Greetings to you this Christmas day!
Unto us a Savior is born and he will be called Emmanuel - the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
This week, I felt like the Lord wanted us to do something different. Last night, the Lord continued to amaze me, with what he can do if we will just make ourselves available to be used by Him. This week, the Lord surprised me, as my friend Steve Zollos asked to go with me to downtown Norfolk. I was extremely excited, because last week, I couldn't keep up with the people as they came to my van receiving food and coffee. I was glad to have an extra hand. I have been praying that the Lord would raise people up to help serve these folks.
Well, yesterday when I spoke to Steve, he informed me that his wife Debbie would like to go, as well. Then, when they arrived at my house, they brought their daughter Sophia. I realized at the end of the night why the Lord prompted them to want to go. He knew that my capacity alone wouldn't be enough. Last night we served over 50-60 people. I was utterly amazed at how the Lord has provided more and more people each week. I thought back to my first week with Mira and was truly thankful for what the Lord has done. He has done great things! This week, I asked Steve to post as I thought it would be nice to hear from someone else. Here's his testimony. God bless you all! May you fall deeper and deeper in love with the one who loves you with an unending love. Nothing can seperate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus!
Hi There,
Jimmy and I (Steve Zollos) had been talking about ‘A Church Without Walls’ for some time and the power God has implanted in each of His Saints to share the love of Christ and the Good News of The Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. Thankfully Jimmy and his wife Laura took the first step and ‘opened the doors’ to A Church Without Walls to the homeless. He put what the Lord was showing us into action and yesterday, on Christmas Eve, I was able to join Jimmy - along with my wife Debbie, and my daughter Sophia – in bringing the real meaning of Christmas to the poor and homeless. Little did I know that the Lord was about to open my eyes wide open. Together we wrapped coats, hats, socks, gloves, & scarves in Christmas paper and packed up the minivan with the Christmas gifts which were donated spontaneously by many people through the Lord’s great mercy.
It would prove to be a cold night so we added some hot soup, piping hot coffee, and a box of cookies to serve those who are without, and most importantly the Word of God in the form of Bibles to give away. With the van full of good news and good cheer we headed to downtown Norfolk on Christmas Eve night. I really didn’t know what to expect. I asked Jimmy if he thought anyone would need help on this Holy Night?Would anyone be receptive to our hospitality and our message of hope and salvation?
Our first stop was 19th Street where a group of 5 people quickly turned to 15 and then on to 9th street where over 50 people without homes gathered in hopes of getting into a shelter. The people we served that night were white, black, educated, uneducated, veterans, mothers, young and old. Some lived on the streets, behind walls or in bushes - anywhere that might block the cold. A few lived in their cars. It became quickly apparent that poverty is no respecter of persons. One man shared with me his secrets to keeping his hands warm and how he would wear his backpack because it would create a warm spot on his back. Another man was a pastor at one time who had fallen into sin. I was able to pray with an older woman who suffered from arthritis in her knees, hips and hands. The Lord had me encourage one younger woman who was mentally slower than others with the simple truth that she was God’s daughter and that He loves her dearly. A group gathered around to hear the Christmas story read from the Bible. I was ministered to as I realized in a new and powerful way that the Word of God is mighty, and all hearts are drawn to Him through His Word.
We handed out the blankets, socks, coats and gloves that were received with many thanks. Many people were asking for socks but we ran out of those quickly. We also needed more men’s gloves, and larger ladies’ coats and sweaters. We ran out of everything except of few of the smaller women’s coats and I realized that layering is important for keeping warm so even the smaller framed people were in need of larger coats and sweaters.
The group welcomed the opportunity to light Christmas candles and sing a short chorus of ‘Oh Come Let Us Adore Him,’ as we ministered the love of Christ to His children. We only had a dozen or so Bibles so we decided to only give them to those who asked, or that the Lord prompted us to give them to. We gave away every one of our Bibles. One man, after receiving the Bible came up to me to ask where he might find the Christmas story, as he wanted to read it before he went to sleep that night. We had the opportunity to pray with many of these beautiful people for healing, anointing, and prosperity. We fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and shared the love of God, and the gospel message in both word and deed. God was not only working in the homeless last night. It was a night that renewed my faith, encouraged my soul, and reinvigorated my desire to draw near to God. God is great indeed. He cares for His people, all His people. He is worthy of all of our praise!
Merry Christmas!
Steve, Debbie, Sophia, Jimmy, Laura and all those who gave cloths, blankets, gloves, hats, scarves, etc
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
A Christmas on W. 19th Street
Hi again,
I'm really excited about this weeks visit to W. 19th street. My prayer has been answered and the Lord has made it possible for my homeless friends to have a Christmas this year. The Lord keeps amazing me with the way that He is caring for these people. I must confess that each week, I've been tempted to doubt that God would conitnue to move the way he has in the previous weeks, but then things happen like they did this weekend and I find myself shaking my head, looking at Laura saying, "Wow, can you believe what God is doing?" Here's my latest story:
As many of you know, this weekend, Laura, the kids and I traveled to Martinsville, Va /Eden, NC to celebrate Christmas with some of our family. Behind the scenes, many different folks from many different cities were gathering coats, blankets, gloves, hats and bibles to be given to the homeless men and women on W. 19th Street, this weekend. Sunday, when we left, our van was so full of coats, blankets, hooded sweatshirts, gloves, hats, bibles, etc we literally had to leave 2 boxes of cloths - that my sister gave us for Adah - at my moms house. We couldn't fit anything else in the van and we even had one side of our seats in the "stow and go" position. Also, my sister-in-law has items in Elkin, NC and we haven't even collected those items, yet.
Last night, as Laura and I were going through everything the Lord showed me something. It's almost as if God was confirming the vision he gave me for "A Church Without Walls." People from Martinsville, Va; Eden, NC; Bassett, VA; Washington DC; Lynchburg, VA; and Elkin, NC all gathered items to give to my new friends. Here's why this struck me in such a way...It hit me that "The Body of Christ" is so HUGE! Although, many people who helped in this effort attend various Church fellowships, in various towns and cities, we were all serving the Lord together. Many different parts, serving in many different ways. I thought about the ones who intiated this cause, for the many who are praying for our ministry, my lovely wife who washed cloths and blankets all day, my kids who helped me carry things in and seperate cloths, those who worked hard to gather items, deliver items, spent money buying bibles, clothing, etc. I thought...this is how it's supposed to be Lord. You have gifted us in so many different ways and we all need each other. It didn't matter what denomintation we're all from, what fellowship we attend or what title or rank we hold. We are the "Body of Christ" united in the bond of peace!
