GOD blessed us with an incredibly cool breeze that kept the area pleasant. Our gathering was lighter than usual.
I shared why it is good for us to meditate on His Word and the effect it will have in our lives. The verse focused tonight was from Philippians 4:8,9 -"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." It was received well.
There are lots of new faces coming through the line as we mark another season. For me, this so encouraging to see the growth from day one! I love having the chance to sit and speak with some of the new people and explaining why we are there.
One of the newer guys, Ricky, and I spoke the entire evening. He opened up with what he's going through. He's not like most of the people I run into. He genuinely does NOT want to be on the streets. He brought to me an incredible idea that has never been discussed before. "Why not come up with a list for those who actually want to find some work? If you have a list with names & numbers of guys you know that want to earn some money to make life more bare able... and happen to come across anybody looking for an extra hand, you could make some calls." It's genius! As Ricky and I talked, I was asking GOD to show me anything hidden in this man's words. I feel he is genuine and truly wants to work his way 'out of the gutter'. Ricky has fallen on hard times (due to discreet circumstances) and is ready to pick himself up and try again... he does no drugs, he is sane, and has a gentleness in his eyes.
Over all, there was a real peace covering us. GOD's love was present, people are praising Jesus together through Jason and his guitar. Our neighbors might not have a roof over their heads, but they have the Holy Spirit residing in alot of them.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Lemon Grove - expansion #1
This is the first of (prayerfully) many expansions from this Ministry. If this particular region continues from the team the Lord has chosen, they will be authoring/sharing what GOD, The Father is doing in Lemon Grove.... but as for now, I shall share what we experienced on this day.
Amanda, James, Dina, and myself all met with the home of The Brown family. There we met with their home fellowship group, eager to go out as foot soldiers for the sake of Jesus Christ. The previous night they had spend time building these goodie bags that we could easily pass out once we hit the streets. The Lord provided the following items for the packs: Socks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, bottled waters, bars of soap, and of course small Gospel tracks, including the book of John.
Weeks before, I had 'scouted the land' and discovered that majority of the neighbors hang out near Food-4-Less, we once we were all prayed up, we made a caravan to see who was waiting for us. Our first encounter was with 3 gentlemen who were happy to meet us. Each received a bag and an invitation to dinner at a near by park. Then another guy showed up, got the exact same items and invitation too. There were close to 15 of us, so we decided to break up in groups and do some foot work spreading out.
My particular group did not have any more run-in's but other groups did and even got the opportunity to pray with some folks. After about an hour, I ran over to pick up a generous food donation from Papa Johns Pizza. Our rally point for dinner was a local park in the historical part of Lemon Grove. Once we got set up, slowly came walking around the corner was one of the guys who accepted the invitation for a free dinner. His name is Rick.
Rick was full of helpful information regarding the locals in the area. He confessed that nobody else would be attending our dinner, due to the location of the park behind next door to the Sheriff's station. (I understood why, but only because I have some time under my belt.) Our friends had a good time getting to know Rick. I hope that he felt comfortable with us. I know he enjoyed the hot pizza! He allowed us to pray for him and his physical healing.
We certainly did not want all this food to go to waste, so we opted to drive around and just depend on the Holy Spirit to direct us where He wanted us to go. By this time, the sun had set and the coolness of the night was starting to creep in.
We were led behind a liquor store. There we met a group of guys all drinking some booze. Surprisingly enough, they already had a Papa Johns Pizza box with them. The alpha of that group was named "T". He was very suspicious of us at first, even hesitant to accept anything from us, but eventually opened up and admitted that the pizza box was empty. He was hungry. One of the 4 men sitting with him, needed a blanket. Surely enough, one of the volunteers had one readily available to bless him. The man couldn't believe it. He even shouted out: Thank you GOD, and said he loved us. It was neat for our new team to see the pleasure that something so simple could bring to somebody who is in need. It's all done in love and under the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our next encounter was our last for the night but only because it took a decent amount of time. We met 2 younger men slouched behind another liquor store beside a dumpster, drinking some beer. They too suspected us to be Police, but I assured him we are only there to love on them and tell them about Jesus. The first guy, Sean, claimed to be a Christian and a "weekend drinker". He wasn't really trying to hear what we were talking about. His friend, Henry, was more interested in hearing about this love we spoke of....
