Update...

Hello Friends,

It's been a while since I've posted on the BLOG, so I wanted to take time to share some of the things that are going on at "A Church Without Walls."  We've been very busy, as we approach the holiday and we are excited about all that God is doing in and around us.  God is so good!

Currently, we are praying about many things and we would be grateful if you would join us as we seek God as to how he would have us step forward.  We desire to follow God and not walk in front of Him.  He is teaching us to trust him and we are learning that as we pray, he truly does answer.  As we've thrown ourselves in with both feet, we've seen him do what only he could do, countless times.  Here's what's going on...

The Place of Prayer:

Many of us have been meeting on Sunday morning at 7 am to pray at Steve's house for the past month.  Last week, we encountered the Spirit of the Lord in a mighty way.  He left us speechless and sobered, as we realized that he was calling us to a deeper level of intimacy with Him and his word.  We realized that even this ministry - as good as it is - could take precedence over "knowing him."  We want to be like Mary, not Martha.  

True Discipleship:

Meet our friend Patrick:  Patrick is one of the men whom we've been ministering to for many months.  Jeremy, Aaron and Ezekiel have taken personal responsibility for this man.  We believe he has come to know the Lord and that he is growing in his relationship with the Lord.  His life is bearing fruit.  Jeremy has been meeting with Patrick, once a week walking him through the book of Matthew.  Patrick has grown in leaps and bounds as he's studied the word of God.  

Meet our friend Bernard:  Nick has taken personal responsibility for our friend Bernard.  He too sets out one night a week, to encourage this man in his faith.  I received a call from Nick this week, telling me about how the Lord drew his heart towards another man named Bob.  He told me that on Saturday night, he felt like God was drawing his heart towards Bob and Nick felt led to ask Bob to meet with Bernard and him this past week.  However, out of respect for Bernard and to be able to maintain his one-on-one time with Bernard, he didn't ask.  When Nick arrived to meet Bernard, he didn't see him.  After waiting for a little while Bernard didn't show up, however along came Bob (unplanned) into Wendy's and Nick was able to meet with him for some time, as they discussed the Lord and life.

Meet our friend Aguko:  Aguko is who God has given me in this season for discipleship.  He's an international student from Kenya, Africa.  We met him a couple of months ago as we served him in one of our food lines.  He came to the states on a green card about 5 years ago.  He received an honorable discharge from the United States Navy and is currently attending ODU seeking to obtain a degree in Nuclear Medicine.  He found himself homeless, as a full time student.  He's shared with me how he's slept in the library at the school and various homeless shelters in the area while studying and pursuing his degree.  He's focused on finishing his schooling and in his country coming to America to attend college is a great opportunity.  This week, we've met a couple of times and sharpened each other in the word.  I've encouraged him and he's encouraged me.  We've become good friends over the past couple of months and we're excited about all God is doing in our lives as we get to know each other.

The Farm:

Steve is moving forward with the Farm.  The Lord has provided as Steve has been faithful to do the little things that God has called him to do.  He's currently raising chickens, whom are now laying eggs and growing rapidly. :)  He has been working with Jonathan hand in hand and they hope to establish an organic garden this spring.  The Lord has already provided a load of wood chips and continues to provide what we need.  This past week, Steve has been building his boxes for raising honey bees.  He hopes to establish his bee farm this spring as well.  So...we have chickens, bees and hopefully an organic garden.  The Lord is good.

Prayer Request:

Please join us as we pray for specific things.  We believe that as we pray and seek first the kingdom, God moves on our behalf.  Prayer is the foundation of all that we are doing.  God uses prayer to help us "know him."  

• We are asking God to provide a home for our disciples.  We realize that getting the guys out of their negative environment and into a place where they can be encouraged and sharpened in godliness is important.  We're asking God to provide for a few of the men who are serious about knowing him and growing in their relationship with him.

• We are asking God to open up the property behind Steve's that we may use it for farming.  It's an ideal place with several acres of land that would be great for farming.  We're also asking God to provide equipment, people, lumber and construction materiel for bunk houses, barns, etc.

These are a couple of things we're seeking God about.  Will you join us in prayer as we seek to do God's will?

Merry Christmas and I pray that the bounty of the Lord would rest upon you and your families this holiday season.  Remember those who are in need and who live in lack and take time to bless them and pray for them.  

Grace to you,

A Church Without Walls

Our 1 year anniversary...

It's hard to believe that a year has passed, since God initially called me to the streets of the inner city.  It's been an amazing year and I've seen God move in unbelievable ways.  Tonight, I'd like to share my most memorable moments of 2011-2012 as we ministered in the heart of the inner city.  God is using our ministry to bring hope to the hopeless, life to the lifeless, rest to the restless and light to those who walk in darkness.  I've gained many new friends in this journey and I know God more today than I did a year ago, because of this work.  Thank you to all of you who throw your lives into this ministry and to those of you who help us care for the poor.

The day my vision became a reality:

When God first started to call me to the streets, I had a vision of me preaching in Waterside park with a large crowd gathered around.  In the crowd, there were the homeless, poor, hurting, broken and lost.  These are those who are dear to God's heart and who he has called us to care for.  I've had many opportunities to preach in the streets and God has done great things through the preaching of his word.

God gives me "One":

I'll never forget the first night I arrived in the streets meeting Mira.  This was the first person I interacted with as I arrived in the heart of the inner city.  God has blessed our work and today we minister to 45-60 people on any given Saturday night.  I remember going out to the streets by myself for many weeks and now each week, I have 10 - 15 people who come alongside me to serve our friends.  

