GOD MOVES POWERFULLY THROUGH QUIET FAITHFULNESS

Last night out on the streets of Norfolk we were reminded that God doesn’t need a grandly prepared message, or an over-the-top prayer session. He doesn’t need us to ‘do more,’ think better, or jump higher.

God desires us to be quietly faithful. Through our faithfulness He makes us a light to the lost, a beacon of hope, the salt of the Earth, and he gives us a message of life for a dying world. This is what we experience when God is working through us, and through those around us. This is what we experienced last night as we served the homeless.

QUIET FAITHFULNESS

Nick brought the grill and cooked the burgers and hotdogs while people waited patiently in line. No big deal.

Kathy brought a large platter of fresh fried chicken that was left over from an event she had been attending, along with some finger food. She was just thinking of others.

While waiting for their food to be served Aaron was encouraging folks. He was simply being a faithful friend.

Charles shared a Word with the group out of Isaiah and brought everyone’s attention to Christ. It was simple, from his heart, not formally prepared. Despite his apprehension to speak in front of crowds Charles decided to be faithful to share what the Lord had on his heart.

Jeremy followed up the Word encouraging everyone to consider what the Lord has done for us all. He merely stirred our hearts.

Laura’s Mom gave us two large boxes that were filled with blankets. I almost put them in storage for next year but decided to bring them out. They were all gratefully received.

POWER

Last night was a night of encouragement. Solom shared that despite the odds, he will be moving into permanent housing if a few weeks. We had been praying for doors to open for him and he gave all the credit to the hand of God.

David shared that his disability check was finally cleared and that he will be able to afford a place to stay in the next few weeks. Another good man getting off the streets.

Steve received a Bible from a friend who loves him.

Jason was particularly blessed by Charles’ Word and received prayer for the struggles that he and his family are walking through.

Mike asked that we take some extra time with him next week as he has some things that are important that he would like for us to hear.

It was very apparent last night that the Lord is working in the hearts of those we serve.

GLORY

There were many other things discussed and ways that folks were encouraged. It was clear to us that God was glorified last night in our quiet faithfulness.

Let me encourage each of our readers to be quietly faithful. To get up and do what the Lord directs. Pray, befriend, support, share, or encourage ‘the least of these’ that the Lord puts before you. God will do the heavy lifting. He will change hearts, change lives, and change situations through your faithfulness.

Be Blessed Today in God’s Love

 

Steve Zollos

His word will not return void...

Tonight, I pray that I can communicate the power of the word of God.  My prayer for each reader is that the God of glory would stir faith in your heart, as you seek to trust him more.  My prayer is that the Mighty One, the one who is, who was and who is to come - my savior and sustainer, would reveal himself through each word, that I write. 

Who is like this Holy King?  Who or what can compare to his great love?  What trial, what sickness, what trouble, what broken relationship, what pain, can withstand his loving kindness or his steadfast faithfulness?  Nothing - I say it again - Nothing can separate us from his great love.  He formed you in your mother’s womb and you are fearfully and wonderfully made.  No scheme of the evil one can pluck you from his hand, if you are his and the very Spirit of the Living God is holding you together, even now, regardless of what you feel or think.

You were created for his glory; you are being sustained even now for his purposes and He won’t give up on you.  He created you for him, and He will pursue you until you are found.  One who never leaves you nor forsakes you, the one who numbers your days, the holy one of Israel, and the one who willingly gave himself up, so you and I could be free.  No more shackles, no more chains, freedom in Christ, no more pain.

Tonight, many of us gathered in downtown Norfolk, for our Saturday night outreach.  We partnered with New Life Providence – Ghent Campus - and labored in love.  Each person was so important; each person was the hand and feet of Jesus Christ.  I arrived on the scene to witness many people laboring to make sure that our homeless friends were treated as royalty.  I witnessed a man helping another man write a resume, I witnessed another - from a staffing agency - interviewing my friends with hopes of finding them steady employment.  I noticed another man working tirelessly over the grill, and a couple creating an atmosphere of worship with their singing and strumming.  Noah and I had the opportunity to drive around the inner city and shuttle our friends -those with no ride - to the event.  I witnessed another man preaching passionately.  It was the love of God not only in word, but in demonstration.

