The past few months, the LORD has presented our Ministry with some great opportunities, of which are incredible avenues for additional resources. LTN recently partnered up with New Era Outreach (NEO) http://www.neweraoutreach.com/ where we've now obtained non-profit status with 501(c)3 ... where generous donations are now tax deductible.
A gentleman and fellow follower of Christ, named Charles, informed us that he is making his way back to his hometown of Rhode Island. He'd been one of our dinner guests for some time now, and his friendly, encouraging words will be missed. Things are the things that make this Ministry a difficult one for me. I find myself making friends with our guests and then they disappear so often. I know that Charles is somebody that I will see on the other side someday.
The events of the night went smooth without complications or trouble. People were fed Spiritually & Physically. Some appreciated one over the other.
I still trip out how GOD has been so faithful in providing and meeting the needs to simply share His love through these dirty clay vessels. I thank The LORD Jesus Christ for His promises!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Fresh blossom...
There is a beauty in GOD's faithfulness that is so captivating. His love will never fail. His loving efforts will never grow weary. His patience will not thin through time. His love will endure forever!
We have a gentleman that has become our friend. I shall keep his name out of this...
He recently had a difficult time with his health, which ultimately resulted in Open Heart Surgery and nearly 3 weeks in the hospital. He is unlike the majority of our guests. He has a likableness about him that I can't quite explain, but for those of us that know him, understand what I mean. He is one that truly wants to get off the streets, and his new health condition make things all the more worse for him. By the grace of Jesus Christ, this friend was able to get a bed in the SDRM this past Monday morning. Against all the horror stories he's heard from those of the streets, he decided to give it a shot.
This morning, he shared a desire to participate in our Ministry from the other side of the tables. It turns out that he really enjoys the SDRM! I'm not one to toot the horn of another Ministry, but it sure sounds like this friend has went against the negative advice from his acquaintances and has truly seen the good side of things. It was really pleasant to see the joy this friend had tonight in serving his peers. This immediate change gave others hope about a way out, which points them to Jesus Christ. I can already see how GOD is going to use this man in mighty ways to reach those he associates with.
As for the events of the evening, all went well without any problems to mention. Everybody was fed physically and spiritually. More and more people are showing appreciation for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It still surprises me to know that although there are plenty of churches or facilities that give out meals to the needy, there are still people that attend those functions who claim to have never heard that Jesus died for them! As long as GOD is directing us in this location, there will never be a time when His Word is not preached or shared.
We have a gentleman that has become our friend. I shall keep his name out of this...
He recently had a difficult time with his health, which ultimately resulted in Open Heart Surgery and nearly 3 weeks in the hospital. He is unlike the majority of our guests. He has a likableness about him that I can't quite explain, but for those of us that know him, understand what I mean. He is one that truly wants to get off the streets, and his new health condition make things all the more worse for him. By the grace of Jesus Christ, this friend was able to get a bed in the SDRM this past Monday morning. Against all the horror stories he's heard from those of the streets, he decided to give it a shot.
This morning, he shared a desire to participate in our Ministry from the other side of the tables. It turns out that he really enjoys the SDRM! I'm not one to toot the horn of another Ministry, but it sure sounds like this friend has went against the negative advice from his acquaintances and has truly seen the good side of things. It was really pleasant to see the joy this friend had tonight in serving his peers. This immediate change gave others hope about a way out, which points them to Jesus Christ. I can already see how GOD is going to use this man in mighty ways to reach those he associates with.
As for the events of the evening, all went well without any problems to mention. Everybody was fed physically and spiritually. More and more people are showing appreciation for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It still surprises me to know that although there are plenty of churches or facilities that give out meals to the needy, there are still people that attend those functions who claim to have never heard that Jesus died for them! As long as GOD is directing us in this location, there will never be a time when His Word is not preached or shared.
Friday, January 20, 2012
The community
These past few weeks have been extremely exciting for us, as the people of the community have started to take notice of what 'good' our Ministry has on the area and the positive impact we are making.
To my knowledge, tonight went really well from all aspects of the Ministry. There were a few people who opened up with me and allowed prayer. There was plenty of food for everyone to enjoy the feast. Blankets were distributed accordingly to those in need. The clothing area has been very organized since being given over to Danna to oversee. (That has been a very big blessing for Amanda and I to let go of!)
One of our guests/friends was back at the beach, after a long period in the hospital for open heart surgery. Sadly enough, Paul is unable to find a shelter at the time, which I can only imagine to put him in a higher risk due to his health. I ask that the readers, please remember him in your prayers.
The Ministry is growing before our very eyes! We will soon need to invest in another table or two and also another freezer for the food donations that have been coming in. GOD is doing something really awesome and I'm excited to see what He's going to be doing in the near future. Our volunteer base seems to be growing as well. I think that tonight we had close to 15 people or so.
