Prayers were answered this week. GOD is always faithful, even when we are not.
We were able to borrow an EZ-Up canopy for the weather, which we ended up not needing after all. It was comforting knowing that should we have needed it, we had it with us.
Due to the weather condition and the uncertainty of exactly how many people would be showing up for the meal, we thought it would be best to not waste finances with left over food. A friend was able to donate enough pizza for the evening instead.
As the timing has been changed for quite some time now, we had a group of 20 people waiting in line when we arrived. There was enough pizza available for each individual to actually fill their empty stomachs. The pizza went quickly, probably within the first 15 minutes. We hung out chatting with those that stuck around, until close to 5:45pm.
One of the men, whom we've had repeated problems with arrives and notices the food is already gone. He starts throwing conspiracy accusations at me, cussing me out, and physically threatening me. He was so upset because there was nothing left for him to eat. We had to cut the night very short, very quickly.
As I had mentioned last week, there is an ugly spiritual attack on this Ministry. I realize the anger coming from that man last night, was coming directly from the enemy of GOD, the Father of Lies. I'm only human and every man has his weakpoint. When my life is being physically threatened, I'm afraid that is my weakpoint.
I'm ashamed to admit it, but I'm too weak to continue in this environment, dealing with this particular individual. Having said that... I'm more than happy to continue picking up the guys that truly want to grow closer to GOD through church, but we will no longer be bringing food to the boardwalk.
I'm so very thankful for all who have kept us in their prayers and have given us tremendous support. I ask that the prayers continue for the lost souls of Pacific Beach.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
January 15, 2010
There's no doubt that there's a spiritual battle going on around us, between good and evil. We caught a very small glimpse of it last night. We need more prayer support for this very reason.
We finally were able to run into Chicago, after a few months of repeated over night visits to the County Jail. He was in bad shape: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He stores so much pain inside and washes it down the any booze he can.
The group seems to like hearing Bible stories and give enough respect to gather together as we open the night in prayer and they listen silently (for the most part). I'm holding fast to the promise that GOD's word does not return void.
The food went quickly as everyone passed down the make-line. We had help from Joey, and Mary Clo, a friend from our home fellowship. The Ministry was blessed with salads from a local restaurant
We did not see the family that had attended last week, and others had asked about Jeremy because they'd heard he was alive and doing well. Many had presumed he'd passed away due to his alcoholism.
My current struggle is trying to figure out how to prepare for the big storm they say will hit San Diego next week, including Friday. All I can do is fall on my knees and pray that direction would be given as to our next step. (We have yet to obtain any EZ ups)
We finally were able to run into Chicago, after a few months of repeated over night visits to the County Jail. He was in bad shape: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He stores so much pain inside and washes it down the any booze he can.
The group seems to like hearing Bible stories and give enough respect to gather together as we open the night in prayer and they listen silently (for the most part). I'm holding fast to the promise that GOD's word does not return void.
The food went quickly as everyone passed down the make-line. We had help from Joey, and Mary Clo, a friend from our home fellowship. The Ministry was blessed with salads from a local restaurant
We did not see the family that had attended last week, and others had asked about Jeremy because they'd heard he was alive and doing well. Many had presumed he'd passed away due to his alcoholism.
My current struggle is trying to figure out how to prepare for the big storm they say will hit San Diego next week, including Friday. All I can do is fall on my knees and pray that direction would be given as to our next step. (We have yet to obtain any EZ ups)
Friday, January 8, 2010
January 8, 2010
Tonight my heart is deeply troubled. I've experienced something new that I hope to never witness again, and Lord willing, I can help find a solution so that it doesn't need to be this way.
In line stood a hungry family of 6: Father, Mother, a 9y/o daughter, and three sons, ages 8, 2, and 1y/o. The family has been living in their SUV since April of 2009, when the father, Gary lost his job from the local moving company. The mother, Ruby, does her best to keep the kids clean and educated, still attending elementary school. The family is afraid of being seperated should they enter into a shelter. The family has become well acquainted with the places that offer free food. It was through one of these places, that another church puts together. That particular church has been making the 45min drive to pick the family up every Sunday for services. The family have put their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ during these difficult times. I urge all believers that stumble across this blog to please pray for this family. The father is completely sober and desires to work again. As I stood speaking with him, I could see the sorrow, guilt, disappointment, and pain in his eyes. My heart goes out to this family and I wish there was something more that I could do to help them!