Meet my friend Richard.  Richard was brought to me at the end of the evening, and he was serious about getting off the streets, tonight.  He was affected by the preaching and I could see God moving in his heart.  Richard confessed that he had used all of his allotted nights at the Salvation Army and he was banned 2 years ago from the Union Mission for getting in an argument with another resident.  Richard was convinced that the Union Mission wouldn’t allow him back in, but I was in faith that God would be merciful to Richard.  So… we hopped in the car and drove towards the Union Mission.

It’s important that you know that it’s not often that once you are on the banned list at any of the area shelters, you are allowed back in, but tonight as Richard responded to the word of God, God was faithful to his son. 

We arrived at the front desk of the Union Mission, where we were greeted by the receptionist.  I said, “Sir, I hope you’re doing well, and I’d like you to meet my friend Richard.  Unfortunately, Richard made a mistake a couple of years ago here and has been placed on the “banned” list.  I understand that he violated the rules and he understands that too, but we’re wondering if you’ll give him another chance.”  The man responded without hesitation, “Well, we know who the King of Mercy is, so why wouldn't I offer him another chance?  I’ve been given many chances in my lifetime.”  He was smiling as he responded.  Richard looked at me in shock.  I smiled. J

I could tell Richard was totally not expecting this man to let him in, especially so easily.  He waved me off to the side and said, “Can I talk to you?”  He said, “Jimmy, I really appreciate you bringing me over here and for going to bat for me here, but I’m not sure I can respond right to authority and I don’t want to make you look bad.”  I’m not that good with authority and I don’t mean to sound harsh, but sometimes it comes across that way, even though I don’t mean it.  He said, he didn’t want to stay, because he was afraid he’d make me look bad.  I told the man at the desk, I needed to talk to Richard and we’d be back.  We drove off…

I said, “Richard, I really appreciate your honesty and your ability to be able to recognize your flaws enough, that you would deny a place to sleep tonight, to protect my reputation.  That’s commendable!  I said, “I’ll take you wherever you want, and I’m not upset that you don’t want to stay at the Union Mission, tonight.  He asked me to take him back to where I picked him up.

 

As we were driving, I had an opportunity to share the gospel with Richard.  I told him that out of the 40 + people that we served tonight, God had his finger on him, specifically.  I told him the story about the paralyzed man who lay at the pool for 38 years, before he was healed and touched by God.  My word to him was simple, “Do you want to be well?”  That’s what God wanted to ask Richard tonight.  I told him that “RIGHT NOW” the past could be erased and he could be a new man in Christ.  He said, “How can everything I’ve done be erased, right now?”  I said, “Richard, don’t be like that man who  laid at the pool for 38 years crippled questioning how.”  God wants you to walk today, but he’s asking this question, “do you want to be well” and you have to settle that first.

I said, “He’s already showing you that he’s erasing your past and that’s why the man behind the desk at the Union Mission is letting you in.  The old has passed away, Richard!”

As we pulled up to the spot where I picked him up, he looked at me and said, “Take me back to the Union Mission, I want to be well.”  Jeremy preached about not questioning who God is and he shared the story about the man who was drowning in the middle of the ocean and was praying that God would send him a life boat.  He explained how a boat pulled up, asking the man to get in and offering help, but the man refused the help and said, “God will save me.”  Richard said, “This is my boat!”  You’re my boat, the Union Mission giving me a second chance is my boat and I’m not going to miss it. J

In that moment, God’s word (Jeremy’s preaching) accomplished its work.  That word was the very word that caused Richard to return to the Union Mission tonight.  I dropped Richard off, prayed for him and blessed him with a humble, meek spirit as he walked away. 