One of the things I realized is that the Lord has a place for each of us. We need more people to go into our jails, nursing homes, college campuses, local taverns, etc. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Let's turn this world upside down! I need you, you need me and we all need Jesus! I've spent so much of my life pursuing the things of this world and one day it's all going to end up in a pile of rubble! God wants to use us, now! He didn't bring us out of Egypt to leave us there to die! He has a promise land for you and I, but we must take our journey to get there. We have stayed at this mountain of religion too long. Let us turn and take our Journey! (Deut 1:6-7)
Walking in His sufficient grace,
Jimmy
I'm really excited about this weeks visit to W. 19th street. My prayer has been answered and the Lord has made it possible for my homeless friends to have a Christmas this year. The Lord keeps amazing me with the way that He is caring for these people. I must confess that each week, I've been tempted to doubt that God would conitnue to move the way he has in the previous weeks, but then things happen like they did this weekend and I find myself shaking my head, looking at Laura saying, "Wow, can you believe what God is doing?" Here's my latest story:
As many of you know, this weekend, Laura, the kids and I traveled to Martinsville, Va /Eden, NC to celebrate Christmas with some of our family. Behind the scenes, many different folks from many different cities were gathering coats, blankets, gloves, hats and bibles to be given to the homeless men and women on W. 19th Street, this weekend. Sunday, when we left, our van was so full of coats, blankets, hooded sweatshirts, gloves, hats, bibles, etc we literally had to leave 2 boxes of cloths - that my sister gave us for Adah - at my moms house. We couldn't fit anything else in the van and we even had one side of our seats in the "stow and go" position. Also, my sister-in-law has items in Elkin, NC and we haven't even collected those items, yet.
Last night, as Laura and I were going through everything the Lord showed me something. It's almost as if God was confirming the vision he gave me for "A Church Without Walls." People from Martinsville, Va; Eden, NC; Bassett, VA; Washington DC; Lynchburg, VA; and Elkin, NC all gathered items to give to my new friends. Here's why this struck me in such a way...It hit me that "The Body of Christ" is so HUGE! Although, many people who helped in this effort attend various Church fellowships, in various towns and cities, we were all serving the Lord together. Many different parts, serving in many different ways. I thought about the ones who intiated this cause, for the many who are praying for our ministry, my lovely wife who washed cloths and blankets all day, my kids who helped me carry things in and seperate cloths, those who worked hard to gather items, deliver items, spent money buying bibles, clothing, etc. I thought...this is how it's supposed to be Lord. You have gifted us in so many different ways and we all need each other. It didn't matter what denomintation we're all from, what fellowship we attend or what title or rank we hold. We are the "Body of Christ" united in the bond of peace!
One of the things I realized is that the Lord has a place for each of us. We need more people to go into our jails, nursing homes, college campuses, local taverns, etc. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Let's turn this world upside down! I need you, you need me and we all need Jesus! I've spent so much of my life pursuing the things of this world and one day it's all going to end up in a pile of rubble! God wants to use us, now! He didn't bring us out of Egypt to leave us there to die! He has a promise land for you and I, but we must take our journey to get there. We have stayed at this mountain of religion too long. Let us turn and take our Journey! (Deut 1:6-7)
Walking in His sufficient grace,
Jimmy
Saturday, December 10, 2011
"I want you to wash their feet"
Greetings Friends,
You are loved by God! You are his beloved, a child of the King, an heir of the Kingdom of God! Nothing can seperate you from the love of God. Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Tonight was another amazing night at "A Church Without Walls." I'm eager to share the testimony God gave me tonight. Many of you know, that there are many faithful prayer warriors praying for our ministry. We believe God is doing something new and even now He is breaking down the walls of American Christianity. We believe that we are in the last days and He is pouring out his Spirit as He said He would in Acts 2:17-18. ('In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." We believe that He is raising up an army of unrelenting warriors that will raise the "Banner of Salvation" for all nations. We believe that he is bursting the bondage of comfortable Christianity and exchanging it for the power and authority of Christ. We believe that we have the power to trample serpants and scorpions and to overcome every power of the enemy; nothing will harm us. It's an amazing power that we've been given! As you act in it, you will crave more of it. As you rest in it, you will experience a greater love for the Savior and watch strongholds of the enemy torn apart. Tonight was amazing!
Tonight at around 4:30 pm, I arrived at W. 19th Street in Norfolk. I had a Kettle of vegtable soup, 2 loaves of bread, peanut butter, coffee, water, cookies, bibles and the Spirit of God. Last week, I parked off-site, but this week, I drove right to the "wall" where the homeless were. I pulled up on the curb, got out and opened the back of my van. I decided to play a Misty Edwards CD that one of my friends let me borrow and I had it pretty loud. There was only one man sitting on the wall. I felt strongly that God wanted me in this spot though, so I stayed. I started opening plastic cups, bowls, boxes of spoons, etc in an attempt to get ready to feed the people. I looked back and 3 people were walking up to the van. I said, "Would you like something to eat and drink?" They accepted and before I knew it there were 15-20 approaching me, many people began to surround my van waiting to be fed. The Lord gave me this word as I was driving down there tonight. As I was praying, I felt like he was saying, "I want you to wash their feet tonight." I was like, "WOW God, are you sure?" Those words wouldn't leave my mind. As I was serving them food out of the back of my van, I had a picture in my mind of Jesus washing the disciples feet. I realized at that moment that serving them food and giving them bibles, was my way of washing their feet. I immediatley thought about the story of the two greatest commands - "1st - Love the Lord your God with all your strength, soul and mind and 2nd - Love your neighbor as yourself." As I handed them food, I began to declare, "I want you to know that this bread and this food will leave you hungry again later this evening, or tomorrow, but the bread of life - the word of God I'm giving you will satisfy you forever." The bread of life is the only thing that will satisfy your real hunger. I was very busy for awhile, unable to keep up with the amount of people who were coming waiting at the van. I began to tear up, as I thought about how God had been faithful once again. I thought about the first night I went to Norfolk, he gave me Mira - just one. The next time he gave me two - Victor and Carlos. Last week he gave me 4 and this week he gave me more than I could count. I also realized that I had no fear at all. I started thinking, "wow, I have like 20 people around me right now and I'm not even scared"...then I heard God say, "Perfect love cast out fear." It hit me...I was loving God by loving others and fear was cast out!
