This time was a bit more fruitful than last month. Surely the massive flier campaign we did helped spread the word some but to our surprise... A few guys from PB showed up this week. It was good to catch up and continue building those relationships along with the other new guests that came for dinner.
We served beef tacos this time, including refried beans, and a healthy salad. Our gathering was small yet intimate enough.
With the gathering still being so small, we're able to have some liberty in what amounts we can hand out. We jokingly told the guys to not get used to it as it grows though.
Over all it was a sweet evening full of fun fellowship and feeding some hungry new friends. I look forward to the opportunities that God has laid out for us.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
The Green Zone!
Funny thing, that term is.... One because it's a term used for a 'safe haven' or 'non-hostile area'. It can also be used to describe a specific spot or geographical location, which either way could be used for this evenings event.
Tonight was the launch of our Ministry in a new part of town. In preparation we passed out several flyers and met with numerous neighbors in need, giving them well advanced notification of our whereabouts. Including this afternoon, I spent a good portion of the day driving around Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, and Pacific Beach. I got positive responses from everyone I encountered...
Amanda took advantage of the change of pace that's set before us and switched the menu now that we have that opportunity, which was hard to do with such a costly volume of people in PB. Tonight we had Chili, Cornbread, Fresh salad, Fruit Platters, and other goodies.
We didn't know what to expect for the evening, although God knew, we didn't know... and to be quite honest, I was a bit worried earlier this morning. Our team arrived on schedule, meeting at the park or our place beforehand to help with last minute things.
Once we arrived at the park, we set our tables on the big grassy area that faces the nearby bus stop. Hence, the 'green zone'. Our positioning was strategic for those traveling from afar by public bus to see us with no confusion.
Completely breaking the mentality of attendance numbers that we're so used to in PB... We were blessed to serve a total of 5 hungry neighbors, of which not all were "homeless"... Again breaking free from that perception of defining how to love our neighbors. A neighbor is anyone, homeless or not. Our first patron was a young child walking with her father. She enjoyed a giant cookie, while i played with their cute French Bulldog. The rest of the evening was well spent of sweet fellowship amongst one another, catching up an gathering ideas, and simply praying for each others needs.
None of the food went to waste either. All that was made was wisely divided up in preparation for next week as well. Collectively our team enjoyed the heat from such a hearty chili.
Of course we invited all who passed through the park. Many looked puzzled at our presence, just like before, but we are very excited to see what God has in store for us.
Tonight was the launch of our Ministry in a new part of town. In preparation we passed out several flyers and met with numerous neighbors in need, giving them well advanced notification of our whereabouts. Including this afternoon, I spent a good portion of the day driving around Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, and Pacific Beach. I got positive responses from everyone I encountered...
Amanda took advantage of the change of pace that's set before us and switched the menu now that we have that opportunity, which was hard to do with such a costly volume of people in PB. Tonight we had Chili, Cornbread, Fresh salad, Fruit Platters, and other goodies.
We didn't know what to expect for the evening, although God knew, we didn't know... and to be quite honest, I was a bit worried earlier this morning. Our team arrived on schedule, meeting at the park or our place beforehand to help with last minute things.
Once we arrived at the park, we set our tables on the big grassy area that faces the nearby bus stop. Hence, the 'green zone'. Our positioning was strategic for those traveling from afar by public bus to see us with no confusion.
Completely breaking the mentality of attendance numbers that we're so used to in PB... We were blessed to serve a total of 5 hungry neighbors, of which not all were "homeless"... Again breaking free from that perception of defining how to love our neighbors. A neighbor is anyone, homeless or not. Our first patron was a young child walking with her father. She enjoyed a giant cookie, while i played with their cute French Bulldog. The rest of the evening was well spent of sweet fellowship amongst one another, catching up an gathering ideas, and simply praying for each others needs.
None of the food went to waste either. All that was made was wisely divided up in preparation for next week as well. Collectively our team enjoyed the heat from such a hearty chili.
