Tonight was mind-blowing! There are so many great things to share about what The LORD has been doing with LTN.
There is tremendous testimony is His provision alone. For the past several weeks now, GOD has been using people, who have absolutely no times to 'church', to provide for this Ministry... I find that miraculous in itself.
It reminds me of a story I'd heard regarding one of our Festival of Life events that our church took part in. In an immigrant community where Spanish is the only spoken language, GOD used a drug dealer, to be the translator for His servants sent out to preach His Good News... long story short, that drug dealer ended up giving his life to Jesus Christ by the end of the day. I'm sure that man did not wake up that morning and think 'Gee, today I'm going to talk about GOD while translating to the people that fear me, and then turn me life over to Jesus as my Savior.'
Anyways, back on topic- Upon arrival, both Amanda and I thought it was going to be an adventure serving as we looked at the lack of teammates tonight. O' we of little faith! Not even 5 minutes go by, and our entire area is flooded with people who have come to serve and love our neighbors by our side.
Then, a brother named Brian, and I were observing all that GOD has provided, from the food to the hygiene, to the heaping stacks of clothing. As Brian was giving GOD praise.... (before he could even finish his sentence) another family comes with bags & bags of more clothes and stacks of blankets! Brian and I both just started laughing and thanking our Heavenly Father.
An important belief that our Ministry team shares is giving people the opportunity to serve with us, regardless of their religious beliefs... or the lack of, for that matter. It's not up to any of us to say 'yes or no' when somebody wants to be involved, as long as their participation does not hinder or contradict the work that we are faithfully doing. That being said... we have seen a transformation in some of our volunteers. Yeah, some larger than others, but all for an improvement towards the morals that GOD expects of His children. Like I said, it's not up to us to deal with.... it's all His working. As a team, we get to see the reward first-hand, as lives are changed. It's a real blessing for me to look back and wonder what things would have been like if Amanda and I never took those small steps of faith... and then reflect on all the miracles that we've seen.
My writing will certainly never give justice to what GOD is doing in Pacific Beach. Some of these instances are something many will just have to experience for themselves.
More and more people are coming up to me throughout the evening with words of encouragement on how The LORD spoke to them through the message given that night. We acknowledge that we may never get to see all the fruits of our labor (on this side of Heaven) but we know without a doubt, that Pacific Beach is our mission field and we are called to Love our Neighbors. As time goes on and seasons pass, we see new faces come and go. For us, we are scattering the Seeds of Truth towards everyone who comes our way. In a sense, it's like preaching to all the world, because so many of our guests keep on traveling through.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Evangelism!
What we saw tonight was truly an awesome sight!
Our team arrived like usual, but due to the rainy weather, we made the decision to not bring any clothing.... however, the rain was held back for the time, so in all honesty I suppose we could have brought some, but then it may have gotten ruined in transport when our team dispersed for the evening... so it was probably wisest to not bring it after all.
The message tonight was about being Obedient to GOD out of our love for Him. By the response of our neighbors, the message was well received. One man shared how refreshing it was to hear something other than the 'turn or burn' that other churches preach.
Our team was pleasantly surprised when a friend from another church showed up with 15 or 20 youth visiting from Kansas City. They asked how they could help, so I spoke the first thing that came to my mind when I thought of what we lack: Evangelism.
Our attendance was smaller than normal, probably due to the expected storm, so there was only about 75 guests, but they chose to stick around and eat dinner on the grassy areas. It was the perfect setting for the youth group to fellowship with our neighbors.
Our team arrived like usual, but due to the rainy weather, we made the decision to not bring any clothing.... however, the rain was held back for the time, so in all honesty I suppose we could have brought some, but then it may have gotten ruined in transport when our team dispersed for the evening... so it was probably wisest to not bring it after all.
The message tonight was about being Obedient to GOD out of our love for Him. By the response of our neighbors, the message was well received. One man shared how refreshing it was to hear something other than the 'turn or burn' that other churches preach.
Our team was pleasantly surprised when a friend from another church showed up with 15 or 20 youth visiting from Kansas City. They asked how they could help, so I spoke the first thing that came to my mind when I thought of what we lack: Evangelism.
Our attendance was smaller than normal, probably due to the expected storm, so there was only about 75 guests, but they chose to stick around and eat dinner on the grassy areas. It was the perfect setting for the youth group to fellowship with our neighbors.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
The past 2 weeks...
I've come to the conclusion, that 'making sure I write an entry every Friday' is not mandatory and in some way could partially be my flesh thinking that I must contribute something for the readers.... so I've taken a slight step back.
