Lisa Hulme's testimony from Saturday night.

“The poor you will always have among you.”  Jesus said that.  “If you give a cup of water in my name, it’s like giving it to me.”  He said that too.

Saturday night I had that opportunity to go out with some friends and family and give out to the poor who live among us in Norfolk.  I don’t hang out with poor people but I wanted to change that because I saw that Jesus spent a lot of time with the poor.  My recent prayer has been, “show me your beauty in the people you’ve made.” 

He led me to Jackie.  She was hard to understand at first.  I wasn’t sure if she was inebriated or highly medicated but as our conversation went on, it was easier to understand her.  While she ate her hot bowl of Ziti, I hung around her, wanting to hear about her day.  She was kind to me; I already liked her. 

I noticed her beautiful nose ring and the lovely nose she had.  Wow.  Here’s physical beauty right on display.  I told her, ‘you look like a princess’ she smiled wide.  I found out she was around my age (late forties) and was suicidal.  It wasn’t dramatic when she told me the last attempt was when she tried to cut her own throat.  She was so kind about it as if suicide was her friend and didn’t want to offend her.  We talked some more about her day and then I asked if I could pray for her.  I did.  It was simple. 

I looked up and then looked right into her eyes.  At this time she was crying.  Without hesitation I cupped her face in my hands and then began to wipe away her tears.  I don’t remember what was said I just knew that at that moment I felt the Lord’s presence.  Words weren’t necessary.  I felt her warm tears on my palms and knew that the Lord was near.  The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking.  I feel it.  My heart was breaking.  The cold and callous was giving way to the heat of God’s love.  Perhaps hers was too.

I wasn’t disappointed that night.  I saw beauty, the Lord’s beauty, that night.  I saw him move me.  I saw Him love her through me.  Yes, the poor we will always have among us.  And as long as Christians are left here to do his work, we will have opportunities to love them and them to love us.   Jesus is near.  I think I felt his tears in my hand.

You received without paying, now go without pay...

And preach as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, now go without pay.  Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the laborer deserves his food.

Good evening friends,

This week the Lord has been faithful to us once again.  It's been a challenging week, as we've encountered  some snags and it seems as if the Sanballat's and Tobiah's have risen up against us.  I received a call from the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST) suggesting that I not show up to feed the homeless anymore, as I was disrupting their program.  Again, they feel strongly that "God" is not the only answer to someone changing their lives.  They specifically mentioned that they want to be open to every one's religion and extend respect to people and their beliefs.  She informed me that we weren't welcome there and if she saw us there she would ask us to leave.  I was on the phone with her for about an hour, explaining what we were doing and how sharing the good news gospel message of Jesus Christ would be the only thing that would truly end the reciprocating cycle of homelessness in Hampton Roads. 

Well, in an effort to let the dust settle, we started our journey back on W. 19th street tonight.  When we arrived there were not many people around.  As soon as we got out and started unpacking our things, many people arrived.  This week, several people went with us to help us serve food, minister, pray for people, etc.  While we were at the Salvation Army, most of the folks had already eaten, so we handed out cookies and had an opportunity to pray for a few people.  We left after a short while and drove over to Colonial Ave, where the homeless would soon gather to get into the local shelter for the night.  When we pulled up there were only a handful of people, but as we waited the Lord brought more. 

I have asked those who went with me and Steve tonight to share a short testimony of how God ministered to them or through them.  I will post these testimony's as I receive them.  I was very encouraged to see how the Lord provided, again, this week.  Steve and I have been praying that God would provide as he sees fit and this week I received phone calls and messages from people whom the Lord had prompted to get involved.  It's nice to have different folks come, as when there are many parts working together in the body, it's a powerful thing.  Some served food, some just listened to the homeless pour out their hearts, some prayed for others, some encouraged, etc. 

I have a couple of quick testimonies and then I allow the others to share.  First, I was very encouraged as I ran into a lady name Helena, as I prayed for her last week.  One of her prayer request was that she would find her bag that was stolen from her at the Greyhound bus station.  She was crying last week, while she was asking me to pray that she would find this bag as she had many of her personal belongings in this bag.  Well, I prayed for her last week and asked God to help her find her bag.  This week, when I saw her she said, "Jimmy, I found my bag and the Lord answered our prayers."  She continued to insist that the Lord was good and although she was homeless, she trusted God and knew that He has always been faithful to her.

My second testimony this week...I received a message from a friend of our family.  She lives in Washington DC and works at a Dentist office.  She gave us 2 large boxes of toothpaste for the people out in the street.  She sent me a message, letting me know of one of her friends - here locally - that volunteered to allow us to have other cosmetics for the men and women we serve.  The cool thing is, no one prompted that, this was straight from the Lord and he meets every need, even the ones we don't always think about. 

My last testimony tonight...I encountered a man named Bernard.  Bernard was a man who struggles with an alcohol and crack cocaine addiction.  My heart was moved by Bernard, as I could see the pain and hurt that he was experiencing.  I spoke with him for awhile and one thing led to another and I was able to pray for him.  He grabbed me around my neck, as if he were resting his arms on my shoulder and he repeatedly exclaimed, "I can't stop, I just can't stop, it's too strong and I can't quit."  I instantly was moved to pray for Bernard.  We stood in agreement and we begged God to break the power of addiction off of this mans life.  We stood in agreement pleading for restoration to come to his life.  He was crying and so was I and I felt God's peace come to this man.  It reminded me of the story of the demon possessed man in Mark 5.  Bernard was grateful and he received a bible.  He asked me where he should start reading and I told him to start in Matthew.  I suggested that he get to know Jesus from the time He was a baby until the time he was resurrected.  I was also grateful for the many bibles that we received today.  God has been faithful once again.  This morning in my prayer time, I was praying the Lord's prayer and the Lord stopped me on "Give us THIS DAY our daily bread"  It hit me that he has and conitnues to give us all we need, day by day.  He's worthy of it all.