I gave my testimony tonight, and the Lord used it to speak to 2 of the men. "Guitar Billy" made a personal choice to accept Christ into his heart. Prior to his profession tonight, Billy was playing some Christ centered songs on the boardwalk for us while we were setting up. Ron, the other guy, has been walking in the faith for some time. He's one of the gentleman who has ritually helped us unload our truck upon arrival each week. Ron desires a deeper, more intimate walk with Jesus, so we prayed together asking GOD to bless him and strengthen his own walk.
We were blessed to have a familiar face walk up to us. I hadn't seen the guy for awhile, and he came to tell us what awesome changes have taken place in his life. He's been sober for almost a month now, living in a sober living facility near by, and wanted to encourage us. He said that it was because of our 'positive attitudes' that helped him make the changes. He told us that our witness is having a bigger impact on the lives of those we minister to, than we could ever imagine. It was really nice to hear such positive feedback for once. The guy didn't even come to eat the free food, he literally just came down to encourage us, and then he bailed for an AA meeting. What a trip!
It was nice to have the luxury of walking around and speaking to our guests, due to the help we had from Jerry and Joey doing the serving with Amanda.
In line stood a hungry family of 6: Father, Mother, a 9y/o daughter, and three sons, ages 8, 2, and 1y/o. The family has been living in their SUV since April of 2009, when the father, Gary lost his job from the local moving company. The mother, Ruby, does her best to keep the kids clean and educated, still attending elementary school. The family is afraid of being seperated should they enter into a shelter. The family has become well acquainted with the places that offer free food. It was through one of these places, that another church puts together. That particular church has been making the 45min drive to pick the family up every Sunday for services. The family have put their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ during these difficult times. I urge all believers that stumble across this blog to please pray for this family. The father is completely sober and desires to work again. As I stood speaking with him, I could see the sorrow, guilt, disappointment, and pain in his eyes. My heart goes out to this family and I wish there was something more that I could do to help them!
I gave my testimony tonight, and the Lord used it to speak to 2 of the men. "Guitar Billy" made a personal choice to accept Christ into his heart. Prior to his profession tonight, Billy was playing some Christ centered songs on the boardwalk for us while we were setting up. Ron, the other guy, has been walking in the faith for some time. He's one of the gentleman who has ritually helped us unload our truck upon arrival each week. Ron desires a deeper, more intimate walk with Jesus, so we prayed together asking GOD to bless him and strengthen his own walk.
We were blessed to have a familiar face walk up to us. I hadn't seen the guy for awhile, and he came to tell us what awesome changes have taken place in his life. He's been sober for almost a month now, living in a sober living facility near by, and wanted to encourage us. He said that it was because of our 'positive attitudes' that helped him make the changes. He told us that our witness is having a bigger impact on the lives of those we minister to, than we could ever imagine. It was really nice to hear such positive feedback for once. The guy didn't even come to eat the free food, he literally just came down to encourage us, and then he bailed for an AA meeting. What a trip!
It was nice to have the luxury of walking around and speaking to our guests, due to the help we had from Jerry and Joey doing the serving with Amanda.
The food went very fast, which enabled Amanda to spend time one on one with a few people. They all love her... and so do I, lol. She spent about 30mins speaking with "Wheelchair Johnny". He's paralyzed because a drunk driver crashed into him while he was driving to work one early morning. He's in alot of pain. His hands have callus from his extensive travels in his wheelchair.
He's a very likable guy. I hope to spend more time with him and getting him to come to church with us.
I'm grateful for the small things in life, that one would normally not think about. This ministry has helped open my eyes in so many ways. It's no longer just about the homeless! The ministry has effected the lives of so many differant people from so many differant paths of life.
Gloria a Dios!!!!
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Years Day ~ Jan 01, 2010
There was an undeniable presence of GOD tonight. His spirit was at work with everyone around!
Throughout the last 2 weeks, we've been blessed with donations of many sorts, including homemade blankets from Fleece materials and Beanies.... tonight we made great use of those items.