After the serving of the mass rush...people trickled in here and there. I started picking up trash and talking to people, just introducing myself and having small talk. Loving on them and encouraging them as God provided the words. Everyone was sitting on "the wall" mingling amongst themselves as I was cleaning up. Once I was cleaned up, I felt like God was moving me to a group of 4 ladies. God started giving me the gift of Prophecy right there on 19th street. God gave me a word for a lady named Sheri. "Sherri many women have given out of their abundance, but you Sherri, you given out of your poverty. God sees that and you have caught his gaze."
For DeDe this word was given, "DeDe do you not know that you are my daughter and I am your father? Why do you think that I have forgotten you? Don't you know that you are precious to me and that you are beautiful in my eyes" Dede started crying immediately. I asked all of them if we could pray, to which they agreed. We gathered in a circle all holding hands - which was intiated by Mrs. Sherri - I started to pray. Again, the power of God came over me and I denounced the work of the enemy and declared the blood of Jesus over these lives. (Thanks to the faithful prayer warriors that have been praying for me this week the Spirit was unleashed) When we opened our eyes, I noticed a man standing there and God gave me a word for Him immediately. I said, "I believe God wants for me to tell you to quit resisting Him." Too late....I already said it. :)
Then off to the left I noticed a group of thugs. 4 guys that didn't take soup, wouldn't accept anything from me the whole time I was there. I felt God prompting me again...I had no fear at all...it was unbelievable. I walked right up to them and I said, "Men of Valor..I come to you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. He wants you to know that you are warriors. However, not warriors of darkness, but you are warriors for the Kingdom of Light! Right now, the enemy is running away in your life. Right now, you are the strength of God's army." You're strength is only found in the name of the Lord and as soon as you reject me you will be stripped of this strength. You will go from a warrior to a foe. Choose ye this day whom you will serve!" I stopped and looked for a minute and they were starring at me...One of them said to me, "Thank you sir." The others echoed his thanks. I said, I bless you brothers with the love and joy that is found in God and God alone.
The night was coming to a close...I felt tired and felt as if the time was up. However, the moment of the night was my encounter with a young man named Anthony as I was packing up. He approached me and said, "Do you have anymore coffee?" Unfortunately, I was all out. :) I said, "Anthony, I don't believe that God sent you over here to me to go away with nothing. I said, "what is it man that is robbing your life?" He paused and looked at me and said, "It's hard out here man" I said, I can't imagine what you're going through, but God is a faithful father. When his children ask him for bread, he will not give them a snake." I said, Anthony, if I gave you this bible would you read it?" He said, "yes." I handed it to him and said, "The bible says, Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you" I said, "the temptation is for us to seek shelter, food, money, jobs, companionship, but our only hope is God. If we find him, we will be satisfied and all these things will be added to us." I also said, and you know what the greatest thing is....the bible says, "When you seek him with all of your heart, YOU WILL FIND HIM!" He's not a distant God. He loves intimacy with his children! This is the very reason why he died for you! You see...before Christ, Adam disobeyed God creating seperation between God and man, but Christ was crushed, crucified, burried and ressurected so that the curtain could be torn from top to bottom! We can have a relationship with him again. He said, he would read the bible! I said, do you have a blanket Anthony and he said, "No." I had two blankets that I laid down in the van to set the soup on, so I said hold on a second. I moved all the soup and handed him the blanket. I got in the van to pull away. Only Anthony and Atree were left sitting on the wall, both of them were waiving as I pulled away. My heart was torn as I got in the van and heard the heater turn on...I turned it off immediatley and thanked God for all that he has provided for me. I'm praying that God would give us a house!
Standing in awe tonight,
Jimmy
You are loved by God! You are his beloved, a child of the King, an heir of the Kingdom of God! Nothing can seperate you from the love of God. Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Tonight was another amazing night at "A Church Without Walls." I'm eager to share the testimony God gave me tonight. Many of you know, that there are many faithful prayer warriors praying for our ministry. We believe God is doing something new and even now He is breaking down the walls of American Christianity. We believe that we are in the last days and He is pouring out his Spirit as He said He would in Acts 2:17-18. ('In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." We believe that He is raising up an army of unrelenting warriors that will raise the "Banner of Salvation" for all nations. We believe that he is bursting the bondage of comfortable Christianity and exchanging it for the power and authority of Christ. We believe that we have the power to trample serpants and scorpions and to overcome every power of the enemy; nothing will harm us. It's an amazing power that we've been given! As you act in it, you will crave more of it. As you rest in it, you will experience a greater love for the Savior and watch strongholds of the enemy torn apart. Tonight was amazing!
Tonight at around 4:30 pm, I arrived at W. 19th Street in Norfolk. I had a Kettle of vegtable soup, 2 loaves of bread, peanut butter, coffee, water, cookies, bibles and the Spirit of God. Last week, I parked off-site, but this week, I drove right to the "wall" where the homeless were. I pulled up on the curb, got out and opened the back of my van. I decided to play a Misty Edwards CD that one of my friends let me borrow and I had it pretty loud. There was only one man sitting on the wall. I felt strongly that God wanted me in this spot though, so I stayed. I started opening plastic cups, bowls, boxes of spoons, etc in an attempt to get ready to feed the people. I looked back and 3 people were walking up to the van. I said, "Would you like something to eat and drink?" They accepted and before I knew it there were 15-20 approaching me, many people began to surround my van waiting to be fed. The Lord gave me this word as I was driving down there tonight. As I was praying, I felt like he was saying, "I want you to wash their feet tonight." I was like, "WOW God, are you sure?" Those words wouldn't leave my mind. As I was serving them food out of the back of my van, I had a picture in my mind of Jesus washing the disciples feet. I realized at that moment that serving them food and giving them bibles, was my way of washing their feet. I immediatley thought about the story of the two greatest commands - "1st - Love the Lord your God with all your strength, soul and mind and 2nd - Love your neighbor as yourself." As I handed them food, I began to declare, "I want you to know that this bread and this food will leave you hungry again later this evening, or tomorrow, but the bread of life - the word of God I'm giving you will satisfy you forever." The bread of life is the only thing that will satisfy your real hunger. I was very busy for awhile, unable to keep up with the amount of people who were coming waiting at the van. I began to tear up, as I thought about how God had been faithful once again. I thought about the first night I went to Norfolk, he gave me Mira - just one. The next time he gave me two - Victor and Carlos. Last week he gave me 4 and this week he gave me more than I could count. I also realized that I had no fear at all. I started thinking, "wow, I have like 20 people around me right now and I'm not even scared"...then I heard God say, "Perfect love cast out fear." It hit me...I was loving God by loving others and fear was cast out!
