This past Friday totally reminded Amanda and I of what it used to be like when we first came to PB, nearly 3 years ago. This night, at most... we had 20 people, but the sweet thing about such a small gathering is the more time we got to spend in fellowship, giving that extra one-on-one time for prayer or simple friendship building.
It was a very windy night. So much so, that the wind caused one of the electrical wires above to arc. The authorities were notified immediately but for just over an hour, the bright flashes lit up the area, giving all of us an exciting show wondering what was going to happen next...
Eventually, all power to the PB area went down. Nobody likes to stay indoors with no power, so numerous folks came out on their balconies or on the pier. Our brother, Jason continued to play worship music with his guitar in the thick of the black night. The wind seemed to wind-down and the waves started to calm, and everybody was able to hear the delight of worship to our Creator on this night.
Because we had such a small attendance, there was PLENTY of food to go around, but we try our best to be good stewards of GOD's provision, so the majority of our team stayed with us for the long haul. I think we stayed on the boardwalk until around 8:30 or so.
People often ask us why we do what we do. The answer is so simple- "We love, because GOD first loved us." (1 John 4:19)
Monday, December 19, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Double post for the past 2 weeks
December 2, 2011
Amanda shared her testimony to the smaller crowd of approximately 75 folks. The LORD used her to be of great encouragement to those we serve, and have gotten to know through time. It was a blessing for me to see my beautiful wife sharing her heart and what Jesus has done in her life, to such a crowd.
It's always a treat to see other brothers & sisters from our church (who are not part of our team)coming out to give our Ministry a hand. As was the case this week, with our brother Richard. It's very encouraging to see how GOD has taken our small steps of faith and turned it into a full blown Ministry that He continues to provide for each week.
December 9, 2011
Amanda shared her testimony to the smaller crowd of approximately 75 folks. The LORD used her to be of great encouragement to those we serve, and have gotten to know through time. It was a blessing for me to see my beautiful wife sharing her heart and what Jesus has done in her life, to such a crowd.
It's always a treat to see other brothers & sisters from our church (who are not part of our team)coming out to give our Ministry a hand. As was the case this week, with our brother Richard. It's very encouraging to see how GOD has taken our small steps of faith and turned it into a full blown Ministry that He continues to provide for each week.
December 9, 2011
We have been collecting blankets for this cold weather season. I can't recall another time that has been as cold as it has been this year. Tonight we handed out all that we had, which wasn't very many... maybe 15 or so, but at least we know that 15 or so people can now sleep just a bit warmer, and with full stomachs.
It was a relief to be near full restoration in my health. Tonight I was able to again speak, and share what the LORD put on my heart for our guests. I received confirmation that the LORD was indeed speaking, when 5 people came forward after the message. One man in particular, Tobin, stands out from that group. He is back-slidden, and was convicted by the Holy Spirit of GOD tonight to repent and move forward in His relationship with our LORD. Together he and I prayed, and I was able to direct him to a church in the area that he sleeps. It's really sweet to be a part of something so amazing that GOD is doing. I'm humbled by His love.
The gathering attendance was nowhere as large as it's been in the recent past. I stopped trying to count and keep a toll. There is no importance in numbers when it comes to Ministry. Jesus even makes mention of this in Luke 15 - "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” I only speak of the size tonight for the sake of mentioning how warm & full the people were tonight. Im pretty sure that everybody was able to have a second plate, while some even got thirds.
While we were setting up, I met a couple, from out-of-town, that showed interest in volunteering with us. That was a real blessing! We just so happened to be short handed a few folks. It worked out perfectly, and I'm sure that the couple were blessed to help out too. It's so beautiful that our team is so flexible and isn't caught up on who we allow to participate. (I'm not much for being a 'red tape' kinda guy.) I didn't get a chance to speak with the couple before we parted ways, but I was happy to see our team receiving them well as they served together.
*A praise report! I'm told that Quentin was welcomed into the home of brothers from a church he used to attend. These men have been loving on him, encouraging him, and building him back up in the LORD. Quentin has again stepped away from the alcohol and is back on the narrow path. That is such an answered prayer... Praise Jesus!Friday, November 25, 2011
I've never been so thankful for them...
Even I as I write this now, I am still amazed and humbled by the thankfulness, appreciation, and love our team was shown tonight by our guests...
As usual, we parked and were greeted by those who have grown faithful to help unload and set up. As I walked over to the tables, one of the women came up to me and handed me an envelope. With a bright smile, she said "This is from all of us. It's not much, but it's all that we can give."
It was the most beautiful Christmas card! It was full of names signed by our neighbors. I was completely taken back for a moment and started to get teary-eyed, so I had to walk away. Talk about the effect love has on people...
