Please allow me to start by reminding everyone that we (Most people) are truly blessed beyond what we can ever imagine!
We have our health and if we're sick or have a cough, we can conveniently go to the local store, get some cough drops or make an appointment to see our physician. Chances are if you're reading this, you have the luxury of electricity and are in the confines of 4 walls with a roof over your head and most likely a warm room with a bed to sleep in during the cold nights.
This is not written as a guilt trip of any sort... this is to simply remind all of us to be thankful for the things we do have. Most, if not all, of the men and women that we meet with on a weekly basis do not share the same luxuries that I just mentioned. I'm sure you already knew that though. I make mention of the health issue, because my heart is burdened with grief with what I've experienced within the last week or so.
When we first started this Ministry, Amanda and I had our fair share of "homeless people" that we knew, but it was just in passing or because we usually saw them in front of the local gas station. My heart has grown to love all of these people... as hard as that may be at times and I genuinely care for each of them that let me get close enough to know them. What I'm sharing is that some of these people have grown on me and I personally know them in one way or another. Whether it be in PB on Friday, or driving down the street anywhere else, I now see somebody in need completely different than I did before.
An astonishing and heartbreaking number that most would consider a "lucky" number- 7... A total of 7 people, whom all were "without shelter", whom I've personally known (one way or another) have passed away within the last week. Of those 7, my Friend & Brother in Christ, Kenneth, who I had the privilege to meet through this Ministry, has went to the mansion that our Heavenly Father has prepared for him. May his warm, gentle smile forever be remembered.
Some of these 7 passed while sleeping in the cold, some from drug overdoses, and some from neglecting their health. The entire point of all this, is to encourage others to pray. Next time you're at a stop light in your car, or walking into Starbucks and see somebody in need... you don't need to give them anything.... but you can always lift them up in prayer. Tomorrow is promised to no one! I'm learning that this Ministry is only getting harder as I meet more people. It's tugging at my heart because I'm aware of the health issues they have, the addictions they struggle with and where they call home.
Now that I've shared what's on my heart, I'll get onto sharing about the evening...
It's always so encouraging to be greeted upon arrival from others waiting to serve and carry items down for us. My friend Rob, from home fellowhip, was able to join us for the night. Lamarr made the journey down on his bicycle to help Minister to everyone. Dana and Ruben blessed us with their giant salads and helping hands. We had a good number of volunteers to help distribute the clothing because the crowd is growing again.
I started the evening by sharing the scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:9.
About 30mins into the night, I noticed some of our team just hanging out and Ministering love to individuals all around us. It was beautiful! I was asked to pray for a man named Larry (a regular) by his friend Jane (another regular). Larry was rushed to the hospital due to Liver failure early Friday afternoon. Booze is his weakness. Please keep his health and salvation in your prayers.
To my knowledge, only 1 person was unable to eat because the food had run out by the time he'd arrived. We ended fairly early even with a larger group. Some of our team decided to go hang out afterwards. In all of the excitement, one of us had accidentally forgotten something down there. It wasn't until about 15mins later that we realized this, so we turned around. I would like to think that the power of GOD has impacted the lives of the individuals in PB, because in the past... this item would have be lonnnnnnggggg gone, but of course it was still sitting in the same place, untouched, undisturbed. That in itself is a true miracle!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Longer days equals longer lines.
It's so nice to have the wonderful sunlight again! As the winter comes to an end, so does the shelter & help from the city, for the needy. Which brings them back to the streets in search of places to eat. Just from the last few weeks, we've seen the attendance grow in the upper 2 digit numbers again. Due to the lengthy line, and people arriving later, there were about 3-5 people who missed out on a meal tonight. It's really sad to look them in their eyes and have to tell them we have nothing left, before they walk away.
Tonight's message was about facing the cold reality of "Death". This week was a struggle for me to find the proper message to share... and to be honest, it wasn't until this very morning, that I was inspired by my own Pastors daily devotions, that GOD revealed what was to be said. I certainly couldn't have planned that, and it was perfect because it was all part of GOD's perfect plan. Today was such a beautiful day in sunny San Diego! The beach itself was packed with many people enjoying the weather -tanning, playing football, reading books... all on the sand. As I started to share the message, I glanced out to the beach and noticed a large portion of people were listening to what was being said. I feel it was at that very moment, that GOD gave me a very small glimpse of what He had planned.