This morning Steve and I met for our standard Saturday morning prayer.  We prayed for salvation to come tonight in the city.  I'll let Steve share his testimony of how God answered this prayer.  God does answer prayer.  He remains faithful!

Walking in His glorious light,

Jimmy

By Steve Zollos:

It really is amazing to see how faithful God is. Today he answered our prayers by sending others to help minister to the homeless. There were 9 of us in all and it was really nice to have the extra hands.

God had a particular mission for me tonight. Last week I prayed with Dirt, but tonight I was called to minister to Bones. Bones just isn’t right. He told me so. According to Bones his girlfriend got shot and killed right in front of him. He told me that it happened 8 years ago and it changed him, slowed him down he said. He had been dealing marijuana and the bullet was meant for him. Now he has nightmares. He’s had a hard 24 years, impossible to my thinking.

He was really nonchalant about my conversation about the Lord until I told him that the reason Christ died was to take our sin, that he could be made new and that he could forget about the past. He could be free from his nightmares, free from his past, and that he could really and truly start anew as God would fill him and renew him from the inside out.

We prayed the prayer of salvation and Bones asked the Lord into his heart. I know that the prayer of salvation is important, but the prayer is not a set of ‘magic words.’ Just because you say the words doesn’t necessarily mean you are ‘saved’ or that God has received you. I gave Bones a Bible and asked him to read at least one sentence every day. I told him that I will be praying for him every day this week. I told him that as he reads that sentence the Lord will open his eyes, and he will have a desire to know God more. I said when that happens you will know that the Lord has begun to renew your mind, to change you from the inside out.

“Lord I pray for Bones and I join with each and every person who reads this blog to pray for him. I ask that you would make yourself real to him. Reveal the truth of who he is to you and your love for him. Lord draw him to yourself. I pray that you will stir his heart to seek your face. Please open his heart, change him Lord, heal him Lord, have mercy on Bones oh God. In Jesus’ holy name I pray.”   

By Clay Vanryckeghem:

Tonight was my first time going out and feeding the homeless. All day, I was excited for this opportunity, not for what or who I could minister to, but for how this experience would minister to me.  The first thing I noticed was how in need, but yet grateful these people were. They all rushed to the van and were fed a hot meal, coffee, and some were handed coats and blankets. After the dinner rush, we sat around and began getting to know people, as they waited for the shelters to open. Some people were quiet, but most of them seemed to really enjoy having people around who just wanted to talk and hang out. I began talking with a man named Scott. Scott spent 22 years in prison and is now sleeping on the streets. I must have talked with Scott for an hour as he told me jokes and stories, all about his job, where he hides his sleeping bag during the day (he would not disclose the location, but did tell me it was in a bush) and lots of offers for cigarettes and drinks of his vodka and cool aid.

It was encouraging to me to see that "yes" these people need food, but I felt as if they enjoyed the company and friendship more. Though I didn't share the gospel with Scott, I do think he witnessed the love of Christ through those who were there. As I spend more time on the streets with my new friends, I am looking forward to how the spirit will meet me and give me boldness to share the great news of the gospel with them.

Clay

By Wes Dipsinski:

First off I have to say tonight was a blessing for me. I personally take so much for granted, to see people that are truly in need of many things and be grateful for a simple cup of coffee blew me away. The men I talked to are not much different then myself. These men seemed to be grateful to talk, to have someone listen to them and care about what they had to say. I was able to pray for one guy and share that the hope we have is not in this life but in the next. I told him I couldn't promise life would be easier for him but there would be a day when we see Jesus face to face and all of these troubles would be gone. I had a great time, laughed a bit and was able to extend Gods love to people in a very real way.

Wes

How can you get involved?

 

Some of you have asked how you can get involved with "A Church Without Walls," so once per month we are setting aside a Saturday morning, to seek the Lord. During this time we will discuss the vision of the ministry, look at specific gifts that God has given you and see how we can unleash these gifts to further the Kingdom of God to the lost and broken people of our cities.

 

There are many needs and we are in faith that God is going to provide for each area through the different people whom He brings. Our first meeting will be at Steve Zollos' house on 2/4/12 @ 10 am. We will have "Skype" set up for those who want to be a part, but live out of town. Please email me or message me to let me know you're coming, so we know how many to expect.  God is moving in powerful ways through the work of this ministry and I'm excited to see what else he's going to do through ordinary people like you and I.  My email is jimmygfoster@gmail.com.

Blessings to you!

Jimmy

Who says we can't pray in a Government Building? haha...If God is for us, who can be against us!

Greetings friends,

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because he has annointed me to preach good news.  He'll take away all of our sorrow and our mourning.  He'll give to us oil of joy and a garment of praise.  He has seen us in our captivity and He will open up every prison door.  So arise and shine for your light has come and His glory is rising upon us.  He's dancing over us..He's singing over us, singing songs of deliverence.  He will set every captive free.  We will be with Him, for we are His!

I'm excited to tell you what happened tonight at "A Church Without Walls."  Tonight was a special night, as we were able to do more ministry than normal and that was exciting.  Steve and I have started meeting on Saturday mornings, to pray and seek the Lord's will for this ministry.  This morning, Steve shared a picture that God had given him as he was studying this week.  It's a powerful picture and the Lord used it to focus us tonight. 

We arrived at the bus stop around 5 pm.  My wife Laura has been such a blessing to our ministry.  This week she baked two very large pans of Ziti.  She sent 2 loaves of garlic bread, a pack of cookies, bottled water, etc.  Each time I go downtown, many of my homeless friends tell me to thank my wife for her hard work.  Although, she's not there on site with us, she has a very large role in helping us fulfill the calling that God has given us. 

