Well.... there went another week, but it wasn't the same as in the past. Upon arrival, I was greeted by some friendly faces who wanted to help serve. Amanda was not able to join us but we had enough manpower to handle the tasks for the evening.
The couple that volunteered to serve with us tonight was very nice and I remember the woman from last week as she had passed through the line mentioning that she'd like to contribute in the future. It was neat to see somebody actually keep to their word.... as I'd said before, 'their word is all they have'. The gentleman asked if he could open us up for prayer and say grace for the meal. I gave him the opportunity and almost instantly as he prayed I felt completely at peace, like I knew it was going to be a good night.
There was alot of people, as we've grown accustomed to, but never have we seen so many sad & intoxicated people. The nights are getting colder and colder as we push towards winter... One of the ways these people keep warm is by numbing themselves with booze and passing out before their body realizes how cold it really is. I did rather well hiding my broken heart as each person passed, but the drive home was rather emotional. Thankfully it doesn't snow in San Diego!
I met a man who's observed us from a distance for a few weeks. He'd spoken with Randy before coming down to meet with me. He shared that he'd like to get involved in the future. The Lord knows what we need, when we need it..... I welcome this guy to participate with us. It's encouraging to see GOD bring people to us who are willing to help keep this ministry alive. It constantly reminds me that He's still in control and confirms that we're in His will.
The 30-40 minutes that we spent serving went by so fast and the best part was that nobody went away hungry this week. Hopefully by next week, I can get back on track and feed these guys some Spiritual food again.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Week 26
Where do I even begin? As Randy had previously mentioned last week....
Amanda and I missed the opportunity to partake due to personal family matters.
I was able to make it this week, however Amanda wasn't. Bless her heart though! She left the hospital for a short time just to come home and prepare the meal for everyone, then returned to the hospital.
The night started off good, finding a front row parking spot, and just gradually got better & better. As expected, I was greeted by an army of hungry men who were all more than willing to help with whatever was needed. Being short handed, I had one of the guys make a quick trip to Smart & Final for ice, while others helped unload the truck and wipe down the tables. It's so nice to see others show some appreciation and the willingness to assist when they can.
Most of the regulars asked how our 'family matter' is going with sincere concern and compassion in their voices, which really moved my heart. I'm confident that the Love of Jesus Christ through this ministry has had a positive effect on these people and the fruit of that has shown itself by those very actions. Yet again, the rotational sea of new faces started to flow in as they heard of 'free food'.
We were definitely understaffed and there was no denying the truth. Lisa, our photographer friend, was now back from Germany. Her smile is always warming to my soul and she offered her assistance with serving. I took the opportunity and showed her the appropriate serving size we give. It's been so long since she's been back that the large group really took her by surprise. There was well over 100 people! I asked Lisa to position herself 2nd in line as I took the 1st spot handling the plates and alfredo. One of our regular guests took the initiative to handle the cheesing, bread, fruit and waters. Randy was up top taking care of the prayer & information table. GOD orchestrated things perfectly.
Nobody went away unfed. I didn't push Jesus upon anyone... I didn't have to. His love was very present, as people passed by giving their condolences and prayers to me regarding our family. It was incredible to see that kind of love coming from such people.
All of that happened from 6:00-6:25pm. It was another early night.
Amanda and I missed the opportunity to partake due to personal family matters.
I was able to make it this week, however Amanda wasn't. Bless her heart though! She left the hospital for a short time just to come home and prepare the meal for everyone, then returned to the hospital.
The night started off good, finding a front row parking spot, and just gradually got better & better. As expected, I was greeted by an army of hungry men who were all more than willing to help with whatever was needed. Being short handed, I had one of the guys make a quick trip to Smart & Final for ice, while others helped unload the truck and wipe down the tables. It's so nice to see others show some appreciation and the willingness to assist when they can.
