So just in case I'm a crazy girl, I've been reluctant to tell you any specific information about my Sundays. If I am crazy, I don't want it to reflect badly on the ministry I've been going downtown with or any of the people who are involved with it because they are not crazy. They are amazing! And almost every week I see them and just think, "Wow!" these are God's people and look at what they are doing for Him, BECAUSE of Him. Seriously, every week I am amazed!
One week upon my arrival to the church where we meet, about 10 guys came through a door and sort of fanned out with Bibles in their hands. And I swear, all of a sudden it's like they were moving in slow motion and I thought, "it's the army of the Lord with the sword in their hand, ready for battle." And they were. It was cooler than Leonids or his men could ever be.
And so you see, with statements like that above, I may seem nutty. But even so, it's amazing to see God at work. Without a doubt, our God is a mighty God.
For this reason, I want to share with you that the ministry has a new name and a new website. It's now called Urban Purpose. And I love it!
They just released a new video this weekend. It has many of the people in it that I've written about in my blog. They are my friends. They matter. God loves them and they need to know that.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
More stories
Even though I haven't posted in a couple of weeks, the stories continue.
Last week My friend J, who comes to my church through a homeless ministry, stopped me to talk about his week. I like J. I think he could live a different life. Of course, we all can. But, I just see him and think he is sooo close to changing his. But, I also worry about him. He told me last week that he had decided to stop drinking. I didn't know he drank before but it didn't shock me. No one ends up on the street without a reason. He also gave me an update on a job opportunity. It didn't sound like it was going to work out and my heart broke for him. I sort of regretted asking him about it because it put him in an awkward spot. No one wants to be rejected. Pray for him and those he has supporting him at church. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to live on the street.... Actually on the street, and overcome an addiction. But, at the same time, I'm hoping that he is getting a lot of support from his Sunday School Class.
I also spent about an hour talking with a woman downtown, L, who had been on the street for about seven months. She lives in a tent under a bridge with her husband. Once upon a time, many years ago, she fought in the Gulf War, Once upon a time she worked in Homecare taking care of others, Once upon a time she was paid to work with computers, Once upon a time she lost her 1st husband and then her 2nd. Once upon a time the computer company she worked for shut down. Now she is on the street. It's crazy. Just before I left on Sunday she asked me if I knew of a job, to let her know. People often ask us to do that. I think sometimes, the ministry is able to help some people out. But, honestly I've no idea how to help someone out like that. None. Zippo. I know about other programs in the city but none specifically for her type of situation. Clearly, I don't know everything (or much at all) but I'd like to be a little better at helping people out like her. I feel like I should at least know what sort of programs are offered through the public library. But then I wonder, how do people living on the street get a job? Don't you have to have a home address? I don't know. But, I intend to find out. Pray for this woman and continue to pray for the ministry as they continue to share the Love of Christ with others so that it will change people's lives.
Last week My friend J, who comes to my church through a homeless ministry, stopped me to talk about his week. I like J. I think he could live a different life. Of course, we all can. But, I just see him and think he is sooo close to changing his. But, I also worry about him. He told me last week that he had decided to stop drinking. I didn't know he drank before but it didn't shock me. No one ends up on the street without a reason. He also gave me an update on a job opportunity. It didn't sound like it was going to work out and my heart broke for him. I sort of regretted asking him about it because it put him in an awkward spot. No one wants to be rejected. Pray for him and those he has supporting him at church. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to live on the street.... Actually on the street, and overcome an addiction. But, at the same time, I'm hoping that he is getting a lot of support from his Sunday School Class.
I also spent about an hour talking with a woman downtown, L, who had been on the street for about seven months. She lives in a tent under a bridge with her husband. Once upon a time, many years ago, she fought in the Gulf War, Once upon a time she worked in Homecare taking care of others, Once upon a time she was paid to work with computers, Once upon a time she lost her 1st husband and then her 2nd. Once upon a time the computer company she worked for shut down. Now she is on the street. It's crazy. Just before I left on Sunday she asked me if I knew of a job, to let her know. People often ask us to do that. I think sometimes, the ministry is able to help some people out. But, honestly I've no idea how to help someone out like that. None. Zippo. I know about other programs in the city but none specifically for her type of situation. Clearly, I don't know everything (or much at all) but I'd like to be a little better at helping people out like her. I feel like I should at least know what sort of programs are offered through the public library. But then I wonder, how do people living on the street get a job? Don't you have to have a home address? I don't know. But, I intend to find out. Pray for this woman and continue to pray for the ministry as they continue to share the Love of Christ with others so that it will change people's lives.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Back Again
Sunday, I must confess, I went to church out of obligation. I wanted to sleep in; but, I had an obligation, so I went. I'm so glad I did because I was able to spend a little time with a couple of the fellas that have been coming to church through the homeless ministry. Last time I saw them it was before Christmas and they had said they weren't sure they would continue to come after the new year. So, I was glad to see them. One of the men had a new coat on. I complemented him on it and he told me it was a woman's coat. I could tell he was a little embarrassed about it. I hadn't realized that when I saw him so I told him it looked fine and that if it was a warm coat then it was a good coat. He told me about a job possibility he had heard about and he sounded so hopeful. I told him that I would keep him in my prayers. I so hope he gets the job. It seemed like a long shot but you never know. Sunday night I could hardly sleep because I couldn't get the men from my church out of my mind. I just want to make them be ok but you can't do that.
That afternoon, my mother went with me downtown to see what I had gotten so passionate about. I was thrilled that she took an interest. We had a good crowd. Some of the fellas we hadn't seen in a while were back and it was good to catch up with them.
I've gotten where I don't get to know the men as well because the crowds are so big and I'm often serving the food. I'm happy to do whatever is needed, so that is fine. And honestly, with my social awkwardness that is probably the best place for me. But, I sort of struggle with what stories to tell you on my blog. Much of what I share are the stories of other peoples interaction.
One of the stories I heard about this past week was the story of two of the ministry fellas asking someone on the streets if they could pray for him. The man asked them, "Do you know how to pray?" When I heard that, I literally sobbed. The man on the street didn't know the veil has been torn. Christ has come. We can talk to the Lord ourselves and you don't have to have fancy words. You just have to talk. After the prayer, he told the ministry fellas that it was a good prayer. I hope he knows he can talk to God himself now.
The ministry is about to announce a new name and a website. I can't wait to share it with you.
Please keep the men and women at my church and with the downtown ministry in your prayers.
God is mighty to save.
That afternoon, my mother went with me downtown to see what I had gotten so passionate about. I was thrilled that she took an interest. We had a good crowd. Some of the fellas we hadn't seen in a while were back and it was good to catch up with them.
I've gotten where I don't get to know the men as well because the crowds are so big and I'm often serving the food. I'm happy to do whatever is needed, so that is fine. And honestly, with my social awkwardness that is probably the best place for me. But, I sort of struggle with what stories to tell you on my blog. Much of what I share are the stories of other peoples interaction.
One of the stories I heard about this past week was the story of two of the ministry fellas asking someone on the streets if they could pray for him. The man asked them, "Do you know how to pray?" When I heard that, I literally sobbed. The man on the street didn't know the veil has been torn. Christ has come. We can talk to the Lord ourselves and you don't have to have fancy words. You just have to talk. After the prayer, he told the ministry fellas that it was a good prayer. I hope he knows he can talk to God himself now.
The ministry is about to announce a new name and a website. I can't wait to share it with you.
Please keep the men and women at my church and with the downtown ministry in your prayers.
God is mighty to save.
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