The night went without any problems. In fact, everybody seemed to be on their best behavior. There are times when we can not only feel the presence of GOD, but there are also those times where we feel the thickness of oppression lingering in the air. Tonight was not of the latter.
Our team has gained a few more volunteers which has allowed others to freely be available for prayer needs (as they come) or for opportunities to simply sit and minister to one another. One of our newer volunteers, Nicole, has come from Horizon Christian Academy, where I was privileged to speak at chapel a few weeks ago. It is so encouraging to see young people catch the vision to love our neighbors through action and not words.
As the winter air strikes the our coastal sands, it's a reminder of how cold it can get on the streets without any shelter. The biggest demand at the moment is for SLEEPING BAGS. (If anybody reading this, feels like helping to meet that need... please contact us through email.)
Tonight GOD really showed me something... two things actually.
The first is very sad. Our dear brother in Christ, Quentin, has fallen back into alcoholism and is once again back on the streets and has given up on hope. (I urge all prayer warriors to please pray for him!) GOD showed me the importance it is to dilgently seek Him, not only each day, but every hour, every minute, and every breathe that is given to us, because we are all at risk of falling if we're not.
The second thing He showed me that it's not always about the outward appearance that defines 'bearing fruit', but how the hearts of those we serve has transformed.
I am truly humbled by their act of kindness to us.
As usual, we parked and were greeted by those who have grown faithful to help unload and set up. As I walked over to the tables, one of the women came up to me and handed me an envelope. With a bright smile, she said "This is from all of us. It's not much, but it's all that we can give."
It was the most beautiful Christmas card! It was full of names signed by our neighbors. I was completely taken back for a moment and started to get teary-eyed, so I had to walk away. Talk about the effect love has on people...
The night went without any problems. In fact, everybody seemed to be on their best behavior. There are times when we can not only feel the presence of GOD, but there are also those times where we feel the thickness of oppression lingering in the air. Tonight was not of the latter.
Our team has gained a few more volunteers which has allowed others to freely be available for prayer needs (as they come) or for opportunities to simply sit and minister to one another. One of our newer volunteers, Nicole, has come from Horizon Christian Academy, where I was privileged to speak at chapel a few weeks ago. It is so encouraging to see young people catch the vision to love our neighbors through action and not words.
As the winter air strikes the our coastal sands, it's a reminder of how cold it can get on the streets without any shelter. The biggest demand at the moment is for SLEEPING BAGS. (If anybody reading this, feels like helping to meet that need... please contact us through email.)
Tonight GOD really showed me something... two things actually.
The first is very sad. Our dear brother in Christ, Quentin, has fallen back into alcoholism and is once again back on the streets and has given up on hope. (I urge all prayer warriors to please pray for him!) GOD showed me the importance it is to dilgently seek Him, not only each day, but every hour, every minute, and every breathe that is given to us, because we are all at risk of falling if we're not.
The second thing He showed me that it's not always about the outward appearance that defines 'bearing fruit', but how the hearts of those we serve has transformed.
I am truly humbled by their act of kindness to us.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Be watchful!
During our vacation, the LORD really put it on my heart to warn our friends the importance it is to be watchful people, and that is exactly what I shared this week. I do not know how well it was recieved, other than a bunch of 'Amen!' shouted from the crowd... but that could just have been their que to finish the preaching to get to the food.
I'm completely trusting GOD and what I feel is Him telling me to share. Returning this week felt good. Amanda and I felt refreshed. One of the high school students from the week before, returned to join us this week. She was a great deal of help at the clothing and hygeine tables.
There was a minor incident of commotion from one of the women. I realize it's the enemy using her to cause the disturbance to our area. Please pray for us! There were quite a few neighbors from the surrounding condo's who witnessed what happened, and I fear that they will soon be calling the city to report our presence as a nuisance of some sort.
In all that... GOD is still so good. He provided for another week's worth of supplies. He's still ruling all creation. He is sovereign and loving and patient and kind and slow to anger. His mercy is eternal... and we get to serve Him through this Ministry. What a joy!
I'm completely trusting GOD and what I feel is Him telling me to share. Returning this week felt good. Amanda and I felt refreshed. One of the high school students from the week before, returned to join us this week. She was a great deal of help at the clothing and hygeine tables.
There was a minor incident of commotion from one of the women. I realize it's the enemy using her to cause the disturbance to our area. Please pray for us! There were quite a few neighbors from the surrounding condo's who witnessed what happened, and I fear that they will soon be calling the city to report our presence as a nuisance of some sort.
In all that... GOD is still so good. He provided for another week's worth of supplies. He's still ruling all creation. He is sovereign and loving and patient and kind and slow to anger. His mercy is eternal... and we get to serve Him through this Ministry. What a joy!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Staying updated -
I apologize to the readers who expect an update on the Ministry. It is still alive and well.