Most of the regulars asked how our 'family matter' is going with sincere concern and compassion in their voices, which really moved my heart. I'm confident that the Love of Jesus Christ through this ministry has had a positive effect on these people and the fruit of that has shown itself by those very actions. Yet again, the rotational sea of new faces started to flow in as they heard of 'free food'.
We were definitely understaffed and there was no denying the truth. Lisa, our photographer friend, was now back from Germany. Her smile is always warming to my soul and she offered her assistance with serving. I took the opportunity and showed her the appropriate serving size we give. It's been so long since she's been back that the large group really took her by surprise. There was well over 100 people! I asked Lisa to position herself 2nd in line as I took the 1st spot handling the plates and alfredo. One of our regular guests took the initiative to handle the cheesing, bread, fruit and waters. Randy was up top taking care of the prayer & information table. GOD orchestrated things perfectly.
Nobody went away unfed. I didn't push Jesus upon anyone... I didn't have to. His love was very present, as people passed by giving their condolences and prayers to me regarding our family. It was incredible to see that kind of love coming from such people.
All of that happened from 6:00-6:25pm. It was another early night.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Amazing Day it was.....!!
Good Day, all ! Well, first of all, This is "Randy" as I am filling in this weeks feed and blog, for Our wonderful friends, Beau and Amanda. Beau and Amanda suffered a "Family Emergency" today, and we are keeping them in prayer. Meanwhile, Here I am, with God's grace and love. I must say, God showed us his love and ability to answer prayer, today !! With short Notice, we were able to provide all our Friends in Pacific Beach who depend on us for that meal every Friday ! We were able to aquire 12 Large pizzas, and Ray brought a big box of Fuji apples, also ! There was enough to go around, and God provided just the right amount ! (again) Our normal gathering was somewhat smaller tonight, but there were a few of the regulars, and after speaking with some of them, I was able to see that God has been working in many of thier lifes, and seeing spiritual growth in them, just Inspires myself to do more within the ministry !! Thus being said, it was a real blessing to actually have some of them open the Meal with Prayer from them ! What a awesome sign of growth and devotion ! We were all real Happy to see our Dear friend, Lisa there, tonight, also. She has just returned from Germany, and she didn't miss the chance to snap up more photos of tonight's feed ! She even took the time to bring more cookies, which is always a welcome and tasty delight for all to enjoy !! Many of us all missed the presence of Beau and Amanda, as many asked about thier whereabouts. Our wonderful and devoted friends will be back,I assure you. Even during this difficult time they are going through, they were concerned and worried about making sure that there was food for those who depend on it. Again, it brings my thougts back to Glory to God, as HE is the one who controls what the outcome of all things that we do, have done, and will do. Amazing that we have such a wonderful, Loving God who just loves us all so unconditionally !!
God Bless and have a wonderful week...........
God Bless and have a wonderful week...........
Monday, October 12, 2009
Week 24
Well... it was a night that surprised us. As we arrived, the road was blocked off due to some event the following day, so we drove through the alley and "luckily" found an open parking spot.
Patrick, one of the regulars, came to assist with the unloading, as did others. He explained to me about the giant PB event that was being set up. The event coordinator actually set tables in the area we normally used, but he befriended her and made sure we were still able to set up without any disturbance.
We had about 1/3 of our normal attendance at the beginning of the night. The crowd seemed restless and I was worried about trying to share anything and fight for undivided attention. I felt defeated before we even started. I gathered with Amanda, Ray, and Patrick for prayer for the evening. I could still hear the loud rour of the crowd in the background as we were praying.... just before I finished, there was a very noticable silence that gave me the goosebumps. Amanda gently urged me to share scripture because I now had their attention.
I did not want to bore anybody, so I simply said that I wanted to tell them a story before we got started serving. Everyone likes stories!! I then shared about 3 men who had 'Unshakable Faith' from Daniel 3. I had everyone very interested in hearing about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and how they boldly stood up for what they believed in... and of course that allowed me to finish the story with the Hero who walked with them through the fire. Majority of them have never heard this before, and said they'd like to hear more another time. By golly... I think I may have actually found a way to get through to them!
