Rejoicing and Blossoming

God spoke to Jeremiah and spoke very encouraging words to him.  God said in Jeremiah 1:5 

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you:

Before you were born I sanctified you;

I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
Then Jeremiah replied, “Ah, Lord God!          Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.”
Then Lord replied, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all  whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.  Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you.  Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.”

     These words were specific to Jeremiah, but His words ring true to all of us now also. Luke 21:15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.   Sometimes I feel nervous when we are headed out to North First Street because I think, “How will I know what to say?  What if I don’t have the words?”  It brings great peace to know that the words come from the Lord and all we have to do is step out and open our mouths.  He gives us the right words for the person in front of us. 
     There is so much joy in serving others.  When we come back from serving on North 1^st, we feel like we could do anything for the Lord.  God just gives so much back as you are giving.  You think that it is all about having the right thing to give, but the fact is that it is the act of meeting someone’s needs with the love of Jesus behind it that acts like a boomerang.  Remember the old saying, “Bounces off me and back on you?”  Well when you serve the Lord, you give the love of Jesus and He in turn fills you up to overflowing with His love.  Amazing!!!   Thank you Jesus!!!
     Isaiah 35:1-2 is so beautiful!! “The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them.  And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, Even with joy and singing.  The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, The excellence of Carmel and Sharon,  They shall see the glory of the Lord, The excellency of our God. 
     I just plug in North 1^st Street here.  North 1^st street shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.  It was a wilderness and a wasteland, but now it is blossoming abundantly and rejoicing!  The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, North 1^st street shall see the glory of the Lord, The excellency of our God!!!!
     Praise God!  This week was beautiful.  We had new volunteers with us as well as our awesome hard core weekly devoted crew!  We needed the numbers today because there was a huge group of people that were served. In the end- 75 to 100 people, 150 hot dogs, bottled water, cookies/baked goods, snacks, wonderful “Don’s Donuts”, clothes, toilet paper…. Wonderful!! 
     There was an awesome joy that seemed to be prevalent amongst the crowd.  People had to wait in line for food but it went quickly and it gave us time to walk along and visit with them as they waited for food.  There is such joy in shaking someone’s hand, look at them straight in the eye, smile, ask their name, find out where they are staying…… I felt like today I could see the wilderness and wasteland of the old lot we use transformed into a family reunion of hugs, handshakes, smiles, thanksgiving, laughter, full stomachs, and needs met.  Praise God! 
     Isaiah goes on to say, “With everlasting joy on their heads, they shall obtain joy and gladness and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”  I honestly think that joy and gladness is showing up more and more and that sorrow and sighing is fleeing….. I think that with spring coming… that hearts are softening.  A trust has been established over the last 6 months and they know that we come every week.  We are not asking anything of them or judging them, just extending the love of Jesus.
     It felt very natural today to say, “Can I pray for you?”, then reach out and lay hands on them,  and pray.  A young girl and her boyfriend talked with me about the fact that the girl has missed her period for the past 3 months.  We talked about where she could get prenatal care and the importance of being followed by a physician for the health of the baby.  They were so receptive and they let me pray for them which was wonderful.  We were able to celebrate and be excited about their new baby growing in her tummy.  I prayed blessings upon the baby and the parents and then wrote down a list of things that they could use including things like: bras, under clothes, bigger shirts, stretchy pants etc.  God is so cool…. I felt honored to be able to celebrate with them and pray blessings with them. 
     Another young gal (15) who had recently had her baby, brought her little guy out to show us.  So again, we were able to celebrate a new life and pray over him.  She was afraid because CPS was going to be investigating her living situation to make sure it was safe for the baby.  We talked about how their job is to make sure that the baby is safe and that they want her to be able to keep it.  She just needs to listen to the recommendations that they give and follow through.  Again, we prayed for the baby, the mother, and the situation…. Doors are opening on North First St.  Halleluiah!!!!! 
      Easter is fast approaching and with it we feel led to have an Easter celebration with our friends on North First Street.  Keith would like to lead a small service and then share communion together with our homeless friends.  Please be in prayer for hearts to continue to open and for bondage to be broken!  We pray for love and freedom from oppression for all of North First Street as well as the whole city of Yakima!  In Jesus Holy Name!! Amen :0)

Fragile Clay Pots....

