Jon Murray's view from Saturday night

By Jon Murray:

When Saturday evening rolled around, I was tired and honestly didn't feel like joining Jimmy and Steve out in Norfolk.  But I'm really glad I did.

 

As usual, there were plenty of people approaching the van to serve coffee and hand out food to.  The first person I started a conversation with was an older gentleman named Timothy who said he didn't want any coffee because he had high blood pressure.  He grabbed a sandwich and hung around the van and we chatted for a bit.  Timothy was a nice guy and had one of those perpetual smiles on his face even when he was chewing his food. :)  I asked him if he needed any prayer for anything, and he said he was expecting to receive a couple of checks this week and that everything would go as planned.  I prayed that everything would go smoothly and also that Jesus would regulate his blood pressure.  After talking with Timothy, I overheard a man asking if we had any clothes with us this week.  I then remembered that I had a few bags of clothes that a friend gave me, so I proceeded to open up the back of my truck and sort through them.  Before I knew it I was handing out socks and various articles of clothing to about 6 or 7 guys.  They all were thanking me and I felt grateful for the opportunity, but also very aware for the need that is present.  It really hit me when a man was happy to receive a used pair of underwear.  These people have nothing!

I then met Willis and chatted with him when he came back for his second cup of coffee.  He would talk and walk away from me as if he thought I wasn't listening or didn't care, so I followed him away from the van to show that I was interested in what he had to say.  He then began to open up to me and talk about how years of partying and doing drugs messed up his life and he would take it back for anything.  He told me he grew up in the church and when he went back to visit several years ago, he wasn't accepted warmly and felt as though people judged him because of his appearance.  He said he was embarrassed that his teeth were rotten, and his eyes were messed up from the drugs and alcohol.  He began to cry and tell me that he thought he was going to die before he started receiving Social Security,.  He said no one would consider hiring him, because he's too old and not worth it.  I prayed with him for physical and emotional restoration and told him that Jesus doesn't care about what he's done in the past and loves him the same.  He thanked me and walked back across the street to get in line for the bus.  I stood there and thought to myself, "What can I possibly do for this man?".  On the ride home I was discouraged and honestly thought there was no hope.  I began praying and I believe the Lord reminded me about the vision that Steve and Jimmy have about the farmland.  It would be perfect for someone like Willis to instill hope and purpose back in his life.  

One last thing....When I was praying for these gentleman my prayers felt powerless and empty.  Today, I remembered that we don't battle against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness.  Jesus set the example, and when he prayed for the sick, he casted out demons and rebuked the spirit of infirmity.  I think it's important to know what we're battling against to be effective.  

Steve's Book - The Story of the talents

Hi Friends,

I'm sure many of you have read the "Parable of the Talents" in Matthew 25:14-30.  I went back and read the story again this evening, and I would encourage you to do the same.  It's a powerful charge that God gives us, to steward what He's given us, for His Kingdom.  I want to take a moment to share with you how I have seen this scripture come to life in a tangible way this week.

Yesterday, I spoke to Steve Zollos and I'm not sure if many of you know, but Steve recently wrote a book titled "The Talk."  It was published in September of this year and is a helpful tool for fathers who desire to mentor their young boys into manhood.  As many of you know from the BLOG, Steve is a very gifted writer and has a heart to communicate God's heart, through his writing.  Well, during our conversation, Steve told me that he wanted to use all of the proceeds from his book to further the ministry of "A Church Without Walls." 

What a perfect example of the man who was given 5 talents and who turned them into 10.  You see, it all belongs to the Master anyway, we are just called to steward what he has given us.  Steve is using the "talents" that God has given him for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God, not for his own financial gain.  This pleases God.

I have two things that I'd like to communicate with you through this post.

• If you are a father with a young son(s) and you desire to Shepard them into biblical manhood, consider buying this book.  Not only will you and your son(s) benefit from this book, but the money you spend on it will be used to serve the homeless community in Hampton Roads, Virginia.  All of it!  We do not use any funds given to us for anything, but to invest into the Homeless community.  We don't have salaries, benefits, etc.  We desire for nothing other than to see men and women delivered from bondage, and for them to live in fellowship with God their Father.

• I believe the Lord would ask each of us, "How are you using the talents that I have given you?"   God's will is that none should perish, and all should inherit eternal life.  According to John 17 Eternal Life is simply "to know God."  That's it!  God just wants to know us and for us to know him.  His whole plan is to save sinners, so that we might be restored to a right relationship with Him.  He gives us talents that we might partner with Him, allowing Him to use us as His hands and feet here on earth.  Let's bless Him with our lives.  Isn't He worthy of that?