After the serving of the mass rush...people trickled in here and there. I started picking up trash and talking to people, just introducing myself and having small talk. Loving on them and encouraging them as God provided the words. Everyone was sitting on "the wall" mingling amongst themselves as I was cleaning up. Once I was cleaned up, I felt like God was moving me to a group of 4 ladies. God started giving me the gift of Prophecy right there on 19th street. God gave me a word for a lady named Sheri. "Sherri many women have given out of their abundance, but you Sherri, you given out of your poverty. God sees that and you have caught his gaze."
For DeDe this word was given, "DeDe do you not know that you are my daughter and I am your father? Why do you think that I have forgotten you? Don't you know that you are precious to me and that you are beautiful in my eyes" Dede started crying immediately. I asked all of them if we could pray, to which they agreed. We gathered in a circle all holding hands - which was intiated by Mrs. Sherri - I started to pray. Again, the power of God came over me and I denounced the work of the enemy and declared the blood of Jesus over these lives. (Thanks to the faithful prayer warriors that have been praying for me this week the Spirit was unleashed) When we opened our eyes, I noticed a man standing there and God gave me a word for Him immediately. I said, "I believe God wants for me to tell you to quit resisting Him." Too late....I already said it. :)
Then off to the left I noticed a group of thugs. 4 guys that didn't take soup, wouldn't accept anything from me the whole time I was there. I felt God prompting me again...I had no fear at all...it was unbelievable. I walked right up to them and I said, "Men of Valor..I come to you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. He wants you to know that you are warriors. However, not warriors of darkness, but you are warriors for the Kingdom of Light! Right now, the enemy is running away in your life. Right now, you are the strength of God's army." You're strength is only found in the name of the Lord and as soon as you reject me you will be stripped of this strength. You will go from a warrior to a foe. Choose ye this day whom you will serve!" I stopped and looked for a minute and they were starring at me...One of them said to me, "Thank you sir." The others echoed his thanks. I said, I bless you brothers with the love and joy that is found in God and God alone.
The night was coming to a close...I felt tired and felt as if the time was up. However, the moment of the night was my encounter with a young man named Anthony as I was packing up. He approached me and said, "Do you have anymore coffee?" Unfortunately, I was all out. :) I said, "Anthony, I don't believe that God sent you over here to me to go away with nothing. I said, "what is it man that is robbing your life?" He paused and looked at me and said, "It's hard out here man" I said, I can't imagine what you're going through, but God is a faithful father. When his children ask him for bread, he will not give them a snake." I said, Anthony, if I gave you this bible would you read it?" He said, "yes." I handed it to him and said, "The bible says, Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you" I said, "the temptation is for us to seek shelter, food, money, jobs, companionship, but our only hope is God. If we find him, we will be satisfied and all these things will be added to us." I also said, and you know what the greatest thing is....the bible says, "When you seek him with all of your heart, YOU WILL FIND HIM!" He's not a distant God. He loves intimacy with his children! This is the very reason why he died for you! You see...before Christ, Adam disobeyed God creating seperation between God and man, but Christ was crushed, crucified, burried and ressurected so that the curtain could be torn from top to bottom! We can have a relationship with him again. He said, he would read the bible! I said, do you have a blanket Anthony and he said, "No." I had two blankets that I laid down in the van to set the soup on, so I said hold on a second. I moved all the soup and handed him the blanket. I got in the van to pull away. Only Anthony and Atree were left sitting on the wall, both of them were waiving as I pulled away. My heart was torn as I got in the van and heard the heater turn on...I turned it off immediatley and thanked God for all that he has provided for me. I'm praying that God would give us a house!
Standing in awe tonight,
Jimmy
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Blankets...
Greetings Friends,
I hope you are all experiencing the love of the Savior, in fresh ways this week. We have received $100 this week, to invest into the homeless community of West 19th Street. Some of the immediate needs that we seek to address are providing bibles for those who are on the street. A friend of mine has helped me find small ESV bibles for $1.50 each, which I think is amazing. This helps us to accomplish the vision the Lord gave me last week, as I was speaking to my new friend Andre. ("Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.") Andre informed me that some men were not able to read and that some of the bibles wouldn't be used. I think this fact is the Lord's kindness! This will allow men who can read an opportunity to read to men who can't. This will ultimately strengthen community and give them an opportunity to sharpen each other as they interact over God's word. God works all things together for good, doesn't he?
We also want to be faithful to Matthew 25:35 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink." We will be providing a kettle of soup, loaves of bread, and water and/or coffee to be served out of the back of our van.
We have been searching for blankets and I don't feel like we've found the best deals on these. We're looking for help on this. Would anyone have any ideas on how we can find blankets in bulk for a good price? This is especially important as it get's colder at night and the fact that most shelters will not open their doors to everyone, unless it is 32 degrees or lower. We're checking the Goodwill and Salvation Army tomorrow, but if anyone has any good ideas, we would appreciate your input.
Also, Laura and the kids will be adding the "Nursing Home Ministry" to "A Church Without Walls," over the next couple of weeks. This is something that Laura has initiated and we're excited to see what God has for her and the kids as they seek to bless the elderly with conversation, prayer and God's love. Looking forward to seeing what God will do with this very important part of our mission. "I was sick and you looked after me" Until next time...thanks for your input. Have a great rest of the week!
Grace is all yours,
Jimmy
I hope you are all experiencing the love of the Savior, in fresh ways this week. We have received $100 this week, to invest into the homeless community of West 19th Street. Some of the immediate needs that we seek to address are providing bibles for those who are on the street. A friend of mine has helped me find small ESV bibles for $1.50 each, which I think is amazing. This helps us to accomplish the vision the Lord gave me last week, as I was speaking to my new friend Andre. ("Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.") Andre informed me that some men were not able to read and that some of the bibles wouldn't be used. I think this fact is the Lord's kindness! This will allow men who can read an opportunity to read to men who can't. This will ultimately strengthen community and give them an opportunity to sharpen each other as they interact over God's word. God works all things together for good, doesn't he?
We also want to be faithful to Matthew 25:35 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink." We will be providing a kettle of soup, loaves of bread, and water and/or coffee to be served out of the back of our van.
We have been searching for blankets and I don't feel like we've found the best deals on these. We're looking for help on this. Would anyone have any ideas on how we can find blankets in bulk for a good price? This is especially important as it get's colder at night and the fact that most shelters will not open their doors to everyone, unless it is 32 degrees or lower. We're checking the Goodwill and Salvation Army tomorrow, but if anyone has any good ideas, we would appreciate your input.