Tonight, when we arrived it was cold, wet, rainy and dreary.  I was tempted not to go, due to the rain and dreariness of the day.  Thankfully, God helped me to overcome this temptation and we were able to go.  When Steve arrived at my house, the first words I remember him saying were, "So...the Lord's going to allow us to experience a taste of what it's like to be homeless in the rain, tonight."  I didn't quite think of it like that, but it's true...the Lord is teaching us each week the very struggles of these precious people.  Although, our lives are different on the surface - deep down - I realize that our heart attitudes are very similar.  I struggle with many of the same things they struggle with.  I have many of the same thoughts, same hopes and dreams.  These folks are precious in God's eyes.  I'm so thankful there are no strangers in His kingdom.  There are no beggars at His table.

We parked and opened the van and started preparing to serve food and coffee.  Steve unpacked and I went inside the Social Service building, where many of our homeless friends were sitting.  They were waiting for the bus to come pick them up, to bring them to the shelter for the night.  I made the announcement that we had Baked Ziti tonight and there was a loud burst of excitement.  The ziti - by far - was the biggest hit so far.  :)  They all went out to the van immediately and many came for seconds and even thirds. 

As Steve and I were serving, Steve mentioned praying for one guy.  The guy responded quickly by saying, " Why don't you come pray for everyone."  Steve said, "Ok, let us serve the food first and then we'll do that."  Well, this must have been the will of God for these folks,tonight.  God must have desired for them to be prayed for. 

As we were serving, two folks from the city of Norfolk approached us.  They asked if we were with a Church or something.  I said, "Not officially, like a church building, but we are a part of the Church of Jesus Christ."  I explained that this wasn't an orginized event or anything, but that God has given us a burden to feed the hungry, to minister to the needy.  She said, "Do you have a permit, sir?"  Confused...I responded, "I'm sorry ma'm...a permit?"  She said, "Yes, you need a permit to serve food like this, I'm going to have to shut you down."  Luckily, we had dished out most of the food, but there were some there that could not be served, because we didn't have a permit.  We agreed to follow the rules and packed up the van. 

Well, to make a long story short, that was our que to go in and pray for the folks.  I walked in the Norfolk Social Service Building and approached the security gaurds on duty.  There were two of them.  They are the same two that are there each Saturday when I arrive.  I said, "Ma'm would you allow me to pray for people in here?"  She said in a low voice, "Yes, by the way, what you are doing is a good thing."  I smiled at her and said "thanks a lot." 

I gathered everyone around and was able to share with them a little bit about how we wanted to pray for them.  I told them about God's love and insured them that He had not forgotten them and He knows each of them by name.  We formed two lines (in the middle of the Department of Social Services) and Steve and I prayed for each one individually.  I'm not sure if you caught this...but we were in a government building praying for the homeless men and women of our city.  God gave us favor with the workers to allow this to happen.

The Lord poured out the gift of exhortation and propehcy in a way that I haven't yet experienced in my Christian walk tonight.  In one instance, I was praying for a lady named Helena and as I was praying God brought Psalm 139 to mind.  I stopped praying immediately and shared with Helena that I believed God was calling me to read a passage of scripture to her.  I started reading and the Spirit of the Lord came upon me.  I found myself declaring very loudly in the Social Service Building, Psalm 139 over her life.  I declared loudly that she couldn't escape God's presence.  He knew her intimatley!  He formed her in her mothers womb!  I noticed that she lifted her hands up as I was declaring this word over her and it was if I could see her melting right in front of the Lord.  She started to cry and she was praising God, as I was declaring this over her.  It was a beautiful.  I had many experiences like that, but that was one of my most treasured.

When I was praying for a man named Joseph, I felt the Lord gave me Romans 4.  I stopped praying and started sharing the testimony of Abraham.  Joseph didn't see any hope in getting out of the mess he was in.  Basically, he was without hope.  I told him how Abraham received a promise from God that he would be a father of many nations.  Although, he was very old in age and Sarah's womb was as good as dead, he did not waiver in unbelief, but he fully trusted that God had the power to do what he said he would do.  I encouraged Joseph to not look at the circumstances but to find his promise from God and trust Him to bring it to pass.  We all have a promise!  I exhorted him to trust God in everyway.  He understood how easy it would have been for Abraham to doubt God regarding the promise God gave him, based on Abraham's physical circumstances, but the bible says, "He did not waiver in unbelief." 

Again, I stand amazed at what the Lord is doing in our midst in downtown Norfolk.  I heard something this week that I believe was a word from the Lord.  I was at the "House of Prayer" on Friday night and the speaker said, we often say, "Why don't I ever operate in the gifts of the Spirit?"  Then she echoed, "Where are you going that they need to operate?"  Think about that...no condemnation, but hopefully motivation for each of us to take a step out of the Sunday Church Service and find the calling that God has for us personally.  He has equipped us in everyway, but if we're not going to war why do we need to be equipped?  Where are the Joshua's of today?

I wanted to allow Steve an opportunity to share what he experienced tonight.  Thanks for visiting our BLOG and thanks to those who are praying for us.  God is answering your prayers.  Thanks again. 

Blessed be the Name of the Lord,

Jimmy


By Steve Zollos:

God continues to minister to me through ‘A Church Without Walls.’ In particular He continues to reveal his Holiness in spite of my skepticism. It has been our policy not to give money to the people we minister to. For one thing there are so many that we want to use the resources God has provided to serve as many people as possible. In fact, we make it a point not to take any money with us when we minister.