Of course we invited all who passed through the park. Many looked puzzled at our presence, just like before, but we are very excited to see what God has in store for us.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Sadness in Reality
As promised to the people of Pacific Beach, it's my duty to keep that group informed of our new location starting this week. In doing so, I went to the boardwalk last night with a stack of flyers to pass out. Boy was it cold down there!
To my surprise, the scene has changed since our departure. I expected to see the same group of neighbors congregating at the usual spots, but there was nobody to be found anywhere. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed because I'd hoped to see some familiar faces and do some catching up.
I did run into one guy who attended our meals. I spent about an hour with him and God gave me a wonderful opportunity to share about His truth with this guy. Before we parted ways, he informed me that one of our old attendees had recently passed away. It saddened me to learn this news.
Tonight, I learned of yet another person (who I shall remain nameless but one our entire team cared deeply about) passed away tonight. I know nothing of the details other than his death is confirmed. This news is a blow to my heart and I do not know how to put it into words.
Tragic as death is, it something that awaits us all. It is final and there is no returning from it. At the moment, all I can think about is how pressed my heart is to share the Gospel of Truth with as many people as I can before it's too late.
The latter of the two guys claimed to know The Lord, and there is slim evidence to prove such, based on his lifestyle. God knows the struggles we all face and it is He who knows if they had a real relationship together. I really hope so!
The Ministry launches the new site in a few days and we don't really know what to expect. I am asking for prayer from those who read this blog. My prayer is that God would bring comfort to our grieving hearts for the loss of a friend, guide and direct us, bring a tight unity to the team, that His Spirit would already be at work on the hearts of those who received the flyers, and that His love would be the shining light that will draw neighbors to Him through our labor of love.
To my surprise, the scene has changed since our departure. I expected to see the same group of neighbors congregating at the usual spots, but there was nobody to be found anywhere. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed because I'd hoped to see some familiar faces and do some catching up.
I did run into one guy who attended our meals. I spent about an hour with him and God gave me a wonderful opportunity to share about His truth with this guy. Before we parted ways, he informed me that one of our old attendees had recently passed away. It saddened me to learn this news.
Tonight, I learned of yet another person (who I shall remain nameless but one our entire team cared deeply about) passed away tonight. I know nothing of the details other than his death is confirmed. This news is a blow to my heart and I do not know how to put it into words.
Tragic as death is, it something that awaits us all. It is final and there is no returning from it. At the moment, all I can think about is how pressed my heart is to share the Gospel of Truth with as many people as I can before it's too late.
The latter of the two guys claimed to know The Lord, and there is slim evidence to prove such, based on his lifestyle. God knows the struggles we all face and it is He who knows if they had a real relationship together. I really hope so!
The Ministry launches the new site in a few days and we don't really know what to expect. I am asking for prayer from those who read this blog. My prayer is that God would bring comfort to our grieving hearts for the loss of a friend, guide and direct us, bring a tight unity to the team, that His Spirit would already be at work on the hearts of those who received the flyers, and that His love would be the shining light that will draw neighbors to Him through our labor of love.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
New Season, New Year!
Happy New Year's to all. I, myself am very excited for this new year and whatever God has planned for us as a Ministry.
With only 1 more week until we launch our new location for dinners, we had several volunteers prepare sacked lunches, as a team effort, to spread the word to the surrounding neighbors. In those sacks, we included a pair of new socks, a sandwich, a snack, a Bible track, and a simple flyer with a map indicating where dinner will be served on a regular schedule. I think the number was 45 sacks made.
The original plan was to get them all out on Saturday afternoon, but the sunlight was not in our favor, nor was the chilling weather conditions. Before it got too dark, we were able to pass out about 10 lunches and pray with a few people.
The rest we distributed Sunday afternoon, which was much more productive. We came back to headquarters empty handed.
It still amazes me how God orchestrates things to fall as He plans, and it never comes at a bad time. It's funny how that works....
Just this afternoon, somebody contributed a box full of socks and other clothing items for our neighbors in need.
