When Amanda and I first started this Ministry, we didn't have any expectations... All we knew was that God called us to be down there to feed the people (physically or spiritually at that time, I do not know).
Here we are now 42 months (183 weeks) later and we still see most of the same people in the same position we met them in. Sure... now they listen to the sermons and are thankful and some are actually truly grateful for our kind acts, but it breaks my heart that except for a very few, there has been no change.
There have been several people who have prayed to accept Christ during an invitation, but there hasn't really been any real growth. There are times like tonight, that I wonder if we're spinning our wheels. Should we move to plant seeds elsewhere?
I had a conversation with one of our guests this evening and he'd been around for about 2 years now. He shared with me the perspective from a 'homeless person' towards us and what we do. "As good as the food is, and as nice as you guys are to us, it gets old hearing the same thing and eating the same food over and over again." When I heard that, I was at a lose for words... What does one say to that and still remain walking in the Spirit? I respect his brutal honesty, but it got me thinking about the balance in the fruit we've produced in Pacific Beach and whether or not it's time we relocate to start a new work.
I'm feeling a little defeated... Maybe just discouraged.... But I know this feeling will not last, because I have the promises of a Comforter who will always lift me up when I'm low and He will direct me where He wants us to go.
Earlier this week, some women from our church mentioned that they're starting a women's Bible Study in PB, very close to where we meet on Fridays. They asked me to mention an open invitation to the women that attend the dinner... None of the women were interested.
Don't get me wrong, there are genuinely nice and grateful people who we are helping, but are we now enabling them? There is a difference from a hand-out and a hand-up... so which is it that we are doing?
Tonight I watched people take full advantage of our teams generosity. It was a restless night and there was lots going on: bike theft right behind me while I'm preaching... People barking demands at our team for clothing... Folks cutting in line to help themselves, rather than wait... People changing clothes they just receive from us, only to walk back thru to get more items despite our limitation policy... Cursing towards us when we ask for cooperation... Grumbles when we tell them we don't have an item like razors....
That's not the majority but only a few, but as I said earlier, where is the fruit of our labors?
The one thing I'm asking prayer for myself at the moment, is for wisdom. With wisdom comes clarity. I do not want to make a move without the direction of God, especially of it's based on emotion.
Right now I feel like Peter when he said to Jesus "We've fished all night and have caught NOTHING!"
Off my soapbox and going to sleep now. Maybe God will speak to me in my sleep.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
The angels dance...
This week was another miraculous one. A man named Pete came came to the saving grace and found salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ.
We were blessed with a food donation, so we had a change of menu, which I believe is needed every once in awhile. We served cheeseburgers, hot dogs, Mac & cheese, and baked beans. Something happened that I think impacted one of our guests in more of a way than we would suspect. This particular man has lots of health issues and is very selective as to what he eats. Amanda (being well aware of his condition) made this man a special plate of spaghetti, packaged just for him in a container to-go. When he came through the line, he was blown away that Amanda did something out of her way, specifically for him.. And because of that, he was able to join us for dinner.
It was a good fruitful night and it's those times far and few between that make this Ministry so rewarding.
We were blessed with a food donation, so we had a change of menu, which I believe is needed every once in awhile. We served cheeseburgers, hot dogs, Mac & cheese, and baked beans. Something happened that I think impacted one of our guests in more of a way than we would suspect. This particular man has lots of health issues and is very selective as to what he eats. Amanda (being well aware of his condition) made this man a special plate of spaghetti, packaged just for him in a container to-go. When he came through the line, he was blown away that Amanda did something out of her way, specifically for him.. And because of that, he was able to join us for dinner.
It was a good fruitful night and it's those times far and few between that make this Ministry so rewarding.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Hello, hello readers! This is sadly the longest I think I've gone without posting reports of what's been going on. Our home computer broke, so finding the time to write has been a big challenge for me. I'll do my best to update everything from memory....
A couple from out of state came through our line for the first time a few weeks ago, and the woman was moved by the Holy Spirit as God directed the message directly to her. That was pretty cool. I had the privilage to pray with them before they left for the evening.
We had a young female passer-byer join us in serving a few weeks ago. She was a big help, as we've been short handed on more than one occassion lately. I believe that this experience has touched her in a way that she's never felt. She plans to return and help again. God's timing is awesome!
We've had a handful of misc food contributions come in, which has helped us financially.
I'll write more after tomorrow's outreach (if I get the chance).
Sunday, August 19, 2012
More love, more power...
The doors that GOD has been opening for us, has been exciting to say the least! Our team is seeing a steady flow of volunteers catching the vision and coming to our side to share His love through simple acts of kindness.