We were blessed again with so many of the HSE students, to help minister where it's needed. While Jason played an amazing set of worship songs, Will and I went to speak with a regular guest, "Ron". He was very depressed and we offered prayer. He declined because he's agnostic. Just a few minutes into our conversation, I was baffled to learn that he was once a Reverend. (I can not comprehend how one could go from one to the other!) His piercing blue eyes screamed out years of pain and suffering of some kind, as tears slowly trickled down his cheeks. It's hard for me to know what to do in this situation... most people are more than happy to have others pray for them, but not Ron. He doesn't want anything to do with Jesus. (Please stop reading right now, and take a moment to pray for this man.)
As we went back to the lower level to be with the group, we were greeted with smiles from everyone. All seemed very well. There were tons of clothes being given out. It's a great honor for me to see how this Ministry has grown over the last year.
Starting from Amanda and I bringing a single tray of Spaghetti and meeting with a group no larger than 7 or 8 people; growing to 4 trays of pasta, fruits, salads, desserts, clothes, hygiene kits, socks, Bibles, worship music, dozens of people coming to know Christ, men overcoming their addictions, a full team of support, and ministering to a group the size of a few Platoons. I am sooooooooo thankful that GOD is moving in this Ministry!
Many of our friends from HSE got the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with people and pray with them. I wish I had the time to sit down with all of them and get their perspectives to share with all who read this blog. Perhaps some of them will write and share...
One of our regulars, Michael (who'd recently accepted Jesus) had a handful of prayer requests and I had the privilage to pray with him. Simply by his requests, I could tell that fruit is starting to blossom. His prayers were not of selfish motives, on the other hand, they were for others. One person I'd like to share about is a man named Mr. Groff. He's currently a patient at the VA hospital and spends his days laying face down on a gurney, alone with no visitors. Michael asked if we could pray for this mans comfort! I did my best to let Micahel know that he doesn't need a mediator to Jesus, he has full access to our Lord just a well as any of us do, and encouraged him to pray for Mr. Groff anytime he thought of him.
Amanda's co-worker, James, was able to sit with a gentleman for some one-on-one talk. I didn't really get a chance to hear what all of the conversations were throughout the night, but it's neat to sit back and watch the love of GOD work through people. For many, all they desire is to be accepted and talked to like civil human beings again. If nothing else, we can at least do that..... but I'm happy to announce that GOD is doing far more than that through his faithful ones who are willing to step out in faith.
Tonight's message was about facing the cold reality of "Death". This week was a struggle for me to find the proper message to share... and to be honest, it wasn't until this very morning, that I was inspired by my own Pastors daily devotions, that GOD revealed what was to be said. I certainly couldn't have planned that, and it was perfect because it was all part of GOD's perfect plan. Today was such a beautiful day in sunny San Diego! The beach itself was packed with many people enjoying the weather -tanning, playing football, reading books... all on the sand. As I started to share the message, I glanced out to the beach and noticed a large portion of people were listening to what was being said. I feel it was at that very moment, that GOD gave me a very small glimpse of what He had planned.
We were blessed again with so many of the HSE students, to help minister where it's needed. While Jason played an amazing set of worship songs, Will and I went to speak with a regular guest, "Ron". He was very depressed and we offered prayer. He declined because he's agnostic. Just a few minutes into our conversation, I was baffled to learn that he was once a Reverend. (I can not comprehend how one could go from one to the other!) His piercing blue eyes screamed out years of pain and suffering of some kind, as tears slowly trickled down his cheeks. It's hard for me to know what to do in this situation... most people are more than happy to have others pray for them, but not Ron. He doesn't want anything to do with Jesus. (Please stop reading right now, and take a moment to pray for this man.)
As we went back to the lower level to be with the group, we were greeted with smiles from everyone. All seemed very well. There were tons of clothes being given out. It's a great honor for me to see how this Ministry has grown over the last year.
Starting from Amanda and I bringing a single tray of Spaghetti and meeting with a group no larger than 7 or 8 people; growing to 4 trays of pasta, fruits, salads, desserts, clothes, hygiene kits, socks, Bibles, worship music, dozens of people coming to know Christ, men overcoming their addictions, a full team of support, and ministering to a group the size of a few Platoons. I am sooooooooo thankful that GOD is moving in this Ministry!
Many of our friends from HSE got the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with people and pray with them. I wish I had the time to sit down with all of them and get their perspectives to share with all who read this blog. Perhaps some of them will write and share...