Amanda and I were blessed to have some assistance tonight from some of our friends at church, Jerry and Talisa. It's always a special treat when others come out with us. Our fellow sister in Christ, Mary Clo, joined us too.
I discovered something new today... When I had asked why there were so many people missing from our usual size, I was told that majority of them get hotel rooms at the first of each month with whatever SSI they receive. It's comforting to know that some of them are off the streets, even if it is temporary.
The group of maybe 30 or so, politely bowed their hearts as we all said grace together, and listened to a message that had been prepared. I trust that the Holy Spirit will continue to use the message to penetrate the souls of the people. I'm personally comforted because I know GOD's promise, that His word will never return void.
Jerry and I got to spend some one on one time with a newcomer, named Kyle. He does not believe in GOD, but rather Evolution. We were able to share with him some facts about the theory he trusts, and encouraged him to "investigate" into Jesus. He said he would and looked forward to seeing us next week. Before we parted ways, I was able to convince him to take a small Bible Tract with him to read.
It was great to be back down there. It's wierd how 2 weeks away can feel so long ago. I realize with this ministry, there is going to be alot of relationships made between us, and that someday those would disappear and move on. Ryan, one of the guys who got baptized a few months back, is moving back home to Georgia, and I'm actually saddened by this. We may not have hung out as friends, but I will miss him.
Amanda was able to spend time ministering to some of the females, as well.
One of our regulars told me that he's a musician, and plans to play worhsip music for us sometime soon. I look forward to that! It' ll definately be a nice addition to the ministry to have constant worship music available.
As of right now, I plan to pick up 3 men for church this Sunday morning... I can only pray that nothing hinders that from actually falling into place and letting it happen as planned.
GOD is so awesome! I wish it were so easy for others to just see it.
I pray that today, as the New Year is getting started, many souls will accept this truth:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17
Throughout the last 2 weeks, we've been blessed with donations of many sorts, including homemade blankets from Fleece materials and Beanies.... tonight we made great use of those items.
Amanda and I were blessed to have some assistance tonight from some of our friends at church, Jerry and Talisa. It's always a special treat when others come out with us. Our fellow sister in Christ, Mary Clo, joined us too.
I discovered something new today... When I had asked why there were so many people missing from our usual size, I was told that majority of them get hotel rooms at the first of each month with whatever SSI they receive. It's comforting to know that some of them are off the streets, even if it is temporary.
The group of maybe 30 or so, politely bowed their hearts as we all said grace together, and listened to a message that had been prepared. I trust that the Holy Spirit will continue to use the message to penetrate the souls of the people. I'm personally comforted because I know GOD's promise, that His word will never return void.
Jerry and I got to spend some one on one time with a newcomer, named Kyle. He does not believe in GOD, but rather Evolution. We were able to share with him some facts about the theory he trusts, and encouraged him to "investigate" into Jesus. He said he would and looked forward to seeing us next week. Before we parted ways, I was able to convince him to take a small Bible Tract with him to read.
It was great to be back down there. It's wierd how 2 weeks away can feel so long ago. I realize with this ministry, there is going to be alot of relationships made between us, and that someday those would disappear and move on. Ryan, one of the guys who got baptized a few months back, is moving back home to Georgia, and I'm actually saddened by this. We may not have hung out as friends, but I will miss him.
Amanda was able to spend time ministering to some of the females, as well.
One of our regulars told me that he's a musician, and plans to play worhsip music for us sometime soon. I look forward to that! It' ll definately be a nice addition to the ministry to have constant worship music available.
As of right now, I plan to pick up 3 men for church this Sunday morning... I can only pray that nothing hinders that from actually falling into place and letting it happen as planned.
GOD is so awesome! I wish it were so easy for others to just see it.
I pray that today, as the New Year is getting started, many souls will accept this truth:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17
Friday, December 25, 2009
CHRISTMAS DAY 2009
As I sit here collecting my thoughts, I can't help but wonder how truthful the men and women were being last week. We've begun to know and understand each other, and part of me feels guilty not being there to assure that everyone has a hot meal to eat on this day.
I'm told time and time again, that it's nearly impossible for the homeless to starve in the streets of Pacific Beach, so that gives me comfort, but I strongly feel that food alone is not good enough. The people need friendships, people to talk to when they have issues, people they can hug and be warmed by a genuine smile. The purpose of the ministry is not to give them food and walk away, but to share the Love that Jesus Christ has for people, yes including the homeless.