Last week Jimmy called me for counsel. An elderly homeless couple, through a variety of circumstances, had no place to stay for the night. It was a cold night and although Jimmy had tried to get them into a shelter, nothing was available…. There was no room in the Inn. When he called we talked to try and weigh up the situation. It was our policy not to give money, even to purchase a room for a night. I wasn’t sure if they were simply starting an ongoing ploy to get our resources. I suggested that I didn’t think it was a good idea to set this precedence.

Thankfully Jimmy takes counsel as counsel and trusts the Lord to speak to him…to lead him. He called me later and told me that he decided to spend the money on the room based on a word the Lord gave him. He told me that the Lord put on his heart simply that “the money the Lord had provided for the ministry to the homeless would be warmer in his home tonight than the couple that would be sleeping on the streets.”

Isn’t it just like the Lord to so simply make clear His will for us? Jimmy, understanding the will of God in this situation, chose to honor God. It made me think of how Jesus answered the question of taxes saying simply, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s.” No further clarification necessary.

Tonight, Joanne, the woman in the wheelchair came to the bus stop again. It was raining and she was damp through and through. One of her empty pant legs was hanging over the edge of the wheelchair and was full of grass and mud, as if she had fallen from the chair. I asked if I could clean her glasses for her because one of the lenses was splashed with rain. She handed me her glasses and I discovered after cleaning the wet lens that the other lens was missing altogether. My heart sank. Here is a young woman, on the streets, soaking wet, cold, two legs amputated, and so discouraged. I promised to meet her on Monday to provide her with a new pair of glasses. Thank you Jimmy for listening to God, and helping me see His truth.

We ministered to many people tonight, and I had the chance to pray for a young married couple and the Lord had me pray for their household. Yes, for a homeless couple’s household. They had asked for prayer and their relationship was first on their list for God’s intervention in their lives. Even before work and shelter. I thanked God that he had not allowed man to put asunder what He had joined together, I prayed for peace to reign in their household, for kindness, and kind words to spring from their hearts. What a revelation for me as I see God’s PEOPLE suffering in the streets. People just like me, people who are hurting, discouraged, and begging to get off the streets. God was kind to us and them tonight. He brought healing, encouragement, and hope through this simple ministry…. Praise God, our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord.

I pray the Lord will continue to open my eyes to His will for my life, and continue to shed me of my skepticism.

 

Please pray about this house...


http://www.homes.com/listing/photo/155703290/2804_Gosnold_Ave_NORFOLK_VA_23508#photo

Real people, Real Dreams, Real Fears, Real Hope...

Good morning friends,

Last night we were able to minister to many folks.  It was extremely cold last night and there were many men and women seeking shelter.  We had an opportunity to pray for many, share personal testimonies, scripture, and encourage them.  I specifically remember a man named Glen - who when I asked if I could pray for him - immediately responded with, "Oh, yes sir."  Glen's prayer request was that I would thank God for providing him with a job this week.  He was very humble and grateful. 

I remember another man named Glen, who had found a man's wallet and asked me if I knew how I could get it back to him.  He showed me the wallet and there were credit cards, ID's, etc.  It hit me that my immediate thoughts were negative, but then I thought...He's showing me and asking me how he could return it to the man.  I told him he should take it to the police officer inside the social service building, to which he did. 

I remember a man named Hargrove, who was also humble and thankful for what God had done for him.  These are men who are living on the streets, yet they are grateful and thankful.  They are discipling me - as much if not more - than we are discipling them.  This week, Steve is going to share his experiences at "A Church Without Walls."  I hope you are encouraged and spurred on to discover what God is calling you to, individually.  Grace and peace to you!

By Steve Zollos:

God is so good. Tonight we had the opportunity to serve food and coffee to people who are living on the streets, and to pray with many people. One lady named Joanne, came to our van after a 5 mile journey in her wheelchair. She told us that both of her legs had been amputated after a disease set in. She has been on the streets for just over a month. We served Joanne a hot cup of coffee and encouraged her with the love of God. Many of the homeless come to this bus stop each night to try to get into shelters.

Tonight was a special night as God continued to reveal his love to the homeless and to us. We prayed for Robert who asked that we pray for his friend Roy who was suffering with pneumonia. I prayed for Roy, and I thanked God for Robert and prayed for him as well.

We prayed for Joseph who asked that that we pray that he continue walking in the path that the Lord is leading him. Here is a homeless man, seeing the will of God in his life, in good spirits, and praising God in spite of his circumstances.

Evvone was there tonight, she was one of the first people the Lord sent to Jimmy when he began this ministry to the homeless. She asked that we pray for her son who had recently been to the hospital for an MRI and was awaiting the result. We prayed for healing for her son, and a clean bill of health and that both he and she would draw near to God and that she would know His love.

I prayed for Chivet, who goes by ‘dirt’. I called him Chivet. He shared his dreams to go to college and to be a therapist. He’s 33 years old and a bright young man with dreams of providing for a wife, and having a job. I prayed for him to know the love of God and that the Lord will fulfill the dreams he has put in his heart. He was so thankful for the prayer and said he really needed it tonight.

We ministered to many others as well, but the Lord really ministered to us tonight too. As we build relationships with these people, they come to trust us and are willing to talk to us. We saw real people tonight. People with dreams, fears, hope, and people who love others, often putting others before themselves, even in their difficult circumstances. People just like you and me.

The Lord reminded me of how important relationships are for those who desire to minister His love. He reminded me how important our relationship with Him is and that we need to regularly draw near to Him to know Him and to be known by Him.

I have to admit, when it comes time to go out to minister I always battle thinking about all the other things that I could be accomplishing at home. I’m tempted to back out and do things that are important to me or my own household. But ministering God’s love is always emotional, ‘heart opening,’ and pleasing to the Lord and I’m so glad that I went again tonight.