November 4th
Things were good. It was a very small crowd due to the rain. Traveling on the way down to PB it was real ugly, with dark skies all around. We were praying for GOD to miraculously give us a break in the weather... He did just that! Exactly where we set up, there was an opening in the clouds with magnificent rays of sunshine beaming down from Heaven. The newest of the photos are some shots I took with my phone. Notice the awesome rainbow!
The very few down there who truly believe our motives, trusted that we would still show up, and when they saw we'd arrived, they were all so joyful and praised GOD when I shared that the sunlight is no coincidence. I'm sure they understood what I meant. As the evening went on, and the weather was kind to us, more people started showing up for dinner.
There was surely an attitude of gratefulness in the air this cold night. I thank The LORD for His continual provisions.
A few hours after this, Amanda and I left town for our anniversary trip.
November 11th
Amanda and I were still out of town, so we obviously made other arrangements to assure that LTN would continue without us. (It's never been about us) I have yet to hear reports of the evening, but when I do... I'll probably update that.
*I heard such positive things regarding this night! It was a sweet time of worship, where some of our dinner guests joined in with whatever instruments they had and sang together with the youth group. There was enough food for everyone to eat, including some left-overs. The menu had changed for the week, from Italian to Mexican - with burritos, beans, and such.
It was said the this experience really touched the hearts of the youth and alot of them would like to participate more often. We welcome that!
November 4th
Things were good. It was a very small crowd due to the rain. Traveling on the way down to PB it was real ugly, with dark skies all around. We were praying for GOD to miraculously give us a break in the weather... He did just that! Exactly where we set up, there was an opening in the clouds with magnificent rays of sunshine beaming down from Heaven. The newest of the photos are some shots I took with my phone. Notice the awesome rainbow!
The very few down there who truly believe our motives, trusted that we would still show up, and when they saw we'd arrived, they were all so joyful and praised GOD when I shared that the sunlight is no coincidence. I'm sure they understood what I meant. As the evening went on, and the weather was kind to us, more people started showing up for dinner.
There was surely an attitude of gratefulness in the air this cold night. I thank The LORD for His continual provisions.
A few hours after this, Amanda and I left town for our anniversary trip.
November 11th
Amanda and I were still out of town, so we obviously made other arrangements to assure that LTN would continue without us. (It's never been about us) I have yet to hear reports of the evening, but when I do... I'll probably update that.
*I heard such positive things regarding this night! It was a sweet time of worship, where some of our dinner guests joined in with whatever instruments they had and sang together with the youth group. There was enough food for everyone to eat, including some left-overs. The menu had changed for the week, from Italian to Mexican - with burritos, beans, and such.
It was said the this experience really touched the hearts of the youth and alot of them would like to participate more often. We welcome that!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Jesus Freaks!!
Tonight was very special. It reminded me of the beginning stages of this Ministry, when we used to hang out and just fellowship with a few of the guys. After all the hustle & bustle of the evening, it was just some sweet down to earth conversations and getting to know each other on a personal level.
With word spreading about out gatherings, churches and other organizations have included us on a list, without our consent and that has been drawing the larger crowds more regularly. Those large crowds keep us from having that intimate time building relationships with our neighbors.
There was a wave of new faces tonight. The way I've been looking at that is like this... I have no clue if those people will ever return, so this might be my one & only chance to share Jesus with them, so I go for it. I must take every opportunity that GOD puts before me, and use it for Him. It's too easy to get caught up in doing something nice or good, and forget the main goal. I do not want to be the one to let that slip.
The message came from Luke 14:24-35. I also shared a testimony of a martyred church group from North Korea. The story was from the book Jesus Freaks. I feel that story along with the message touched alot of people tonight. A handful of people asked where they can get the book. It's encouraging to see people taking a deeper interest in hearing about our faith.
The LORD has been so faithful to the Ministry... especially lately... actually He's never been any less faithful, but it is us who are now seeing His blessings from other angles. We serve a GOD who is far beyond greater than any of us could ever put into words. It is a true blessing for our team to represent Him through this Ministry of love. My prayer is that many more would come to know Him through it. So many lives have already, but there will always be more who do not yet know.
With word spreading about out gatherings, churches and other organizations have included us on a list, without our consent and that has been drawing the larger crowds more regularly. Those large crowds keep us from having that intimate time building relationships with our neighbors.
There was a wave of new faces tonight. The way I've been looking at that is like this... I have no clue if those people will ever return, so this might be my one & only chance to share Jesus with them, so I go for it. I must take every opportunity that GOD puts before me, and use it for Him. It's too easy to get caught up in doing something nice or good, and forget the main goal. I do not want to be the one to let that slip.