Also, Laura and the kids will be adding the "Nursing Home Ministry" to "A Church Without Walls," over the next couple of weeks. This is something that Laura has initiated and we're excited to see what God has for her and the kids as they seek to bless the elderly with conversation, prayer and God's love. Looking forward to seeing what God will do with this very important part of our mission. "I was sick and you looked after me" Until next time...thanks for your input. Have a great rest of the week!
Grace is all yours,
Jimmy
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Can you believe what happened tonight at "A Church Without Walls"?
Greetings Friends:
Thanks for checking in again. I'm eager to share with you what God did tonight at "A Church Without Walls". I'm astonished at how God is growing my faith through all of this. Tonight was unbelievable and I'm in awe of the power of God, once again. Before I share, I want to say "thank you" to the many people who've prayed for this ministry this week. I received several personal messages from folks who have sought the Lord this week and encouraged me in many ways. God helped me to overcome my fear tonight and gave me the authority in the Spirit, even as I was in the darkest part of Downtown Norfolk.
Well, many of you know that I have been praying for several weeks that God would provide me with someone who is on the street to help me minister to the homeless. I believe he has specifically called me to go down there alone. I asked God for a believer who lived among the homeless and could minister to them at all times. God answered my prayer tonight, with a young man named Andre. Here's the story:
I went downtown earlier than normal, tonight. Laura encouraged me to go earlier this week, as I was going into a really bad area. I agreed and left around 4:45 this evening. I arrived to W. 19th street around 5 pm and parked at a fitness center about 1/4 of a mile from where the homeless were. I have been working out lately and drinking a lot of water and had to go to the bathroom. When I got out of my car, I saw a Wendy's across the street, so I decided to go to the bathroom before I headed to the Hope Center. I walked in Wendy's and went down the little alley to the Men's Room. I got to the door and a little old lady said, "Someone is in there sir." I said, "Oh, ok...thank you, ma'm." I turned around and lingered back out to the lobby of Wendy's to wait for them to come out. Out of the blue, a man sitting at a table said, "So, are you a preacher or something?" I noticed he was looking at my bible in my hand and I said, "Aren't we all supposed to be preachers, sir?" God commanded us to go into all the earth and preach the gospel, right? He smiled at me and said, "I guess you're, right." I said, "But if you're asking if I'm a paid preacher...no, I'm not." God has given me a heart of compassion for the homeless and I came down here tonight to share the gospel with those who are in need." I sat down at his table and introduced myself to him. His name was Andre. I noticed a plastic bag on the table. I looked at it and noticed that it had a "Our Daily Bread" devotional in it. I asked Andre if he was a Christian to which he responded, "Yes sir, I am." I asked him what his story was and he informed me that he had just gotten out of prison two weeks ago. He accepted Jesus in prison several months ago. He told me that he was homeless and he really needed a job. However, with his felony and not having transportation, a place to live, showers, etc he was having a really hard time. I said, "have you thought about going to the homeless shelter down the street." He said, "Yeah, but they only let you stay for 2 weeks and my time is up." He also said, "2 weeks is just not enough time, I'm trying to do the right thing, but it's hard out here on the street with all the negativity." He said that there was a lot of prostitution, drug use, people fighting, etc. I talked to him for a little while longer and asked him for a favor. He looked a little weird when I asked him for a favor, I must admit. I said, "Andre, I've been praying that God would provide a man that lived in the streets to help me to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the homeless." I said, God has given me a heart of compassion, but I have no experience working with the homeless and I'm not sure how to effectively serve them. I asked Andre if he would go with me and take me to the homeless. He agreed.
We left Wendy's and headed to the Hope Center. There were several people out on the street, again. Most of them were homeless. Andre introduced me to 3 other guys, Alonzo, who went by "A", and two others. I told them why I was there and how God had given me a heart of compassion for them. I shared the gospel with each of them corporately and told them about God's love and his desire to have a relationship with each of us. I feel like the Lord gave me the message, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you." It didn't hit me at first as to why God gave me that, but later, I understood. Andre and I talked to the guys for about 30-40 minutes and we turned and walked back up towards Wendy's. I found it odd that Andre did not ask me for any money the whole time I was with him. I had $10 on me, as that was all I brought - purposely - as I was prepared to get beat up and robbed tonight, when I went. :) I didn't think it was wise to bring my wallet or even my cell phone. However, I had the $10 in my pocket, so I said, "Andre, I'm hesitant to do this, but I'm going to give you the $10 I had to pay for parking down here tonight. I didn't need to pay for parking, so I want to give it to you. However, I can't come down here each weekend and hand out money, as I believe God has called me to give you his word not money. I know the temptation is to desire, money, shelter, food, clothing, etc, but I believe God wants you to desire him above these things." I gave him the $10, prayed for him and he turned and went back into Wendy's to get something to eat.
Here's the most awesome thing about tonight:
Read closely...As I was walking back to my car I came across a lady named Yvonne. I felt compelled to share the gospel with her. I said, "Ma'm, excuse me....Have you ever heard the gospel of Jesus Christ?" She said, "Yes, I have." I said, "Do you know that you are a daughter of the living God?" She said, "I never thought of it, but yeah, I guess I am." She then looked at me and said, "Sir, would you pray for my son Terrance?" I said, "I'd love to...what's the matter with Terrance?" She said, "he is very ill and I'm afraid I'm going to lose him." I said, "Well, let's pray right now and plead the stripes and blood of Jesus over that infirmity. Do you know that Jesus was bruised for our iniquity?" I laid hands on her and began to pray. I felt God's annointing come over me and I began to denounce sickness and evil off of her whole family. When we were done, I shook her hand and blessed her. She said, "Sir, can you give me $1 for a drink?" I said, "Yvonne, I promise you I don't have a dollar or I would, but I know someone who does. I said, "I want you to go into that Wendy's and look for a man named Andre...He's a black gentleman wearing a green winter hat. I want you to tell him this "God wants to know if you will seek him first and give back 10% of what he gave you tonight" and ask him to give you a dollar. I was blown away at what just came out of my mouth. I watched Yvonne go into the Wendy's...I wonder if Andre was faithful...
God is teaching me so much about himself through "A Church Without Walls". He's unbelievably amazing when we don't put him in a box. Going back next Saturday to see what God will do. I gave Andre my phone #. I hope he calls me this week as God has given me so much revalation about him on the way home and even now after talking to Laura. My mind is racing with thoughts of God's faithfulness...