One of our regulars, Michael (who'd recently accepted Jesus) had a handful of prayer requests and I had the privilage to pray with him. Simply by his requests, I could tell that fruit is starting to blossom. His prayers were not of selfish motives, on the other hand, they were for others. One person I'd like to share about is a man named Mr. Groff. He's currently a patient at the VA hospital and spends his days laying face down on a gurney, alone with no visitors. Michael asked if we could pray for this mans comfort! I did my best to let Micahel know that he doesn't need a mediator to Jesus, he has full access to our Lord just a well as any of us do, and encouraged him to pray for Mr. Groff anytime he thought of him.
Amanda's co-worker, James, was able to sit with a gentleman for some one-on-one talk. I didn't really get a chance to hear what all of the conversations were throughout the night, but it's neat to sit back and watch the love of GOD work through people. For many, all they desire is to be accepted and talked to like civil human beings again. If nothing else, we can at least do that..... but I'm happy to announce that GOD is doing far more than that through his faithful ones who are willing to step out in faith.
Friday, March 12, 2010
The lessons HE teaches... (March 12th)
Friday night went well... We were blessed again to have some of the students from HSE come down, lead worship and minister to our friends. We were also joined by some of our friends from our home fellowship and a friend of mine from work. Dana and Reuben blessed us again with a huge salad, apples and most importantly their presence and willingness to help out.
Beau spoke a message of building strong foundations in our lives. He gave an invitation and 4 men came to know Jesus. Please pray for these men that the seeds that have fallen do not get snatched up.
There were many opportunities to pray for our friends down at the beach and we took full advantage of it. I came across a lady, we'll call her A for privacy reasons, that I had been ministering to for some time. Just recently, maybe 3 months ago, she let me inside her life a little bit and told me a heart breaking story of how she came to be on the streets. I felt like I had made a little break through with her because she had always been very guarded with us. Beau and I had come down on a few Saturday mornings to spend some one on one time with her and to try to get to know her better. Then one week she was gone and she had not been around for the last 3-4 weeks. I was worried about her, hoping that she was OK as she had been telling me of some harassment she had been victim to. Every week I would ask around to see if any of the guys knew where she was. No one could really say much other than "she's around". As we were winding down for the night I looked up and saw her walking on the board walk. I was so happy to see her. I was able to spend some time catching up with her. She told me that she has found a place to stay. In turn for cooking, grocery shopping and running errands she has been allowed to stay in a near by apartment. It was a blessing to see her and a reminder of the love that GOD has placed in my heart for the people down there. I mention her and a little about her story as a reminder to pray for these people, collectively and individually. It is not far fetched for their lives to be taken by an act of violence or a drug or alcohol over dose. They are dying, physically and more importantly spiritually. They desperately need the Lord...
As we approach our year mark of the ministry I can't help but look back at all of the things that the Lord as taught me... In so many ways HE has shown me what true love is. HE has shown me that true love does not judge; that it is gentle and patient; that it can be given without any reciprocation and that it is not self serving. HE has shown me that love is a choice and requires sacrifice. I know that this ministry is not for everyone. It is a difficult ministry and often times discouraging. In fact, I would have thought that this type of ministry was not for me but GOD has this amazing way of teaching me that HIS ministry.... is simply to love.
Thank you all for reading, for your prayers and support. We love you and thank GOD for you continually.
Beau spoke a message of building strong foundations in our lives. He gave an invitation and 4 men came to know Jesus. Please pray for these men that the seeds that have fallen do not get snatched up.
There were many opportunities to pray for our friends down at the beach and we took full advantage of it. I came across a lady, we'll call her A for privacy reasons, that I had been ministering to for some time. Just recently, maybe 3 months ago, she let me inside her life a little bit and told me a heart breaking story of how she came to be on the streets. I felt like I had made a little break through with her because she had always been very guarded with us. Beau and I had come down on a few Saturday mornings to spend some one on one time with her and to try to get to know her better. Then one week she was gone and she had not been around for the last 3-4 weeks. I was worried about her, hoping that she was OK as she had been telling me of some harassment she had been victim to. Every week I would ask around to see if any of the guys knew where she was. No one could really say much other than "she's around". As we were winding down for the night I looked up and saw her walking on the board walk. I was so happy to see her. I was able to spend some time catching up with her. She told me that she has found a place to stay. In turn for cooking, grocery shopping and running errands she has been allowed to stay in a near by apartment. It was a blessing to see her and a reminder of the love that GOD has placed in my heart for the people down there. I mention her and a little about her story as a reminder to pray for these people, collectively and individually. It is not far fetched for their lives to be taken by an act of violence or a drug or alcohol over dose. They are dying, physically and more importantly spiritually. They desperately need the Lord...