Let me encourage you to step out into the ministry that the Lord has prepared in advance for you to do. That’s what ‘A Church Without Walls’ is all about. Responding to the grace shown to us by sharing God’s love – the Gospel, with others.

Prayer Page

Hi guys,

I hope you are all having a great week.  I wanted to let you know that we created a "Prayer Page" for our ministry and I'm eager to see how the Lord will use it.  Several weeks ago the Lord laid it on my heart to send a message to a handful of individuals, who I know pray and would be faithful in lifting us up.  I realize that they are the very reason the Lord has blessed us in such a way.  They are the pillars of this ministry.  I take this very serious and know the importance of having "Watchmen on the Wall," interceding for the Kingdom of God to come here on earth.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

I want to allow those praying an opportunity to share any impressions, words of encouragement, prophecy, dreams, visions, etc on our page.  I would like to hear how the Lord is speaking to you as you pray.  I believe that the Lord is raising up others, who will pray and even join in on what He's doing with "A Church Without Walls."  I don't believe that this ministry is limited to the homeless men and women of Norfolk, VA.  I believe there are others that the Lord is raising up, who will minister to those in prison, the orphans, the widows, the sick, the lonely - not just here in my city, but in yours as well.  I believe that the Lord is doing a new thing of raising up the global Church, who he will use to burst the bonds of tradition and redeem His bride.  I take great heart knowing that we will see the goodness of the Lord - here - in the land of the living.  I believe that he's raising up Joshua's even now and I'm praying that they would answer His call and step up to fulfill their purpose for the Kingdom of Light!

A very important part of the gospel is the Great Commission and each of us, have been commanded to "GO!"  I believe the enemy has been crippling many with fear, discouragement, and causing them to feel inadequate.  Remember what Moses said, as he was discouraged about not being a man who was well spoken or how about Mary who asked, "How can this be, I have not been with a man," when the angel of the Lord informed her that she would give birth to the Saviour of the world.  You know the story of David - the Shepard boy who God made a mighty king.  It's a fact that God uses ordinary men and women to do extraordinary things.  Why can't He use you? 

I would encourage you to read Zechariah 3:1-4.  It says, "Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him.  The LORD said to Satan, "The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?"  Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel.  The angel said to those who were standing before him, "Take off his filthy clothes." Then he said to Joshua, "See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you."  Then I said, "Put a clean turban on his head." So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the LORD stood by.

I have released the security of the blog and it is open for anyone to join.  I didn't realize that the way it was set up before, required people to have a Gmail account.  Let me know if you have any trouble.  I love you all!

Walking in His power,

Jimmy

Not a typical Sunday...

Wow...I'm posting again!  Haha...I felt like I was starting to get in a pattern with Saturday night posts only, so in an effort to throw off tradition, I felt led to post again.  :)  Plus, after the day that I had, I couldn't help but to post what the Lord did today at "A Church Without Walls."  Here's what happened...

I arrived at the Greyhound bus stop around 9:30 am to see who would await me.  When I arrived, there were 8 people waiting.  I wasn't as open about my invitation last night, as I only have 6 seats in the van.  I can fit 7, but only have seats for 6.  There was a sweet lady named Gloria who really wanted to go, but she fell off the bus and thinks she may have broke her hip and or rib.  She didn't sleep last night and told me she was afraid that she would fall asleep in Church, so she said she would wait until next week to go.  I told her it was ok if she fell asleep in Church and to not worry about that, but she didn't feel comfortable, so I didn't pressure her.  I was able to take her up the street to the city bus stop and she was happy about that.

We piled everyone in the van and two things really stood out to me.  #1...a man named John who I did not see last night and who went to Church with us last week, was there waiting to go again.  I was excited that although I didn't see him last night, he was drawn back this week.  #2...One of the ladies who went with me last week, brought her husband.  This man was not very receptive over the past couple of weeks to me, but last night was different for him.  It's almost as if I had gained his trust.  He loved Laura's Chilli and he kept commenting on how good it was.  He even said, "I don't even like tomatos, but this is good!"  In the previous weeks, he didn't say much and last night we talked for quite awhile.

I'm very thankful for the way that many people welcomed these men and women when we arrived at church today.  I even noticed a young teenage girl purposely come up and shake their hands and welcome them.  It was nice.  Although, most of them are very active and into the worship, they have trouble staying awake during the preaching.  The messages have been powerful, but they are tired from sleeping in the streets or on the floors of shelters.  I must confess that I felt a little weird to have all of my guest sleeping, but at the same time God was ripping down my walls of comfort and I had to laugh about it.  I can't imagine sleeping on concrete or church building floors each night and not being tired.  Plus, being out in the cold and coming into a warm building just naturally makes you tired.  The more I thought about them sleeping and my uncomfortability/embarassment, the more God began to deal with my heart.  I think that is the best part about this ministry for me...it's causing my heart to struggle and God is addressing areas of darkness in my life and growing me closer to him, making me more like Him.

After worship today, I took my guest to a Church in downtown Norfolk where they were serving lunch.  I let everyone out, except for Mary and Allen.  They were the husband/wife couple that I was referring to earlier in the post.  Mary is 78 years old and Allen is 70.  They are homeless because they were swindled by one of their daughters and spent their lives savings on caring for her and even lost their home.  Allen served in the United States Army for 6 years.  They have been married for 49 years.  They are currently waiting on an apartment that is being provided by section 8 housing.  However, it won't be available until Feburary 15th.  Until then, they are sleeping in the streets and various shelters.

After I dropped everyone off, Mary and Allen asked me if I could take them by their storage unit, as they had cloths there and they wanted to change into a clean outfit.  Allen told me that he hadn't had a change of cloths in 3 weeks.  I took them by the storage unit and they haven't been able to pay for it recently and owed $205 to get their stuff out.  There was a lock on their unit, until they could pay.  Mary told me that they have a 10X30 ft unit packed full of furniture, but they had no where to put it until they get their apartment.