Grace and Peace,

Jimmy
     

Casting out demons, answered prayer, testimonies...

By Jimmy Foster:

Hello friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith.  Tonight was a wet rainy night in the city streets, but the Lord moved among us in power and I believe that we took ground in overcoming darkness tonight.  Tonight, for the first time I was able to put my faith into action and obey Matthew 10:1.  Jesus has given us authority over unclean spirits and by His name we have the authority to cast them out.

Casting out demons:

Matthew 10:1 says, "He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness."  This is the Word of God friends...and it's true!  "Let God be found true and every man a liar!"  We DO have authority over every unclean spirit and over every sickness!  There are many in our communities, who are bound by unclean spirits and sickness and the true believer has authority over them.  Here's how we are commanded to preach the gospel folks:  "As you go preach this message, The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.  Freely you have received, freely give.  The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.

Tonight, I met a women named Darla.  I had an opportunity to talk to her for quite awhile.  I was quickly aware of the emotional hurt and pain that she was experiencing.  She confessed that she was lonely, neglected and needy.  After awhile of talking with her, I asked if I could pray for her - to which she agreed.  After I prayed for her, the Lord gave me a word for her.  Darla was brokenhearted as both of her parents died not long ago and her husband left her.  She was sick with sadness and desires to be united with her husband.  Here's the word the Lord gave me.  Tell her I'm a faithful husband, a true lover that will never leave her or forsake her.  I'm a friend to the lonely, a comforter to the needy.  As I shared she began to cry.  I realized that the Lord was speaking directly to her heart. 

The Lord also showed me that she was bound by a spirit of depression, loneliness, despair and without hope.  I asked her if I could pray for her again, as I felt like the Lord wanted me to cast these unclean spirits out.  She let me pray again, I began declaring the name of Jesus, and started speaking directly to the unclean spirits that occupied the temple of God.  I commanded them to leave in Jesus name.  To my surprise, I felt her whole body flinching and her face was flooded with tears.  I invited the Holy Spirit and asked him to fill the empty spaces in her heart and soul.  I invited a Spirit of hope, a Spirit of Joy, a Spirit of restoration, peace, etc.  When I stopped praying, I noticed her take a deep breath and sigh in relief.  It blessed me and I believe the Lord met her tonight with His power!  I told her about God's great love and His desire for her to live in freedom and not bondage.

Daniel considers us his friend:

Many of you will remember us talking about a man named Daniel.  Up until last week and tonight, Daniel has always opposed us and has been very persistent in resisting the things of God.  We always try to respect Daniel and his wishes to not pray for him or talk to him about God.  Steve and I believe that we are called to pray for Daniel, in which we've done during our Saturday morning prayer time. 

Well, tonight Daniel waited until I was done praying for Darla and he approached me.  He said, "Hey man, I need to talk to you."  I said, "Ok, what's up Daniel."  He then told me - with his eyes filling with tears - "I don't have too many friends and I have trouble trusting people, as I've been burned a lot in the past, but I want you to know that God has used you in my life and I consider you a true friend.  Thanks for all you're doing down here.  God is making a way for me in life."  My heart was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for what the Lord has done. This was a man with a heart of stone and I believe now has a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 11:19 -"I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh."

Clyde needs .32 cents and the Lord provides:

I know that the above title doesn't necessarily seem like the impossible, but most of you know when we go to Norfolk, we don't bring our wallets, money or valuables.  Well, a man named Clyde asked me for .32 cents, so that he could get his bus ticket tomorrow.  Bus tickets are $3.50 and he told me he was .32 cents short.  I said, "Clyde, we don't bring money with us down here, but I'm willing to look around in our van to see if I have any change on the floor."  I started searching the van high and low.  Amazingly, I came up with .31 cents.  I just knew there had to be a penny somewhere on my floor, in a cup holder or somewhere.  I thought...how cool would it be if I had exactly .32 cents in my van?  However, I searched everywhere and only came up with .31 cents.  I looked at Clyde and said, "Well Clyde, you're almost in business buddy!  I found .31 cents for you, you'll need a penny."  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Daniel holding out his hand to Clyde dropping a penny in his hand.  Clyde hugged Daniel and it struck me...for one penny, this man was hugging another person in sincere gratitude!  I quickly understood why God only allowed me to find .31 cents.  :)