To my knowledge, tonight went really well from all aspects of the Ministry. There were a few people who opened up with me and allowed prayer. There was plenty of food for everyone to enjoy the feast. Blankets were distributed accordingly to those in need. The clothing area has been very organized since being given over to Danna to oversee. (That has been a very big blessing for Amanda and I to let go of!)
One of our guests/friends was back at the beach, after a long period in the hospital for open heart surgery. Sadly enough, Paul is unable to find a shelter at the time, which I can only imagine to put him in a higher risk due to his health. I ask that the readers, please remember him in your prayers.
The Ministry is growing before our very eyes! We will soon need to invest in another table or two and also another freezer for the food donations that have been coming in. GOD is doing something really awesome and I'm excited to see what He's going to be doing in the near future. Our volunteer base seems to be growing as well. I think that tonight we had close to 15 people or so.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Growth
His word was more encouraging to our neighbors than any of us could have ever imagined.
His love through our works of charity and willing hearts, has made an impact on people we would never have imagined. His ways are not our ways... and I thank GOD for that. Perhaps had any of us had the ability to look into the future of our past, we might have gotten in the way of what GOD had been planning from the beginning.
His love through our works of charity and willing hearts, has made an impact on people we would never have imagined. His ways are not our ways... and I thank GOD for that. Perhaps had any of us had the ability to look into the future of our past, we might have gotten in the way of what GOD had been planning from the beginning.
Our team was blessed to have some extra hands tonight. For those new friends, it was a completely new experience for them, which I can only trust to be a satisfying feeling at the end of the night.
Our team is currently going through a transition in the growth process where we are now starting to be at the point where leaders take ownership of their duties in whatever the LORD has called them to do in the Ministry.
This week we received a blessing of additional food, which is always a great help financially. That growth is leading us towards the purchase of more materials such as extra chaffing dishes and tables.
I often find myself, during my alone time with Him, asking things like: 'What next?' or 'Are you still leading or am I stepping over you?' My position in the Ministry has given the freedom to roam the area, pray with people, and to join Jason in worship. It seems like GOD always sends the right people in my path to be the right encouragement that I need at the exact time... Tonight, our of our long time guests, had mentioned her car was having mechanical problems. She asked if I would pray with her regarding the issue. Together we lifted it up to the LORD and by the time we were done, she was crying because of the love that she's been shown through GOD in our faithfulness.
It is soooo worth it, even if 1 more person comes to know the LORD!!
Friday, January 6, 2012
The truth must be told!
For almost everything, there are two sides. Tonight our neighbors heard about GOD's love (which is typically expected) but they also heard about judgment of sin... perhaps for some, it may have been the first time, and for others is may have been the thousandth time. What good is always talking about Salvation, if they know not what they are to be saved from, unless somebody shares?
Shortly after the message was giving and the line started moving towards the dinner, then was some type of conflict between two of our guests. Loud words were exchanged, violent outbursts were witnessed, and episodes of spitting on anyone and anything in reach took place. Long story short... Satan used his ancient tactics to cause a distraction tonight. There seemed to be more drunkards present as well.
I think that both Jason and myself would agree that it was a bit frustrating while we were worshipping to our Father, the troubles that came along.
It's good though, because this was the exactly the type of lifestyle without Jesus, that people need to see from which they need to be saved. There is no hope, no peace, no love, no joy, no happiness, no sobriety, no purity, nor satisfaction apart from the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The episode tonight was an eye opening reminder for those present that there is an enemy out there roaming and seeking whom he may devour.
Shortly after the message was giving and the line started moving towards the dinner, then was some type of conflict between two of our guests. Loud words were exchanged, violent outbursts were witnessed, and episodes of spitting on anyone and anything in reach took place. Long story short... Satan used his ancient tactics to cause a distraction tonight. There seemed to be more drunkards present as well.
I think that both Jason and myself would agree that it was a bit frustrating while we were worshipping to our Father, the troubles that came along.
It's good though, because this was the exactly the type of lifestyle without Jesus, that people need to see from which they need to be saved. There is no hope, no peace, no love, no joy, no happiness, no sobriety, no purity, nor satisfaction apart from the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The episode tonight was an eye opening reminder for those present that there is an enemy out there roaming and seeking whom he may devour.
Monday, January 2, 2012
What a wonderful GOD...
I apologize for another delayed entry.... this is for the last Friday of 2011.
The past few weeks, we've been blown away at His provision for this Ministry. Our home church, Horizon Christian Fellowship, was gracious enough to mention that our team was starting a Sleeping Bag Drive. Through that, we've obtained 10 new sleeping bags so far. I have a theory that will hopefully work out well if all goes as planned - There is alot of theft between the people on the streets, mostly blankets.... I figure if everyone gets a new warm sleeping bag, there won't be a need and hopefully they won't need to steal from each other. Unfortunately, we still have a long ways to go before we reach that goal... but GOD can do anything and we're trusting in Him.