Amanda handled both pasta dishes, I took care of the bread and cheesing, while Ray manned the fruit and water distribution. Randy was up top stationed at the information table getting his fair share of people. It's so great to see his idea turn into a great ministry of it's own (in a sense). I thank GOD for the people He's put in our path to keep this ministry going. This ministry has been alive for 6 months now.... every week, same time and yet we still have people who show up an hour or two late in the evening expecting there to be food. It was the first time we were unable to assure all guests were fed. I mentioned the crowd looked smaller in the beginning, but people continued to trickle in, so the food kept going and going. Some were able to get second plates, but by the time the late people showed up there was nothing left. My stomach dropped because I felt so bad allowing men to leave with an empty stomach. I know it's not my fault, but it still bothers me, when I see the sadness in their eyes before they walk away hanging their heads low.
About 20 of the guys stuck around after dinner just hanging out with us. It felt like it used to in the beginning when we had the intimacy. It was real nice to be able to sit one on one with a few of them.
I spent a good amount of time speaking with a guy known as 'Vista'. He's probably in his late 20's/early 30's. I see so much of my old self in him. He truly wants a relationship with Christ, but struggles with alcoholism. As we talked, he kept hugging me and crying on my shoulder. We prayed and prayed. He's been through some of the addiction programs and feels like there is no hope for him. I shared with him a piece of my own testimony, only to show him that YES, there is hope for anybody, because Jesus can do anything, but it is up to us to fully surrender our all to Him first. I told him a saying I had once heard: "GOD doesn't catch clean fish, He catches them first, then He cleans them." Vista wants his life to improve. He wants to be back in his daughters life. Everytime I see Vista, I can see his soul crying out for help through his glossy eyes. Please pray for Vista!
Patrick, one of the regulars, came to assist with the unloading, as did others. He explained to me about the giant PB event that was being set up. The event coordinator actually set tables in the area we normally used, but he befriended her and made sure we were still able to set up without any disturbance.
We had about 1/3 of our normal attendance at the beginning of the night. The crowd seemed restless and I was worried about trying to share anything and fight for undivided attention. I felt defeated before we even started. I gathered with Amanda, Ray, and Patrick for prayer for the evening. I could still hear the loud rour of the crowd in the background as we were praying.... just before I finished, there was a very noticable silence that gave me the goosebumps. Amanda gently urged me to share scripture because I now had their attention.
I did not want to bore anybody, so I simply said that I wanted to tell them a story before we got started serving. Everyone likes stories!! I then shared about 3 men who had 'Unshakable Faith' from Daniel 3. I had everyone very interested in hearing about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and how they boldly stood up for what they believed in... and of course that allowed me to finish the story with the Hero who walked with them through the fire. Majority of them have never heard this before, and said they'd like to hear more another time. By golly... I think I may have actually found a way to get through to them!
Amanda handled both pasta dishes, I took care of the bread and cheesing, while Ray manned the fruit and water distribution. Randy was up top stationed at the information table getting his fair share of people. It's so great to see his idea turn into a great ministry of it's own (in a sense). I thank GOD for the people He's put in our path to keep this ministry going. This ministry has been alive for 6 months now.... every week, same time and yet we still have people who show up an hour or two late in the evening expecting there to be food. It was the first time we were unable to assure all guests were fed. I mentioned the crowd looked smaller in the beginning, but people continued to trickle in, so the food kept going and going. Some were able to get second plates, but by the time the late people showed up there was nothing left. My stomach dropped because I felt so bad allowing men to leave with an empty stomach. I know it's not my fault, but it still bothers me, when I see the sadness in their eyes before they walk away hanging their heads low.
About 20 of the guys stuck around after dinner just hanging out with us. It felt like it used to in the beginning when we had the intimacy. It was real nice to be able to sit one on one with a few of them.