Concerning the events for the evening of March 2nd-
The LORD showed His powerful strength during the most difficult time, during an incident with a man named Ivan. Ivan is one of our guests, who had previously been somewhat of a disturbance/distraction for me while trying to share with the group.
It would be best to compare Ivan, to the account of 'Legion' in the Gospels. He was throwing his arms, cursing, spitting, and very threatening. He had this glazed look in his eyes, as if nobody were going to control him.
Approaching him, I had no choice but to FROG (Fully Rely On GOD) for this to go right. Long story short... Ivan ended up crying, asking for forgiveness, and asked if I'd pray with him to overcome his anger issues. That was truly the power of Jesus Christ!
As for tonight- Nothing visually supernatural happened.
We did have an extraordinarally abundance of volunteers come down tonight though. It worked out well, since we were down a few of our regular team members, but we still had an extra 4 or 5 on hand. I feel guilty because so many people want to help serve, when there's a dire need for one-on-one counseling, but we lack the manpower for such.
Can't wait to see what GOD has in store for next week!
Concerning the events for the evening of March 2nd-
The LORD showed His powerful strength during the most difficult time, during an incident with a man named Ivan. Ivan is one of our guests, who had previously been somewhat of a disturbance/distraction for me while trying to share with the group.
It would be best to compare Ivan, to the account of 'Legion' in the Gospels. He was throwing his arms, cursing, spitting, and very threatening. He had this glazed look in his eyes, as if nobody were going to control him.
Approaching him, I had no choice but to FROG (Fully Rely On GOD) for this to go right. Long story short... Ivan ended up crying, asking for forgiveness, and asked if I'd pray with him to overcome his anger issues. That was truly the power of Jesus Christ!
As for tonight- Nothing visually supernatural happened.
We did have an extraordinarally abundance of volunteers come down tonight though. It worked out well, since we were down a few of our regular team members, but we still had an extra 4 or 5 on hand. I feel guilty because so many people want to help serve, when there's a dire need for one-on-one counseling, but we lack the manpower for such.
Can't wait to see what GOD has in store for next week!
Friday, February 24, 2012
It's like a Reunion...
Due to the fact that our Ministry reaches out primarily to the houseless population, we never really know if we'll see the same faces again the following week. Each week can be a totally different sea of faces. There are those 'regulars' who choose to stay in the same responsibility-free lifestyle that keep coming back for a free handout, but then there are those few who are in a rut, fallen on hard times and for whatever reasons... those people catch your attention. As such was the two brothers, Daniel & Kieth, whom we first met June 2010. Daniel was in really bad shape, as was his brother. We last saw those men the following August before they just vanished.
Tonight Daniel was back. His life has radically changed. He sadly informed Amanda and I of Kieth's passing last year, but that he is doing really well compared to the last time we saw each other. Daniel is 100% sober and doing side-work for a church on as-needed terms. He's befriended a Pastor and has given his heart to Jesus Christ. Word on the the streets got to him that our Ministry was still around, so he took the 1.5hr bus ride to pay us a visit and grab a bite to eat. It was totally an answered prayer to see this new man! It's very sad though, to hear of his brother.
Another long time buddy from the area is Justice. I'd last heard of some tragic incident happening to him but had no way of knowing whatever happened to him. Justice had come to church with us before and he's such an impressionable guy, there's no way anybody could ever forget him... He showed up tonight with great reports too! Justice has also since given his heart to Christ and is currently living at SDRM too! He's attending church services regularly and working on getting his license to be a hair stylist. He encouraged me so much, by mentioning the impact that our Ministry had on him and he recalls the moment that GOD started working on him. Glory be to the King of Kings!
All was well tonight. Alot of really cool things happened. I shared another verse that was from shared this morning from our Pastor, and I kinda included my own style into it so that our attendees would be able to apply it better to their own lives. It worked because 7 or 8 people confessed their sins and gave their hearts to Jesus Christ tonight!
Two other guys who we've befriended are Sean and Drew. We noticed their absence almost 2 months ago. Tonight those two guys also came sharing good reports... no they haven't turned to Christ yet, but both of them have found work in this economy and are living in a hostel downtown, really close to the SDRM. They even made an attempt to visit Paul at the SDRM, and what I can only hope would turn into an extended visit that casually flows into a church service... but they were unsuccessful in visiting their friend.
The events of tonight have really re-kindled my fire and GOD has given me so much encouragement to see some of the fruit from our labor.