He’s so awesome!  Blessed be the name of the Lord!  Pray for Richard tonight, please.

Jimmy Foster - I am "A Church Without Walls"

Sharing God’s Love on Holy Saturday

The Saturday before Easter Sunday is often referred to as ‘Holy Saturday’ and what better way to celebrate our Savior than serving others.

A Church Without Walls joined hands with First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk, New Life Providence Church, P.B. Young Elementary School, The Young’s Terrace Community Center, St. Paul Methodist Church, St. Mark RZUS, Granby High School, Trinity Presbyterian Church, a Home School group, and Regent University to bless the Young’s Terrace Community with the love of Jesus.

It’s truly amazing the blessings that can go forth when believers join hands to serve. Bike repair ministry, bounce house, egg hunt for the little ones, music, face painting, story telling, photo booth, raffle, hotdogs, soft drinks, and on and on.

We shared the love of God first in service and then in Word. It was a glorious afternoon as we gave over 400 people a healthy serving of Christ’s love.

When we were leaving we saw children riding their bikes through the neighborhood with their faces painted in glorious colors. One boy who received a bike made a point of waving to us as we left and thanked us for his bike. “That makes it all worth while,” Jimmy said as we pulled out of the neighborhood.

It was a perfect reflection of what ‘A Church Without Walls’ is all about, the children of God joining hands to bear fruit in the name of Jesus. Today everyone involved produced fruit abundantly, just like Christ says we will do if we are ‘in Him.’

"I am the vine, and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit...                                                                                               (John 15:5a)

Christos Anesti (Christ is Risen),

Steve Zollos

I am ‘A Church Without Walls’

A Beautiful Testimony

Becoming White As Snow
(A Beautiful Testimony)

A Church Without Walls is open to proclaim the Word of God 24/7. It goes where you go. It is Christ in you, being expressed by you, in your life, and to the people that the Lord brings into your path – anytime and anyplace.

Jon Festa, who lives in Martinsville, Virginia sent us this testimony of God’s faithfulness:

Alright, so me and my friend went to the streets of Roanoke. We went downtown and were walking and met a man, I can't remember his name it was a name I don't think I have heard before. My friend approached him and asked if we could pray for him. He said he had just gotten out of jail a week ago and needed prayer. We prayed for him and declared the word over him and just destiny. He became teary eyed. I felt God said to ask if he'd ever accepted Christ as his Savior, he was kind of unsure. So my friend and I prayed for him to receive Christ.  It was awesome, but one of the most awesome parts is when we prayed with him and he prayed to accept Jesus. It snowed!! It only snowed while he accepted Christ! I was reminded in that moment of the scripture Isaiah 1:18 “though your sins are like Scarlett I will make you white as snow.” So we had God confirm his word with a sign and wonder.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (1 Corinthians 4:20 HCSB)

Jon Festa is in the vine and bearing fruit in keeping with his faith – and heaven celebrates. Thank you Jon for your faithful commitment to Christ and for being ‘A Church Without Walls.’

Send us your testimonies of how the Lord is working through you and we will be glad to share your testimony with others.

Steve Zollos

A Church Without Walls

When the Blind Begin To See

A Church Without Walls (3/23/13)

 

When the blind begin to see

Jimmy delivered a powerful word on the streets tonight as he recounted the story of the blind man that Jesus sought out, put spit and mud on his eyes, and then told him to go wash in the pool of Siloam.

Why was he blind his disciples had asked, supposing it was because of the sins of his parents.

Jesus corrected their thought patterns, explaining to them plainly that it was not about anyone’s sin, but so that the glory of God might be displayed

When the man washed the mud off he could see. He was blind from birth but now, for the first time in his life, he could see.

It was impossible. No one had ever been healed of blindness from birth.