God provides:

For the entire year, God has faithfully provided for our every need.  Food alone costs us around $100 - $130 per week.  We have not had one week this year where we were unable to provide food because of lack of funds.  As a matter of fact, there were a couple of weeks when I wasn't sure how in the world God would provide and after much prayer he always came through.  He's provided many bibles, coats, socks, clothes, bikes, blankets, Christmas gifts, etc.  He's sponsored everything!

Ministries:

This year, on top of our homeless ministry we've started a prayer corner where we go out every Saturday morning and intercede for the city of Norfolk.  It's in this place of prayer that change happens and we understand the call of God to pray for our city.  We've also started a bicycle repair ministry, sock ministry and Christmas gift ministry.  

People who are dear to my heart:

I'll never forget Allen and the night he got saved.  I'll never forget dropping him off at the Richmond Outreach Center, where he has been ever since.  Once homeless and without hope, now full of hope and cleansed by the blood of the Lamb.  He still lives at the ROC in a discipleship home where he has an active role in his church and community.   

I'll never forget Mary and Allen - a elderly couple in their 70's who were homeless for 8 years before meeting our team.  Today, they are living in a small apartment in Virginia Beach, warm and well fed.  Mary calls me everyday to tell us how much she loves us - literally. :)

My lovely wife, Steve Zollos, and Aaron Ransom hold a special place in my heart, as they have blazed the trail throughout most of the year.  Rain or shine, cold or hot, they were standing there ready to serve - no matter what.  

Many thanks and much blessing to all of those who have labored week after week to bless our friends and carry out the plan of God.  Thanks for all of your support!  

Fighting the good fight,

"A Church Without Walls"

Having Church during Hurricane Sandy....

A Church Without Walls  - 10/27/12

A Church Without Walls met on Saturday evening even with the onslaught of Hurricane Sandy bringing wind and rain. While many of us huddled in the warmth of our homes preparing flashlights and storing up water those on the streets were still hoping for food to eat, and maybe opportunity to get out of the weather.

Debbie made a steaming hot pot of Beef Barley Soup and cornbread that was perfect for boosting hope for cold rainy night and we ventured out to 19^th Street. We actually hoped that we wouldn’t see anyone on the streets… the weather was just too bad on Saturday as the storm began to rock the east coast.

We set up our table and Nick and Aaron and the others met us there to love our friends and share an encouraging Word with our neighbors. Thankfully there were less than 30 people out that night, and most would get some hot food and head to their makeshift shelters. After Aaron’s word about the Love of Christ the night turned into a time of personal ministry. A number of us gathered around Patrick who received various ‘Words’ from the Lord, encouraging Words, Words of hope and a future…. Manna from heaven straight to his soul. God is so good to his children, even his children on the streets.

One of our friends was hoping to get into an apartment this week, however, an unexpected unpaid bill for $368 popped up and was blocking his way into his new home. I laid hands on my friend and we prayed for God’s provision, for God’s favor. Will you join us in this prayer? God has been so faithful to provide for these men and women over the past year and I trust He will be faithful again.

Tosha and Jessica were there too. What a beautiful surprise these two are, serving Christ in the streets and seeing God’s hand in their desperate situation. Tosha gave me the number for a conference call Bible Study she would be teaching this week. Debbie and called in and were blessed by a powerful and encouraging message from 1Corinthians 13 and the Love of God. Beautiful teaching from the streets…. Who would have thought that God would have His children on the streets? As Joseph said to his brothers, “you meant it for evil, but the Lord meant it for good, that many should be saved.”  How God’s love encompasses all, especially those who are suffering and those who are without a home.

Finally, there was a Muslim receiving food. He said he would give me a copy of the Koran, and I told him I would be honored to receive it. See, God’s grace is on the Muslim too. You should have heard this man agreeing with Aaron’s message of the blood of Christ and His perfect sacrifice. He is a Muslim today, but by God’s gracious power he will be redeemed tomorrow. We simply show him the love of Christ and trust that God will work in his heart and draw him to himself…. Just like he has done for each of us.

How Great is our God. How wonderful are His ways. Even the power of a hurricane is putty in His hands to be molded to bring many to Christ.

Praise Him all the heavens and the earth. 

I wish I could write....

ACWOW 11/10/12

I wish I could write in the true inspiration of the Holy Spirit so that I could relay the power of God I saw working through the hands and prayers of His people last night on 19^th street.

I wish I could write so eloquently that you yourself could taste the homemade shepherd’s pie, and apple crisp that was made in Debbie & Laura’s kitchens and served to those who have no kitchen to cook in. Words cannot express the joy felt by those receiving a truly homemade meal at the hands of friends who love them.

I wish I could express the significance of a Muslim man worshiping the savior after hearing a simple message of God’s mercy expressed through His Son, Jesus the Christ.

I wish I could explain what it is like to have a Jehova’s Witness respond to the Word of God and the powerful love being shown week after week in the streets of Norfolk. But alas, my words cannot convey the beauty of the Savior expressed through the loving hands of His little children.

Would that I could take you with my words to the streets last night to feel the compassion of Christ as an ODU student born in Kenya stood in line for food, and had someone to share in His sufferings.