Due to the approach that GOD has given us to use to our neighbors, we are witnessing hearts becoming softened. More of our neighbors are wanting to join us in opening prayer, and more are listening intently to the sermon shared. One of the first things that changed, that has been a huge blessing for Amanda and I.... (and my back...) was the amount of men who help unload our truck and set things up with us. We are in this Ministry to give without the expectation of getting anything in return, especially from a group as our neighbors in need, yet they give what they can through serving with their hands. I appreciate them more than words could ever explain.
This week, we had the company of our high school youth group join us. It was beautiful to see young brothers & sisters sharing His ultimate love, with pure hearts and genuine smiles. There is something very special about seeing young people having a heart for others. I hope and pray those are the events in life that will catch the heart of somebody else who maybe doesn't know Jesus, and seeing that will win them over. There was the laying of hands for physical healing this evening and we're excited to see GOD do the healing.
Our church has a very simple, yet very profound vision statement: Win, Disciple, Send. Tonight, as I'm writing this entry, I feel like GOD has shown me how we can apply that vision to our MInistry. We don't know what HOF has planned for any of us... for any of our houseless neighbors... or anything, but we can win the hearts of people (always pointing to Christ). That is something we know we can do if we keep doing what we're doing in love. We can disciple in the sense of biblical discipleship to our neighbors but we can also disciple volunteers in the sense of education of this culture and how to show the way it's best been effective for 'us'. In that same token, we have also send those that have caught the vision, to other parts of the community to do the exact same thing.... Share the love of Jesus Christ in truth and action.
I was surprised to learn that Amanda and I have earned somewhat of a reputation within the community. People from afar talk about the Christians that feed people pasta on Friday nights by the pier. Perhaps we're not known by name (which is fine by me) but there is undeniable doubt that word on the streets is we are feeding Physically & Spiritually.
I mention that because my heart broke when I first heard that although plenty of churches or facilities will hand out some food, not too many places or people are sharing the Word of GOD to such a crowd as these. I thank my Heavenly Father for calling me to this Ministry and gifting me with a way that I'm able to reach my neighbors without cramming the Bible down their throats and scaring them off... They actually keep coming back, knowing they will hear about Jesus. It's awesome!
Due to the approach that GOD has given us to use to our neighbors, we are witnessing hearts becoming softened. More of our neighbors are wanting to join us in opening prayer, and more are listening intently to the sermon shared. One of the first things that changed, that has been a huge blessing for Amanda and I.... (and my back...) was the amount of men who help unload our truck and set things up with us. We are in this Ministry to give without the expectation of getting anything in return, especially from a group as our neighbors in need, yet they give what they can through serving with their hands. I appreciate them more than words could ever explain.
This week, we had the company of our high school youth group join us. It was beautiful to see young brothers & sisters sharing His ultimate love, with pure hearts and genuine smiles. There is something very special about seeing young people having a heart for others. I hope and pray those are the events in life that will catch the heart of somebody else who maybe doesn't know Jesus, and seeing that will win them over. There was the laying of hands for physical healing this evening and we're excited to see GOD do the healing.
Our church has a very simple, yet very profound vision statement: Win, Disciple, Send. Tonight, as I'm writing this entry, I feel like GOD has shown me how we can apply that vision to our MInistry. We don't know what HOF has planned for any of us... for any of our houseless neighbors... or anything, but we can win the hearts of people (always pointing to Christ). That is something we know we can do if we keep doing what we're doing in love. We can disciple in the sense of biblical discipleship to our neighbors but we can also disciple volunteers in the sense of education of this culture and how to show the way it's best been effective for 'us'. In that same token, we have also send those that have caught the vision, to other parts of the community to do the exact same thing.... Share the love of Jesus Christ in truth and action.
I was surprised to learn that Amanda and I have earned somewhat of a reputation within the community. People from afar talk about the Christians that feed people pasta on Friday nights by the pier. Perhaps we're not known by name (which is fine by me) but there is undeniable doubt that word on the streets is we are feeding Physically & Spiritually.
I mention that because my heart broke when I first heard that although plenty of churches or facilities will hand out some food, not too many places or people are sharing the Word of GOD to such a crowd as these. I thank my Heavenly Father for calling me to this Ministry and gifting me with a way that I'm able to reach my neighbors without cramming the Bible down their throats and scaring them off... They actually keep coming back, knowing they will hear about Jesus. It's awesome!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
We keep truckin' along....
Last week, there was nothing new or exciting worth blogging about, other than GOD continuing to be faithful in His provision for His Ministry. I was sick and completely lost my voice, so a friend stepped up to the plate and shared the message that I'd prepared.