Oh and I forgot to mention that because of our break from Pacific Beach, we've now had the opportunity to get more organized and what what inventory we have on hand as far as hygienic supplies go. That task alone is major, so having the team over to help get organized was a real blessing for us.
As I've shared with others over the past months, about the new location (being much more local)... A number of others have shown interest in participating. I think change is a good thing and I firmly believe we made the right choice in moving out of PB.
More updates as they come.
May God the Father bring forth paths in the wilderness and rivers in the deserts, just as He promised in Isaiah 43:18-19.
Amen!
With only 1 more week until we launch our new location for dinners, we had several volunteers prepare sacked lunches, as a team effort, to spread the word to the surrounding neighbors. In those sacks, we included a pair of new socks, a sandwich, a snack, a Bible track, and a simple flyer with a map indicating where dinner will be served on a regular schedule. I think the number was 45 sacks made.
The original plan was to get them all out on Saturday afternoon, but the sunlight was not in our favor, nor was the chilling weather conditions. Before it got too dark, we were able to pass out about 10 lunches and pray with a few people.
The rest we distributed Sunday afternoon, which was much more productive. We came back to headquarters empty handed.
It still amazes me how God orchestrates things to fall as He plans, and it never comes at a bad time. It's funny how that works....
Just this afternoon, somebody contributed a box full of socks and other clothing items for our neighbors in need.
Oh and I forgot to mention that because of our break from Pacific Beach, we've now had the opportunity to get more organized and what what inventory we have on hand as far as hygienic supplies go. That task alone is major, so having the team over to help get organized was a real blessing for us.
As I've shared with others over the past months, about the new location (being much more local)... A number of others have shown interest in participating. I think change is a good thing and I firmly believe we made the right choice in moving out of PB.
More updates as they come.
May God the Father bring forth paths in the wilderness and rivers in the deserts, just as He promised in Isaiah 43:18-19.
Amen!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Update for the season!
Well, here we are at the end of November... It's been about a month since we've left PB. Of course there are mixed emotions but our team all agrees that we made the right decision.
Being that most of the LTN team fellowships at Horizon anyways, it was no surprise running into some of our friends from PB at this years Thanksgiving outreach. It was neat to see some familiar faces.
I've held back on mentioning what exactly we are aiming towards for a few reasons. The biggest is that Gods ways are not always what we have planned, so things may change if we say "This is what we'll be doing."
For now I can share what things we've been praying about and we are confident that if that's what God will is, the doors will be opened wide...
From experience, we are well aware that the biggest need for the homeless community is at the me of the month. That's being said, we plan to establish ourselves at a park in the heart of Clairemont Mesa on the last Friday of each month. Flyer distribution to inform the locals of our Ministry will start at the beginning of January 2013.
With the last Friday taken care of, we have at least 3 other weeks available for Ministry opportunities. This is where the changes are taking place. I know that not everybody shares the same heart to reach out to the homeless population and that is perfect understandable...
What about sharing some love with the elderly in our communities? Whether that be cooking meals, doing yard work, doing small repairs at somebody's home, walking around and praying in convalescent homes, etc... That's an area that's heavy upon our hearts.
It's undeniable that San Diego is a huge Military town. How can we not love those who willingly risk to lay down their lives for our freedom, including our freedom of religion? In what capacity can our team of servants for Jesus Christ reach out to love on the Military families? Door to door prayer? Teams of people maybe help do the grocery shopping for mothers while their spouse is deployed? There's so much potential to share Jesus is such actions!
The other week is somewhat undetermined still. Originally we were thinking helping in orphanages and loving on the children Jesus talks so much about loving the kids and not preventing them from coming to Him. The only issue is that I have yet to locate any orphanages in San Diego. Our heart is still for children but we are seeking direction and guidance where to go and what to do.
That's all I have to update for now, so please remember us in your prayers. May GOD grant each of you blessings upon blessings, peace, love and joy in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Being that most of the LTN team fellowships at Horizon anyways, it was no surprise running into some of our friends from PB at this years Thanksgiving outreach. It was neat to see some familiar faces.