Henry has alot of hurt deep inside him. He told us that he tries to hurt himself when he drinks because he cares nothing about his own life. We prayed with Henry. As we laid hands on him, huddled around, he started to convulse and shake violently. I continued to pray without ceasing or interruption. I'm confident that something unseen and spiritual was happening in our presence. Henry broke down and started crying. I took a step back and wanted the other 2 men with me to experience this, as this would be their regional Ministry (if that's what GOD plans). Before we left for the night, Rudy told me that Henry and he prayed again. It was then that Henry fell to his knees. We do not know whether Henry will remember what he experienced this night, but we pray that GOD would make Himself known to Henry and to Sean.
This was a great experience for the home fellowship. I know that this Ministry can be a real culture-shock to most, but I guarantee that this group will never see "Homeless people" the same again.
Amanda, James, Dina, and myself all met with the home of The Brown family. There we met with their home fellowship group, eager to go out as foot soldiers for the sake of Jesus Christ. The previous night they had spend time building these goodie bags that we could easily pass out once we hit the streets. The Lord provided the following items for the packs: Socks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, bottled waters, bars of soap, and of course small Gospel tracks, including the book of John.
Weeks before, I had 'scouted the land' and discovered that majority of the neighbors hang out near Food-4-Less, we once we were all prayed up, we made a caravan to see who was waiting for us. Our first encounter was with 3 gentlemen who were happy to meet us. Each received a bag and an invitation to dinner at a near by park. Then another guy showed up, got the exact same items and invitation too. There were close to 15 of us, so we decided to break up in groups and do some foot work spreading out.
My particular group did not have any more run-in's but other groups did and even got the opportunity to pray with some folks. After about an hour, I ran over to pick up a generous food donation from Papa Johns Pizza. Our rally point for dinner was a local park in the historical part of Lemon Grove. Once we got set up, slowly came walking around the corner was one of the guys who accepted the invitation for a free dinner. His name is Rick.
Rick was full of helpful information regarding the locals in the area. He confessed that nobody else would be attending our dinner, due to the location of the park behind next door to the Sheriff's station. (I understood why, but only because I have some time under my belt.) Our friends had a good time getting to know Rick. I hope that he felt comfortable with us. I know he enjoyed the hot pizza! He allowed us to pray for him and his physical healing.
We certainly did not want all this food to go to waste, so we opted to drive around and just depend on the Holy Spirit to direct us where He wanted us to go. By this time, the sun had set and the coolness of the night was starting to creep in.
We were led behind a liquor store. There we met a group of guys all drinking some booze. Surprisingly enough, they already had a Papa Johns Pizza box with them. The alpha of that group was named "T". He was very suspicious of us at first, even hesitant to accept anything from us, but eventually opened up and admitted that the pizza box was empty. He was hungry. One of the 4 men sitting with him, needed a blanket. Surely enough, one of the volunteers had one readily available to bless him. The man couldn't believe it. He even shouted out: Thank you GOD, and said he loved us. It was neat for our new team to see the pleasure that something so simple could bring to somebody who is in need. It's all done in love and under the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our next encounter was our last for the night but only because it took a decent amount of time. We met 2 younger men slouched behind another liquor store beside a dumpster, drinking some beer. They too suspected us to be Police, but I assured him we are only there to love on them and tell them about Jesus. The first guy, Sean, claimed to be a Christian and a "weekend drinker". He wasn't really trying to hear what we were talking about. His friend, Henry, was more interested in hearing about this love we spoke of....
Henry has alot of hurt deep inside him. He told us that he tries to hurt himself when he drinks because he cares nothing about his own life. We prayed with Henry. As we laid hands on him, huddled around, he started to convulse and shake violently. I continued to pray without ceasing or interruption. I'm confident that something unseen and spiritual was happening in our presence. Henry broke down and started crying. I took a step back and wanted the other 2 men with me to experience this, as this would be their regional Ministry (if that's what GOD plans). Before we left for the night, Rudy told me that Henry and he prayed again. It was then that Henry fell to his knees. We do not know whether Henry will remember what he experienced this night, but we pray that GOD would make Himself known to Henry and to Sean.
This was a great experience for the home fellowship. I know that this Ministry can be a real culture-shock to most, but I guarantee that this group will never see "Homeless people" the same again.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Our GOD is an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G GOD!!!
Truth be told, this week finances were a little tight for Amanda and I, which in turn would have been tight on the Ministry. If it weren't for an incredible miracle (that still gives goosebumps) we may not have had enough money for a meal tonight. No... we didn't get rich or anything like that, but GOD did show Himself faithful to provide what was needed for His glory.
The man who runs the kitchen at our church, called me mid-week, saying he tons of left-over food and instantly thought of us. So tonight we served somewhere between 300-400 hot dogs, baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad. This was obviously GOD's perfect planning because had we been able to stick to our norm, we would have run out long before the line finished coming through, but instead we had an abundance of food!!!! It was completely amazing to see all the puzzle pieces fall into place.