It has been 2 weeks since I've written a blog, not because there wasn't anything happening, but rather because life has been a bit crazy!  One verse keeps coming back to me though....echoing through my head and bouncing around in my heart....

2 Corinthians 4:7  " We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.  This makes it clear that our great power is from God not from ourselves."

I came upon this scripture and love it!! It was so fitting this weekend.  Keith was out of town at a Men's Retreat in Oregon. He left Friday morning and did not return until Sunday afternoon.  I knew that my weekend was filled with things that had to be completed both on Saturday and Sunday... Things that I did not know if I could do or  not... involving hooking up a trailer, loading it and unloading it by myself, driving it without crashing lol, and working some really long hours for the auction that I didn't know if I was going to be able to do by myself.....

Well let's just say Friday night I was full of worry... and prayer.  The Lord and I were having a huge chat throughout the whole evening.  I came upon 2 Corinthians and I identified so much with it.  I felt very fragile-  I was missing Keith (Yes... even for just a weekend.  I know, kind of silly, but honest).  I started thinking... what if something happens to him?  What if I had to go through the rest of my life without him- (Yes, my mind was spinning a bit out of control).  I felt very fragile and doubtful of my own abilities.  

The Lord was extremely reassuring and I felt a peace come about me by morning.  I woke up early, pulled myself up by my boot straps and said, "O.K. Lord, It is You and I today.  I have a lot on my plate, but with You, I can do it!!"  Well.... the weekend endeavors went very well.  Besides a policeman stopping in front of my driveway to ask if I was trying to steal the trailer while I was tipped upside down trying to figure out the latch, it went smoothly!  I just laughed and told him, no... I was just trying to show my husband that I would be o.k. while he was gone and I could handle it.  lol

By Sunday I was feeling more confident in my skills- since my team mate was no other than.... God.  :0)    I loaded up the trailer one more time to head to North First Street.  Usually Keith leads the endeavors, but it went well.   Our team met at the Harley Davidson Parking Lot as we do every week to pray before heading over and setting up.  After our team meeting we headed down to our lot and started setting up.  Like usual, we had a group waiting for us- which was really nice because I didn't know if day lights saving time would throw them for a loop.  Nope-  they were there and ready to help unload and set up tables. 

I was so glad that the Lord provides for our "fragile-ness".  I felt exhausted from the 13 hour work day from the day before and I wanted to make sure and not "blow it" for our group who relies on the food as well as the clothes.  As 2nd Corinthians says-  in our fragile human-ness, God's Glory is able to shine through and touch those around us so that they know it has to be God and not us.  One of our homeless friends shared that "We would not believe how much it has helped to have us come down through the winter.  He said that it has helped so many people."  God has awesome ways of letting us know that it is worth  the time, effort, and love.  That all the help from our Awesome team, donors, and wonderful people who bake is not in vain... That in our fragile clay pots- God's Glory is radiating out and penetrating souls.... Thank you Jesus!!!

What is so cool is that God always provides our needs-  we had some volunteers out because they were sick, others were out of town, etc. but he always brings other people to step in and make things happen.  He makes a way because it is His endeavor and not our own.  He makes a way because it is about His agenda and not the silly details of our own.  .... Thank you Jesus!!

David and Mike were back this week :0)  but Chris wasn't :0(  I hope that she is o.k.  I heard that she has been trying to kick heroine on her own, but hasn't been very successful.  She needs it so much that she shoots it up in her eye to get the quickest high.  I also heard that she has hep C which all makes me so sad.  Next time I see her,  I need to ask her if she knows Jesus.... I hope that I get to see her again and I am sorry that I haven't said that to her before now.  I am so glad Lord that you are able to show your glory through my fragile clay pot..... Thank you Jesus!!!