I've held back on mentioning what exactly we are aiming towards for a few reasons. The biggest is that Gods ways are not always what we have planned, so things may change if we say "This is what we'll be doing."
For now I can share what things we've been praying about and we are confident that if that's what God will is, the doors will be opened wide...
From experience, we are well aware that the biggest need for the homeless community is at the me of the month. That's being said, we plan to establish ourselves at a park in the heart of Clairemont Mesa on the last Friday of each month. Flyer distribution to inform the locals of our Ministry will start at the beginning of January 2013.
With the last Friday taken care of, we have at least 3 other weeks available for Ministry opportunities. This is where the changes are taking place. I know that not everybody shares the same heart to reach out to the homeless population and that is perfect understandable...
What about sharing some love with the elderly in our communities? Whether that be cooking meals, doing yard work, doing small repairs at somebody's home, walking around and praying in convalescent homes, etc... That's an area that's heavy upon our hearts.
It's undeniable that San Diego is a huge Military town. How can we not love those who willingly risk to lay down their lives for our freedom, including our freedom of religion? In what capacity can our team of servants for Jesus Christ reach out to love on the Military families? Door to door prayer? Teams of people maybe help do the grocery shopping for mothers while their spouse is deployed? There's so much potential to share Jesus is such actions!
The other week is somewhat undetermined still. Originally we were thinking helping in orphanages and loving on the children Jesus talks so much about loving the kids and not preventing them from coming to Him. The only issue is that I have yet to locate any orphanages in San Diego. Our heart is still for children but we are seeking direction and guidance where to go and what to do.
That's all I have to update for now, so please remember us in your prayers. May GOD grant each of you blessings upon blessings, peace, love and joy in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
A new season!
So it's been nearly 3 weeks since my last post entry. It's with good cause...
Our time serving the community of Pacific Beach has come to an end as if last Friday, so tomorrow will feel awkward for most of us when we don't do our normal routine.
We gave ample notice to our neighbors before leaving them. The last thing any of us wanted to do was leave our dinner guests with the feeling of abandonment or guilt. It was God's calling for us to relocate for a new season, after several months if diligent prayer. Most of them understood what that meant.
Our last night (last week) was monumental. I believe that the word got out that our team was packing up and moving out. We had the largest gathering ever! There was close to 300 people who came out to say their good-byes to us. We would've normally ran out of food for such a large group, but in God's perfect planning, He supplied and met our needs before we knew what was going on. A food donation came to us in addition to what Amanda usually cooks, which left us with just one single plate left after it was all said and done. "God trips me out!" I love the fact that I'm clueless most of the time, because its exciting to see what He's going to do next.
As our friends said their good-byes, they greeted us with warm heartfelt hugs and lots of thankful handshakes. There was even some shedding of tears. I shared the vision God gave us along with the new location we will be setting up in January. Several of our regulars promised to commute to stay in touch with us and continue in their spiritual growth. I am so blessed at the relationships built over our time spent in PB.
This past week, I was given the privilege to share about LTN during chapel at Horizon Christian Academy. Some of the students recalled my visit last school year. We included a sign up sheet for those desiring to become involved... I was blown away at the positive response from the youth.t In addition to volunteers signing up, we received an abundant donation of needed items to continue the work of the gospel through the love of Christ.
It's late and I'm exhausted, so that's all for now folks. Be blessed and please be praying for us.
Our time serving the community of Pacific Beach has come to an end as if last Friday, so tomorrow will feel awkward for most of us when we don't do our normal routine.
We gave ample notice to our neighbors before leaving them. The last thing any of us wanted to do was leave our dinner guests with the feeling of abandonment or guilt. It was God's calling for us to relocate for a new season, after several months if diligent prayer. Most of them understood what that meant.