Our faith has made us well,
Jimmy
Thanks for checking in again. I'm eager to share with you what God did tonight at "A Church Without Walls". I'm astonished at how God is growing my faith through all of this. Tonight was unbelievable and I'm in awe of the power of God, once again. Before I share, I want to say "thank you" to the many people who've prayed for this ministry this week. I received several personal messages from folks who have sought the Lord this week and encouraged me in many ways. God helped me to overcome my fear tonight and gave me the authority in the Spirit, even as I was in the darkest part of Downtown Norfolk.
Well, many of you know that I have been praying for several weeks that God would provide me with someone who is on the street to help me minister to the homeless. I believe he has specifically called me to go down there alone. I asked God for a believer who lived among the homeless and could minister to them at all times. God answered my prayer tonight, with a young man named Andre. Here's the story:
I went downtown earlier than normal, tonight. Laura encouraged me to go earlier this week, as I was going into a really bad area. I agreed and left around 4:45 this evening. I arrived to W. 19th street around 5 pm and parked at a fitness center about 1/4 of a mile from where the homeless were. I have been working out lately and drinking a lot of water and had to go to the bathroom. When I got out of my car, I saw a Wendy's across the street, so I decided to go to the bathroom before I headed to the Hope Center. I walked in Wendy's and went down the little alley to the Men's Room. I got to the door and a little old lady said, "Someone is in there sir." I said, "Oh, ok...thank you, ma'm." I turned around and lingered back out to the lobby of Wendy's to wait for them to come out. Out of the blue, a man sitting at a table said, "So, are you a preacher or something?" I noticed he was looking at my bible in my hand and I said, "Aren't we all supposed to be preachers, sir?" God commanded us to go into all the earth and preach the gospel, right? He smiled at me and said, "I guess you're, right." I said, "But if you're asking if I'm a paid preacher...no, I'm not." God has given me a heart of compassion for the homeless and I came down here tonight to share the gospel with those who are in need." I sat down at his table and introduced myself to him. His name was Andre. I noticed a plastic bag on the table. I looked at it and noticed that it had a "Our Daily Bread" devotional in it. I asked Andre if he was a Christian to which he responded, "Yes sir, I am." I asked him what his story was and he informed me that he had just gotten out of prison two weeks ago. He accepted Jesus in prison several months ago. He told me that he was homeless and he really needed a job. However, with his felony and not having transportation, a place to live, showers, etc he was having a really hard time. I said, "have you thought about going to the homeless shelter down the street." He said, "Yeah, but they only let you stay for 2 weeks and my time is up." He also said, "2 weeks is just not enough time, I'm trying to do the right thing, but it's hard out here on the street with all the negativity." He said that there was a lot of prostitution, drug use, people fighting, etc. I talked to him for a little while longer and asked him for a favor. He looked a little weird when I asked him for a favor, I must admit. I said, "Andre, I've been praying that God would provide a man that lived in the streets to help me to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the homeless." I said, God has given me a heart of compassion, but I have no experience working with the homeless and I'm not sure how to effectively serve them. I asked Andre if he would go with me and take me to the homeless. He agreed.
We left Wendy's and headed to the Hope Center. There were several people out on the street, again. Most of them were homeless. Andre introduced me to 3 other guys, Alonzo, who went by "A", and two others. I told them why I was there and how God had given me a heart of compassion for them. I shared the gospel with each of them corporately and told them about God's love and his desire to have a relationship with each of us. I feel like the Lord gave me the message, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you." It didn't hit me at first as to why God gave me that, but later, I understood. Andre and I talked to the guys for about 30-40 minutes and we turned and walked back up towards Wendy's. I found it odd that Andre did not ask me for any money the whole time I was with him. I had $10 on me, as that was all I brought - purposely - as I was prepared to get beat up and robbed tonight, when I went. :) I didn't think it was wise to bring my wallet or even my cell phone. However, I had the $10 in my pocket, so I said, "Andre, I'm hesitant to do this, but I'm going to give you the $10 I had to pay for parking down here tonight. I didn't need to pay for parking, so I want to give it to you. However, I can't come down here each weekend and hand out money, as I believe God has called me to give you his word not money. I know the temptation is to desire, money, shelter, food, clothing, etc, but I believe God wants you to desire him above these things." I gave him the $10, prayed for him and he turned and went back into Wendy's to get something to eat.
Here's the most awesome thing about tonight:
Read closely...As I was walking back to my car I came across a lady named Yvonne. I felt compelled to share the gospel with her. I said, "Ma'm, excuse me....Have you ever heard the gospel of Jesus Christ?" She said, "Yes, I have." I said, "Do you know that you are a daughter of the living God?" She said, "I never thought of it, but yeah, I guess I am." She then looked at me and said, "Sir, would you pray for my son Terrance?" I said, "I'd love to...what's the matter with Terrance?" She said, "he is very ill and I'm afraid I'm going to lose him." I said, "Well, let's pray right now and plead the stripes and blood of Jesus over that infirmity. Do you know that Jesus was bruised for our iniquity?" I laid hands on her and began to pray. I felt God's annointing come over me and I began to denounce sickness and evil off of her whole family. When we were done, I shook her hand and blessed her. She said, "Sir, can you give me $1 for a drink?" I said, "Yvonne, I promise you I don't have a dollar or I would, but I know someone who does. I said, "I want you to go into that Wendy's and look for a man named Andre...He's a black gentleman wearing a green winter hat. I want you to tell him this "God wants to know if you will seek him first and give back 10% of what he gave you tonight" and ask him to give you a dollar. I was blown away at what just came out of my mouth. I watched Yvonne go into the Wendy's...I wonder if Andre was faithful...
God is teaching me so much about himself through "A Church Without Walls". He's unbelievably amazing when we don't put him in a box. Going back next Saturday to see what God will do. I gave Andre my phone #. I hope he calls me this week as God has given me so much revalation about him on the way home and even now after talking to Laura. My mind is racing with thoughts of God's faithfulness...
Our faith has made us well,
Jimmy
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Let us spur one another on.....
Hi Friends,
The Lord is doing some cool things with "A Church Without Walls". I'm going to be posting a weekly testimony feed, which will highlight what God is doing in and around the world. If you have an encouragement, testimony, answered prayer, ministry that the Lord has laid on your heart, prayer request, etc, please share it with me and I'll post it on the page. Thousands of people can be connected through the internet. What a great way to act as the "larger" body of Christ! We can also meet people from all over the world and share our walk with God, with others. What a great way to practice Hebrews 10:24 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds". I'm in faith that God will use our stories and encouragements to bring glory to himself, bring Jesus to the lost and help others in their daily walk. I'm confident that the Lord will use YOUR story to minister to someone else and you may not even realize it's happening. I'm aware of the fact that you might feel weird about being some of the first ones to share, but let us live in the light, as he is in the light. All for His glory and his name sake!