After Jimmy finished preaching this message we were all encouraged that we had each been anointed with spiritual ‘mud’ on our eyes. That we too are blind until Christ opens our eyes so that we can see our sin, and His righteousness. We were encouraged to go before the Lord this week and wash away the mud on our eyes in private before the Lord and we were assured that the Lord would meet each of us as we believed on His name.

As we were wrapping up a young man said as he was walking past, “Yeh, if God loves me why don’t he give me a dollar?”

I stopped from addressing the crowd and asked what he needed. “I need food, I haven’t eaten all day so why don’t he give me food?” he replied snidely.

I told him there was food right across the street on our table, but I wasn’t aware that it was all gone by this time. When I found out I took him to Taco Bell (his choice) and while he ate we had an in depth discussion about God and the Word. At one point we were even quizzing each other on our Biblical knowledge and I found out that this young, broken 24-year-old man knows a lot of scripture – Chapter and verse.

I was able to encourage him in the Lord. I told him that he had a call on his life. That he had a unique gift in memorizing scripture and that he should pursue the Lord and inquire as to who Jesus really is in his life.

I have learned on the streets that even those who are mockers are hearing and are able to respond to the Word of the Lord, and that they are often times ripe for being ministered to.

Blessings to you too, and may the Lord wash the mud from each of our eyes that we might see Him more clearly.

Steve Zollos

A Family Get Together

Our Family Get Together

I don’t know about your family, but when my family gets together it is a blast. Tonight we had a family reunion on Starke Street in Norfolk, and it was a happening place to say the least.

Tonight we came with food, but there were so many people that we ran out in the first hour, so we went to Wendy’s and got 50 cheeseburgers to go. The lady at the window made me pull up to make sure it wasn’t a prank and when I told her we were serving the homeless they double-timed the order and blessed me as I left. The burgers disappeared in a matter of minutes.

We also had chips, granola bars, coffee, and an assortment of clothing. The nice thing was that we had so little to pack up when we left tonight.

Early on a man asked Jimmy if he had an extra Bible like the one Jimmy carries; thin, flexible leather bound. He told him he didn't have one, but that he would try to remember to get him one and bring it next week. About 30 minutes later Kathy Allen placed two thin leather bound Bibles on the table to be given away.  One was brown like Jimmy’s, and the other was pink.  Jimmy told Kathy that a man was asking for one just like it and then walked over to him and said, "God heard your request, and provided this Bible for you." The lady sitting next to him asked if he might have another one?" He gave her the pink one. I would have been enough to see these folks longing for God's Word, but God steps further and provides for those who ask. He knows our needs even before we open our mouths.

After that a man named Tony came and declared that ‘God is so good.’ He told the story of how God delivered him from an alcohol addiction and he knew it was God.  He had tried Alcoholics Anonymous but it did not work for him so in his desperation he cried out to God and God heard his cry. This homeless man was so excited about God and how He had blessed him so much.  He said a man gave him a small car.  Then he needed something fixed on the car and someone else gave him the money without him even asking. He was so grateful to God. Not only is God moving on the hearts of these people, folks are recognizing the hand of God and giving Him the glory!

Last week we asked Patrick, a homeless man who Jeremy is discipling, to prepare a Word to share this week. He came prepared and shared a message on patience. He explained how Job and others patiently waited on God, and how we must do the same, no matter our situation. He spoke to the situations that he knew people struggled with on the streets and shared his testimony of how God opened a door to provide him a job at 7-Eleven. A job at 7-Eleven was a huge thing and we honored God for His faithfulness. The people on the streets respect Patrick and many gathered around to hear the Word.

As a result of hearing the Word another man confessed to struggling with alcohol, and that he was depressed because his mother is suffering with severe Alzheimer’s disease. Tears rolled down his face as Kathy, Jimmy, and I prayed blessings over this man. The power of the Holy Spirit was palpable.