I thought it was appropriate due to the hot dogs, to talk about condiments, which lead to sharing about the mustard seed parable. For the most part this group is starting to pay attention to scripture and the seeds are growing. The feed-back I receive from our neighbors is very encouraging. Although I'm not ordained, they all see me as their Pastor... in fact they call me "Pastor", which I think is kinda cute because they took it upon themselves to start that. I strongly feel called to become a Pastor but only want what GOD has planned for me.
We've made some new friends who've become a part of the LTN team. I truly appreciate every person that GOD gives us to serve with. Each individual brings such a unique element to the team. I love how GOD orchestrates all those things.
We are still praying where GOD wants us (location wise). I'm on the fence about staying where we are. My flesh wants to 'make a stand for our freedom to be here', while I feel a gentleness inside telling me to love all our neighbors and to keep a peace between those who have and those who have not. Is it time to relocate? We just don't know. The Lord has given me people who want to help us from an administrative perspective, which could lead us to far greater things. For now, we shall take things one day at a time.
Tomorrow, we start a brand new branch of LTN out in Lemon Grove, CA. I'll be sure to share how that goes afterwards! Until then...
The man who runs the kitchen at our church, called me mid-week, saying he tons of left-over food and instantly thought of us. So tonight we served somewhere between 300-400 hot dogs, baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad. This was obviously GOD's perfect planning because had we been able to stick to our norm, we would have run out long before the line finished coming through, but instead we had an abundance of food!!!! It was completely amazing to see all the puzzle pieces fall into place.
I thought it was appropriate due to the hot dogs, to talk about condiments, which lead to sharing about the mustard seed parable. For the most part this group is starting to pay attention to scripture and the seeds are growing. The feed-back I receive from our neighbors is very encouraging. Although I'm not ordained, they all see me as their Pastor... in fact they call me "Pastor", which I think is kinda cute because they took it upon themselves to start that. I strongly feel called to become a Pastor but only want what GOD has planned for me.
We've made some new friends who've become a part of the LTN team. I truly appreciate every person that GOD gives us to serve with. Each individual brings such a unique element to the team. I love how GOD orchestrates all those things.
We are still praying where GOD wants us (location wise). I'm on the fence about staying where we are. My flesh wants to 'make a stand for our freedom to be here', while I feel a gentleness inside telling me to love all our neighbors and to keep a peace between those who have and those who have not. Is it time to relocate? We just don't know. The Lord has given me people who want to help us from an administrative perspective, which could lead us to far greater things. For now, we shall take things one day at a time.
Tomorrow, we start a brand new branch of LTN out in Lemon Grove, CA. I'll be sure to share how that goes afterwards! Until then...
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Friday (8/19/11)...
Everything went smooth without incident this week.
Marci joined us again and brought down a large birthday cake so we can celebrate all those for the month of August. Her idea is so thoughtful and loving. As the majority of 100+ people sang together, you could see the incredible joy it brought to those we sang to. It's not always about preaching or distributing materials down here.... to sum everything we do up.... it's all about loving our neighbors.
What baffles me is the tremendous encouragement we receive from all people passing by and yet there are select people who still oppose what we do. I've been reading alot from Proverbs this month and there is a repeated theme talking about those who oppose the helping hand of the needy. Shame on them.
I do wonder what GOD has in store for us next...
Marci joined us again and brought down a large birthday cake so we can celebrate all those for the month of August. Her idea is so thoughtful and loving. As the majority of 100+ people sang together, you could see the incredible joy it brought to those we sang to. It's not always about preaching or distributing materials down here.... to sum everything we do up.... it's all about loving our neighbors.
What baffles me is the tremendous encouragement we receive from all people passing by and yet there are select people who still oppose what we do. I've been reading alot from Proverbs this month and there is a repeated theme talking about those who oppose the helping hand of the needy. Shame on them.
I do wonder what GOD has in store for us next...
Monday, August 15, 2011
Blessed (Friday 8/12/11)
Our team had prayed all week regarding some possible changes taking place, and we were still praying on it when we decided to return this week. Needless to say, all of the people waiting for us were relieved to see us there. A few said they were 'happy', while the majority used the term 'blessed'. It made me really consider what GOD has done on their hearts since this all started, and I was the one who became blessed.
We had a few extra hands helping out. Some of our team members haven't been able to make it lately, so those who come unexpectedly really help make a difference. Our new friend Gary and his wife helped distribute the clothing. Being positioned there, really opened his eyes to the needs some of the men have. I enjoy hearing how GOD reveals things to those that help us and to hear the empathy in their voice.