Last week Keith had promised two people tents for this week.  My brother brought by two tents last week that he wanted to donate... wow coincidence??? Of course not!  God is so fun to watch!!! Well..... I wasn't sure who the tents were promised to so.... let's just say that before Keith arrived from his trip... I had promised 7 people tents and I only had 2... oops!  See... the overnight shelters around town close this week because it is almost spring, so all of the people who sleep in the overnight shelters around town will be out on the street by the weekend.  I told the people that I promised things to to hold on and wait until Keith arrived.  Our team prayed as we always do at closing and were joined by about 12 homeless people who joined us. It was a truly beautiful prayer that Doug led us in....a prayer that included all the people on both sides of the box..... Than you Jesus!!!

 Keith arrived at North 1st Street about 3:00 right about the time we were packing up and getting ready to leave.  I broke the news that I had accidentally promised too many tents and sleeping bags..... and that the group of people over by the fence were waiting there so that I could go round them up what they needed.   Once again... my fragile clay pot.... had gotten me into a fix that only God could help me work out.   Keith and I climbed into the car and said, "We'll be back in an hour!"  Thankfully Goodwill had an abundance of sleeping bags (which is so odd because usually I only see a few hanging and this time there were about 14).  We grabbed the sleeping bags that we needed as well as a blanket for each person then continued our adventure in finding sleeping bags and tarps.  Let's just say that God is so so so Amazing! 

Shortly after... we pulled into the lot and had the joy of handing out a sleeping bag and blanket to each person as well as tents and tarps for each group that we had promised them to.  It was such an honor to represent God's Goodness in this way.  They were so very thankful.  It is amazing to see hearts soften to the Lord when he meets them right at their dire need.  They asked to pray this time... so we all locked arms and gave praise to Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior!!!  With thanksgiving... we hugged goodbye and went on our way. 

One of the couples that we brought a tent to were staying on the other side of town, so we loaded their things up in the car and took them to their destination.  It was a woman in her early 30's and her fiance.  They were from the lower valley and had lost all of their things in a house fire.  Because they did not have family in state- they were homeless.  The lady cried and said, "I never thought this would be me."  She said, "I have seen people on corners before and thought- Get a job, but I never thought I would be in this position."  My heart went out to this couple so much because they were different.  They did not appear to be "addicts" as most of our homeless friends are, but rather- very nice people who are temporarily homeless and trying to make the most of it.  Because they had so many bags to carry- we were able to help them get to their destination.  I pass by them every day on the way to work and can't help but look out over the highway and pray that their night was peaceful and that they were able to stay safe.  It will be an honor and a blessing to be able to help them with some of their other needs throughout the next week or two.  Please be in prayer for them that the fiancee will be able to find work so that their living situation will be able to improve shortly.  God's Glory shone through our fragile clay pots.... so that they knew that it was God's Glory and not our own!!  We shared the Lord with them, exchanged hugs, and off we went back to our world where two days prior I had been worrying about how I would handle the events of the weekend alone.... wow... what would it be like if I had to handle the freezing nights with no home... and an unsure future!  Thank you God for shining through our fragile clay pots....

Dear Lord-  It is such a humbling experience to be one of your ambassadors.  I love reaching out in my own weakness and feel You streaming through me like water pushing over a waterfall.  I pray that everyday I will grow closer to you as I try to see with "Jesus Eyes" rather than my own.  All My Love Forever-  Camille :0)

After The Curtain Is Down....