How great it would be if on my keyboard I could take you on an emergency ride to Walmart to get a blanket for a man who was shivering from cold. If only my words could take you on the trip to hear the prayer in Walmart asking for wisdom on which of the 3 blankets would best serve this one that Jesus loves, only to be told to take all three and to not withhold from those in need… If only my words could convey the humbling of my heart when two more people, not knowing that we had blankets, ask if we might have a blanket for them.

I long to be able to have you see in your heart through my writing how a woman who had been living on the streets only a week before gave a powerful message from the story of the prodigal’s son to her friends on the streets. How she shared her love of God with her ‘family’ on the streets.

It would be my desire to write so powerfully, that you would feel the healing power of the Holy Spirit course through your body like those who stepped forward for healing prayer witnessed last night as we gathered around those who desired a healing touch and to be known by God.

Could it be that my words could show you those who remain trapped in the lie of alcohol, or drugs. Who stand so deceived that only the love of Christ could possibly reach down into their hearts and save them from certain destruction.

How I desire to be able to write in such a way as to convey the love of God shown so tenderly to these hurt and suffering people.

$15,000 donated to purchase detailing business...

The Lord continues to bless the work of our hands as he takes me from faith to faith and glory to glory.  This recent testimony is a fun one!  Let the glory of the Lord shine and may his name be magnified through our faith and his gracious right hand.

In September, as I was driving downtown to feed the homeless, I noticed the "Downtown Car Wash."  This is a local car detailing shop on the corner of Granby street and 17th street.  I've driven by this place for the past year, but I've never quite noticed it as I did this September day.  I immediately thought about my past experience with Integrity Auto Specialist and about using my experience to provide an opportunity to some of the men we minister to.  I pondered the thought of starting my own detailing business and using the business to not only provide jobs for men, but also to fund our ministries.  As you know, I have a strong conviction about using the resources that are donated for the actual needs of the people we minister to.  I have a desire to walk in the light with money that is donated and I want to faithfully steward all that God gives us.

I began praying about this idea and asking God to show me if this was from him or from myself.  I started pushing on doors to see if God would open any.  I called my friend - Steve Crabb - and asked him what he thought.  He's in the car industry and I thought his counsel would be helpful.  I also called a couple other friends I know in the car restoration business to seek out counsel.  In my conversation with Steve, he informed me about a man who had an immediate need to sell his already established car detailing business.  His father-in-law was sick and he and his wife had to move - on somewhat last minute notice - to care for his needs.  I knew this guy, so I called him right away.

He confirmed that he was in fact selling his business for $19,300.  Of course, I didn't just have that laying around.  I began to reason with myself and put together scenarios in my mind of how I could purchase this business.  I thought, "Maybe, I can just make payments to this guy, pay his truck off, etc."  My wife even cautioned me about trying to force it and she reminded me of this truth...she said, "If it's the Lord's will, it will open up."  Well, I made a phone call to someone I knew had a friend that worked at the bank.  I knew this person and knew they had the authority to loan money.  Well, during our conversation the person told me that they felt the Lord was asking them to loan me $15,000.  I was pretty shocked in the moment.  They told me they would like to pray about it and would get back to me.

The next day the person called me back to inform me that they felt called to give me this money to purchase this business.  I was overwhelmed with tears of joy, as I literally watched the Lord provide yet again in a miraculous way!  I ran off crying and rejoicing!  He keeps doing it! 

A week later, I had a truck, trailer, detail equipment, supplies, etc sitting in my driveway/garage.  It's still hard to believe how the Lord did this and why he would continue to bless me like this.

Well, this coming Wednesday Stepheno Zollos and I will launch "Restore Detailing."  I also believe the Lord has asked me to live by faith with this business and not put a price tag on our services.  Our business will run on donations only.  I believe the Lord will provide for our needs above and beyond what we can ask or imagine.  He is Jehovah Jireh - my provider.  Please visit our website at www.restoredetailing.net to find out more.

Who is this King of Glory?

"A Church Without Walls"

Is this not the fast that I choose...

Isaiah 58:6-8

"Is this not the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?  Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?  Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard."

All day Saturday, I observed many people choosing the fast described in Isaiah 58!  It started Saturday morning at around 7:30, when Aaron, CJ and I hit the streets of the inner city.  I observed CJ praying in the Spirit as he fasted and broke the bonds of wickedness and released the straps of the yoke.  As we prayed for one man, I believe the oppressed went free, I believe we broke every yoke in his life, in that very moment!

We believe prayer is the most essential thing we do.  Without prayer - I believe - we will be performing many "good works" with very little effectiveness. We believe that as we act as intercessors, we prepare the ground to receive His presence.  We literally are sitting on a wall, guitar in hand, singing and interceding for the city of Norfolk.  We had a few different people come and sit on the wall - in the presence of God - and we interceded for each of them for their specific situation.  It was a powerful time, where we encountered the Presence of God and where we tilled the soil of the spiritual atmosphere, inviting the power of the Holy Spirit to come to this great city!

I observed Laura, Debbie, Adah, Blanche and her 8 year old niece choose this fast as they labored in the kitchen and prepared the food to share with the hungry.  What struck me most about them preparing the food was their passion.  They were diligent in making things perfect, for those who they would feed.  Even Adah, who's 5 years old.  I watched her cut every potato with focus and concentration.  She was passionate about making the perfect meal for the hungry - and even her at age 5 - chose this fast!