The Lord sends laborers to the harvest field and provision:

• The Bearing family made several sandwiches for us to feed the hungry tonight
• Laura made brownies for dessert
• Jon Murray calls and joins us in ministry tonight
• We received a $100 check in the mail yesterday for ministry
• Jon Murray's friend provides 3 garbage bags of donated cloths, in which all but a few items were claimed tonight.
• Becky Brantingham provides several cases of toothpaste
• Judy Yatarola asks to send "thank you cards" to those who have given to our ministry
• Steve Zollos agrees to use the proceeds of the book he just published for "A Church Without Walls"
• Jeremy Miller leads worship in the city streets of Norfolk

The spiritual environment among the homeless in downtown Norfolk is completely different, than when we first started going.  The Lord is softening hearts and working in the lives of these folks.   Steve told me that a few people approached him tonight and asked him to pray for them.  They initiated!  It's amazing what the Lord can do with a few faithful folks, who are willing to lay aside their own agendas to serve these guys.  We are called to deny ourselves and pick up our cross for the sake of the gospel and for His names sake!

Transferred from darkness into His glorious light,

"A Church Without Walls"

"A Moment"

By Steve Zollos:

It Was A Moment

Neither Jimmy nor I really felt like going out to minister to the homeless tonight. Jimmy and Laura just had their 4^th child last weekend, Elsie Joy! I’m sure he would have preferred to stay home with the family. As for me, well the NCAA Tournament was on. I love college basketball and when it comes to college basketball, well March is ‘Madness!”

Thankfully we were able to trust God beyond our own desires and as we have come to expect God met us and encouraged us as we served the homeless in the streets of Norfolk. Here are some highlights from our time of service:

It was a warm day so we figured there wouldn’t be too many people out tonight. I made coffee and wondered if it would go to waste. We decided to pick up some pizzas from Little Caesars for $5 each and we just hoped it would be plenty hot by the time it was served. We pulled up to the bus stop a little later than usual and as soon as we opened the back of the van people began to surround us. A cold front pushed in and you could feel the temperature drop… it was almost immediately cold and a man I had never seen on the streets before asked if we had any coats. We didn’t have any tonight and I felt so bad having to leave him to face the weather without so much as a coat on his back. “It’s alright,” he said, “I’ll be okay.”

The pizza was a big hit. The things we take for granted are real treats, and a reminder of precious memories for many people. Jimmy had picked up some plastic serving gloves and began to distribute the pizza, and I took charge of serving coffee. Jimmy and I joke with each other as we serve and we get the folks laughing and joining in. I told the crowd that I had Jimmy in training for serving pizza and that’s why he was so slow. We all laughed. There were some new people tonight and we always ask everyone their names and tell them ours when they come by… we are doing more than just serving food, we are building relationships.

In Norfolk we have people who are commissioned to make sure everything is okay on the streets and one of these fellows approached our van. “Do you have a permit to serve food?” he asked. “No sir,” we replied, “but we are just serving pizza and we are using gloves.”

The man radioed in to find out if we could serve pizza as long as we have gloves. “You’ll need to shut down,” he said.

Then a really cool thing happened. The people we were serving came to our defense. “They are only trying to help,” said one. “Why would you stop them from doing good,” said another.

We assured the people that the man was also trying to do good and that we wanted to comply with his request. He allowed us to serve a few more people but the neat thing about it was that we saw our relationships in action. These friends of ours were sticking up for us. They wanted us there, and not just for the food. It was a moment.

We packed up and went to

19^th street

. The only one there was Charles. We stopped and asked him if he wanted food, but all he needed was a ride to get to another shelter. His legs were in terrible pain, so we helped him into the van and drove him to the location. There was a crowd of people already lined up waiting to get in. We opened the van and Jimmy and I laid hands on Charles and prayed for healing.

As Jimmy began to minister to others, Joy approached him. “My legs feel great, my legs feel great,” she told him, “and I know it’s because you prayed for me last week.” She had been in pain and obviously depressed, but tonight she was truly joyous, like her name. Another moment.

Daniel was there, the man who asked that we not keep trying to pray for him. “Hey Daniel, I can pray for you if you like,” I quipped jokingly. “No, no, I’m doing much better today,” said he, and I told him I was glad to hear it.