 

I prayed for a woman who came from Spain to bury her mother and through various circumstances found herself homeless on the streets of Norfolk.

Kathy and Jaylene blessed us all with worship songs, Debbie gave Susan her sweater, and Noah blessed people with sodas tonight.

Every Saturday night is a great family reunion. We have food, fellowship, and share the Word of God. What could be better?

We pray God’s rich blessings over each of our readers.

Blessings,

Steve Zollos

"Open our eyes Lord"

Church Without Walls 3-2-13

OPEN OUR EYES LORD

‘A Church Without Walls’ Ministry was started as a result of prayer, and we continue to see God working powerfully as we continue to press into our relationship with Christ Jesus in times of prayer.

Our prayer meetings are usually held at my house on Sunday mornings leaving plenty of time for everyone to attend their churches. This Sunday the Lord met us in a particularly powerful way. It was encouraging and motivating to our hearts.

A pastor friend met with me recently to share a word about the Lord giving me the ability to reach into His storehouse, the very storehouse of the Lord, and take from the ‘shelves’ and apply it to the needs that the Lord revealed to me. I have taken that word very seriously and look to our Father in faith that it will be done even as we ask of Him.

At the prayer meeting it was noted how many of the people we serve on the streets have no vision for their lives. One man in particular’s sole desire was for a place to stay and cable TV. Jeremy encouraged the brother that God has so much more for him than just cable TV. It was a pitiful vision so we began to pray for him and the others on the streets that God would increase their vision for His purpose in their lives.

As we prayed I reached into the storehouse of heaven and took from the shelf the very spiritual balm that dropped the scales from Saul’s eyes and by faith applied it to our friends on the streets, that they might see the Lord and His goodness clearly.

Then the Lord had us apply the balm to our own eyes. We were convicted that we too had much too small a vision for what the Lord wants to do in our own lives and with this ministry. We were settling for spiritual cable TV when the Lord has so much more for those who ask. The word came forth to ask big things because our God is much bigger than we have allowed ourselves to understand. By faith I applied the balm to my own eyes and the eyes of those who were praying.

It was a powerful time before the Lord. We prayed for the folks on the streets by name. We asked for healing, we asked for vision, we asked for hope, and jobs, and for the grace of God to be upon us all.

I do not want to forget to tell you about Saturday night on the streets as well. Despite the ‘reasonable temperatures,’ it was another evening that was biting cold. I don’t know how these people survive on the streets on nights like this.

On the way there Jimmy had a discussion with his seven year old son, Noah, who was discouraged because he didn’t have a job to do since it was too cold to pass out sodas. They asked the Lord to give Noah a job tonight as he served on the streets with us. Before the night was over Noah had given his knit cap to a woman who was cold. The Lord gave him opportunity to serve Him sacrificially tonight and Noah stepped in and did so without having to be prodded or told what to do. At seven years old Noah is already producing fruit in keeping with his faith. Glory to God.

Jeremy preached a powerful word on forgiveness and I could see in the eyes of the people that surrounded him that this was a massive ball and chain around the ankles of so many on the streets. He shared the story about one of the men on the streets that he disciples and how he had forgiven a person in his life. This man’s testimony reminded me of the Pilgrim’s Progress as he described the burden that was lifted from his back the moment he had extended forgiveness.

One man, who had been drinking, cried before the Lord and thanked us for the encouragement saying through tears that sometimes he just needs an encouraging word to get him through the week. We gathered around him and declared by faith his power over his addictions in the name of Jesus and the freedom that awaited him in Christ.

I’ve come to realize that the Lord always moves in power, whether subtle or overt, but always in power. He moves in the lives of the children, the stricken, the faithful, and even in the hearts of those who oppose Him.

Finally, just a reminder that all are welcome to serve, or to come to our prayer meetings. God will work powerfully through you as you serve others in His name. You will be surprised at the amount of fruit you will produce as you remain in Him.

Blessings,

Steve Zollos