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:
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"
No comments:
Post a Comment