For a very long time, my family would serve the homeless with different people from the community. We have seen many churches and people come out with us and my favorite saying at the end of the night is "we will be out again". Then we get in the Jeep and we look at each other and we can tell which ones will be back and which ones we will never hear from again. I understand that this is not for many people. Serving the homeless is a reminder of what could happen to us if we come under hard times. It's something we don't want to face.
In the last couple of months, I have found that the Holy Spirit works in a very wonderful way. We have had allot of wonderful new friends serve with us lately and one of the most amazing thing has happened. When they say something, we know it will happen. That is so important to us, but in turn the campers know they can count on what we say. When your homeless the only thing you can count on, is the word of your fellow man. The campers get promises on a daily basis and maybe 22% of those promises come true. When they see the promises come true and the know we are associated with a church group, then our actions are speaking very loudly. It shows we are Christians and we are obeying Christ. What a witness about our God when that happens.
I believe you are who you surround yourselves with. Like I said before we have had the privilege serving with some of the most wonderful friends these last couple of months. My family has seen great things happen with LOS, and I know it's because we have a group that invites the Holy Spirit in. With God sending his Holy Spirit to direct us, how can we go wrong? I also know that with the Holy Spirit working we are challenging Satan to attack. So, in that aspect I ask for continued prayer.
In the Bible it talks about sounding the trumpet. You know when someone in Jesus day would tithe they would drop coins in a jar. If you drop your coins hard it was basically bragging about how much you are tithing. And I know these friends would not sound the trumpets, but as a brother I am going to let you know what happened yesterday. We went to the shelter to feed some of the homeless, and Tina was greeted by a couple that basically was lost. The where trying to get home and they where stuck in Columbus. They have not eaten in a couple of days, and the where lost. Which in Columbus at the shelter can be very scary. We where trying to figure out how to help them, and Jeff (as my kids call him biker Jeff) was going to get them a hotel until we figure out how to help them. Then when he heard where they wanted to go, without hesitation it was load them up and take them and let's get them on a bus home. Then Ernie and Tina offered to buy one of the tickets. So, just when I thought that was amazing alone, when we where all standing in the middle of the Greyhound bus barn, we said a prayer. As we gathered in a small circle, the lady from behind the ticket counter asked for us to pray for her as well. Talking about feeling the power of the Holy Spirit work, AMAZING!!!! Jeff, Tina, and Ernie that was such a wonderful thing you all did. Not just because you helped that couple, but coming out and serving with us. Tina I have to tell you that like Stacey you bring a certain warmth with you that the campers respond to and that is great. As for Jeff and Ernie, my kids think where where big stuff having two Harley riding big guys behind us going through town. Austin said if people are not afraid of God they sure will be afraid of you two. Talking about having to correct his thinking on that.
Then a very special thanks to Bert and his family. Shaggy is one of our long time campers and he has a foot problem that was so gross. Bert and his family stepped up and had things that we where able to give him some comfort. some cream and soap and water. It's like our group works so well together. God has put these friends in our lives, and I thank him for this.
Finally, as some of you know the meal we prepared yesterday was donated by Tyler. He is 10 years old and he had his Grandma (who is a blessing already) send us money, because he wanted to help the homeless. He could have purchased a toy, or a video game, but he asked to help the homeless. Tyler you are a true gift from God. I thank you, and so do all the homeless you fed this weekend.
Wow, I look at this and think, 6 years ago I could never write anything like this. Using words like gift of God, Holy Spirit, sounding the trumpet, or any of these blogs. I could befriend some of the campers for their crimes, or even shake their hands. So, it proves that if I can change, than anyone of our campers can change. So, going from fighting in bars, to praying in the middle of a Greyhound stations, I think I like the change. Yep, God is Good!!!!!!
Something new I want to try. We all know prayer is so very important. So here are a few request please. Stacey gets feeling better. Stacey M comes through fridays surgery ok and Lisa does not get to stressed out. Shaggy and his feet. Our move this week, and that we find help. My friend Mike find a differant job. And a couple of friends that I will not name, are going through a hard time, and I pray for them.
Not sure who is reading this, but this is Michael Hogan raw. Once again, I am not a writter and my proof reader is on the road.
Everyone if anyone please have a blessed week........
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