I brought Allen and Mary to our house for the afternoon and Laura made them hotdogs and tater tots.  Allen ate 3 hot dogs, 3 dill pickles and  many tater tots.  Mary ate as well and we sat around our kitchen table, just chit chatting about life.  It was nice to have people inside our home, who don't look like us or like the same things as us.  I'm so tempted to not want to hang around people, I don't connect with and I believe I have starved myself of God's mercy by living this way.  I learned so much about life today from Mary and Allen.  I was freshly grateful for how good God has been to me and our family.  I laughed with them, cried with them, and experienced God's love through these precious people.  Allen is 70 years old and he rides a bike about 20 miles round trip each day from downtown Norfolk to Military Hwy.  Mary can barely walk and told me she pays $3.50 per day and rides the city bus - most of the day - to stay warm and have something to do. 



Best part of the story:

Allen's bike was stolen about two weeks ago and the police department found the bike.  Allen uses this bike to get around, while downtown.  I took him by the police station to pick up the bike, today.  He was extremely happy!  He thanked the police officer over and over for his time and his hard work.  We put the bike in my van and started to take off.  Mary was on her phone and I heard her say, "Barbara, Barbara....we got the bike, we got the bike!"  Here's the amazing part.  I found out that Barbara is a lady who takes Mary to the VA hospital for her Dr. visits in Hampton, VA.  Mary and Allen were giving the bike to Barbara's 19 year old grandson who has been walking 2 miles to work everyday.   She said, "Jimmy, it's all I feel that we can do to repay her for bringing me to my Dr's appointments.  If it weren't for Barbara, I would be very sick."  I couldn't believe it...These people were giving away a bike - their only form of transportation - and they are homeless!  How precious is this?  This is priceless...

Although, we couldn't get into the storage unit for Mary and Allen, luckily Allen wears the same size clothes as me, so I was able to give him a clean pair of jeans, sweater and a fleece hoody.  We agreed that we would wash his old clothes and continue to allow them to recycle their dirty clothes for clean clothes each week.  Mary and Allen left our house around 4:30 pm.  I dropped them back off at the bus stop, where they would wait for the bus to pick them up to take them to the shelter for the night.  Not only did Mary hug me, but Allen shook my hand with a firm grip, looked me in the eyes and said with the most sincere voice, "Thank you for what you've done for us today, Jimmy."  I was very sad at that moment.  I didn't want to leave them in the street, but didn't know what else to do.  I thought about how God sent me to the homeless, a couple of months ago.  Now, I was meeting the very folks who were praying for someone to come.  Mary told me she asked God for 5 years to bring someone to them and I wondered why God put this on my heart.  This is the sacred church that Christ loves.  These precious, priceless people are on the very heart of God.  He's moved by the poor and the needy as much as he is for the clean and the pretty.

Forever changed and forever grateful,

Jimmy




  

The Harvest is plentiful...

Greetings Friends, 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  I'm eager to tell you about today.  I trust that as I share my testimony of God's great love and his mighty work, your faith will be strengthend and your love for God will grow.

Today was a little different at "A Church Without Walls," for which I'm thankful for...I'm thankful that there is no set routine for our ministry.  My prayer is that I don't get in the way of what the Lord is doing in the earth.  I often find myself trying to manage things and I'm learning that when I just let God do what he wants to do, many people are blessed and he remains faithful to carry out his purposes. 

I'm not sure if many of you will remember, but last week I shared that Laura and I hesitated to use all of the money we had for providing for my new homeless friends.  We even thought about putting some of the funds aside to make sure that we had enough for this week.  I felt as if God was calling us to trust him and provide all that we could for the homeless last week, so we sowed all that we had.  The Lord made it clear that he was providing for his children and we were simply the vessels that He would use to deliver his love to these men and women.

Well, this week, we received $165.00 in the mail for "A Church Without Walls."  I was able to bless the homeless with many things this week.  On top of receiving the funds, we were blessed with 288 tubes of toothpaste, several coats, 5 hats, sweat pants, and a couple of warm shirts.  We were blessed with 2 backpacks, 2 canvas bags and even a snuggie.  Then today, I went to purchase 20 bibles and walked out with 40 for the same price that I usually spend on 20.  I was able to use $139.00 of the $165.00 to purchase 10 more blankets, more food, several new hats and gloves, socks, etc.  All of this stuff was given away tonight and everyone is so grateful for what we are doing for them.  They are experiencing God's love in fresh ways and they are hearing the word of God as we continue to minister to their souls.

Today, while I was in Wal-mart picking up the things for tonight, I was in the check-out line and I heard someone say, "Excuse me, sir?"  I turned around and there was a middle aged black lady, with 2 little girls around 7-9 years old.  She had a buggy full of food and she said, "Sir, my girls and I are victims of abuse and I am trying to feed my little girls, could you help us?"  I said, "How can I help you ma'm?"  She then asked if I would pay for the items in her buggy.  "Yikes!"  I looked in the buggy and realized there was probably around $100 worth of food.  I already had a buggy full of gloves, hats, and the things I was bringing to Norfolk tonight...I pondered for a minute and must confess that I was tempted to start wondering if I was about to be hustled.  I stopped for a second and looked at the little girls...I decided that I would buy 4 boxes of cereal in the buggy, which was around $17.00.  While I was waiting to check out, many thoughts were running through my mind.  At one point, I was even thinking of turning around and saying, "Ma'm, I just don't feel right about this...but I decided that since I already made the committment, I would follow through with what I said I would do.  As I was checking out, one of the little girls came up to me and put her arms around me and said with tears in her eyes, "Thank you, sir."  I too began to tear up and I asked her what her name was.  She said, "My name is Kayla and again she said thank you."  I was wrecked by this little girls hug.  She was so grateful.  I realized that out of all of the people in Wal-mart, she asked me...I had to ask why?  I also realized that ministry is everywhere, the question is, are we willing to lay aside our selfishness, prejudices and our presumtions to embrace the opprtunities that God provides for us to share His love with others?  This was one of the highlights of my day.