As we approach our year mark of the ministry I can't help but look back at all of the things that the Lord as taught me... In so many ways HE has shown me what true love is. HE has shown me that true love does not judge; that it is gentle and patient; that it can be given without any reciprocation and that it is not self serving. HE has shown me that love is a choice and requires sacrifice. I know that this ministry is not for everyone. It is a difficult ministry and often times discouraging. In fact, I would have thought that this type of ministry was not for me but GOD has this amazing way of teaching me that HIS ministry.... is simply to love.
Thank you all for reading, for your prayers and support. We love you and thank GOD for you continually.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Bearing Fruit ~ Friday (March 5th)
It is so refreshing to see others commit to this Ministry! My wife and I are thankful to GOD for answering our prayers. There are 2 particular verses that come to mind when we reflect on what GOD has done through the love of others at our side.
"We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing." (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
"They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed." (Acts 28:10)
Last night was another blessed night for everyone. The previous week I'd been introduced to a Sister in Christ, who'd been jogging by and happened to see the love that was being poured out. She'd asked if there was anything she could do to help out. I'd told that we'd find something she could do. She was the first person I ran into when we pulled up last night, and not only her, but she brought along 2 friends as well. I asked them to handle the distribution of clothing and blankets.
As we were setting up, Reuben and his wife Dana arrived and blessed us with 2 large dishes of fresh salads and helped finish setting up. It's amazing how GOD uses people to confirm His will for my life. To see the excitement and joy that this Ministry brings to others, confirms that we are called to be here and that He is moving!
Knowing in advance we'd have some of the HSE students returning, I'd brought the extra items back down. Jason, the worship leader, was one of the first students to arrive, we discussed when the praise music should begin.
I shared a devotion that I'd received recently, and while I was speaking, directly in front of me, sat a man set out to distract me. I prayed in my heart while I was sharing The Truth, and GOD helped me tune this mans distractions out and stay focused.
My soul weeped inside as I glanced at all the blank faces looking back at me. The next thing I know... I'm overcome with this boldness to let them know that if Jesus were have returned right then, some of them wouldn't make it to Heaven. (I was terrified! Afraid that this statement would upset some.) I realized then, at that very moment, I was no longer reading from my notes but The Spirit of GOD was speaking through me.
An invitation to accept the One and Only True Saviour was given and I'm pleased to say that Michael gave his heart to Jesus!
Because we had so much help, I was free to walk among the crowd and spend some one-on-one time with Michael. He was encouraged to get rooted into a Bible Believing, Bible Teaching church in the nearby area. I offered to pick him up and bring him to ours if he'd like. He declined a ride from a stranger and said he'd find one in PB.
The love of Jesus Christ was definitely poured out all over the boardwalk and I only see it spreading like a wildfire. It's a beautiful thing to look around and see many people wearing the beanies that were made in love specifically for this Ministry. GOD is good friends!
"We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing." (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
"They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed." (Acts 28:10)
Last night was another blessed night for everyone. The previous week I'd been introduced to a Sister in Christ, who'd been jogging by and happened to see the love that was being poured out. She'd asked if there was anything she could do to help out. I'd told that we'd find something she could do. She was the first person I ran into when we pulled up last night, and not only her, but she brought along 2 friends as well. I asked them to handle the distribution of clothing and blankets.
As we were setting up, Reuben and his wife Dana arrived and blessed us with 2 large dishes of fresh salads and helped finish setting up. It's amazing how GOD uses people to confirm His will for my life. To see the excitement and joy that this Ministry brings to others, confirms that we are called to be here and that He is moving!
Knowing in advance we'd have some of the HSE students returning, I'd brought the extra items back down. Jason, the worship leader, was one of the first students to arrive, we discussed when the praise music should begin.
I shared a devotion that I'd received recently, and while I was speaking, directly in front of me, sat a man set out to distract me. I prayed in my heart while I was sharing The Truth, and GOD helped me tune this mans distractions out and stay focused.
