Just want an Amen!!!

I just want an, Amen!!!

Here you go,

GOD IS GOOD!

What a year. Last night, we served our campers for the last time this year. Even though this was sad, the blessings of Christmas were in full force. It was such a night. I was so very impressed with our friends. You do not even understand the blessing it was to serve with all of our volunteers. Volunteers is not even a good title at this point. I am happy to say Light of Salvation has become a family. You can not find a more loving group of friends than the ones we have serving with us.

Last night we had a very special evening. We took to the streets with the intent to spread a the meaning of Christmas. There was not any cooked meals. No fancy deserts. We did have the spirit of Christmas in us that would make Jimmy Stewart proud. We had a woman that sang like an Angel that led us in Christmas carols, (thanks Penny), we had Brother Brian leading us in communion and if you have never heard Brian lead in communion than honestly you are missing out. You had the Jordan family handing out gift packages that one of her schools put together. The Weber family handed out goods that they have been collecting. Pam with all the Buckeyes and hats. Sister Regina with the coats. The Whitaker family with hot chocolate. Brother Jeff showing a couple of campers that Christians care and he made sure to hand out propane to keep them warm. We had Thomas and Alicia bring out a couple of my favorite kiddos. We have had the privilege of having my wife's father join us in serving. Several new families showed up and handed out items. I can go on and on, but the bottom line is that everyone had a love for their neighbor with songs, smiles, and joy. What an amazing night! I know the love of Christ was made known last night, not just from our friends serving, but even more so from the campers.

I wanted to let you know about how God works through all of us. Robert (one of our campers) let me know where his camp was and I asked to take some of our friends back to take a look. As we entered his camp he saw one of his blankets on the ground. As he went to pick it up, it moved. Another homeless man was trying to find a warm place to lay his head. Robert was shocked. Heck, I was shocked. We were able to talk with this homeless man and we knew he was cold. His name was Ivan. He had not eaten all day, and he had no clue where he was. Then our friends serving did what they do best. They went and found food and blankets. He was given hot chocolate, and gloves. Brother Fletcher prayed over Ivan, and Sister Lisa gave him a huge hug. Ivan teared up and thanks us for showing up and helping him. Had it not been for the Holy Spirit directing our group we would have never found Ivan. I ask you to pray for Ivan.

I want to tell you something. I am proud of everything you do. You all have made this journey such a blessing. I know you are who you surround yourselves with. I surround myself and my family with Christians that serve such a wonderful Creator. Our walk is only the beginning. This journey will have new faces to serve, and new friends to walk with. This journey is a true walk with God.

I am saddened every time we come across children and we did last night. It was hard for one young man in our group. Even though it was hard for him, it showed the love this young man has for his fellow man. I watched this young man during the night and he displayed love for many of the homeless. He was asked to eat some of the snacks that some of the friends brought with them, and he refused. He said these snacks are made for the homeless and that's who it should go to. Just another example on the kind of friends that join us on a weekly basis. Wow, I will say it again, GOD IS GOOD!!!!

Speaking of kids. I am a father. I have children that have been doing this since they could barely walk. They pray for the homeless through the week and pray with the homeless on the weekend. I will tell you that they are always full of surprises. Last night my daughter followed the example many of you have displayed. She heard a little girl did not have a winter coat and she took the coat off her back and gave it to the Mom for the little girl. My wife and I were in awe. Out of the mouth mouths of babes, huh??? I am one proud Daddy.....

The year is almost over and we pray that our campers, our fellow Christians and our family all have a very wonderful holiday season. We call our blog "Homeless - Diary of a Family Serving The Homeless" and we are happy to call you part of our family.

God Bless......