I did something to my back today and am having trouble walking.  I couldn't stand straight up while walking, so I was walking in a hunched position.  I also have an ear infection, so needless to say, I wasn't feeling top notch today and even had thoughts of passing on going tonight.  However, I started to think about these folks and I knew that many of them were expecting me to show up tonight.  Many of them are there early now, as they know I'm coming.  It was almost as if I was being attacked today, but then I thought about the pain that Jesus went through during his ministry.  Not only was He rejected by many, He was beaten, bruised, betrayed, spit on, laughed at, etc, but He did not waver in His ministry.  He stayed focused on his purpose and fulfilled His calling.  As a matter of fact He endured the cross, enduring excruciating pain for the sake of His ministry - saving you and I.

I was running a little late tonight and decided to go straight to the bus stop, where once again there were over 40 + people waiting to get shelter for the night.  I went alone tonight and spent most of my time just serving the men and women that God gave me this week.  I usually, like to wander around and minister to individuals as the Lord leads, but when I'm alone it's harder, as there are so many people and serving food is a large task.  I just felt like tonight was another night of just "washing their feet."  Many of them are starting to know me by name and many of them came right up to me and gave me a hug.  One of the ladies came up to me and the first thing she said to me was, "Are you coming to pick us up for Church tomorrow morning?"  This made me smile!

I came home with nothing but a few bottles of water and some bibles.  Laura made Chilli and cornbread for them tonight.  They loved it!  Many came for seconds and for the first time I brought home an empty kettle.  :) I was able to meet a few new folks and share my testimony with 4 men who were standing at the back of the van talking with me.  Tonight was great, even though my back was hurting and I wasn't as mobile.  I was sitting on the bumper of the van, just having a conversation with many folks.  We talked about a lot of things, not only their need for God, but we talked about some of their skills, pasts, families, etc.  Many of them won't stop talking.  I'm sure they are just grateful to have someone to talk to, who will listen to their burdens, cares, etc.  Many of them want to go worship tomorrow and I'll be picking them up at 9:30 at the bus stop.  These folks are people and they just need to be loved.  Many of them are fatherless or alone.  They have made poor decisions, which many have regrets, but they are real people, with real hearts.  I'm grateful for their friendship and I'm grateful that God has not forgotten them.


"Though I am weak and I am poor and needy, still I give you my song.  You're worthy of my adoration, worthy of my affection.  I give you my love because I believe that I ravish your heart with just one glance.  I believe that you're overwhelmed with my song, so I'll keep singing to you O' God.  Here I am, receive my sacrifice of praise.  Though it's not much Lord, I give it all to you.  I know it's all you want, all you want is my heart.  In the highs and in the lows I will give you my love.. You're worhty of my devotion and my song.  I'll break my vile of costly perfume, I'll pour out my heart in the presence of you."

Blessings to you my friends,

Jimmy

Encountering homeless, religious leaders, and Christ tonight at "A Church Without Walls."

Hi Friends,

I feel like every week I start the blog post with this statement, "I can't believe what the Lord did tonight at "A Church Without Walls," but it's so fitting.  Each week he moves so powerfully and it's so great to enjoy the power of God with friends and family.  It continues to renew our faith and strengthen us as we seek to make Him known to a lost and dying world.  I'm eager to share the power of God with you, as I testify to His glorious might!  He is mighty, worthy, a strong tower, the prince of peace, the restorer, bondage breaker, a faithful friend to the broken, the Savior of the world and He deserves much glory.  For he has done great things!

I was especially excited about this week, because my mom, step dad and mother-in-law came in for Noah's 6th birthday party.  My mom watched our kids, so that Laura could go serve with us.  I was thankful that she could go and see what the Lord is doing among the homeless community, in downtown Norfolk.  She has worked so hard preparing food, washing cloths, blankets, etc, so I was grateful that she could be on the front line, witnessing God's mighty work, first hand.

We arrived at W. 19th street around 5 pm tonight.  When we pulled up, no one was there, but I was in faith that the Lord would bring the homeless to us, as He has been faithful.  We prayed on our way down there and we specifically prayed that the Lord would bring them to us, so I was in faith that He would provide as he saw fit.  God provided many new blankets, gloves, hats, jackets, hoodies, soup, bread, cookies, etc that we were able to bring tonight, for which I'm grateful.  I often catch my self wondering how God will continue to provide for these folks.  Even tonight, Laura looked at me and said, "Maybe we should save some stuff for next week."  I agreed with her at first, but I believe the Spirit was speaking this word to me..."This is what I've given you for them THIS WEEK.  I'm faithful and worthy to be trusted.  These are my children and I will continue to provide for them, just trust me," so we packed all that we had.  :)

This week, it was me, Laura, Laura's mom (Ellen), and my step dad (Art).  We got out of the van and started getting ready to serve by opening the packs of cups, bowls, etc.  As I looked up, I saw one man walking towards us.  It wasn't long before many came out of nowhere and we were feeding them, handing out bibles, cloths and blankets.  It's been nice having people helping me, as they were able to serve them soup, coffee, bread and this allowed me to focus on ministering and praying for them.  This week, I felt as if the Lord led me to James 5 and He was calling me to pray for those who were suffering and/or sick.  I had a little bottle of olive oil, as I believe he was calling me to annoint them with oil and pray a prayer of faith over their lives.  As many were eating, I had the opportunity to annoint a man named Keith with oil and pray for Him.  He smelled like alcohol and as soon as I started praying for him, I noticed that he started to cry.  Each tear that dropped was a drip of bitterness, hurt and pain coming out from within him.  God was ministering to his heart.  When I finished praying for him, mama (Ellen) gave him a bowl of soup and he asked if he could hug her.  He was so grateful.  He said, "Thank you," over and over.