I observed Steve and Debbie observe this fast, as I watched two of our homeless friends get into the back seat of their car, on their way to spend the night at the Zollo's home.  They just wanted a shower and a good nights rest.  Steve and Debbie chose to fast last night, by bringing the homeless poor into their house.  

I observed John and Dianne Dempsey, Aaron and Monique, choosing this fast as they gave away several bags of really nice clothes to clothe the naked.  I watched those at Community Fellowship Church observe this fast as we passed out many of the coats they donated to our ministry.  I observed Freedom Baptist Church, New Life Community Church choose this fast, as we passed several of the 700+ brand new socks they donated.   I observed Jeremy and Rebekah Miller observe this fast as I passed out a really nice pair of shoes to a man who's shoe's were literally falling apart.

I observed Jacky and John, Blanche and her 8 year old niece observe this fast as they labored to ensure each one who was hungry, was served.  I watched Noah observe this fast as he passed out each drink.  I watched Ezekiel observe this fast as he labored over many bikes to ensure they were in tip top shape.  Remember, bikes are the primary mode of transportation for those who are homeless.  It's their "car" in many ways. 

I observed Tasha and Jessica choosing this fast as they gathered us in a circle in the middle of 19th street and prayed against the principalities and powers of darkness.  I saw yokes being broken and the captives being set free, as many of us laid hands on Bernard and David - breaking the power of an alcohol addiction in their lives.  

After we prayed, I observed David and Bernard praising God - David dancing wildly in the streets!  As CJ strummed the guitar I watched another homeless man - with an amazing voice I might add - lead worship to our God.  Real worship, where men were set free in a very moment and couldn't help but sing, dance, shout and laugh!  No prompting needed to lift their hands other than the prompting of the Holy Spirit in whom they just encountered!  This is the fast that we choose!  This is true fasting!  This is the mighty God that we serve - the King of Glory!  God bless you all!

"A Church Without Walls"

The word of the Lord came to 19th street...

A Church Without Walls (10-14-12)

And The Word of the Lord Came to 19^th Street

A week ago at least 8 people surrendered their lives to the Lord on 19^th Street as we ministered to those of us who have no house to live in. How could anything get any better than that I wondered – but I had not rightly considered our glorious God who does amazingly, powerfully, beautifully beyond all that I can hope or imagine.

Last night there was a special anointing on the servants of Christ who came to minister to those in need of love and compassion. We served homemade chili on rice, cornbread, and brownies. We had sodas and water and the people lined up, lots of people lined up for the hot food that was served not to needy people, but to our friends, to our family – to those God loves so dearly.

The anointing fell as it seemed that everyone seemed to be able to easily enter into conversation, like old friends coming to share time with one another. I met a man just out of prison, a welder by trade. Like so many others drugs led him to the streets, to despair. He was so grateful for the hot food.

A couple helped us give a handful of brand new winter coats out; first to the ladies, then to those who had no jacket at all. Everyone was blessed with a brand new knit cap. The nights are cold now and these brothers and sisters of ours – of yours – were so grateful.

Patrick was blessed to tell me the story of how cold he was the other night. “No one believes it,” said he, “but all I had was a sheet to keep me warm, so I prayed and that sheet heated up and kept me warm all night long.” I told him that I believed him because God is so good, and he hears our prayers.

David came to Shaun in tears of thankfulness and asked for Jimmy and I to come and hear his testimony. “Last week we prayed,” he said, “because I had to go before the judge because I’m $57,000 in debt. I was sure he was going to put me in prison” He wept as he spoke, “I was so scared, I prayed and prayed before I went before the judge, and he took $40,000 OFF my debt, just like that! Now I will actually get some money from my check… I should be able to get a place to stay with the money that I will have. Thank you God, Thank you God, Thank you Jesus!” he repeated over and over again.

Jeremy shared a powerful word about giving everything over to the Lord. It was cool because the people gathered around tonight, anticipating the Word, they were hungry to hear about the love of God – I think more hungry than they were for the food; God is working in our hearts on 19^th Street.

Jeremy shared his testimony of God’s faithfulness, about being transformed, about becoming a new creation. He talked about how pale everything in the world was after Christ changed him. The things he once craved, valued, and pursued he now saw as they were – he considered all those things as trash compared to knowing Christ.

Then Shaun shared a parable-like story about God and His Angels who had come to let Him know what they needed. One was overseeing people who were asking for food and the food pantry was almost empty and God in His goodness opened a door for the food to be provided. Another Angel was overseeing people who were asking for clothing and again the Lord graciously provided the clothing they asked for. The Lord went down the line fulfilling request after request until He came to the last Angel who didn’t know what to ask for because the person he was overseeing on the earth had recently come to the Lord and just kept saying, “thank you Lord, thank you Lord, thank you Lord.” God said to the last Angel, “Give him everything.”

That really summed up the night. Jimmy recounted God’s faithfulness reminding us of people from 19^th Street who have been blessed, some of whom are now off the streets, others who are now reunited with family, some who have been given new hope. Then he led us all – our entire family – in a prayer of thanksgiving; it was powerful.

As we closed a few folks told us it was Bernard’s birthday. 40 some people on the streets joined voices and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ right there on the 19^th street. It was beautiful. God is glorious. His people are amazing people.

I am so grateful for those who made the dinner, those who served the food, those who gave out the coats and hats, those who shared their gift of music, those who prayed with others, those who dared to preach God’s Word, those who handed out drinks, those who fixed bikes, those who gave hugs, those who shared in the anguish of others.