I received 3 testimonies this week of how God has used my post about going to minister to the homeless, to encourage others. These testimonies, in turn, have encouraged me and stirred me up to want to go out more. It's the concept of sowing and reaping and it's sweet! What a great example of how the "Body of Christ" should be functioning. I'm in faith that God will give you the courage to share. If you'd like to stay anonymous, that's ok too.
1. From my niece in NC - "Hey Jimmy. Your new thing you started has really encouraged me to reach out. mom and i have been working on inviting girls over for a group. that didnt work because everyboody was busy. so were having a big Christmas party saturday, but its sort of embarrassing to invite all these girls. but you've really gave me courage to from your post. Love youu(:"
2. From friends in upstate NY: "My husband and I were reading your blog, and are very excited that God is leading you to this awesome minstry. We feel lead to contribute to you and your new adventure both in prayer and finances. We will put you and your family on our prayer list. It can be a scary thing and that is when God calls us to hold each other up in prayer."
3. From a friend in Chesapeake, VA: "Hey Jimmy, I don't check FB often and read on it even less often, but was very inspired by your commitment to putting faith in action for homeless. God's love has got to look like something. God bless!"
I have also received 6-7 committments from people in NY, VA and NC who have agreed to fervantly and regularly pray for "A Church Without Walls." This is amazing in and of itself. People from different states, denominations, etc praying for one Church! Please note that I'm not saying that you don't need to attend a local church, as I believe each Christian should. However, I believe these should be places of equipping. Too often, the gospel of Jesus Christ stays inside the walls and never reaches the heart of our world. The Light of Christ is breaking through those walls and each of us are called to live as the New Testament Church! Love you all! Blessings...
Jimmy
The Lord is doing some cool things with "A Church Without Walls". I'm going to be posting a weekly testimony feed, which will highlight what God is doing in and around the world. If you have an encouragement, testimony, answered prayer, ministry that the Lord has laid on your heart, prayer request, etc, please share it with me and I'll post it on the page. Thousands of people can be connected through the internet. What a great way to act as the "larger" body of Christ! We can also meet people from all over the world and share our walk with God, with others. What a great way to practice Hebrews 10:24 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds". I'm in faith that God will use our stories and encouragements to bring glory to himself, bring Jesus to the lost and help others in their daily walk. I'm confident that the Lord will use YOUR story to minister to someone else and you may not even realize it's happening. I'm aware of the fact that you might feel weird about being some of the first ones to share, but let us live in the light, as he is in the light. All for His glory and his name sake!
I received 3 testimonies this week of how God has used my post about going to minister to the homeless, to encourage others. These testimonies, in turn, have encouraged me and stirred me up to want to go out more. It's the concept of sowing and reaping and it's sweet! What a great example of how the "Body of Christ" should be functioning. I'm in faith that God will give you the courage to share. If you'd like to stay anonymous, that's ok too.
1. From my niece in NC - "Hey Jimmy. Your new thing you started has really encouraged me to reach out. mom and i have been working on inviting girls over for a group. that didnt work because everyboody was busy. so were having a big Christmas party saturday, but its sort of embarrassing to invite all these girls. but you've really gave me courage to from your post. Love youu(:"
2. From friends in upstate NY: "My husband and I were reading your blog, and are very excited that God is leading you to this awesome minstry. We feel lead to contribute to you and your new adventure both in prayer and finances. We will put you and your family on our prayer list. It can be a scary thing and that is when God calls us to hold each other up in prayer."
3. From a friend in Chesapeake, VA: "Hey Jimmy, I don't check FB often and read on it even less often, but was very inspired by your commitment to putting faith in action for homeless. God's love has got to look like something. God bless!"
I have also received 6-7 committments from people in NY, VA and NC who have agreed to fervantly and regularly pray for "A Church Without Walls." This is amazing in and of itself. People from different states, denominations, etc praying for one Church! Please note that I'm not saying that you don't need to attend a local church, as I believe each Christian should. However, I believe these should be places of equipping. Too often, the gospel of Jesus Christ stays inside the walls and never reaches the heart of our world. The Light of Christ is breaking through those walls and each of us are called to live as the New Testament Church! Love you all! Blessings...
Jimmy
Sunday, November 27, 2011
People of Prayer
Good evening,
"A Church Without Walls" is becoming more and more of a reality each day. My wife and I drove down to the city after Church today, to scope out W. 19th Street. (The land that the Lord has set before us) I also spoke to a dear friend about "A Church Without Walls" today and how we are to move forward in this vision that God has given us. During our conversation, we both agreed that prayer must be our starting point, as we seek to advance and introduce the gospel, to the darkest parts of our community.
I'm wondering if anyone would feel as if they have the gift of prayer and would be willing to commit to praying for our mission and the hearts of those we'll encounter? I take this very serious and am looking for serious commitments, please. The reason why I take this so serious is because of the danger that we could face, as we go into the darkest areas of Norfolk/Va Beach. It's important to know that those who will go have been bathed in prayer.
I'm looking for the Isaiah's, Jeremiah's, Ezekiel's and the Hosea's. Where are they? They are needed "for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
Please message me if you would commit or atleast would like to consider it. Thanks for your support.
A debtor to mercy,
Jimmy
"A Church Without Walls" is becoming more and more of a reality each day. My wife and I drove down to the city after Church today, to scope out W. 19th Street. (The land that the Lord has set before us) I also spoke to a dear friend about "A Church Without Walls" today and how we are to move forward in this vision that God has given us. During our conversation, we both agreed that prayer must be our starting point, as we seek to advance and introduce the gospel, to the darkest parts of our community.
I'm wondering if anyone would feel as if they have the gift of prayer and would be willing to commit to praying for our mission and the hearts of those we'll encounter? I take this very serious and am looking for serious commitments, please. The reason why I take this so serious is because of the danger that we could face, as we go into the darkest areas of Norfolk/Va Beach. It's important to know that those who will go have been bathed in prayer.
I'm looking for the Isaiah's, Jeremiah's, Ezekiel's and the Hosea's. Where are they? They are needed "for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
Please message me if you would commit or atleast would like to consider it. Thanks for your support.
