I am always amazed at God's faithfulness when we step out to serve and touch people in love. Yesterday's trip downtown to give away clothing, first-aid supplies and personal hygiene items was such a great time of connecting. We had so many wonderful conversations, times of prayer and giving of practical aid. We can sense that the people there trust us and value the efforts we make to help out.
Patrick had a wonderful conversation with a gentleman during the giveaway who came to church today. Patrick is working hard to help meet some of his immediate needs and perhaps someone can come along side and help too.
During the giveaway Ralph came up and asked for prayer. When he was asked what he would like prayer for he responded that he wanted to give his life back to Jesus. He had become addicted to alcohol and let it push him away from Jesus. We prayed for him and then encouraged him to pour out his heart in prayer. He did and God heard from heaven I am sure. We encouraged him to not isolate and to connect with the family. Who knows, we may see him joining us soon.
Shortly after that we got to meet "Amanda" who is dying of cancer. She had visited Santa Barbara once before and when she was diagnosed she "came here to die." We listened to her story, prayed for healing and then bought her a round trip bus ticket to visit her 7 year old son in L.A. who she gave up to the foster care system. She will be back in Santa Barbara in a day or two and we are praying she will make good on her promise to visit us and be baptised. There was a sparkle in her eye as she left and was giving thanks to Jesus. She has a good friend on the streets who is a Christian and is working with her. Please pray for them.
After we had packed up a few of us were sitting around talking about the day when a group of college aged kids came up and asked us if we would like a free lunch. Turns out this crazy bunch of Jesus lovers were down there to provide a meal for the homeless. We went down and joined them for a wonderful meal, worship and fellowship. I was so encouraged to see these guys out there all on their own providing such a banquet. They had one of the homeless guys cooking the food they provided which was carne asada, sausages, pasta salad, tortillas and dessert. They had chicken in the cooler they were going to cook for dinner in a couple hours too! I was humbled as I stood in line with my friends who we just gave clothes to and was served by this gracious group of Jesus People.
The theme that kept coming up all morning was to be faithful in the small things. This was a topic that others kept bringing up and it became obvious it was the theme of the day. We talked amongst the homeless about how the giveaway is just one small act of sacrifice and service...but if each one of us would live a life of sacrifice and serve the other God could literally use us to change the climate on the streets. Many of them had stories already of the small things that they are doing to help others on the streets. We talked about how Jesus is the example of true love, sacrifice and service and how he can give us strength through by His Holy Spirit.
During the giveaway Ralph came up and asked for prayer. When he was asked what he would like prayer for he responded that he wanted to give his life back to Jesus. He had become addicted to alcohol and let it push him away from Jesus. We prayed for him and then encouraged him to pour out his heart in prayer. He did and God heard from heaven I am sure. We encouraged him to not isolate and to connect with the family. Who knows, we may see him joining us soon.
Shortly after that we got to meet "Amanda" who is dying of cancer. She had visited Santa Barbara once before and when she was diagnosed she "came here to die." We listened to her story, prayed for healing and then bought her a round trip bus ticket to visit her 7 year old son in L.A. who she gave up to the foster care system. She will be back in Santa Barbara in a day or two and we are praying she will make good on her promise to visit us and be baptised. There was a sparkle in her eye as she left and was giving thanks to Jesus. She has a good friend on the streets who is a Christian and is working with her. Please pray for them.
After we had packed up a few of us were sitting around talking about the day when a group of college aged kids came up and asked us if we would like a free lunch. Turns out this crazy bunch of Jesus lovers were down there to provide a meal for the homeless. We went down and joined them for a wonderful meal, worship and fellowship. I was so encouraged to see these guys out there all on their own providing such a banquet. They had one of the homeless guys cooking the food they provided which was carne asada, sausages, pasta salad, tortillas and dessert. They had chicken in the cooler they were going to cook for dinner in a couple hours too! I was humbled as I stood in line with my friends who we just gave clothes to and was served by this gracious group of Jesus People.
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