Tonight Daniel was back. His life has radically changed. He sadly informed Amanda and I of Kieth's passing last year, but that he is doing really well compared to the last time we saw each other. Daniel is 100% sober and doing side-work for a church on as-needed terms. He's befriended a Pastor and has given his heart to Jesus Christ. Word on the the streets got to him that our Ministry was still around, so he took the 1.5hr bus ride to pay us a visit and grab a bite to eat. It was totally an answered prayer to see this new man! It's very sad though, to hear of his brother.
Another long time buddy from the area is Justice. I'd last heard of some tragic incident happening to him but had no way of knowing whatever happened to him. Justice had come to church with us before and he's such an impressionable guy, there's no way anybody could ever forget him... He showed up tonight with great reports too! Justice has also since given his heart to Christ and is currently living at SDRM too! He's attending church services regularly and working on getting his license to be a hair stylist. He encouraged me so much, by mentioning the impact that our Ministry had on him and he recalls the moment that GOD started working on him. Glory be to the King of Kings!
All was well tonight. Alot of really cool things happened. I shared another verse that was from shared this morning from our Pastor, and I kinda included my own style into it so that our attendees would be able to apply it better to their own lives. It worked because 7 or 8 people confessed their sins and gave their hearts to Jesus Christ tonight!
Two other guys who we've befriended are Sean and Drew. We noticed their absence almost 2 months ago. Tonight those two guys also came sharing good reports... no they haven't turned to Christ yet, but both of them have found work in this economy and are living in a hostel downtown, really close to the SDRM. They even made an attempt to visit Paul at the SDRM, and what I can only hope would turn into an extended visit that casually flows into a church service... but they were unsuccessful in visiting their friend.
The events of tonight have really re-kindled my fire and GOD has given me so much encouragement to see some of the fruit from our labor.
Friday, February 17, 2012
The Children!
Tonight was really special and I pray that our dinner guests were touched by the experience.
A few children from the 2nd grade class at Horizon Christian Academy, joined our team for the evening with their own thoughtful touch. They (along with their teacher) made 80 bagged lunches: Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwiches, chips, bottled water, and scripture verses of GOD's love. The sandwiches were made with their own little hands and passed out personally to each guest that came through the line. It was really sweet to see the hearts of such young people, who have a desire to serve our LORD in simple acts of love.
The crowd, for the most part, was receptive to the message shared. It's encouraging to see that more and more are starting to pay attention to the sharing of GOD's Word. As for the attendance tonight, we had a larger crowd and unfortunately those who arrived later missed out on the meal.
It's cool to see how GOD works things out in His perfect planning. Some of our team members were out sick or had other obligations, which normally would've left us short-handed, but with those children, came their parents... which helped fill those empty spots. It worked out well because it gave those people new to our gatherings, an opportunity to serve and get hands-on experience getting to know some of our guests.
We also shared the celebration of some birthdays with singing and cake. I love that one of our team members had that loving act put on her heart by our Heavenly Father.
A few children from the 2nd grade class at Horizon Christian Academy, joined our team for the evening with their own thoughtful touch. They (along with their teacher) made 80 bagged lunches: Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwiches, chips, bottled water, and scripture verses of GOD's love. The sandwiches were made with their own little hands and passed out personally to each guest that came through the line. It was really sweet to see the hearts of such young people, who have a desire to serve our LORD in simple acts of love.
The crowd, for the most part, was receptive to the message shared. It's encouraging to see that more and more are starting to pay attention to the sharing of GOD's Word. As for the attendance tonight, we had a larger crowd and unfortunately those who arrived later missed out on the meal.
It's cool to see how GOD works things out in His perfect planning. Some of our team members were out sick or had other obligations, which normally would've left us short-handed, but with those children, came their parents... which helped fill those empty spots. It worked out well because it gave those people new to our gatherings, an opportunity to serve and get hands-on experience getting to know some of our guests.
We also shared the celebration of some birthdays with singing and cake. I love that one of our team members had that loving act put on her heart by our Heavenly Father.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
This past Friday (2/10/12)
I was physically absent from this week's outreach, but I was there in spirit & prayer.
Our worship leader & friend, Jason shared the message from John 1. We can only trust that GOD's Word does not return void.
From what I was told, the evening went really good.
I thank The LORD for the faithful that continue to serve the King of Kings regardless of circumstances or how short-handed we might be.
GOD is still in control and doing His thing.
Our worship leader & friend, Jason shared the message from John 1. We can only trust that GOD's Word does not return void.
From what I was told, the evening went really good.
I thank The LORD for the faithful that continue to serve the King of Kings regardless of circumstances or how short-handed we might be.
GOD is still in control and doing His thing.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Resources
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!
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!
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