I am grateful for those who God has obviously made a new creation and are indeed in and of themselves ‘A Church Without Walls.’

Guest Speaker arrives at A Church Without Walls...

 

A Church Without Walls, October 6^th

The last week of September I got to go on a dream trip; fishing for a week in Canada. I went with 2 friends – both brothers in Christ. Beautiful clear water, incredible scenery with the leaves changing daily, a mostly untouched landscape made by God’s hands, and lots of fish to catch. Being a nature lover, I knew I was experiencing something special. What I didn’t realize was how much I would be affected just by being with these Christian brothers.

At church on the Sunday after we returned God started to reveal to me the true blessing of the prior week – being in His presence in a unique way. I was in tears thru half the service – not my normal reaction to singing hymns. One song sent me a strong message about God’s grace and His unlimited love that He pours forth.

Tuesday morning I entered into a time of meditation. I prayed and wrote down in my journal, “Lord, what will you have me do?” One of the six items He gave me to do was to be present Saturday, October 6^th at A Church Without Walls ministry to the homeless, so I called my friend Steve and he invited me to join them on the streets this Saturday evening.

This wasn’t my first experience working with the homeless and I was proud to cook, help serve, interact with the men and women there, and do whatever was needed.  Jimmy gave the message, the parable of the wedding feast and a great message it was. I thought God was telling me to say something but I blew it off (I said “No”).  When Jimmy asked if anyone else wanted to speak, I could no longer deny the call of God to share what He gave me with these folks – I obeyed the call of the Lord and stepped forward.

Being a recovering alcoholic, when I saw these men and women I thought, ‘there but by the grace of God go I.’ I shared some of my story with them and how when I received the Lord the blessings poured forth. I was offered the opportunity to accept Jesus as my savior before I got sober but I refused to receive Him for 12 years. The message God gave me to share last night was they didn’t need to do that, they didn’t need to live the life of loneliness, fear, isolation, and uncertainty that I did. They could say “YES” right now and allow God in their hearts and lives and never be lonely again.

To share one other thing, until yesterday I had never been God’s messenger that directly led to someone being saved. I had never prayed with anyone as they allowed God in their heart.  By God’s grace on Saturday night many people responded to Jimmy’s word, and several men and women came forward – 6 joining me after my exhortation – a humbling experience to say the least.

I look forward to the future guidance from God as to what is next and I am grateful to A Church Without Walls for allowing me to be a part of their ministry.

God Bless,

Shaun Smith

Crazy, right?

A Crazy Night On The Streets

Dan and Shelly are from Philadelphia. They are both disabled and just arrived in Norfolk a week ago. Although they had enough money to stay in a hotel until October 3^rd when their next check comes in, it was stolen from their hotel room.

So they find themselves living on the streets until the 3^rd of October. Crazy isn’t it?

Dan was hit by a train, pronounced dead and woke up in the morgue with a toe tag on a number of years ago. It shocked the priest that was there reading last rites so badly that he dropped his bible and ran to get help. Dan has no bone running from his wrist to his elbow – it’s a piece of metal now – he showed me. His jaw was broken and his tongue was bitten off. He showed me his tongue so I could see where it was sewn back on – Crazy right?

He had to learn how to walk again. [Think about that for a moment]

He had to learn how to talk again. [Think about that for a moment too]

Now they found themselves living on the streets of Norfolk. They had no blanket, just the clothes on their backs. We bought them a blanket.

The cool thing about Dan was that he was totally optimistic. Crazy isn’t it?

I know people with a roof over their heads, with good jobs, and food in the refrigerator who can’t see God’s mercy. Crazy huh?

Here’s Dan, walking with a cane, thin as a rail and smiling and telling me about people in his family who are doing well, and you can see the pride shining all around him. Crazy thing isn’t it?

Shelly told me that if it weren’t for folks like us, helping when they can, that they just wouldn’t make it. She was so soft spoken, so kind, so appreciative - we prayed.

I also spoke to Demetrius, a young man who has been quiet for the many weeks that I have known him. Tonight Patrick and Demetrius were debating about who exactly Melchizedek is… you know, the king that Abram paid tribute to. He was an angel suggested Patrick. Demetrius argued that he was God. They both had good reason. They both know the Word. It was a good conversation…. One I would have expected to have in church and not on the streets… although conversations about the Word can be hard to find in some churches where the Word stays pretty tight to the pulpit. Crazy, wouldn’t you agree?

It was a crazy night out on the streets and I was reminded of the many years that I faithfully sat in church each and every Sunday morning thinking that I was attending to God’s work. In fact, despite my work within the walls of the church, I was a flourishing, but fruitless tree. Crazy, right?

God Performs A Miracle On 19th Street

It was an exciting night at A Church Without Walls last night, as we witnessed a powerful miracle with our own eyes!  Read on.

There seems to be more and more people on the streets each week. We saw a number of new faces. By God’s grace there have been more and more people coming out to help serve. Last night Aaron, Monique, Jeremy & his brother Josh (from Elizabeth City), Ezekiel & Shannon, Tom & Elisha & Hezekiah, Debbie & Sophia, and Jimmy & I went out to serve the spaghetti dinner that Laura had made to those of us who have no home. Imagine, a hot spaghetti dinner with homemade sauce and garlic bread! Last night A Church Without Walls became ‘home’ for these beautiful people – just as Jesus intended when he commanded us to ‘Love our neighbors as ourselves.’