We had an encouraging encounter with somebody who manages a local business. The woman said our Ministry was such a blessing to see such love for those in need and to keep up the good work. That blew my mind due to the opposition we faced last week. All we can do is continue to trust in our Heavenly Father. He will either have His hand on this Ministry and keep us in this location, or He will shut the door and make it clear to us where we should go next.
It breaks my heart to see some of our friends on this roller coaster of sobriety & spirituality. Stephen has fallen again. Jeff has fallen again. Pockets continues to fall and has stopped showing up. There are so many people who just can't let GOD do the work in them. They all fall and feel too condemned to ask Him for help again. It's almost overwhelming to see so many people in such pain and sadness. I know the best thing we can do is to pray for them all, but there comes a point where even I struggle with the question "When is enough, enough?" Alcohol & drugs are slowly killing these men & women.
At the end of the night, all of us agreed that for the time being.... GOD's hand is still on us and there is still plenty of work to be done here.
In closing, I'd like to share a line from one of my favorite Chris Tomlin songs:
"And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us... And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?"
For the full song, check out this cool youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlA5IDnpGhc
We had a few extra hands helping out. Some of our team members haven't been able to make it lately, so those who come unexpectedly really help make a difference. Our new friend Gary and his wife helped distribute the clothing. Being positioned there, really opened his eyes to the needs some of the men have. I enjoy hearing how GOD reveals things to those that help us and to hear the empathy in their voice.
We had an encouraging encounter with somebody who manages a local business. The woman said our Ministry was such a blessing to see such love for those in need and to keep up the good work. That blew my mind due to the opposition we faced last week. All we can do is continue to trust in our Heavenly Father. He will either have His hand on this Ministry and keep us in this location, or He will shut the door and make it clear to us where we should go next.
It breaks my heart to see some of our friends on this roller coaster of sobriety & spirituality. Stephen has fallen again. Jeff has fallen again. Pockets continues to fall and has stopped showing up. There are so many people who just can't let GOD do the work in them. They all fall and feel too condemned to ask Him for help again. It's almost overwhelming to see so many people in such pain and sadness. I know the best thing we can do is to pray for them all, but there comes a point where even I struggle with the question "When is enough, enough?" Alcohol & drugs are slowly killing these men & women.
At the end of the night, all of us agreed that for the time being.... GOD's hand is still on us and there is still plenty of work to be done here.
In closing, I'd like to share a line from one of my favorite Chris Tomlin songs:
"And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us... And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?"
For the full song, check out this cool youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlA5IDnpGhc
Friday, August 5, 2011
Where one door closes, another is opened....
GOD is definitely doing something!
This afternoon, I was informed by the owner of a surrounding business, that he is losing some serious money, and he claims it's because of our ministry... Not due to 'us' but rather the gathering of people who are "a problem for the area".
It's been a very long time since we've had an issue from a neighbor complaining. The man has a valid excuse, and rather it's true or not, is strictly between him and GOD. I admitted to the upset man, that I never once took into consideration that angle in respect to the businesses. Again... this is all a learning process. Homeless or rich... Jesus called us to love all neighbors, and that includes respecting them as well. We wish to cause no harm to anybody or their livelihood.
Praying for guidance from my heavenly Father, I wondered what His plan is for us as a Ministry. I prepared those we serve, that there may come a time where we are no longer coming to the boardwalk. I passed around a notepad for those that wish to stay in touch with us via email and some wrote words of encouragement. It was very touching to see the positive impact we've had on their lives. Thank you Lord!
Stephen is really moving forward in his walk with Jesus! For the past week, he has donated his time in helping with Ministry stuff. He's completely sober and going to church on his own. Please keep him in your prayers. GOD used His own power, through Stephen to show the rest of the crowd standing in line, that He can work in anybody... that nobody down there is unreachable. Stephen is now reaching out to his old friends, praying with them, for them, and sharing words of encouragement and trying to get others to come to church! It's really amazing.
Other than the phone call, our evening went well. There are other things that our team is praying about, but I'll share that another time. We're just trusting Jesus that When one doors closes, it's an opportunity to step in faith and walk through the next open door.
This afternoon, I was informed by the owner of a surrounding business, that he is losing some serious money, and he claims it's because of our ministry... Not due to 'us' but rather the gathering of people who are "a problem for the area".