We met a couple of passer Byers who were drawn to our gathering by their curiosity. Once they discovered what we were about, they asked how to help and get involved. It's an open invite to all who want to watch what GOD does, because those who are present can't deny He is with us.
As for this past Friday, out regular Worship Leader couldn't make it, so my buddy, Toyo, came out to give a hand. (There is something supernatural about the presence of worship & praise songs!)
Mid-evening, a young gal and guy approached me about participating in a documentary they're working on. We had about a 10 minute interview of questions on why we do what we do and for whom we do it for. I can't wait to see the worldwide web hear about the work that GOD is doing through LTN. I'll keep everyone up to date once I get a copy of the film.
Praise Him!
We met a couple of passer Byers who were drawn to our gathering by their curiosity. Once they discovered what we were about, they asked how to help and get involved. It's an open invite to all who want to watch what GOD does, because those who are present can't deny He is with us.
As for this past Friday, out regular Worship Leader couldn't make it, so my buddy, Toyo, came out to give a hand. (There is something supernatural about the presence of worship & praise songs!)
Mid-evening, a young gal and guy approached me about participating in a documentary they're working on. We had about a 10 minute interview of questions on why we do what we do and for whom we do it for. I can't wait to see the worldwide web hear about the work that GOD is doing through LTN. I'll keep everyone up to date once I get a copy of the film.
Praise Him!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
A new season of growth...
The past 2 weeks have been really sweet for the Ministry.
The hot topic at the moment is the excitement built up for our Neighbors getting FREE dental work done next week. I can only imagine what some of them must be feeling, knowing this opportunity is nothing short of a miracle for them. I'm still having a hard time believing it myself... But GOD is that good to being forth a solution to such a need, to show His love.
Last week, we had a group from our church come to our side and help serve with us. To our amazement, that same group returned this week and some asked if they could continue to be a part of what is doing with us.
It's so funny because it wasn't that long ago (just a few shirt weeks, at best) that we were short-handed, and now we have like another 5 or 6 sets of helping hands.
A neat thing that I notice is how much our dinner guests pay attention to us. What I mean is, some ask "Where's so and so?" or say things like "I miss blah blah blah."
I don't ever want to be in such a place where I stop caring for our guests that I see them as faces that I forget about when we drive away. An important tool that I'm confident our entire team agrees on, is the importance to remember as many people as we can by name, calling then by name, and remembering to keep them in our prayers as individuals and not as a whole packaged group.
Our team may not be the most organized, if at all, but we remain place where GOD has set each one of us, and through that faithfulness comes learning. When passer-byers stop to inquire, most think that we're very organized and most of us laugh about it, because we are soooo not that. It's literally walking the waters by faith.
This Friday I noticed that more people passing on the boardwalk are stopping to listen to the sermon. I believe that GOD is definitely doing something bigger in Pacific Beach, than what we can see with our eyes.
I was having a discussion with Amanda last night and she reminded me that although the group we serve might have issues and perhaps not everyone pays attention or even believes what I preach, they still return each week, and that GOD has chosen to give me this flock. I am thankful like never before.
The hot topic at the moment is the excitement built up for our Neighbors getting FREE dental work done next week. I can only imagine what some of them must be feeling, knowing this opportunity is nothing short of a miracle for them. I'm still having a hard time believing it myself... But GOD is that good to being forth a solution to such a need, to show His love.
Last week, we had a group from our church come to our side and help serve with us. To our amazement, that same group returned this week and some asked if they could continue to be a part of what is doing with us.
It's so funny because it wasn't that long ago (just a few shirt weeks, at best) that we were short-handed, and now we have like another 5 or 6 sets of helping hands.
A neat thing that I notice is how much our dinner guests pay attention to us. What I mean is, some ask "Where's so and so?" or say things like "I miss blah blah blah."
I don't ever want to be in such a place where I stop caring for our guests that I see them as faces that I forget about when we drive away. An important tool that I'm confident our entire team agrees on, is the importance to remember as many people as we can by name, calling then by name, and remembering to keep them in our prayers as individuals and not as a whole packaged group.
Our team may not be the most organized, if at all, but we remain place where GOD has set each one of us, and through that faithfulness comes learning. When passer-byers stop to inquire, most think that we're very organized and most of us laugh about it, because we are soooo not that. It's literally walking the waters by faith.
This Friday I noticed that more people passing on the boardwalk are stopping to listen to the sermon. I believe that GOD is definitely doing something bigger in Pacific Beach, than what we can see with our eyes.
I was having a discussion with Amanda last night and she reminded me that although the group we serve might have issues and perhaps not everyone pays attention or even believes what I preach, they still return each week, and that GOD has chosen to give me this flock. I am thankful like never before.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Way behind on the updates.....
I can't believe how much time has gone between the posts! Where does the time go?