The spaghetti was gone in a moment… but the night was just beginning. Everyone gathered around Josh, Shannon, and Ezekiel as they began to play music and the rest of us served dessert – homemade brownies. Once everyone had found a place on the curb Jimmy brought a word of encouragement from the Gospel of John, sharing the story of the man who was born blind and when the disciples asked ‘who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?’ Jesus replied ‘neither, but that the glory of God would be revealed to them all’…. including us.

Jimmy shared his testimony and introduced our new friend Ezekiel who brought full circle the teaching with his testimony of his trials and God’s ultimate glory.

God’s power was evident, as one man risked missing his opportunity to have a place to sleep in order to be prayed for, and another took the initiative to ask that we pray as a group… and we did.

Ezekiel, who himself has spent many a night homeless, made an important observation. He said some people look for miracles in their great wealth, their many blessings, or some great and obvious move of God. But it’s a miracle when you’re hungry and someone gives you food, or when you’re thirsty and someone gives you something to drink, or when you are cold and someone gives you something to wear. These are the true miracles that Christ has called each of His children to perform.

We witnessed the miraculous last night as the hungry were fed, the thirsty were given drink, and everyone heard how much God loved them, even in their desperate situation. It was a miracle as lives were changed (including our own) right before our eyes. The love of God was freely displayed, and new hope was brought to those who are struggling to survive.

The cool thing is that miracles are so easy to perform. How difficult is it to make a spaghetti dinner? To purchase a $5 pizza and give it to someone in need? How hard is it to hand a bottle of cold water to someone on a hot day?

The truth is that the miracle that you are to perform today is only a heartbeat away.

What miracle will you share with someone today?

A Church Without Walls exists to encourage, empower, and provide opportunity for the children of God to ‘perform the miracles’ prepared by God in advance for each of them to do.

The Ezekiel Project

What I'm about to share with you is an amazing testimony of God's faithfulness and his greatness.  He really does take us from faith to faith and glory to glory.  I'm still very affected by how God showed himself faithful to me, once again, through this most recent event.

Last week, during my personal prayer time, I felt like the Lord was saying very clearly, "Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes."  I questioned this and began to ask the Lord what it was he was asking of me.  As I listened to the Lord, I believe that he was calling me to take yet another step of faith in regards to ministering to the inner city.

Up to this point, we've ministered to the homeless each and every Saturday night for almost a year, but the Lord reminded me of the initial vision.  He wants to do so much more in the inner city than just minister to the homeless.  Although, the homeless are precious to the heart of God, he's ready to do more.  The questions he posed to me were these.  Are you ready for this work?  Are you ready to surrender everything?  Are you ready to leave it all behind for the sake of this great gospel?

He led me to Ezekiel 36:33-36 and it was obvious what he was saying.  Here's what the scripture says, "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt.  The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it.  They will say, This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited.  Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the LORD have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it."  

The Lord quickly revealed the place where he was calling me to, the projects of the inner city.  He gave me a picture of me and others working on bicycles in the inner city.  I believe he was showing me that the bicycle repair ministry would bless the kids and ultimately get us to the families.  The word is love, love, love - serve, serve, serve.  I had a conversation with my new friend Brandon Lannie from Richmond, VA who leads a bicycle repair ministry in the projects of Richmond with the Richmond Outreach Center (ROC).  Monday, he sent me the whole outline of how he does things and ideas of how to get started.  I must confess, I haven't really worked on bikes in my life, so this was really just a faith thing as I have no clue what I'm doing.  God told me to do it and I want to be faithful.

Sunday, I spent 4 hours seeking the Lord and forming the vision for the "project ministry".  The Lord quickly gave me the name for the ministry based on Ezekiel 36:33-36 - "The Ezekiel Project."  (Remember this name) I typed up 3 pages describing the vision.  It was amazing, how the Lord was giving me ideas and clarity.

Monday, I put a post on Facebook, sharing my vision about the "Bicycle Repair Ministry" and asking folks to consider giving me damaged bikes for parts before throwing them away or discarding them.  I planned to start taking bikes apart and putting them back together, so I could learn how the parts work together and how to assemble and disassemble.  I received 4 bikes total to be donated, just yesterday.

Later that day, I went to the local bike shop to get a new tube for my little girls bike.  I'm still not quite sure how she got a flat tire on her bike, but I know now it was the will of the Lord for me to go to the bike shop.  I walked in and asked for a 16" tube for Adah's bike.  The man working was very helpful and handed me the tube, quickly.

There were two men working on some bikes on stands.  As I was speaking to the two guys, I said, "You may think I'm crazy, but the Lord has given me a vision to start a bicycle repair ministry in the inner city of Norfolk, VA.  I was wondering if you guys ever have spare parts or junk bikes that you'd be willing to donate to bless the children of the inner city.  I noticed the one man stop working on the bike he had on the stand.  He looked me dead in the face and said, "I knew you were coming, I heard about you and I already started saving bikes for the kids.  I have some parts too."  I said, "Sir, you must have the wrong guy, as I just finished this vision today and only started working on it Saturday."  He said, "Well my friend Eric is the one who told me about it and he's very prophetic so I'm not sure if this was a prophetic word or what, but I just started working on bikes and I have them in the back, ready to go.  I was blown away in that moment, but that's not it....