 (This is part 2 of a 2 part blog. Part 1 of 2  is the blog right below this one :0)  We have no idea what happens after we leave North 1st Street.  We do not know where our friends go, what they do, or what impact we have made on them.  We all pack up our things, close the trailer door, hop in our cars and head back to our own homes.  This past Sunday we were able to see some more fun "God sightings" after we packed up.  As you read in the previous blog, we ordered tacos from "George's" taco place.  Well after we got back home and unloaded, we had to go back and pay George for the tacos which led us right back down to North 1st Street.  When we first got down to George's he was very busy getting orders for people so he invited us into the kitchen to sit and wait until he was ready.  It was nice and toasty warm and was also fun watching George and his wife cook up wonderful food.  When George had a free moment- he came over and asked if we would like some tacos to take home so of course we said, "Sure!"  He fixed us up two nice orders and then it was time to pay our bill and go.  We settled our debt with George and then asked if we could pray for him and his wife.  They were more than happy to pray with us.  What a wonderful sight to see- the four of us with our arms around each others shoulders, heads bowed, giving glory to God and asking for prosperity for George and his wife's business.  Big hugs were exchanged and then we were off headed back towards home. 
      Keith looked at me and said, "You know now we need to find someone to bless with these tacos."  A big smile came over my face because I knew that was what he was going to say.... it is so fun walking in the spirit!  We made our way up the road and stopped at a motel where an older man lives with his wife.  We had some clothes to drop off to them that we had promised.  They lived in a tiny little motel room that was very full, but their smiles beamed through the darkness of the night with thanks and blessings!  Who says you have to have a lot to be filled with joy?  As long as Jesus is in the mix, the other details don't seem quite so necessary.   We continued down the road to a different motel where we had to drop off some school supplies- (Long story- but we met them at least a month ago and had school supplies for them then...but some how they were lost in the hustle bustle of North 1st Street) Let's just say the supplies were long overdue.  Five children sat playing video games in a darkened motel room... so happy to get the supplies.... that was home... I take a lot for granted.  It never ceases to "hit me in the gut" every time I see the conditions many people live in.  Needless to say- we said, "Bless you guys and be safe!" then off we went down the street. (Never a dull moment lol) 
     Well.... remember the tacos?  Yes... we still had to find who was going to be treated to some yummy tacos.  It didn't take long to spot a young man walking down the other side of the street with his backpack on... "Yep- he's one of ours," Keith said-  The young man was just getting ready to cross the street under the street light when we pulled up with our window rolled down.  "Hey man- are you hungry?  Would you like some food?" "Ya!  Thanks!! Wow-  what do you guys do just drive around looking for people to give stuff to?" responded the young man.  We laughed and said, "Sort of"  The guy replied, "You just made the worst day of my life better."  Our mouths about dropped down to our feet.  We asked what was going on and he told us how he had just had a big fight with his girlfriend.  He said that he left his infant baby and girlfriend because he did not want to have a "domestic".  He knew that it would escalate and he would wind up in jail so he left the place with his backpack and headed out on the streets.  It was obvious that he was really shaken up.  We praised him over and over again for the really good choice that he made by getting out before something got out of hand and then Keith asked if we could pray for him.  With heads bowed and Keith's hand on his shoulder, we prayed for strength, wisdom, for his little baby, and for a peaceful reconciliation with his girl.  He thanked us again and with tears in his eyes walked off.  (Again.. this is so not about us!  And it is SO SO all about God and how great He is... How great it is to walk in His Spirit.... and how being a christian really is anything but "boring".   :0)
     Well... as you know- there is still one box of tacos left... Hmmmm who is going to get to eat the last box of yummy tacos?  We kept heading in the direction of home and before we knew it there was a friendly man standing on the corner with a sign... and a dog... Now it was my turn... I rolled down my window and held out the box of tacos- "Hi-  would you like some yummy tacos for dinner?"  He gave the biggest smile and whopped- "Yes indeed!-"  It was great to see him so thrilled and I have to admit... I felt quite a rush of pure joy also!!! Well..... we headed on home and settled in with our own dinner and routines of the evening, but no matter what... we couldn't help but think of what a fun day it had been!  Thank you Jesus for teaching me every day how great it is to walk with You!! I love You! In Jesus Name- Amen!!! :0)

Our Identity....

