out what happened, they asked if I could pick him up. When I arrived, this particular man could not comprehend why I would sacrifice my sleep to pick him up. The explained that my love is genuine and the ministry that I lead extends far beyond just a Friday night feed. The drive back to PB was sad, as my friend revealed his emotional scars tearing at his soul. I did not want to just drop him off in the cold all alone, so we sat on the boardwalk for 2-3hrs just talking. I kept turning the conversation towards Jesus when I had the chance. This man was still in shock that I went out of my way to pick him up. I explained to him that the love of GOD is inside me and that is how I'm able to such things. I believe with all of my heart, that simple act will not be forgotten and all glory goes to GOD. I saw this same friend at the feed and he was again... very intoxicated. The police were just about to take him away because he was so drunk. I walked up to the scene and was welcomed by name from the group of officers. They asked me to please get some food into this guy, hoping it will sober him up some. They told me that because I was now there, they would not take him to away and entrusted him to us for the night. I'm astonished that they didn't take him just because I came, but very, very thankful at the same time. We were able to sober him up (a little) with garlic bread and a large plate of spaghetti.
We met some new faces this week who came for the food. We met some people who walking by, asked what we were doing and if we needed help. We could always use the help. Some said they'd return next week to help serve wherever needed.
A woman stopped by and blessed us with a generous donation to help with the cost of food.
The food continues to go so fast these days, and alot of the men immediately leave but there is a handful of people who stay for fellowship and have prayer requests, so we pray for their needs and hang out. It was a great night and 2 of the men are to help me with chair set up for church. Seeds are being spread in Pacific Beach! "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear." (Matthew 13:1-9)
Our victorious GOD is faithful and I encourage people to never forget that! The Hebrew title El Hanne'eman translates 'The Faithful God', describing His support, His nourishment.
This is now our 15th week in this ministry and I'm amazed at the things we've seen and experienced thus far. Things are coming along quite well. We are able to feed multitudes of people almost to an exact amount; The Holy Spirit is moving around amungst the people and it's starting to show in their lives, fruit is starting to bloom; The police dept has been very supportive and respectful; and GOD is placing people in our path who give financial donations to keep this going each week....
It's been an emotional week. I received a call from our photographer friend asking about one of the men. He was drinking and fell, split his head and was taken to the hospital. I called around and located here he was. The ER was releasing him by the time I found out what happened, they asked if I could pick him up. When I arrived, this particular man could not comprehend why I would sacrifice my sleep to pick him up. The explained that my love is genuine and the ministry that I lead extends far beyond just a Friday night feed. The drive back to PB was sad, as my friend revealed his emotional scars tearing at his soul. I did not want to just drop him off in the cold all alone, so we sat on the boardwalk for 2-3hrs just talking. I kept turning the conversation towards Jesus when I had the chance. This man was still in shock that I went out of my way to pick him up. I explained to him that the love of GOD is inside me and that is how I'm able to such things. I believe with all of my heart, that simple act will not be forgotten and all glory goes to GOD. I saw this same friend at the feed and he was again... very intoxicated. The police were just about to take him away because he was so drunk. I walked up to the scene and was welcomed by name from the group of officers. They asked me to please get some food into this guy, hoping it will sober him up some. They told me that because I was now there, they would not take him to away and entrusted him to us for the night. I'm astonished that they didn't take him just because I came, but very, very thankful at the same time. We were able to sober him up (a little) with garlic bread and a large plate of spaghetti.
We met some new faces this week who came for the food. We met some people who walking by, asked what we were doing and if we needed help. We could always use the help. Some said they'd return next week to help serve wherever needed.
A woman stopped by and blessed us with a generous donation to help with the cost of food.
The food continues to go so fast these days, and alot of the men immediately leave but there is a handful of people who stay for fellowship and have prayer requests, so we pray for their needs and hang out. It was a great night and 2 of the men are to help me with chair set up for church. Seeds are being spread in Pacific Beach! "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear." (Matthew 13:1-9)
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