I just so happened to bring my 3 page vision with me to the bike shop.  I handed it to the man and said, "Take a look at this paper, as this is the vision the Lord has given me."  He looked at it and immediately tossed it on his work bench and started to cry.  He paced back and forth breathing heavy and looking into the air.  I said,  "Are you okay man?"  He didn't answer right away, so I asked again, "Are you okay?"  He looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, "My name is Ezekiel!"  (The Ezekiel Project)  He immediately said, "Man, I need to talk to you.  Can we meet tonight?"  I said, "Sure."  It just so happened, Jeremy and Rebekah Miller were coming over for a cookout.  It all happened so fast, I realized after I left that I didn't get his phone #, but I wrote mine down and gave him my address.  Several of us were waiting on him in my living room   I started to get worried that he wasn't going to come.  As soon as I said to those in my living room, "I hope he shows up," I noticed him riding outside of my house.

The next thing I know, we're sitting in my living room with about 10 people who are involved with "A Church Without Walls," listening to Ezekiel tell us about his 2200 mile bike journey.  He has forsaken everything just to lean on the Lord and watch him provide for his every need.  He called it a "journey" where he lived strictly on faith.  Trusting God to provide his daily food going from town to town playing music and telling people his story, blessing them with his amazing harmonica talent, playing the banjo, etc.  He walked several miles as well and it's important that you know, he did this all on a prosthetic leg.  He said his leg would hurt if he walked for a small distance, but as he was on his journey, his leg didn't hurt.  Isn't that amazing?

He's going to not only come help us with the bike repair ministry, he's going to help us learn how to blow glass, play the banjo, and raise honey bees.  :)  God has provided again!

This is our great God!  Who is like him?

Check out this link of my new friend Ezekiel!  Let's help him get a new leg!

https://vimeo.com/49110825

"A Church Without Walls"

Are you a good Samaritan?

A Church Without Walls (9-1-12)

Imagine what it is like when your electricity goes out. You have no lights, no refrigerator or freezer, no air conditioning, or heat.

Now imagine your house has been destroyed by a tornado and you have no running water, no place to sleep, no place to escape from the mosquitoes, the gnats, the rain or the snow. No protection from people who intend to rob you or do you harm.

That’s what it’s like every day when you’re homeless.

Now imagine people driving by and looking at you. Some look down at you. Some are pointing at you as they drive past, and others keep their eyes firmly stationed straight ahead so as to purposely not notice you.

I noticed that last night as Aaron, Monique, Nick, Jimmy, and I set out to serve those of us who do not have homes. People driving by with their windows up and their doors locked. I thought of the story of the Good Samaritan. Do you remember that story? (Luke 10:30-37)

After grilling countless hamburgers and hotdogs and serving ice cream, Nick got up to bring the Word of God to these blessed but in some ways desperate people. He had spoken to one of the men last week who expressed to him that he was still paying the price for being a felon. When Nick referred to his conversation many men and women nodded in agreement that they had made a mistake and had paid the price with jail time, but now were still paying for their crime because they would not be hired because of their criminal records.

Then Nick told them about a God who loves them, and who keeps no record of wrongs. A King who makes all things new, and a Savior who with a word will make them new creations. Their mistakes remembered no more, their life to be started anew in Christ.

I watched the people as Nick preached the Word and many of them were entranced just thinking about having an opportunity to start over. An opportunity to not  make the mistakes of their past.

Like the Good Samaritan, Nick stopped last night to bring healing balm to these hurting and desperate people. He bound up their wounds, fed them, and brought them the hope that can only come from our gracious savior Christ Jesus.

I encourage you to read the story of the Good Samaritan and determine who you are in the story. If you cannot identify with the Samaritan, then let me further encourage you to get up out of your church pew, identify the ministry God has put before you, and be about the good works that Jesus has prepared in advance for you to do.

As you endeavor to do his will, He will give you eyes to see those in need and the grace to be His disciple.

[‘A Church Without Walls’ exists to encourage, empower, and provide opportunities for disciples of Christ Jesus to walk in the ministries prepared by God in advance for them to do]

Thank you from those in the streets...

Greetings friends,

Last week, the homeless men and women wanted to take time to thank all of you who have given of your time, your finances, your prayers and your support.  You know who you are!  They all signed this "Thank You" card for those of you who have blessed them.

We also want to thank Community Fellowship, New Life Community Church and Freedom Baptist Church in the Martinsville/Ridgeway, VA area for helping us meet the needs of our friends here locally by providing coats, hats, socks, etc.  We'd also like to thank our friends at the ROC (Richmond Outreach Center) for allowing some of our men to enter into their discipleship homes.  We are all very grateful to God for all you are doing to help.  Thank you!  

Also, Freedom Baptist Church  is doing a SOCK (Serving our Christ & King) day on September 23rd.  Click on the link to find out more.  http://www.freedombaptistchurch.com/index.php.


Matthew 35:25-26

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

"A Church Without Walls"

Onlookers arrive at 19th street..

Greetings Friends,

The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice!  Great is his faithfulness!  Rejoice in the Lord always, I say it again rejoice!  He is the author and the finisher of our faith!  The holy one!   The worthy one!  The risen one! The one who takes away the sins of the world!  Who is like the Lord, our great God?  Who can compare to this mighty one?  Who can understand the depths of his love and his mercy? The earth is the Lord's and everything in it belongs to him!  He makes all things new!  A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not snuff out!  Lift up your head, O you gates; be lifted up you ancient doors, that the King of Glory may come in!  Who is this King of Glory?  The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.  The one who restores!  The good Shepard!  The one who leads us beside still waters and quiets our soul with his love.  His name is Jesus Christ!  Our God and our King!