We fed about 15-20 people at W. 19th street and we decided to go over to "Christ the King" a local Catholic church, where many of them would be hoping to get into the shelter for the night.  When we arrived, there was no one there, but we noticed that some people were wheeling a cart in with food on it.  However, we didn't see any homeless people, which was uncommon.  Typically, they arrive early to try to guarantee themselves a ticket to get in to the shelter.  I decided to park and go inside, so I could talk with those who were leading this effort.  The folks there told me that all of the homeless people would be at the Greyhound bus stop, waiting for the bus to pick them up to bring them to the shelter.  I explained what we were doing and asked permission to pray for the folks, hand out bibles, blankets, etc on their property.  The head guy explained that he would have to discuss this type of thing at the next council meeting and he would take my phone number and let me know what they said.  He stated that there were many other denominations, even muslims on the council that he would have to get approval from.  He wasn't sure how they would feel about me praying for them on their property.  I was really confused, but again God used this to show me why he's called me to this and why he's given me this vision.  The man said, I could leave the food with them and he would save it for another day if I wanted.  I said, "Well, it's hot and I feel like God gave it to me to use tonight."

I went back out to the van and said, "We have to head to the bus stop," so off we went.  I pulled up to the bus stop and there were probably 40 people sitting against the fence waiting for the bus.  We opened the back of the van and started handing out food again.  I walked down the sidewalk and asked if anyone needed prayer, to which to my surprise, many said, "yes."  I annointed many with oil and prayed a prayer of faith over them.  I was able to pray for healing to Dion's back and Mary's leg.  I was able to lay hands on Dianne, who was crying, telling me of her addiction to alcohol.  She hugged me so hard, it's almost as if she didn't want to let go.  I realized immediately, she was responding to God's love and she was ultimately clinging to him.  She kept saying over and over, "there's something different...I feel it, I feel it..."

As I was walking down the street, I noticed a guy from the "Christ the King" church that I had spoken to earlier.  I realized that there were others with him as well that I saw inside the church when I went in to speak with them.  He pulled me to the side and said, "Sir, I just want to tell you that we screen these folks before we allow them to enter the shelter.  If they have been drinking we don't let them in, as we don't want them to disturb others or those who are serving."  He also said, "We're not trying to convert them, we're just trying to give them a warm place to sleep and keep them out of the rain.  We're not going to force our denomination on anyone, and I would recommend you do the same."  I was a little caught off gaurd and I said, "Sir, no disrespect, but their only hope is Jesus Christ and I'm hear to introduce them to Him and Him alone.  Getting them off the street for the night is important, but tomorrow they'll be cold, again.  Salvation is their only hope.  It should be our top priority."  He continued to tell me that he wasn't pushing his denomination on anyone, to which I responded, "Sir, there is only one way to the father...Jesus Christ is the only way, it's not like there are many ways to choose from." I asked him if he remembered the story of the women who was bleeding for 12 years and she knew that if she could just touch the robe of Jesus she could be well.  That's what these folks need!  How about the story of the demon possessed boy who ran around in the tombs, naked, cutting himself, crying out, unable to be bound by chains?  When he encountered Jesus the bible says, "He was found sitting in his right mind."  "This is what these folks need, sir!"  I experienced a little taste of what Jesus may have dealt with when he encountered the religious leaders.

Then, the best part of the whole night...Mama came up to me and said, "Jimmy, I need you to take me across the street, as there is a lady over there - who a man told me - that she wanted to die in the streets tonight.  I met this lady earlier and knew exactly who Mama was talking about.  I offered her a bible and she gave me the worst look as if to say, "get away from me."  I sensed that she was very bitter and was full of anger, so I left her alone as I didn't feel the annointing to speak to her.  We got in the van and drove around the corner.  We parked and me and mama got out.  Mama went straight to her and at first the lady was bitter, complaining about this guy James.  Mama began to love her and talk to her.  I started talking to James and when I looked down, I noticed a different look on this lady's face.  God was using Mama to soften her and rip down her walls of bitterness and anger.  She was starting to be receptive and she started weeping.  Mama was wiping the tears off her face, telling her that it was cold and she didn't want the tears to be cold on her face.  She wouldn't accept food or anything earlier in the night and now, we were running across the street getting her a bowl of soup, bread and coffee.  She was smiling and told Mama that she was at peace and even that she wanted to go to church with us tomorrow. 

The crazy thing is that we brought this really BIG quilt and I intially was thinking of leaving it at the house, because I thought it would be too big and heavy for anyone to carry.  It's the only blanket we had left.  When we asked Rita if she wanted it she was extremely excited.  I said, "It's really big, are you sure?"  She said, "Yes, I'd like to have it."  When I handed it to her she was so happy, she immediately covered herself with it.  Once again, God's ways and thoughts are not like mine.  It seems like everytime I say no to something, God uses that very thing to amaze me.  He really provided everything we needed...just for tonight. 

Tomorrow morning at 9 am I'm meeting several homeless folks at the Greyhound bus station.  They will be joining us at New Life Providence to worship our great God.  Many of them are very excited to go.  Our God is great!  I'm so grateful for his love and care.  His ways are perfect!

PS - And to top it all off, when I got home tonight, I walked in and my mom was crying saying, "Adah got saved tonight as we were watching "Fireproof." 

Rejoicing in His love,

Jimmy