I spent a good amount of time speaking with a guy known as 'Vista'. He's probably in his late 20's/early 30's. I see so much of my old self in him. He truly wants a relationship with Christ, but struggles with alcoholism. As we talked, he kept hugging me and crying on my shoulder. We prayed and prayed. He's been through some of the addiction programs and feels like there is no hope for him. I shared with him a piece of my own testimony, only to show him that YES, there is hope for anybody, because Jesus can do anything, but it is up to us to fully surrender our all to Him first. I told him a saying I had once heard: "GOD doesn't catch clean fish, He catches them first, then He cleans them." Vista wants his life to improve. He wants to be back in his daughters life. Everytime I see Vista, I can see his soul crying out for help through his glossy eyes. Please pray for Vista!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Week 23... The Rainbow!
Genesis 9:12-17 And God said: “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” And God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.”
So, as I came home from work and started preparing the meal for my friends, it had been sprinkling on and off. My first reaction was to start worrying (which I do quite well) but then I remembered... In the very 1st few weeks of our ministry I prayed that it would not rain on us during our Friday night feeds. I stepped out of the kitchen and walked to the backyard and took a look out side. I noticed a faint rainbow in the distance, my heart was settled instantly! I felt that GOD was reminding me that I can trust HIM and he does hear my prayers. By the time we got down to the boardwalk, it was beautiful...
The evening went well. We had plenty of food for everybody and enough help to serve (thanks to Randy and Ray). We had a special guest early on in the evening. Lisa, our photographer friend, has been in Germany for some weeks now (we really miss her). Beau was approached by a gentleman asking if he was Beau. The man identified himself as Lisa's husband. Lisa had called her husband and asked him to come down and bring us cookies and check on Chicago for her. We are continually amazed by this woman. Her creative ability, gentleness and generosity are inspiring. It was a pleasure and honor to meet her husband and although Lisa was not there physically we knew that she was there with us in spirit.
Prior to serving the food, Joey went over Psalm 23 and concluded with a prayer emphasizing that the LORD is capable of taking care of us and that we can trust HIM with our lives.
Randy sat post at the "prayer table" up top. He was able to speak to some people and explain our ministry as they passed by. This idea of Randy's to set up this table where people can drop off prayer request, get information on our ministry or just hear some words of encouragement is ingenious. This idea was partially inspired by an unfortunate event that happened 2 weeks ago, when a man passing by wanted to contribute a financial donation to our ministry and mistakenly gave the money to a man that was an attendee of the feed. This person planned to keep all of the money but after being gently nudged to do the right thing, gave some of the money to Randy for the ministry. It reminds me of a great promise written in Romans 8:28-And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
After everyone ate, Beau taught a bible study (John 4:1-26). The study went well, 6 guys stayed to listen.
Afterward, Beau made plans to pick up some of the guys for chair set up at our church as well as to attend service on Sunday morning. We stayed for a little while talking and praying for our friends. It was another great night where the presence of God was undeniably evident!
In conclusion, I would like to express our gratitude.
To all the people who read along and pray for us, Thank You! Without your prayers it would be very difficult to pull this off week by week. Through the power of prayer we have seen- a powerful presence of the Lord in a place that is normally spiritually dark, favor and encouragement from law enforcement and financial support to keep the food, clothes and hygienic supplies coming.
To all of the people who donate to the ministry financially or through the donation of your time, Thank You! You help keep me sane! Your help and donations to this ministry are invaluable to us. One of the biggest blessings for me is to see how GOD uses my brothers and sisters with their gifts and talents for His name.
Thank you all, we love you!
So, as I came home from work and started preparing the meal for my friends, it had been sprinkling on and off. My first reaction was to start worrying (which I do quite well) but then I remembered... In the very 1st few weeks of our ministry I prayed that it would not rain on us during our Friday night feeds. I stepped out of the kitchen and walked to the backyard and took a look out side. I noticed a faint rainbow in the distance, my heart was settled instantly! I felt that GOD was reminding me that I can trust HIM and he does hear my prayers. By the time we got down to the boardwalk, it was beautiful...