Our last night (last week) was monumental. I believe that the word got out that our team was packing up and moving out. We had the largest gathering ever! There was close to 300 people who came out to say their good-byes to us. We would've normally ran out of food for such a large group, but in God's perfect planning, He supplied and met our needs before we knew what was going on. A food donation came to us in addition to what Amanda usually cooks, which left us with just one single plate left after it was all said and done. "God trips me out!" I love the fact that I'm clueless most of the time, because its exciting to see what He's going to do next.
As our friends said their good-byes, they greeted us with warm heartfelt hugs and lots of thankful handshakes. There was even some shedding of tears. I shared the vision God gave us along with the new location we will be setting up in January. Several of our regulars promised to commute to stay in touch with us and continue in their spiritual growth. I am so blessed at the relationships built over our time spent in PB.
This past week, I was given the privilege to share about LTN during chapel at Horizon Christian Academy. Some of the students recalled my visit last school year. We included a sign up sheet for those desiring to become involved... I was blown away at the positive response from the youth.t In addition to volunteers signing up, we received an abundant donation of needed items to continue the work of the gospel through the love of Christ.
It's late and I'm exhausted, so that's all for now folks. Be blessed and please be praying for us.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Proverbs 20:24
"A man's steps are directed by the LORD..."
This week our team had a meeting in which we discussed what GOD was leading us to do. A decision was made and we will be headed in a new direction as He leads us.
Tonight I made the announcement to our dinner guests, which I anticipated negative remarks, but to my surprise came blessings and words of encouragement! Those who 'have the ears to hear' asked that we keep them up to date with our movements because they would like to go where is necessary for fellowship and continual growth in their walk.
Our entire team is excited about this new seasons that He has planned for us, and although we are unsure what it's going to look like exactly, but we walk by faith and not by sight... Right?
The LTN team will finish out October and then we will be spending the rest of this year getting organized and figuring out how to be more productive for the sake of the Gospel. (As we proceed in certain areas of our planning, I will update on here.)
What I will say for now is... "This new venture will give much more opportunity for others to get involved, if they have a heart to serve."
Tonight something really rad happened while in PB... With our Worship Leader unable to join us (due to calendar conflict) our nights have been somewhat hectic. The sound of worship music has a special supernatural power that has kept the area mellow over the years. Most of the fellow musicians have grown an appreciation for Jason's faithfulness and have taken notice of his recent absence, so tonight... Although these two men did not play 'Christian music', they did what they could and did a peaceful jam session with an acoustic guitar and bongo for us while we served everyone dinner. It was pretty sweet!!!
I know we are going to miss the friendships of those we've grown to know during this season, but we understand what it means to follow in obedience when The Lord says to move.
"No fisherman ever stays in the same pond for too long."
This week our team had a meeting in which we discussed what GOD was leading us to do. A decision was made and we will be headed in a new direction as He leads us.
Tonight I made the announcement to our dinner guests, which I anticipated negative remarks, but to my surprise came blessings and words of encouragement! Those who 'have the ears to hear' asked that we keep them up to date with our movements because they would like to go where is necessary for fellowship and continual growth in their walk.
Our entire team is excited about this new seasons that He has planned for us, and although we are unsure what it's going to look like exactly, but we walk by faith and not by sight... Right?
The LTN team will finish out October and then we will be spending the rest of this year getting organized and figuring out how to be more productive for the sake of the Gospel. (As we proceed in certain areas of our planning, I will update on here.)
What I will say for now is... "This new venture will give much more opportunity for others to get involved, if they have a heart to serve."
Tonight something really rad happened while in PB... With our Worship Leader unable to join us (due to calendar conflict) our nights have been somewhat hectic. The sound of worship music has a special supernatural power that has kept the area mellow over the years. Most of the fellow musicians have grown an appreciation for Jason's faithfulness and have taken notice of his recent absence, so tonight... Although these two men did not play 'Christian music', they did what they could and did a peaceful jam session with an acoustic guitar and bongo for us while we served everyone dinner. It was pretty sweet!!!
I know we are going to miss the friendships of those we've grown to know during this season, but we understand what it means to follow in obedience when The Lord says to move.
"No fisherman ever stays in the same pond for too long."
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