My soul weeped inside as I glanced at all the blank faces looking back at me. The next thing I know... I'm overcome with this boldness to let them know that if Jesus were have returned right then, some of them wouldn't make it to Heaven. (I was terrified! Afraid that this statement would upset some.) I realized then, at that very moment, I was no longer reading from my notes but The Spirit of GOD was speaking through me.
An invitation to accept the One and Only True Saviour was given and I'm pleased to say that Michael gave his heart to Jesus!
Because we had so much help, I was free to walk among the crowd and spend some one-on-one time with Michael. He was encouraged to get rooted into a Bible Believing, Bible Teaching church in the nearby area. I offered to pick him up and bring him to ours if he'd like. He declined a ride from a stranger and said he'd find one in PB.
The love of Jesus Christ was definitely poured out all over the boardwalk and I only see it spreading like a wildfire. It's a beautiful thing to look around and see many people wearing the beanies that were made in love specifically for this Ministry. GOD is good friends!
Friday, February 26, 2010
And the Spirit moved them... Friday (2/26/10)
What an amazing night it was! Although I was informed in advance we'd have the blessing of extra support tonight, nothing would have prepared me for what really happened. Words are unable to describe exactly what I mean.... but I'll try.
Our church has a program called the Horizon School of Evangelism (HSE). My wife and I had graduated from this school back in 1999. I had the privilege of sharing about this Ministry with some of the men currently enrolled in this school a few weeks ago. The Spirit of GOD had in someway touched their hearts upon hearing what was happening in PB. Tonight a large number of those students came to our side. With that being said... we'd made all the proper preparations for such a massive assistance and gathered together most of everything Amanda and I are unable to disperse by ourselves. We had tons of clothes, blankets, more hats & beanies, new socks, and jackets. Some of the students blessed us by breaking down some care packages prior to arrival, so we could hand out hygienic items without being wasteful.
Due to my sore throat, Joey stepped in and shared The Word tonight, closing with an invitation to accept Jesus Christ. There were a few people who prayed along with us and made a decision for the better!
There was worship music! I mean live worship music the entire night! It was such an answered prayer. I can't say that I know of anything sweeter than the beautiful sound of praises to our Saviour.
We had the usual pastas, bread... and Reuben contributed with fruits and salads again this week. It's very refreshing to have others bring something else to the tables. Of course the meal wouldn't be complete without the desserts from Lisa.
We had plenty of helping hands to handle the large crowd of 50 people or so.
As the food line trickled down to a manageable size, I made my way out from behind the make line, to interact with others. I was given the opportunity to pray with some people, and asked a few of the HSE guys to join me. As we prayed together for Guitar Billy & Justice, I felt the gentle presence of GOD among us. (These two men suffer from major drug addictions and want deliverance.)
I canvassed the area with a quick glance and was in awe... what I was staring at, was exactly something Amanda and I had envisioned too long ago! People were Ministering to everyone around. I don't think there was anybody who didn't have a Believer in their midst sharing something about Jesus with them. It was so beautiful to see first hand how GOD had orchestrated the events of tonight, to make everything fall into place so perfectly.
The entire evening went well. In the beginning, I'd suggested to our help, to please do as the Spirit leads, go where they felt called, and Minister where it's needed. I'm still trying to soak the evening in. GOD never ceases to amaze me! He'd spoken to the HSE students, and His Spirit moved on them to come down to help. We were blessed to have their help, they were blessed to participate, and a few of them shared that they'd like to return in the future.
"Trust in The Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will guide your paths." (Proverbs 3:5, 6)
Our church has a program called the Horizon School of Evangelism (HSE). My wife and I had graduated from this school back in 1999. I had the privilege of sharing about this Ministry with some of the men currently enrolled in this school a few weeks ago. The Spirit of GOD had in someway touched their hearts upon hearing what was happening in PB. Tonight a large number of those students came to our side. With that being said... we'd made all the proper preparations for such a massive assistance and gathered together most of everything Amanda and I are unable to disperse by ourselves. We had tons of clothes, blankets, more hats & beanies, new socks, and jackets. Some of the students blessed us by breaking down some care packages prior to arrival, so we could hand out hygienic items without being wasteful.
Due to my sore throat, Joey stepped in and shared The Word tonight, closing with an invitation to accept Jesus Christ. There were a few people who prayed along with us and made a decision for the better!
There was worship music! I mean live worship music the entire night! It was such an answered prayer. I can't say that I know of anything sweeter than the beautiful sound of praises to our Saviour.