The evening went well. We had plenty of food for everybody and enough help to serve (thanks to Randy and Ray). We had a special guest early on in the evening. Lisa, our photographer friend, has been in Germany for some weeks now (we really miss her). Beau was approached by a gentleman asking if he was Beau. The man identified himself as Lisa's husband. Lisa had called her husband and asked him to come down and bring us cookies and check on Chicago for her. We are continually amazed by this woman. Her creative ability, gentleness and generosity are inspiring. It was a pleasure and honor to meet her husband and although Lisa was not there physically we knew that she was there with us in spirit.
Prior to serving the food, Joey went over Psalm 23 and concluded with a prayer emphasizing that the LORD is capable of taking care of us and that we can trust HIM with our lives.
Randy sat post at the "prayer table" up top. He was able to speak to some people and explain our ministry as they passed by. This idea of Randy's to set up this table where people can drop off prayer request, get information on our ministry or just hear some words of encouragement is ingenious. This idea was partially inspired by an unfortunate event that happened 2 weeks ago, when a man passing by wanted to contribute a financial donation to our ministry and mistakenly gave the money to a man that was an attendee of the feed. This person planned to keep all of the money but after being gently nudged to do the right thing, gave some of the money to Randy for the ministry. It reminds me of a great promise written in Romans 8:28-And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
After everyone ate, Beau taught a bible study (John 4:1-26). The study went well, 6 guys stayed to listen.
Afterward, Beau made plans to pick up some of the guys for chair set up at our church as well as to attend service on Sunday morning. We stayed for a little while talking and praying for our friends. It was another great night where the presence of God was undeniably evident!
In conclusion, I would like to express our gratitude.
To all the people who read along and pray for us, Thank You! Without your prayers it would be very difficult to pull this off week by week. Through the power of prayer we have seen- a powerful presence of the Lord in a place that is normally spiritually dark, favor and encouragement from law enforcement and financial support to keep the food, clothes and hygienic supplies coming.
To all of the people who donate to the ministry financially or through the donation of your time, Thank You! You help keep me sane! Your help and donations to this ministry are invaluable to us. One of the biggest blessings for me is to see how GOD uses my brothers and sisters with their gifts and talents for His name.
Thank you all, we love you!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Week 22 (Sunday)
While investing so much time with the men of PB, I've learned a thing or two. These guys realize they don't have much and accept that sad truth, but there is one thing they holdfast... and that is their 'word'. You're word is something that nobody can ever take away from you, it's something that you have the ability to keep or allow to freely let go of, leading to disappointment.
Steven and James both kept their word. Both were sitting along the wall in the cul-de-sac. James told a new friend of his about going to church, and that guy wanted to go too. So... into the truck, piled James, John and Steven. We arrived early, as the norm, grabbed out seats and just started small talk with each other. As James was speaking, he started to weep. He said he had this overwhelming sensation inside and he wasn't sure why. I reminded him that the decision he made 2 weeks ago, was indeed a 'life changer' and it was possible that The Holy Spirit was working in him right then. I discovered that John was very fresh to the street life, as of 2 days ago. I sat and listened to James explain to John how to survive: where to go for free meals; what areas are dangerous to sleep, and where to take showers, and what times. It's definately an eye opener to see how they take care of their own.
After service, Steven went over to the sign up tables and verified that he was still enrolled for the upcoming Christians Foundation Class. CFC is a class designed for new believers, the curious, or those who want a refresher in the basics of Christianity. It's a joy to see how much Steven has grown. In the time he's come to church with us, he's learned where to park his giant luggage bag. (He does not feel comfortable leaving it at the car/truck) Steven is a people person, and has no problem walking up to people during greetings, even those who as far as 10 rows away! I'm excited to hear how his classes go.