It's been a very long time since we've had an issue from a neighbor complaining. The man has a valid excuse, and rather it's true or not, is strictly between him and GOD. I admitted to the upset man, that I never once took into consideration that angle in respect to the businesses. Again... this is all a learning process. Homeless or rich... Jesus called us to love all neighbors, and that includes respecting them as well. We wish to cause no harm to anybody or their livelihood.
Praying for guidance from my heavenly Father, I wondered what His plan is for us as a Ministry. I prepared those we serve, that there may come a time where we are no longer coming to the boardwalk. I passed around a notepad for those that wish to stay in touch with us via email and some wrote words of encouragement. It was very touching to see the positive impact we've had on their lives. Thank you Lord!
Stephen is really moving forward in his walk with Jesus! For the past week, he has donated his time in helping with Ministry stuff. He's completely sober and going to church on his own. Please keep him in your prayers. GOD used His own power, through Stephen to show the rest of the crowd standing in line, that He can work in anybody... that nobody down there is unreachable. Stephen is now reaching out to his old friends, praying with them, for them, and sharing words of encouragement and trying to get others to come to church! It's really amazing.
Other than the phone call, our evening went well. There are other things that our team is praying about, but I'll share that another time. We're just trusting Jesus that When one doors closes, it's an opportunity to step in faith and walk through the next open door.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
On rare occasions....
This entire week GOD has been revealing things to me like never before: Fresh Fruit, the Humility in others, Love, Rapid Growth... and yes, it's a trip!
I don't typically share during the week on here (as most of you can tell) but after reading this morning's devotional from an awesome book titled 'Breakfast with God', I was really blessed by what I read and wanted to share this with others.
The following is exactly what I read-
Feeding the Poor
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 NASB
One day a young executive was asked to share with his fellowees employees how he felt about participating in the company's voluntary "feeding the poor" program. He took one early-morning slot each week to ladle soup and pass out sandwiches to nearly 400 homeless and street people in his city. The young man said:
"I go on Tuesdays to feed those we call poor, and in fact, they are poor in material things. Some of them are poor in many ways, and we also try to help them with encouragement, advice, and on occasion, a word of prayer. But in many ways, these hungry and poor men and women have nurtured something in me - they have made me more aware of the pritual side of my life and they have led me to be aware that we all 'feed' each other in many ways every day - either good nourishment for the sould, or poison.
"I have a new understanding that when I go home and genuinely compliment my wife, or sit down to read a story to my daughter, or toss a ball with my son, I am feeding something inside them. I no longer see myself as part of the Tuesday-morning feeding team, but as a 24-hour-a-day feeding volunteer."
Who will you feed today?
And what will you feed them?
Mother Teresa wrote in A Gift for God, "People are hungry for something more beautiful, for something greater than people round about can give. There is a great hunger for God in the world today. Everywhere there is much suffering, but there is also great hunger for God and love for each other."
Today you will encounter people who are hungry - outwardly and inwardly. God has equipped you in unique ways to "feed" them with natural food as well as His Word, His love, and His presence. He invites you to volunteer to participate in His feeding program.
I don't typically share during the week on here (as most of you can tell) but after reading this morning's devotional from an awesome book titled 'Breakfast with God', I was really blessed by what I read and wanted to share this with others.
The following is exactly what I read-
Feeding the Poor
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 NASB
One day a young executive was asked to share with his fellowees employees how he felt about participating in the company's voluntary "feeding the poor" program. He took one early-morning slot each week to ladle soup and pass out sandwiches to nearly 400 homeless and street people in his city. The young man said:
"I go on Tuesdays to feed those we call poor, and in fact, they are poor in material things. Some of them are poor in many ways, and we also try to help them with encouragement, advice, and on occasion, a word of prayer. But in many ways, these hungry and poor men and women have nurtured something in me - they have made me more aware of the pritual side of my life and they have led me to be aware that we all 'feed' each other in many ways every day - either good nourishment for the sould, or poison.
"I have a new understanding that when I go home and genuinely compliment my wife, or sit down to read a story to my daughter, or toss a ball with my son, I am feeding something inside them. I no longer see myself as part of the Tuesday-morning feeding team, but as a 24-hour-a-day feeding volunteer."
Who will you feed today?
And what will you feed them?
Mother Teresa wrote in A Gift for God, "People are hungry for something more beautiful, for something greater than people round about can give. There is a great hunger for God in the world today. Everywhere there is much suffering, but there is also great hunger for God and love for each other."
Today you will encounter people who are hungry - outwardly and inwardly. God has equipped you in unique ways to "feed" them with natural food as well as His Word, His love, and His presence. He invites you to volunteer to participate in His feeding program.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)