Our identity as Christians is in Christ Jesus who died on the cross for our sins.  We are God's adopted children...Ephesians 1:4 "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.  In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will... "   We are "Made Alive in Christ!" and we are "One in Christ!"  I love Ephesians because it was the one chapter that I continue to cling to since I have been saved.  When I first became a Christian I read the words over and over in Ephesians because I was no longer defined by my sins, but rather defined by the forgiveness and grace from God our Father!  I was no longer the clumsy, awkward, divorced, single mom, with a drug addicted ex-husband.  I was no longer the dysfunctional person that just couldn't get it together... I was gifted into a place of forgiveness, grace, and mercy.  I was a chosen, predestined, forgiven, precious child of God!  Thank you Jesus!!
     This identity in Christ is so important because it helps explain to me what is inside every single person... and that is a desire to be "somebody"... not the "paranoid schizophrenic" or the "crack whore" or the "drug addict" or the "homeless guy".  I am guilty of identifying the people who we have been serving for the past 4 months with some of these terms.  I used the word prostitute rather than "whore" but it is no better because what I was missing was the fact that they have names and they are people who should not be identified by their sins but rather by who they are.  Some are believers and some are not believers (yet)  :0)   but they are all God's creations!  (Dear Lord please forgive me now for labeling your children.  Pls. help me to continue to see the people they are.) 
    This occurred to me as I was listening to two women fight this week down on North 1st.  A woman's teenage children had called another woman a "whore" and she was ready to let them have it.  It struck me that the word "whore" is a terrible insult even if the person sells her body for money/drugs.  Last week a lady was ready to pull out a knife and mess a guy up for calling her that.... what these women have taught me is that in their hearts, they know that they desire to be more than their actions and choices.  We are all so much more than our choices... we are human beings with feelings and a soul that desires to be loved and accepted... It is only Jesus Christ who can completely fill that role...
My prayer is that we will build enough of a relationship with our new friends that we can introduce them to Jesus.... So far... I think that relationship is developing in the right direction week after week.
     I truly believe that they know that we truly care and are concerned with their well being.  I believe that they are drawn to the love of Christ that pours out on them.  It was so fun this week... My job at first was to walk along the line of people who were waiting for food and offer them treats.  I had a box full of little bags filled with Cheetos, fruit snacks, candy, chips, and almonds.  I walked along and offered them a snack while they were standing in line waiting for their lunch.  ( It also helped keep the agitation down.  Hungry stomachs mixed with paranoia, coming off drugs or right in the middle of a high, standing with friends as well as enemies of the street tends to make for agitated people.)  Well I was able to walk along and offer them a treat as well as a kind smile, "How was your week?", or a  "Happy to see you back!"-  It is the best feeling to feel Jesus' love flowing out and seeing their response to it.  Sometimes there might be an anti-social "no-thanks" accompanied with no eye contact and a turned shoulder... but I think that is a reflection of possible mental illness or past pain that I can't blame them for.  It is just an honor and a privilege to be able to serve the people who Jesus loves. 
     The day was beautiful, cold- but beautiful.  We had great volunteers who served with such love.  It was neat this week because we met down the street at the Harley Davidson Store with the volunteers before setting up so that we could pray together and all be on the same page.  Many bags of clothing went as well as many many sandwiches!  (Thank you so much to all those people who have dropped clothes by the house or spent time making cookies, sandwiches, treats etc.  You are so appreciated!  I pray that God blesses you abundantly!  You have brought much joy to many people!).  At one point someone came to Keith and said we were out of food.  Like "fishes and loaves" Keith looked over at the taco restaurant next door and had someone go and get tacos.  It blessed the owner "George" and his wife as well as our friends.  Shortly after... we found more sandwiches under the table and continued to hand them out.  All of the sandwiches went... all of the tacos.... and Olivia and I were still making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a few late guests.  Wow God-  You really do make a little into a lot!! Always enough!!! Thank you Jesus for your great great love!
     One more observation before I sign off to finish dinner... We had 2 more fights that were just about to break out.  (Thank you Bob for keeping the peace!)  In the bible it says that just the name of Jesus will make the demons run.  It talks about the power of the name of "Jesus".  I was blessed to see this happen.  Two different arguments broke out between people.  They were yelling and calling each other names... I felt the boldness of the Lord and walked up to each person as it occurred and say, "This is not o.k.  God is the one who brought us here.  We are sharing our food, our clothes, and Jesus with you.  You need to stop... now."  (First off-  that is not so much my personality to go confront someone and second- they stopped!  Praise the Lord!! On each account the person stopped yelling... apologized, and said they would stop the drama.  I believe the name of Jesus convicted their spirits and they stopped.)  Thank you Jesus for anointing our time on North 1st street.  Thank you for being our hedge of protection and for moving in places and ways that we can not begin to understand!  May we continue to serve you and I pray that Your Love Jesus... Penetrates Their Hearts!  In Jesus Holy Name- Amen  :0)