Honestly, at this point I don't even remember what events happened which week, so I'll share the highlights of what I do remember.
God used a negative situation into an encouraging one, which of course glorified Him in the outcome of it all.
Summer is here and so are the crowds of people migrating tro the sandy beaches of sunny San Diego. From my perspective, the more people that come to the beach, is an opportunity for more people to hear the Gospel
preached. I've noticed a lot more tourists stopping in their tracks to either listen to a message from the Bible...... or to join us for a free meal.
Looking back at what differences there have been since Amanda and I first arrived that night in April of 2009, I'm thankful that GOD has allowed us to be a part of something so rewarding.
Has everyone gotten saved? Of course not! But we have seen lives transformed. We've witnessed alcoholics near death, accept the grace of the One and only Savior... Letting Him do the work in their lives. We've seen a handful of people find jobs and pick themselves back up off the streets,.. Because of the hope and love that we've given them, through the hope that we've found in our GOD. We've seen some of the hardest hearts, crumble before our very eyes and they now can't help but smile when they see us coming. None of that is "us"... It's all the work of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we get a front row seat.
I'm excited to announce something that I never would have dreamed of, but this too is only the power of our King, who has no bounds or limits to what He can do.....
There's a Dental Office who has contacted us, and is offering 100% FREE service to 15 of our neighbors.
This past Friday I gathered a few people that are in serious dental need and let them know what is taking place. This will be taking place on Aug 4th in Santee, CA. It is my duty to transport these individuals to their appointment, but I could use your prayers an maybe even some help with the transportation from PB to Santee and back... Or possibly help with funding to purchase bus/trolley tickets for their return to the beach.
On another note, the LTN team has been blessed recently with extra friends coming to our side to help with the serving and ministering the love of Jesus to our neighbors. This is an exciting thing for me, because it's allowing other people to put into action what we read about. I've learned that there are several people who have a desire to do something, to maybe share the Gospel or evangelize, but they lack the experience or maybe are held back by the fear of not knowing what to do. Our Ministry is very unique in that sense. It's simple. We show or love through food and showing kindness to everyone without regards to race, age, sexuality, or financial ranks. In short, our Ministry is perfect because it's very non-threatening and casual.
I am still praying how we can be more productive and I'm open to ideas, so if you're reading this and you have something in mind..... Please send us an email and somebody will get back to you.
Honestly, at this point I don't even remember what events happened which week, so I'll share the highlights of what I do remember.
God used a negative situation into an encouraging one, which of course glorified Him in the outcome of it all.
Summer is here and so are the crowds of people migrating tro the sandy beaches of sunny San Diego. From my perspective, the more people that come to the beach, is an opportunity for more people to hear the Gospel
preached. I've noticed a lot more tourists stopping in their tracks to either listen to a message from the Bible...... or to join us for a free meal.
Looking back at what differences there have been since Amanda and I first arrived that night in April of 2009, I'm thankful that GOD has allowed us to be a part of something so rewarding.
Has everyone gotten saved? Of course not! But we have seen lives transformed. We've witnessed alcoholics near death, accept the grace of the One and only Savior... Letting Him do the work in their lives. We've seen a handful of people find jobs and pick themselves back up off the streets,.. Because of the hope and love that we've given them, through the hope that we've found in our GOD. We've seen some of the hardest hearts, crumble before our very eyes and they now can't help but smile when they see us coming. None of that is "us"... It's all the work of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we get a front row seat.
I'm excited to announce something that I never would have dreamed of, but this too is only the power of our King, who has no bounds or limits to what He can do.....
There's a Dental Office who has contacted us, and is offering 100% FREE service to 15 of our neighbors.
This past Friday I gathered a few people that are in serious dental need and let them know what is taking place. This will be taking place on Aug 4th in Santee, CA. It is my duty to transport these individuals to their appointment, but I could use your prayers an maybe even some help with the transportation from PB to Santee and back... Or possibly help with funding to purchase bus/trolley tickets for their return to the beach.
On another note, the LTN team has been blessed recently with extra friends coming to our side to help with the serving and ministering the love of Jesus to our neighbors. This is an exciting thing for me, because it's allowing other people to put into action what we read about. I've learned that there are several people who have a desire to do something, to maybe share the Gospel or evangelize, but they lack the experience or maybe are held back by the fear of not knowing what to do. Our Ministry is very unique in that sense. It's simple. We show or love through food and showing kindness to everyone without regards to race, age, sexuality, or financial ranks. In short, our Ministry is perfect because it's very non-threatening and casual.
I am still praying how we can be more productive and I'm open to ideas, so if you're reading this and you have something in mind..... Please send us an email and somebody will get back to you.
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