A homeless guy named "Rick" met me in the parking lot, where I've often seen him sitting on a wall. At first he had no interest in joining us for the service or the meal that would follow, but eventually he decided to come in. Right before the end of the service he stood up and asked if we would pray for his friend in the hospital, which our music team leader did on the spot. He ended up staying for the meal, where he met a few other men in the church. Right before he left he asked for a card - then he asked for more to give to friends he wanted to bring the next week. "I'm gonna pack this place out," he told us.
On the lighter side...
At the dinner that followed our service [pictured above] a musician who often works until 3 AM on Saturday nights was finally able to join us now that we meet in his neighborhood and at a more "musician friendly" time. He used this occasion to return a power tool he borrowed from one of our pastors...3 years ago!
After a few of us mentioned the likelihood of saying "This morning" out of habit, one gentleman kept track of how many times I accidentally said "morning" instead of "evening" after preaching the same message that I preached earlier that day. Final count...only 3. Yes, I am a creature of habit.
After a few of us mentioned the likelihood of saying "This morning" out of habit, one gentleman kept track of how many times I accidentally said "morning" instead of "evening" after preaching the same message that I preached earlier that day. Final count...only 3. Yes, I am a creature of habit.
Today I returned from a short (but long-overdue) vacation in Los Angeles. It was a great time of rest, reflection and catching up with an old friend. I've returned with a clearer mind and a recharged battery. I'm thankful for working with a team that allowed me to take this time away, even as it meant some of them taking on additional responsibilities.
Though I'm technically past the 1-year mark of my 1-year apprenticeship, there is still much to be learned. Thank you to you all for your prayers over the past year. Please be in prayer for our follow up of the new connections we recently made (and will be making) from this new worship site, and for continued good relations with the facility hosting our worship services.
Though I'm technically past the 1-year mark of my 1-year apprenticeship, there is still much to be learned. Thank you to you all for your prayers over the past year. Please be in prayer for our follow up of the new connections we recently made (and will be making) from this new worship site, and for continued good relations with the facility hosting our worship services.
Man, Such great stuff! I love that the guy came in off the street. I hope he does pack the place out. I appreciate your willingness to go to rough places, and your love for seemingly unlovely people. It has Jesus written all over it. As always, thanks for sharing, and keep us posted!
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