More on Monday...

So what does walking in the spirit look like?  I can't give you the 100% complete definition, but I know that by sharing with you Keith's afternoon.... you will get a better idea of what it looks like.  Keith left the house to "run errands" about 1:00.  He returned about 5:30 with some amazing stories so I would like to share them with you.  Keith had to deliver some equipment today in the lower valley and then on his way home he thought he might go hit some golf balls at the golf course since it was so pritty out.  He asked the Lord what He had for Keith today and which way he should head home.  Well.... Keith felt the Lord prompting him to go down first street and to stop at the restaurant that lets us use their parking lot on Sundays.  He stopped by and talked to the owner and his family, thanking them for the kindness that they have extended us.  Keith bought some tacos from them and went on his way.  Again he asked the Lord which way he should go... the way he went just happened to be the way that went by two of our homeless friends that we had visited with on Sunday.  Keith pulled up and offered them the tacos.  They were so happy- their faces lit up like a light bulb.  "We saw you over there!" they exclaimed.  "God Bless you!" yelled Keith as he drove off.
      As Keith continued down the road he saw a man trying to get across traffic with his wheel chair.  As Keith got closer he could see that the man had one leg amputated and was using his good foot to get across the street.  Keith pulled off and parked in the nearby apartment parking lot.  As the man approached, Keith could see that he was an older black man holding a carton of eggs.  They struck up a conversation and Keith asked him, "What do you need?" The old man replied, "Nothing."  After explaining that God sent him and that He has not forgotten the old man, Keith said, "Now, will you please tell me what you need?"  The man said that he could use some food.  He had just gone to the mini mart and gotten some eggs but he said that he only had 4 boxes of cereal and some milk.  Keith asked, "What would you buy that is a treat for you?"  The man replied, "Strawberry Icecream."  Keith asked if he liked steak... and the man said that he hadn't had it for 3 months.  Keith got in the car and grabbed a box of clothes that were there from the past Sunday.  He gave the man the clothes and said he would be back.  As Keith was walking to the car, the man said, "This is a good day."  Keith zipped to Safeway on 5th. and gathered some groceries then returned to the old man's apartment.  Out came two grown boys and a woman who Keith later found out were his sons and wife.  They helped with the groceries then the old man  rolled his chair out with Keith.  They talked a bit about Jesus and then Keith asked the wife what she needed.  She was twitching like a lot of the druggies that we see on Sundays as were the boys.  The wife replied to Keith , "I don't need anything."  Keith spoke boldly and said, "Look, the Lord sent me to come here so it is like God sent you an angel so will you please tell me what you need?"  The woman's guard fell and she softened with a smile, "Clothes, I could use some clothes."  Keith told them he would see them later in the week. "God Bless you!" he said.  "Thank you" the old man called out, "This has been a very good day."...... "This has been a very good day,"  this statement makes my heart smile. 
     When you walk in the spirit, you never know what the Lord is going to ask you to do or what you will encounter... the awesome thing is that you have a really good chance of making someone's day, "really good."  I want to live my life this way... I want to go through my day following the Lord's lead, being sensitive to His voice.  I do not share this to boast about how Keith is "all that" (even though I think he is because he's my husband lol)  No... I share this because I boast on the Lord... I want to be God's cheeerleader, to share how amazing it is when we follow His lead.  How "the little things" of God make incredible differences in people's hearts.   We all have access to this.  The Lord tells us in  Hebrew 4:7  “Today if you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.”  Lord I pray that you will help my heart to soften and stay soft... that you will help me to hear your voice and put your request into action!  Give me strength to be bold, to reach out, to put my self out there as your servant.  In Jesus Holy Name... Amen