We gave out all our pizza and drained the last drop of coffee into a final cup for our talkative friend Mark. We were just about to shut down when ‘big Allen’ approached me. “Hey man, could you pray for me?” he asked.

I didn’t ask Allen. I didn’t invite him to be prayed for. He came up out of line at the shelter, found me, and asked for prayer. Wow! What a faith builder. I laid hands on Allen and prayed for health, peace, favor, and shelter for him. When I finished he hugged me, thanked me, and headed back to line. It was a moment.

Sorry for the length of this post, but we weren’t done just yet. Lee asked if we could give him a ride to another neighborhood and we were planning on heading that way so we said we would give this 25 year old a lift. We were driving and he said he was confused because he had been approached by some Mormons who told him different things than what we preach.

In the quiet of this car ride we were able to share with him that Jesus is God Himself come in the flesh so that we might be reconciled to a loving and glorious God and thereby have the free gift of eternal life – and that any teaching that suggests that Jesus is anything less than God is not the truth. We encouraged him to open his Bible and to ask God for clarity and that the Holy Spirit will guide him in the way of all truth. It was a moment.

Finally, we went to Ocean View to find my friend Dave. I know where he ‘lives.’ I was hoping we could take Dave to dinner since we were out of pizza. Unfortunately he wasn’t there tonight. It was a great night, and I’m so glad we went. I think God knew that we needed a blessing – A moment – and He did not disappoint.

"The fruit of our labor"

Greetings Friends,

What I'm about to share with you is an amazing testimony of the faithfulness of God.  I'll start by telling you that about 2 months ago, while we were ministering to the homeless in downtown Norfolk, I met a young girl named Larrisa.  She's 22 years old and she's been homeless - on and off - for the last couple of years.  She has been in and out of "Foster Care" since the age 7.  I often invite some of my homeless friends to our church on Sunday and I pick them up in our van.  One Sunday morning, when I arrived to pick them up, Larrisa was there and she went to church with us.  I learned quickly that Larrisa has an amazing voice and is an exceptional singer.  She has a high school diploma and is a certified nurse aid.  I have been pleading with the Lord, asking Him to give me the heart of Christ and cause me to see people as He sees people.  I've asked Him to grant to me a heart of anguish for the lost and the hurting and I believe that He has answered my cry.

I believe the Lord allowed me to see Larrisa through His eyes.  I saw a beautiful girl, with many talents and a long life ahead of her to use for the glory of the Lord.  I was immediately drawn to her and was moved with compassion for her.  I came home and told my wife and she too felt a special draw towards her.  Well, the following week I went back down to minister in Norfolk and was informed that Larrisa was arrested on an old warrant and was in the Hampton jail.  I immediately felt moved with compassion and just knew that I had to pursue this young lady.  Here was an opportunity to obey the word of the Lord and "visit those in prison."  I went inside the Social Service building and spoke with the security guard who informed me that she was in the Hampton jail, but I didn't know her last name.  The guard allowed me to look at the list they had on file, of anyone who has stayed in the shelter.  I was able to find out her last name that night, so I called the jail and asked if they could let me know when visiting hours were.  They informed me that in order for me to visit her, I would have to be added to her visitor list.  I felt a sort of desperation and questioned if the Lord meant for me to really pursue her.  I started to pray and ask God to help me understand His will in this situation.  I felt led to call the jail again and just be 100% forthright with the deputy.  I informed her that Larrisa wouldn't really know me that well and I had been ministering to her.  She said, "Why don't you write her a letter and ask her to add you to her list?"  I smiled and knew immediately that's what I was supposed to do, so I wrote Larrisa a letter and asked her to add me to her visitor list, so I could come see her.

About a month went by and I never heard from Larrisa.  I found out later that she has seizures and was transferred to the Hampton Medical Jail.  After not hearing from her, I decided that it must not have been the will of the Lord for me to connect with her.  One Monday night, while I was working on the homeless shelter, I received a call from Laura and she was full of excitement.  She said, "Jimmy, you're never going to guess who called."  I said, "Who?"  She said, "Larrisa!"  I was amazed and began to ask God how to proceed.  I thought this door was closed, but I knew that the Lord gave me a heart for this girl and I knew immediately, he did this for a reason.  Larrisa called back the next night, because I wasn't home when she called and she told me that she had received my letter.  She added me to her visitor list and I went to the jail the next night, to speak with her.  When I arrived at the jail, the deputy at the desk said that I wasn't yet added to the list and I wasn't able to see her.  I informed the deputy that she added me, but the deputy informed me that there was a process and it may take a couple of days to go through.  I turned away wondering why this door wasn't opening.  The next night I received a call from Larrisa and to my surprise, she had been released from jail.  I was caught completely off guard, but knew it was my time to act.  I told her to call me back in 30 minutes as I wanted to talk to Laura. 