Earlier this week, a sister in the LORD donated a freezer full of bread and 11 giant pies from Costco to help our Ministry share in His love. That bread is a huge relief and will save us money for awhile.
Now onto the evening at hand-
It was a mellow night. I can't tell if the gathering was smaller than normal or if less people desired eating a healthy salad, but we actually had left-overs. (Our team determines how many guests we serve by either how fast the food goes or by how much we serve and if we have left-overs.) Some of our volunteers we unable to make it down, so I was actually able to do something other than just share a message this week. It felt good to be back in the thick of the crowd, passing out waters. It had been such a long time since I've been able to help, due to the number of volunteers coming to serve.
It seems to me like more people are being encouraged through the messages that are shared. It's rewarding to see that we labor not in vain, that the LORD is touching people and giving them the ears to hear what He's saying to them.
One particular gentleman that comes to mind is a brother named Ron. I'd first met Ron during our annual Thanksgiving Outreach at church. He'd come to help wherever he could be used. He'd shared with me, that he'd been an attendee of our Ministry for several months at this point. Since that time, I've gotten to know him more & more. He truly has a heart to grow in the Good LORD and to live for Him. I now see Ron during service on Sundays.
It's just a cool thing to see that we are somehow helping to bring love, hope, and joy to our neighbors, simply by telling them the Truth.
The past few weeks, we've been blown away at His provision for this Ministry. Our home church, Horizon Christian Fellowship, was gracious enough to mention that our team was starting a Sleeping Bag Drive. Through that, we've obtained 10 new sleeping bags so far. I have a theory that will hopefully work out well if all goes as planned - There is alot of theft between the people on the streets, mostly blankets.... I figure if everyone gets a new warm sleeping bag, there won't be a need and hopefully they won't need to steal from each other. Unfortunately, we still have a long ways to go before we reach that goal... but GOD can do anything and we're trusting in Him.
Earlier this week, a sister in the LORD donated a freezer full of bread and 11 giant pies from Costco to help our Ministry share in His love. That bread is a huge relief and will save us money for awhile.
Now onto the evening at hand-
It was a mellow night. I can't tell if the gathering was smaller than normal or if less people desired eating a healthy salad, but we actually had left-overs. (Our team determines how many guests we serve by either how fast the food goes or by how much we serve and if we have left-overs.) Some of our volunteers we unable to make it down, so I was actually able to do something other than just share a message this week. It felt good to be back in the thick of the crowd, passing out waters. It had been such a long time since I've been able to help, due to the number of volunteers coming to serve.
It seems to me like more people are being encouraged through the messages that are shared. It's rewarding to see that we labor not in vain, that the LORD is touching people and giving them the ears to hear what He's saying to them.
One particular gentleman that comes to mind is a brother named Ron. I'd first met Ron during our annual Thanksgiving Outreach at church. He'd come to help wherever he could be used. He'd shared with me, that he'd been an attendee of our Ministry for several months at this point. Since that time, I've gotten to know him more & more. He truly has a heart to grow in the Good LORD and to live for Him. I now see Ron during service on Sundays.
It's just a cool thing to see that we are somehow helping to bring love, hope, and joy to our neighbors, simply by telling them the Truth.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Merry Christ-filled Christmas
Wow! Tonight really felt like Christmas... from the crisp air, to the warm & fuzzies.
I'm not even sure if I know how to put all this together without sounding jumbled.
Our LTN family was fully staffed tonight and that was a huge blessing for many people. Some of our team members had been collecting clothing donations over time and brought a van load to distribute... others brought individualized gift packs... while others presented a variety of sweets for dessert. It is so neat to see the team working together, allowing GOD to use their gifts in whatever capacity He wills.
Amanda and I were blessed with a couple Christmas cards from our neighbors. Actually reading what some of them wrote to our team has touched my heart in ways that I can not explain. My last entry, I shared 1 John 4:19... not that this even comes close to such a thing, but somehow I'm drawn back to this verse because in all reality, our friends in PB would not love us, had we not first showed them love.
It was a long night. Lots of ministry went on, people sought prayer, others wanted bibles and counseling... hopefully those seeds with bring forth good-solid fruit for Him.
I'm not even sure if I know how to put all this together without sounding jumbled.
Our LTN family was fully staffed tonight and that was a huge blessing for many people. Some of our team members had been collecting clothing donations over time and brought a van load to distribute... others brought individualized gift packs... while others presented a variety of sweets for dessert. It is so neat to see the team working together, allowing GOD to use their gifts in whatever capacity He wills.
Amanda and I were blessed with a couple Christmas cards from our neighbors. Actually reading what some of them wrote to our team has touched my heart in ways that I can not explain. My last entry, I shared 1 John 4:19... not that this even comes close to such a thing, but somehow I'm drawn back to this verse because in all reality, our friends in PB would not love us, had we not first showed them love.
It was a long night. Lots of ministry went on, people sought prayer, others wanted bibles and counseling... hopefully those seeds with bring forth good-solid fruit for Him.
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