Later in the afternoon, having dropped the guys off. I found myself in PB again, this time to have lunch with my younger cousin. I was sharing with him, all that's happened with the ministry. As soon as we turn the corner, we run into 3 people.... all of whom have accepted Christ 2 weeks ago. It was Ryan's 25th birthday, and he was just sitting in front of Ralphs on a bench. I asked if he'd eaten yet, he hadn't. I invited him to lunch with us as a gift. He shared that he was hoping to make it back home to Cincinatti within the week and thanked me for everything. We prayed together and encouraged him to keep seeking GOD. I reminded him that his baptism wasn't to be taken lightly and to get rooted in a bible teaching church when he made it home. He said he'd like to try and make it at least once to our church before he leaves. Weds is that perfect opportunity, and I told him where to meet me and the others in the cul-de-sac.
It was an awesome day!
Steven and James both kept their word. Both were sitting along the wall in the cul-de-sac. James told a new friend of his about going to church, and that guy wanted to go too. So... into the truck, piled James, John and Steven. We arrived early, as the norm, grabbed out seats and just started small talk with each other. As James was speaking, he started to weep. He said he had this overwhelming sensation inside and he wasn't sure why. I reminded him that the decision he made 2 weeks ago, was indeed a 'life changer' and it was possible that The Holy Spirit was working in him right then. I discovered that John was very fresh to the street life, as of 2 days ago. I sat and listened to James explain to John how to survive: where to go for free meals; what areas are dangerous to sleep, and where to take showers, and what times. It's definately an eye opener to see how they take care of their own.
After service, Steven went over to the sign up tables and verified that he was still enrolled for the upcoming Christians Foundation Class. CFC is a class designed for new believers, the curious, or those who want a refresher in the basics of Christianity. It's a joy to see how much Steven has grown. In the time he's come to church with us, he's learned where to park his giant luggage bag. (He does not feel comfortable leaving it at the car/truck) Steven is a people person, and has no problem walking up to people during greetings, even those who as far as 10 rows away! I'm excited to hear how his classes go.
Later in the afternoon, having dropped the guys off. I found myself in PB again, this time to have lunch with my younger cousin. I was sharing with him, all that's happened with the ministry. As soon as we turn the corner, we run into 3 people.... all of whom have accepted Christ 2 weeks ago. It was Ryan's 25th birthday, and he was just sitting in front of Ralphs on a bench. I asked if he'd eaten yet, he hadn't. I invited him to lunch with us as a gift. He shared that he was hoping to make it back home to Cincinatti within the week and thanked me for everything. We prayed together and encouraged him to keep seeking GOD. I reminded him that his baptism wasn't to be taken lightly and to get rooted in a bible teaching church when he made it home. He said he'd like to try and make it at least once to our church before he leaves. Weds is that perfect opportunity, and I told him where to meet me and the others in the cul-de-sac.
It was an awesome day!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Week 22
It was another night full of encouragement & blessings and for the most part... respect. I mention respect, simply because it's something that I realize all the people in Pacific Beach have for us, or at least while they're in line waiting for a hot meal. I'll explain further into this.
Today, the smaller things for preperation seemed chaotic. The store was completely out of ice, which meant going to another store and spending more for less ice... then I stood behind the most absurb customer at yet a differant store, so we could get a new pan for the bread, which took over 20mins. I thought we'd be running late when it came to crunch time, but somehow-someway we still ended up arriving in PB about 15 mins ahead of schedule.
Upon arrival we noticed familiar faces waiting curbside to assist with the unloading. Ray, one of our brothers from church, blessed us with his presence and helping hands... and boy did we need the extra hands tonight! It's so enlightening to see how GOD speaks to others and gets them involved one way or another.
Our brother, Randy sat post at the prayer table (which was a great idea, NOT MINE, by the way) on the upper level boardwalk. Loving Thy Neighbor Ministries now has an awesome flyer for others to read as they stroll on by.
I shared a message of hope, the only true hope that can be found in our Lord Jesus Christ. It seemed alot easier tonight, then it did last week. I didn't have the butterflies in my stomach or the shaking of my knees. There was a very captive audience of about 100 people, who *respectfully stood quiet as I started to share. They trust us and that means a great deal to me. They may not all share our beliefs but they do have enough respect to not interrupt when I'm sharing GOD's word. As I spoke, I looked around in the crowd and could almost see the men & women soaking up the verses and evaulating what was said.