I can't think of a better way to start off the New Year, than to share it with the needy and telling them how they too can start the year fresh by abiding in GOD: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!- 2 Corinthians 5:17
I'm told time and time again, that it's nearly impossible for the homeless to starve in the streets of Pacific Beach, so that gives me comfort, but I strongly feel that food alone is not good enough. The people need friendships, people to talk to when they have issues, people they can hug and be warmed by a genuine smile. The purpose of the ministry is not to give them food and walk away, but to share the Love that Jesus Christ has for people, yes including the homeless.
I can't think of a better way to start off the New Year, than to share it with the needy and telling them how they too can start the year fresh by abiding in GOD: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!- 2 Corinthians 5:17
Saturday, December 19, 2009
December 18, 2009
Well... if anything has come from the experience of last week, I'd call it a learning lesson. I'm not quite sure how to take that in, or how to seperate my own emotions from the ministry. We are fully aware that some of the people who come to eat, come just for a free meal ticket trying to get anything and everything they can from us, but then there are those who are genuine, thankful, appreciative, and sincerely enjoy the friendship that we've begun to build with them.
The latter group were the ones who stood up for us last week, while the angry crowd started bad talking us because we did not come. I knew there would be some negative feelings from our absence, and really wanted to use that to somehow get a message of GOD from it. I ended up with a decent message to share with the group, how to not rely on 'man' because man will fail you, but GOD will never fail you, as promised: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." -Joshua 1:5
Upon arrival I was shocked to only see a handful of people waiting around, maybe 8-10 guys... actually worried that food would end up being wasted by the end of the night. But as the night set in, the more people rolled in. We ended up feeding about 1/3 of our usual size.
All our guests assured us that they have somewhere to eat during Christmas (next Friday) so they did not expect us to show up... in a way, giving us a "day off".
I was encouraged by a new person, who had just shown up in the area. Afterwards, we spent some time talking with Spike... getting to hear how The Lord has been working in his life. Lisa encountered a woman who'd been observing us week after week, and was moved to offer help for the future, because of our faithfullness. (GOD is too good and never ceases to amaze me when I hear such things!)
I'd consider it an over all good night.
The latter group were the ones who stood up for us last week, while the angry crowd started bad talking us because we did not come. I knew there would be some negative feelings from our absence, and really wanted to use that to somehow get a message of GOD from it. I ended up with a decent message to share with the group, how to not rely on 'man' because man will fail you, but GOD will never fail you, as promised: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." -Joshua 1:5
Upon arrival I was shocked to only see a handful of people waiting around, maybe 8-10 guys... actually worried that food would end up being wasted by the end of the night. But as the night set in, the more people rolled in. We ended up feeding about 1/3 of our usual size.
All our guests assured us that they have somewhere to eat during Christmas (next Friday) so they did not expect us to show up... in a way, giving us a "day off".
I was encouraged by a new person, who had just shown up in the area. Afterwards, we spent some time talking with Spike... getting to hear how The Lord has been working in his life. Lisa encountered a woman who'd been observing us week after week, and was moved to offer help for the future, because of our faithfullness. (GOD is too good and never ceases to amaze me when I hear such things!)
I'd consider it an over all good night.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
December 11, 2009 ~ RAINED OUT
We did not make it this week, due to the rainy weather. This was the first time it's rained on a Friday and we did not expect people to be standing around in the rain, waiting for a hot meal.
Unfortunately, we were wrong. I received a phone call from one of the regulars at 5:30pm asking where we were at. I explained to him that we figured nobody would be around because of the rain, and we did not want to risk wasting food if that were the case.
There is nothing we can do about that, other than take the experience and learn from it.
Rain or shine... from this day forward (Lord willing), I will be there to feed these men & women.
Unfortunately, we were wrong. I received a phone call from one of the regulars at 5:30pm asking where we were at. I explained to him that we figured nobody would be around because of the rain, and we did not want to risk wasting food if that were the case.
There is nothing we can do about that, other than take the experience and learn from it.
Rain or shine... from this day forward (Lord willing), I will be there to feed these men & women.
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