This is the message we brought to W. 19th street tonight.  Many received the word with attentive ears and open hearts.  We prayed for many people, laying hands on the sick, praying for those who are suffering, declaring God's promises over their lives, tearing down strongholds, wrecking the works of darkness by the power of His word!

Several weeks ago, as I was seeking direction from the Lord, as to what he would have me say to these men and women who have been lied to for so many years by the enemy.  I heard him say to me, "Show them who I am, show them how different I am"  Each week, I read John 3:16-17 before I preach to those who sit before me.  I hone in on the part that says, "He did not come to condemn the world, but to save the world."  I've showed them how Jesus responded to the woman of Samaria at the well (John 4), the woman caught in adultery (John 8), the man who laid at the pool for 38 years (John 5) and this week I shared about the raising of Lazarus (John 11).  I've drawn their attention to how different He is from any other.  His love is real, his patience is rich and His mercy is unfailing.  There is none like him in all the earth!

The testimony of a prophetic word:

A few weeks ago, as I was praying for Clifton - a man who the Lord is changing by His grace - the Lord gave me a prophetic word for Him.  Here's the word..."Go home to your family as the Lord is mending relationships, even now.  Go and sin no more!"  I received this word as I was praying for Him.  At the time, I wasn't sure of his relationship status, but I wanted to be faithful to what the Lord was saying, so I delivered the word to him as I was praying.

Many of you know, that last week, I went to pick Clifton up to take him to the ROC (Richmond Outreach Center).  When I arrived downtown - around 3:30 - he wasn't there.  I was sad in the moment, because I felt like Clifton was ready to check into the discipleship home and begin to grow in his relationship with the Lord.  When I asked the others where he might be, they said they saw him getting into a black vehicle earlier that day.  I later found out that the person driving the black vehicle was his wife, who he has been separated from, for the past several months.

Last night, I saw Clifton and he told me that when I gave him the prophetic word a few weeks ago, he called his wife.  Although, she didn't answer at first, she did call him back and she came to pick him up to spend the day with him.  He's been talking to her on the phone regularly and occasionally she'll come pick him up.  The Lord knew how to instruct Clifton, even though I thought he was supposed to go to the ROC.

The Lord provides:

Tonight, as I was preaching, I noticed a car pull up behind me.  It stopped in the road.  They rolled their windows down to listen to the message.  I wasn't sure who they were, but at the end of the message - when I invited our friends for prayer - I noticed them get out of the car and walk towards us.  I looked back to see what they were doing and realized that they were coming to help us pray.  In that moment, I was overwhelmed with joy, as there were several people who were waiting to receive prayer.

Steve, Aaron and Jon couldn't be there tonight, so it was me, Jeremy, David, Nick, Rebekah and Noah.  Jeremy and Rebekah were playing guitar and singing over them, so it was David, Nick and I who were available to pray.  The onlookers took their rightful place as they laid hands on people to pray for them.  How awesome is the hand of the Lord our God!

When we were done praying, I approached this elderly couple to introduce myself.  They said they would like to join us on Saturday nights.  This is the exact vision of "A Church Without Walls."  We exist to break down the denominational barriers that exist in our day and age and to see the bride of the Lord working together in perfect unity.  (John 17)  We desire to see people break away from the pew and step out into the works of service that have been prepared for each of us.  We are all ministers of the gospel and we've been commissioned to go!

Great is thy faithfulness:

Last week, I was getting a little nervous as we only had $54 in our ministry account.  Typically, we spend around $100 - $130 for food and drinks.  Thankfully, I remembered the word of the Lord..."Be anxious in nothing, but in everything, with thanksgiving, make your request known to God." Thus far, we've always had enough money to buy what we were taking to the streets.  Not only have we had enough, but we usually have an extra week or two in the account, so we haven't really thought about not having enough to buy food for our friends.

We have watched the Lord provide week in and week out, but now our faith was being put to the test.  On Sunday night, I went away to pray.  I specifically asked God to provide for our needs.  As I was praying the Lord said, "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?  I remembered, "You have not, because you ask not," so I asked the Lord to provide for the work.  On Monday, we received $112 in the mail!  On Friday, we received $100 in the mail and also $40 cash from a friend who sold some items on the craigslist thrift store.  Isn't he faithful?

As I said earlier, Steve, Aaron and Jon weren't able to come this week.  Steve was celebrating 25 years of marriage with his wife, Aaron and Monique were attending a wedding for a friend and Jon had to work late.  However, the Lord showed himself faithful, again.  Initially, I thought I might go out alone, but my friend Jeremy and his wife Rebekah wanted to come.  When Jeremy showed up at my house, David was with him. God was providing the people that we would need for this very special night.  I received a call from Nick, whom I spoke with earlier in the week.  He expressed interest in going out with us and called me to see what time we would be going.  To be honest, I forgot about my conversation with Nick, but the Lord was again providing for His people on 19th street.  The Lord showed up tonight in power!














My favorite part of the night was seeing one of our friends sitting in a chair as Rebekah braided his hair.  Jeremy, David and her were singing over him as she braided.  I immediately thought about Jesus washing the disciples feet as I watched her braid.  Scripture was alive in that very moment!

The Lord is faithful and worthy to be praised!  "Who do you say that I am?"  I call you faithful, Lord!


"A Church Without Walls"