A debtor to mercy,
Jimmy
Saturday, November 26, 2011
My Prayer & God's Answer
Welcome back! I'm really excited to tell you how God moved tonight at "A Church Without Walls". I love when God interupts my plan with his plan. I feel like tonight was a monumental moment in the life of the vision I believe the Lord has given me. Here's what happened:
I arrived downtown a litte before 7:00 this evening. I parked my car and headed to the Waterside Park. Once again, when I arrived, no one was there. I sat down on one of the benches and started to pray. As I was praying about how God would have me move, God put a song in my mouth. I started singing " You are Holy, Holy, Holy.....You are Holy, Holy, Holy"....I was singing this out loud - loud enough where anyone within 50 yards could here me singing. I remembered John 12:32, "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." I continued to sing for about 15 minutes, random songs, that God brought to my mind. Off in a distance, I saw someone walking towards me. The person got about 25 yards from me and sat down on a bench. I immediately got up and walked towards him. Moments later, I stood in front of him asking him if he would like to hear some good news. He looked up at me a little confused and said, "sure". I introduced myself to him. His name was Carlos. God gave me 2 Corinthians 5:17 for him. I said, "Here's the good news Carlos... If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold ALL things have become new". I said, "Are you in Christ Carlos?" If you are your life is brand new, do you realize that? No matter what you've ever done, in Christ the old has passed away and ALL things are new. I continued talking to him for about 10 minutes about my story and his.
After, talking to him, I walked over to another bench on the other side of the park. I noticed a man riding a bicycle. The bicycle had a basket on the front which carried a bag of cloths and a pair of boots. I approached him and asked him if I could read to him. He looked at me with hesitation and I said, "It's ok brother. I want to encourage you." He agreed to let me read to him. I read Romans 8:35, 38 & 39 - "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." I asked him his name and he said, "My name is Victor." I asked Victor if he has ever heard about the love of God? He said, "No." I said, "Victor, God's love is not like man's love. No matter what you or I have done or will do, nothing can seperate us from God's love, did you know that? He loves us with an everlasting love. He will never leave you nor forsake you, Victor." I said, do you know that God wants a relationship with you and that he sent his son Jesus, so that you could be reconciled to him?" Victor didn't say much, so I asked him if I could pray for him. He let me pray for him and he peddled off.
After Victor peddled away, I sat down on another bench. I said, "God, where are they all? I know there are more homeless men and women than what I'm seeing." Immediately, God brought the Salvation Army to my mind. I pulled out my cell phone and put "Salvation Army" into my GPS on my phone. It was about 6 miles away, so I got up and started walking to my car. As I walked, I could picture homeless people sitting outside of the Salvation Army on the steps or something. I hopped in my car and started following my GPS. As I got within a mile or so, I realized I wasn't in the best neighborhood. It was dark and there were several people standing on the streets. As I turned on to W. 19th Street I was amazed at what I saw....
There were atleast 20-30 people lying on the sidewalk under the canopy of the Hope Center - AKA Salvation Army. They were covered up with blankets. Some of them had the blakets pulled up over their heads. Many others were sitting on a wall talking. I drove through utterly amazed at what I was seeing. I've heard of homeless people, but I never knew there were this many people who had no where to live in one spot. I was deeply moved with sadness, but fear took over and I didn't have the courage to get out of my car. I totally wasn't prepared for this. I asked God to show me where they were and he definatley did. This is what God has called me to, but because I have lived as a Sunday Christian for most of my time as a believer, I'm not sure how to respond. Pray for me...these folks need someone to bring them the good news. Sadly, I drove away in fear, but I'm asking God to give me the courage to go back there next Saturday night.
To be continued.....
I arrived downtown a litte before 7:00 this evening. I parked my car and headed to the Waterside Park. Once again, when I arrived, no one was there. I sat down on one of the benches and started to pray. As I was praying about how God would have me move, God put a song in my mouth. I started singing " You are Holy, Holy, Holy.....You are Holy, Holy, Holy"....I was singing this out loud - loud enough where anyone within 50 yards could here me singing. I remembered John 12:32, "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." I continued to sing for about 15 minutes, random songs, that God brought to my mind. Off in a distance, I saw someone walking towards me. The person got about 25 yards from me and sat down on a bench. I immediately got up and walked towards him. Moments later, I stood in front of him asking him if he would like to hear some good news. He looked up at me a little confused and said, "sure". I introduced myself to him. His name was Carlos. God gave me 2 Corinthians 5:17 for him. I said, "Here's the good news Carlos... If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold ALL things have become new". I said, "Are you in Christ Carlos?" If you are your life is brand new, do you realize that? No matter what you've ever done, in Christ the old has passed away and ALL things are new. I continued talking to him for about 10 minutes about my story and his.
After, talking to him, I walked over to another bench on the other side of the park. I noticed a man riding a bicycle. The bicycle had a basket on the front which carried a bag of cloths and a pair of boots. I approached him and asked him if I could read to him. He looked at me with hesitation and I said, "It's ok brother. I want to encourage you." He agreed to let me read to him. I read Romans 8:35, 38 & 39 - "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." I asked him his name and he said, "My name is Victor." I asked Victor if he has ever heard about the love of God? He said, "No." I said, "Victor, God's love is not like man's love. No matter what you or I have done or will do, nothing can seperate us from God's love, did you know that? He loves us with an everlasting love. He will never leave you nor forsake you, Victor." I said, do you know that God wants a relationship with you and that he sent his son Jesus, so that you could be reconciled to him?" Victor didn't say much, so I asked him if I could pray for him. He let me pray for him and he peddled off.
After Victor peddled away, I sat down on another bench. I said, "God, where are they all? I know there are more homeless men and women than what I'm seeing." Immediately, God brought the Salvation Army to my mind. I pulled out my cell phone and put "Salvation Army" into my GPS on my phone. It was about 6 miles away, so I got up and started walking to my car. As I walked, I could picture homeless people sitting outside of the Salvation Army on the steps or something. I hopped in my car and started following my GPS. As I got within a mile or so, I realized I wasn't in the best neighborhood. It was dark and there were several people standing on the streets. As I turned on to W. 19th Street I was amazed at what I saw....
There were atleast 20-30 people lying on the sidewalk under the canopy of the Hope Center - AKA Salvation Army. They were covered up with blankets. Some of them had the blakets pulled up over their heads. Many others were sitting on a wall talking. I drove through utterly amazed at what I was seeing. I've heard of homeless people, but I never knew there were this many people who had no where to live in one spot. I was deeply moved with sadness, but fear took over and I didn't have the courage to get out of my car. I totally wasn't prepared for this. I asked God to show me where they were and he definatley did. This is what God has called me to, but because I have lived as a Sunday Christian for most of my time as a believer, I'm not sure how to respond. Pray for me...these folks need someone to bring them the good news. Sadly, I drove away in fear, but I'm asking God to give me the courage to go back there next Saturday night.
To be continued.....
Friday, November 25, 2011
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