We had the usual pastas, bread... and Reuben contributed with fruits and salads again this week. It's very refreshing to have others bring something else to the tables. Of course the meal wouldn't be complete without the desserts from Lisa.
We had plenty of helping hands to handle the large crowd of 50 people or so.
As the food line trickled down to a manageable size, I made my way out from behind the make line, to interact with others. I was given the opportunity to pray with some people, and asked a few of the HSE guys to join me. As we prayed together for Guitar Billy & Justice, I felt the gentle presence of GOD among us. (These two men suffer from major drug addictions and want deliverance.)
I canvassed the area with a quick glance and was in awe... what I was staring at, was exactly something Amanda and I had envisioned too long ago! People were Ministering to everyone around. I don't think there was anybody who didn't have a Believer in their midst sharing something about Jesus with them. It was so beautiful to see first hand how GOD had orchestrated the events of tonight, to make everything fall into place so perfectly.
The entire evening went well. In the beginning, I'd suggested to our help, to please do as the Spirit leads, go where they felt called, and Minister where it's needed. I'm still trying to soak the evening in. GOD never ceases to amaze me! He'd spoken to the HSE students, and His Spirit moved on them to come down to help. We were blessed to have their help, they were blessed to participate, and a few of them shared that they'd like to return in the future.
"Trust in The Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will guide your paths." (Proverbs 3:5, 6)
Friday, February 19, 2010
Divine Opportunities ~ February 19, 2010
This week has definitely had it's ups and downs for me, making it harder than usual to prepare for a study. Just this afternoon, The Spirit gave me the perfect message to share. It was the background behind John Newton and his famous song Amazing Grace.
There was only a small handful of guys when we first arrived, and our usual friendly helper, Ron came to assist in the unloading and set-up. Knowing in advance that we'd have a few extra people, we decided to bring some stuff we'd accumulated through donations: Hygiene packs, clothing, blankets, and the new batch of beanies from last week.
We were blessed with additional food contribution, with items such as a giant bowl of fresh salad & dressing; a big bowl of fruit; breads; and an array of desserts.
As I was sharing the story, the crowd grew in size, nearly quadrupling it's original number... but not due to interest in what was being shared, rather a drunken gathering of hungry people wanting food & socializing. I continued to speak through the major distraction and focused eye to eye with those that were actually listening to me. I was comforted by He who gives comfort, and because of that comfort I experienced tonight... I understood that Jesus was working inside of me.
It had been some time since we had such a large group. It was nice to see some new people who gladly accepted our Neighborly Love. I especially enjoy finding new people to share with about Jesus Christ.
There was one particular guy, named Cortney, who was very willing to help load our truck when we'd finished. As we walked to the truck, we conversed about my beliefs. It was too perfect of an opportunity to be anything other than a Divine Opportunity to speak one on one about my Lord Jesus. Cortney was genuinely interested in hearing more and asked if he could (in the future) sit and pick my brain some. I pray that nothing stops that from happening. No doubt a seed was planted tonight, and it would be a great honor to see whether it's fallen into good soil or rock, but I understand it's not up to me.
I invited Cortney to church this Sunday and gave him my cell number, should he have a desire to go. Please pray for him that the enemy would not snatch that seed.
As we cleaned up the area, we'd noticed alot of wasted food - nearly full plates sitting on the wall, pieces of bread thrown on the grass, and it saddened me deeply. I'd like to figure out a way to prevent that in the future.
There was only a small handful of guys when we first arrived, and our usual friendly helper, Ron came to assist in the unloading and set-up. Knowing in advance that we'd have a few extra people, we decided to bring some stuff we'd accumulated through donations: Hygiene packs, clothing, blankets, and the new batch of beanies from last week.
We were blessed with additional food contribution, with items such as a giant bowl of fresh salad & dressing; a big bowl of fruit; breads; and an array of desserts.
As I was sharing the story, the crowd grew in size, nearly quadrupling it's original number... but not due to interest in what was being shared, rather a drunken gathering of hungry people wanting food & socializing. I continued to speak through the major distraction and focused eye to eye with those that were actually listening to me. I was comforted by He who gives comfort, and because of that comfort I experienced tonight... I understood that Jesus was working inside of me.
It had been some time since we had such a large group. It was nice to see some new people who gladly accepted our Neighborly Love. I especially enjoy finding new people to share with about Jesus Christ.