Oops Forgot the Pics from this week :0)

Fun pictures from the weekend.... A beautiful day...with the Lord! :0)

On The Radar...

I love Keith's take on our day this past Sunday.."We are now on the radar..."  "Of Who?"I asked...."Of the demons".  O.K.... in the past I would have been really freaked out, but since I was there... I agree with him.  No fear though because God says, "Do not be afraid, I am with you." :0)  
     Well let me back up to the beginning.... This past Sunday we set out to North First Street with our rigs full and our hearts excited to see what the Lord would bring.  The previous two days bags of clothes arrived on our door step and we were busy cooking up a storm.  I may not enjoy cooking dinner a whole lot, but I sure enjoy cooking for God's people :0)   Keith baked up a bunch of cookies while Olivia and I wrapped a load of baked potatoes in tinfoil because this week we wanted to serve baked potatoes, nacho cheese, chili, chips, and some kind of dessert. 
     So with rigs full and hearts beating fast.... we pulled into our regular spot.  A group of people were waiting for us when we arrived and were happy to help unload.  We had a number of new volunteers so we took some time to organize then lickety split... the back of the trailer was opened... tables were passed along assembly line style and food was strategically placed to allow for the easiest access.  As the line of people continued to grow, we called people to press in a little closer so that we could pray... but first  God gave me a word.  The past two days He had been laying it on my heart that our guests were ready for a little more "meat" --- Not the kind that you eat... but more meat for them to chew on in their hearts... So I proceeded to give them the word that I felt the Lord wanted me to share.  It was simply that we had all been together for almost 4 months now which meant that they were becoming like family and if they were becoming like family then I would be wrong if I didn't share with them the truth that I knew about Jesus.  I explained that I would do the same for my actual family, so I needed to do the same for them.  I told them how Jesus died for their sins and that He wasn't asking them to quit drinking, drugs, or smoking... He just wanted to be invited into their hearts.  I showed them my typed out A-Admit that your are a sinner,  B- Believe that Jesus was real and died on the cross for your sins,  and C- Choose Jesus as your Savior to be the head of your life.  Nothing fancy, just the same thing that we tell our Sunday school kids.  We continued by praying for our meal and then we proceeded with the food. 
     What was interesting was that from the beginning of my "talk"  there was one particular man who was cussing and arguing in the bunch but it sounded at first like murmurs.  You couldn't really identify where it was coming from.  Part way through my talk I even said, "Hey- let's give God some respect here."  Many of the homeless people said, "Ya.. Listen Up" but this one particular man continued to be argumentative and eventually punched another guy in line.  Keith quickly worked his way into the bunch and escorted the man through the line quickly.  He did not want anything to eat and ended up walking off across the street- he was not very happy, but we were amazed how one person could cause such confusion and chaos in such a short time. 
     Most of the day was very peaceful after that.  People were eating, finding clothes, and talking in small groups.  Some of us were able to walk around and talk to our guests as they ate.  It was really neat because this one group of men said something that really touched me.  This man said, "Thank you so much for this.  You bring happiness to us every week."  He continued, "Look around at all of these people.  Do you see that they are happy?  It is you people who come every week.  Thank you for bringing happiness."  Wow!  This touched me so much because if you just glanced at the crowd, you would see people eating and getting some bags of clothes but so much more happens that we don't see.  God things happen, things in the spiritual realm that we are not even aware of.... David came today and stayed the whole time again.  He had such a peaceful look on his face.  He seemed sober and "in the present".  He even had a smile on his face that was so different than the haunted look that we had seen in the past.  David shared that he had gone to Westside Baptist to church that morning... I about fell over.  It wasn't just my imagination that he was softening... he really was starting to seek the Lord more than we had ever seen.  Spiritual things in the Heavenly's were happening....