A man who had been walking by, over heard the closing prayer and came by to share some encouraging words. He's a believer too, and just moved to town. He said that he'd like to possibly start assisting us and promised to come by next week. The good Lord knows as this thing grows, we can sure use the extra help! Another guy who was getting food, told me he had written a song about our ministry and wanted to share it next week. I'm somewhat cautious about that one... we certainly do not wish to take any credit for anything that has happened here in the past 5 months, but it would be nice to hear how others perceive the changes in peoples lives through the Love that has been poured out.
For the first time ever... we nearly turned somebody away without a bite to eat. As the last person stood before us, staring down at the empty trays, with despair in his eyes... all I had left to offer was a single apple. Spike, another brother in the Body, saw what went on and sacrificially handed the guy his own plate of food. It broke my heart to see such humility from one who's in need himself. The Lord takes care of His own and Spike knows that. We prayed with confidence that Spike's needs be met.
A few more guys showed interest in coming to church and hearing more about Jesus. Soon I'll be needing a bus to transport the group. Thankfully others from our church have generously offered assistance if transportation ever became a fitment issue.
GOD's love is amazing! GOD's love is abundant! GOD's love is overflowing onto the boardwalk of Pacific Beach and it's only going to grow!
Today, the smaller things for preperation seemed chaotic. The store was completely out of ice, which meant going to another store and spending more for less ice... then I stood behind the most absurb customer at yet a differant store, so we could get a new pan for the bread, which took over 20mins. I thought we'd be running late when it came to crunch time, but somehow-someway we still ended up arriving in PB about 15 mins ahead of schedule.
Upon arrival we noticed familiar faces waiting curbside to assist with the unloading. Ray, one of our brothers from church, blessed us with his presence and helping hands... and boy did we need the extra hands tonight! It's so enlightening to see how GOD speaks to others and gets them involved one way or another.
Our brother, Randy sat post at the prayer table (which was a great idea, NOT MINE, by the way) on the upper level boardwalk. Loving Thy Neighbor Ministries now has an awesome flyer for others to read as they stroll on by.
I shared a message of hope, the only true hope that can be found in our Lord Jesus Christ. It seemed alot easier tonight, then it did last week. I didn't have the butterflies in my stomach or the shaking of my knees. There was a very captive audience of about 100 people, who *respectfully stood quiet as I started to share. They trust us and that means a great deal to me. They may not all share our beliefs but they do have enough respect to not interrupt when I'm sharing GOD's word. As I spoke, I looked around in the crowd and could almost see the men & women soaking up the verses and evaulating what was said.
A man who had been walking by, over heard the closing prayer and came by to share some encouraging words. He's a believer too, and just moved to town. He said that he'd like to possibly start assisting us and promised to come by next week. The good Lord knows as this thing grows, we can sure use the extra help! Another guy who was getting food, told me he had written a song about our ministry and wanted to share it next week. I'm somewhat cautious about that one... we certainly do not wish to take any credit for anything that has happened here in the past 5 months, but it would be nice to hear how others perceive the changes in peoples lives through the Love that has been poured out.
For the first time ever... we nearly turned somebody away without a bite to eat. As the last person stood before us, staring down at the empty trays, with despair in his eyes... all I had left to offer was a single apple. Spike, another brother in the Body, saw what went on and sacrificially handed the guy his own plate of food. It broke my heart to see such humility from one who's in need himself. The Lord takes care of His own and Spike knows that. We prayed with confidence that Spike's needs be met.
A few more guys showed interest in coming to church and hearing more about Jesus. Soon I'll be needing a bus to transport the group. Thankfully others from our church have generously offered assistance if transportation ever became a fitment issue.
GOD's love is amazing! GOD's love is abundant! GOD's love is overflowing onto the boardwalk of Pacific Beach and it's only going to grow!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)