There was one particular guy, named Cortney, who was very willing to help load our truck when we'd finished. As we walked to the truck, we conversed about my beliefs. It was too perfect of an opportunity to be anything other than a Divine Opportunity to speak one on one about my Lord Jesus. Cortney was genuinely interested in hearing more and asked if he could (in the future) sit and pick my brain some. I pray that nothing stops that from happening. No doubt a seed was planted tonight, and it would be a great honor to see whether it's fallen into good soil or rock, but I understand it's not up to me.
I invited Cortney to church this Sunday and gave him my cell number, should he have a desire to go. Please pray for him that the enemy would not snatch that seed.
As we cleaned up the area, we'd noticed alot of wasted food - nearly full plates sitting on the wall, pieces of bread thrown on the grass, and it saddened me deeply. I'd like to figure out a way to prevent that in the future.
Friday, February 12, 2010
How great is our GOD!!!!! Friday ~ Febraury 12, 2010
I'm blown away at the things GOD is doing through this Ministry! The LORD is definitely honoring this Ministry and I'm truly blessed to be a part of it.
I had the privilege of sharing about this Ministry with a group a people from our church earlier in the week. Tonight I was greeted by a familiar face from that group. It was refreshing to see another person step out of their personal comfort zone and see what is happening down in PB. I was even more taken back by another group of fellow Believers, who had come down to bless us with some gifts. These people actually hand-made beanie caps (In sincere love) specifically for our Ministry. I'm at a loss for words to describe my feelings right now. When I had heard them tell me why they had come down, it brought tears to my eyes. The love that has been poured out from so many... is overflowing!
The crowd itself wasn't all that big in numbers tonight, maybe 30 or so. I decided to share something from a devotion my Pastor shared earlier in the week. It was about being thankful for the things that GOD has given you. Just before we served dinner, I asked those that felt comfortable sharing, to share something that they're thankful for.... all in hopes to hear them give thanks to GOD. I'd say 4 out of 9 is a good start.
The food supply lasted for some time tonight and everyone seemed to have enough to eat. We hung out with a handful of guys afterwards, and it was then that I discovered the majority of the group had been discussing GOD among their peers over dinner. It's so exciting to sit back and think what positive effect our efforts have had in this area. There is power in prayer!!!
I met with a new guest, Ssgt. Joshua B. USMC, who is no longer serving. He'd received 6 bullet wounds due to the war and had recently lost his home. He now calls the bushes surrounding Presidio Park his home. Although this new experience is a humbling one for him, he was still full of encouragement. He'd gotten word of our Ministry and made the journey by foot to see what was going on. I'm very glad I did not give up on everyone. (That would have been heartbreaking to know I'd let somebody down like that.) He and I made arrangements to attend church services this Sunday.
I had the privilege of sharing about this Ministry with a group a people from our church earlier in the week. Tonight I was greeted by a familiar face from that group. It was refreshing to see another person step out of their personal comfort zone and see what is happening down in PB. I was even more taken back by another group of fellow Believers, who had come down to bless us with some gifts. These people actually hand-made beanie caps (In sincere love) specifically for our Ministry. I'm at a loss for words to describe my feelings right now. When I had heard them tell me why they had come down, it brought tears to my eyes. The love that has been poured out from so many... is overflowing!
The crowd itself wasn't all that big in numbers tonight, maybe 30 or so. I decided to share something from a devotion my Pastor shared earlier in the week. It was about being thankful for the things that GOD has given you. Just before we served dinner, I asked those that felt comfortable sharing, to share something that they're thankful for.... all in hopes to hear them give thanks to GOD. I'd say 4 out of 9 is a good start.
The food supply lasted for some time tonight and everyone seemed to have enough to eat. We hung out with a handful of guys afterwards, and it was then that I discovered the majority of the group had been discussing GOD among their peers over dinner. It's so exciting to sit back and think what positive effect our efforts have had in this area. There is power in prayer!!!
I met with a new guest, Ssgt. Joshua B. USMC, who is no longer serving. He'd received 6 bullet wounds due to the war and had recently lost his home. He now calls the bushes surrounding Presidio Park his home. Although this new experience is a humbling one for him, he was still full of encouragement. He'd gotten word of our Ministry and made the journey by foot to see what was going on. I'm very glad I did not give up on everyone. (That would have been heartbreaking to know I'd let somebody down like that.) He and I made arrangements to attend church services this Sunday.
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