     Partly through the afternoon two ladies came up that we had not seen before.  They went through the food line and started looking at clothes.  Eventually they wandered down the alley but not for long.  Shortly after, one of the women came back came back along the alley way and started yelling profanity at a young guy who was standing by the street.  Earlier he had been ranting and raving by himself- yelling into the air at enemies that could not be seen... When the lady approached him with cursing and threats, he directed his rants to her.  He called her very crude names that included the words "crack whore".  Let's just say that they were not received well.  The lady continued to approach the guy as she screamed a line of profanity that took care of teaching Olivia (our 10 year old daughter) the complete unabridged list of curse words.  I guess I don't have to worry about her learning them from her peers. (funny, but not funny).  When I saw what was occurring I quickly walked over and gently put my hand on the young woman's shoulder and tried position myself between the two.  I steered her in the opposite direction while Keith and Will intercepted the guy. 
     What was so crazy was what seemed to calm her down the most.  I said things like, "You don't really want to go to jail tonight, just ignore him, he is drunk- just walk away."  Those things didn't do much to calm her... but when I said, "It was wrong of him to call you a whore.  You are not a whore, you are a woman and you are someones daughter.  That was really disrespectful."  She stopped and looked at me and said, "Thanks,  thanks a lot, I appreciate that."  In all of her layers of hardness- lay a person who may sell her body to support her drug habit, but she is not a whore.  She went on to tell me that she could kill him if she wanted to and that he doesn't want to mess with her... which I am sure that she could... but the point is that even this extremely tough hardened drug addict who would risk going to jail or even prison for murder still had a heart that did not want to be crushed with the hopeless degrading words of a "crack whore".  God knows that even the most hurting person .... wants to be "acceptable"... wants to be loved or at least not be called "the worst".  She eventually softened a little bit and I was able to tell her that I hoped to see her next week. "Keep yourself safe this week God Bless!". 
     Well that was only 1/2 of the story because what was happening over with Keith and Will was flat- "freaky!"  Keith and Will kept talking to the guy- they tried to get him to calm down a bit.  He was upset and ranting when suddenly he stopped and started quoting Ephesians.  Keith said there was something weird about his voice and his eyes.  Keith looked directly into the guys name and said, "What is your name?"  The guy responded with his own name, but there was a defiant look in his eyes.  Keith continued to ask, "What is your name?" Keith pointed at the guy and said, "You have demons inside of you.  Come out!"  The guy screamed out loudly a few times and dropped down to his knees, then he started sobbing.  Will bent down and asked him if he wanted prayer.  Will proceeded to pray for the guy and then Keith did the same.  In Keith's prayer, he spoke to the demons and commanded them to leave.  The guy rose to his feet with a completely different look on his face.  He was crying and smiling.  He said, "Come on let's go pray with the rest of them" (By this time, the volunteers and some of the homeless were praying together in a circle as we do every week at the end.)  The Keith, Will, and the guy joined us in the group and we prayed again.  The guy asked for a bible and opened it as soon as it was in his hands.  Keith and Will continued to talk to the young man and give him some encouragement for his week.  He has a job interview this Thursday- so they encouraged him with this too. 
-  Wow, wow, and wow!! I don't think it has the same effect in black and white as it had in 3-D live action, but all I can say is wow!!

Was that comfortable? No... was it familiar??? Besides reading it in Mark 5..... No... but thank you Jesus for stretching us and helping us grow as we listen to your voice!  Thank you for helping us to get beyond ourselves and to peek into the heavenly's a little bit...  We want to serve you every day... please help soften our hearts so that we can hear your voice and see with "Jesus eyes".  We love you always!