After I hung up, I approached Laura and informed her that Larrisa was out and had no where to go.  It's true...I went and picked her up in Hampton and brought her home.  I must confess this was very difficult, but I read Isaiah 58 about a "true fast" and God gave me peace.  Since then, I've witnessed the Lord's power in Larrisa's life.  It's been amazing to see what God is doing for this one He calls His daughter.  I won't continue to tell you all of the details, but I would like to share with you something the Lord showed me.  It's crazy how the Lord is revealing Himself to me through this whole process.  I'm hearing from the living God, as plain as day and it's awesome.  His sheep know His voice!  This is true.

Although, Laura and I took Larrisa into our home, we had a couple of struggles and things we weren't quite sure how they would work out.  First, Laura is about to give birth any day.  We knew this could present us with a challenge.  We wanted to be faithful to the voice of the Lord and we both believe that we heard his voice clearly, but have to admit that it seemed difficult to have a complete stranger in the home, when she was going to be recovering from having the baby.  Also, we are renting a house and per our contract we are not allowed to have anyone living with us for more than two weeks.  Again, we felt like we heard the Lord, but couldn't help to think about these two things in particular.  

I have been taking Larrisa to our Church and she especially likes "Awake," which is our young adult ministry on Thursday nights.  Well, two Sunday's ago we were all at our Sunday worship service and three different ladies went to the microphone and gave prophetic words.  I heard a loud weeping, sobbing sound and looked over and noticed that Larrisa was weeping bitterly.  Our pastor had an alter call in the middle of the service, as it was evident that the Holy Spirit wanted to do something.  Without hesitation I grabbed Larrisa's hand and we walked to the front.  The amazing thing is, that this week I picked up Larrisa's sister and her cousin and they were there with us.  Well, when Larrisa and I arrived to the front she was met by a faithful prayer warrior named Sandra.  Sandra prayed for her and it was a powerful moment.  The Holy Spirit was releasing healing into Larrisa and each tear that dropped was full of pain and hurt.  We stayed at the alter and worshipped for a moment after praying and then we returned to our seats.  When we returned I noticed that Lakira and Kiki - Larrisa's sister and cousin were gone.  I leaned over and asked Laura where they were and she informed me that they too went to the front.  God was up to something. :)

After the service was over, I felt led by the Spirit to go approach Sandra.  Laura and Larrisa went to get the children and I approached Mrs. Sandra.  I asked Sandra if I could have Larrisa call her if she ever needed someone to talk to and of course she said yes.  But, she also informed me that there was a lady in the Church that was the Director at a Women's shelter in Norfolk.  She gave me her information and I spoke to her that week.  To my surprise there were 2 open beds and Larrisa went to an interview this past Wednesday.  She moved in on Thursday!  Isn't God good!  Here's the crazy part, Thursday marked the "two week" mark and we were able to honor our rental contract, in which we really wanted to do.  The Lord was not only caring for Larrisa, but he was also caring for us as Laura and I prayed about the concern of having a new baby and also, honoring our contract.

Here's what the Lord showed me on Friday that blew my mind.  If the 3 ladies didn't obey the voice of the Lord and go to the front of the Church and give the prophetic word they were given, I wonder if Larrisa would have been broken in the way that she was.  I wonder if Sandra wasn't faithful to the voice of the Lord to pray for Larrisa, if I would have ever went up and talked to her at the end of the service and found out about the transitional home.  I wonder if I had not listened to the voice of the Lord and not approached Sandra after the service, if Larrisa would be safe in a home today.  The Lord knew who would obey him and he has entrusted the Kingdom to those who are faithful. 

Today after Church, our family and new homeless friend Jermaine, were able to celebrate Larrisa's belated birthday and celebrate her new home at Atlas Pizza.  One thing I remember clearly is one day when I was talking to Larrisa, she told me that she just wanted to be a child again.  Her last birthday party was at age 7.  She's now 22 and we were able to celebrate new life today!  She's seeking to grow closer to the Lord and she is a new creation in Christ.  My God is faithful, so faithful!

To Him be the glory forever and ever!  Amen!

Jimmy