The message came from Luke 14:24-35. I also shared a testimony of a martyred church group from North Korea. The story was from the book Jesus Freaks. I feel that story along with the message touched alot of people tonight. A handful of people asked where they can get the book. It's encouraging to see people taking a deeper interest in hearing about our faith.
The LORD has been so faithful to the Ministry... especially lately... actually He's never been any less faithful, but it is us who are now seeing His blessings from other angles. We serve a GOD who is far beyond greater than any of us could ever put into words. It is a true blessing for our team to represent Him through this Ministry of love. My prayer is that many more would come to know Him through it. So many lives have already, but there will always be more who do not yet know.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Psalm 25:4-11
His word says: Show me Your ways, LORD, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. Remember, LORD, Your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to Your love remember me, for You, LORD, are good. Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He instructs sinners in His ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of His covenant. For the sake of Your name, LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
The LORD has given us such a beautiful gift. The free gift of Salvation & Forgiveness through His Son, Jesus Christ. It is by His power that lives are transformed!
Earlier in the week, I was blessed to speak with the Horizon Christian Academy student body. It was there that I shared how the LORD Jesus Christ worked in my own life, and how He is now using this wretched man, to show love to a less desirable group of people. Yesterday our Ministry was blessed far more than we could have ever imagined, by the youth of the Academy. They graciously gave to the Ministry, which will help further the work we are doing. I am personally very grateful for the generosity they showed us. We look forward to working with the student body in the future!
Tonight our good brother, Jeremy came along. Most who follow our blog should recall Jeremy. His life now is such a tremendous encouragement to those he used to drink with on the beach. The LORD has been doing awesome things in his life. He is maturing in the LORD each day, and I'm sooooo blessed to see the fruits of our labor.
We had another near record breaking attendance again. Thankfully the LORD put it on Amanda's heart to make additional food tonight. I'd guess we were just shy of 200 people tonight. As this Ministry takes on a life of itself, it's really cool to watch everything work together so well. Our volunteer team has grown. Our financial support has multiplied, simply by word of mouth. We have faithful people praying for us as we serve and throughout the week.
Not a single mouth went away hungry, nor did anybody walk away without hearing the Word of GOD with direction how to receive eternal forgiveness. I thank GOD that He has given me such boldness in these days. It's very encouraging to conquer my own silly fears and reap the benefits of people sharing how the message GOD has put on my heart, has touched them in a certain way.
I'm thankful for GOD's unfailing love. I'm thankful for His faithful direction & instruction. I'm thankful that GOD has found anything in me to use for His sake, no matter how difficult it was for me. I'm thankful for the cross and the life He paid...
My prayer is for others to see that we indeed are different then this world, and a curiosity would stir in their hearts, and a door would open allowing us to share of Him, The Author of Salvation!
The LORD has given us such a beautiful gift. The free gift of Salvation & Forgiveness through His Son, Jesus Christ. It is by His power that lives are transformed!
Earlier in the week, I was blessed to speak with the Horizon Christian Academy student body. It was there that I shared how the LORD Jesus Christ worked in my own life, and how He is now using this wretched man, to show love to a less desirable group of people. Yesterday our Ministry was blessed far more than we could have ever imagined, by the youth of the Academy. They graciously gave to the Ministry, which will help further the work we are doing. I am personally very grateful for the generosity they showed us. We look forward to working with the student body in the future!
Tonight our good brother, Jeremy came along. Most who follow our blog should recall Jeremy. His life now is such a tremendous encouragement to those he used to drink with on the beach. The LORD has been doing awesome things in his life. He is maturing in the LORD each day, and I'm sooooo blessed to see the fruits of our labor.
We had another near record breaking attendance again. Thankfully the LORD put it on Amanda's heart to make additional food tonight. I'd guess we were just shy of 200 people tonight. As this Ministry takes on a life of itself, it's really cool to watch everything work together so well. Our volunteer team has grown. Our financial support has multiplied, simply by word of mouth. We have faithful people praying for us as we serve and throughout the week.
Not a single mouth went away hungry, nor did anybody walk away without hearing the Word of GOD with direction how to receive eternal forgiveness. I thank GOD that He has given me such boldness in these days. It's very encouraging to conquer my own silly fears and reap the benefits of people sharing how the message GOD has put on my heart, has touched them in a certain way.
I'm thankful for GOD's unfailing love. I'm thankful for His faithful direction & instruction. I'm thankful that GOD has found anything in me to use for His sake, no matter how difficult it was for me. I'm thankful for the cross and the life He paid...
My prayer is for others to see that we indeed are different then this world, and a curiosity would stir in their hearts, and a door would open allowing us to share of Him, The Author of Salvation!
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