Part 5: February 21, 2009 - Fireside lunch

The event this time around was cold! We headed out there at 11:30pm. This time it was only me, Jonathan, and Brian Walker. Brian was the new guy out there, but he was a veteran at presenting the gospel in spanish! Just what a chingro and gringo needed. We brought Ravioli, and mutated hot dogs to the camp site just behind the Mexican restaurant. We set up, and had about 10-15 guys show up. A few new faces like Polo, and Roberto was there. Polo was incredibly drunk, but he seemed to hold his own, but his eyes were so red it was scary. He was incredibly thankful.

Before I forget let me mention that Gina Fortnor donated clothes from Northwood Church and the homeless guys really thanked us for all the shirts, jackets, and sweaters. Roberto was a mexicano cowboy. He was dressed for the occasion. He was from Mexico, and believed in Jesus as his savior. It was great that I till remembered enough Spanish to share the gospel with him. His brother, sisters, and family are all in Mexico too far away for him to keep in touch with. He was incredibly quiet and shy. Jaime showed up again with his religion hubaloo, but he was a great listener as he listened to Brian share the gospel. Jose another gentleman who came late was better dressed, but he hung around the same crew.

He was drinking, and hungry. The camp site was littered with a varmit they had killed, so they were cooking that to eat. Martin again was his crazy self. He drove his bike into the camp fire and tried to get in a fight with Jaime (A gun with no bullets was pulled out, but they ended up duking it out). Frank and Hector were really receptive to us, and Hector went to church with Brian on Sunday. We had a great day sharing the gospel, feeding, and clothing them. I will post some pictures following this post.

Part 4: February 7, 2009 - Dios le bendiga!

Today's outreach was great, and had it's own drama, but this time around I had lost count of people, food, and volunteers. The Philips weren't able to make it today because of their radiator blowing out, and a few others had to bow out due to prior engagements we were still able to pull it off with 4 families. This time around Michael and Tara Beanne joined us. They brought brownies, and some fruit. The Davis' brought cookies and Pilsbury biscuits, Jonathan chili, and Joanna and I hired Chef Boyardee for Ravioli and mashed potatoes. We had to make a temporary stop by CVS to pick up some water, and Tricia and Jeremiah dropped off more firewood behind the Mexican restaurant. When we arrived at the area, there were tons of homeless people there. I think this time around there were about 15 people being fed. There were a few new guys today. Eric for one had gone through a tough divorce, and Jaime who was punch drunk but stayed and ate with us. We met a new girl Lisa, and several other veterans like Andrea, and Suzanne were there. Lisa is enrolled online at Kaplan University. She seems to have help with one of her very good guy friends there. We prayed before we ate, and also spent time singing some songs with a couple drunk homeless guys. Praise and worship music gets REAL interesting when they sing. Tricia and Tara spent time talking with Lisa, which was nice. And the guys all huddled up with stories to tell. In the end we headed back to Anthony's house to hear tales of sobriety, and changes, but there seems to be so much pain behind those tough scales. We told him that if he stays sober for a day and passes a test, we will spend an evening with him chatting, and possibly guiding him down the right path. I am thankful for a 2 dollars and some cents they gave to us. It reminds me of the lady in scripture Jesus talks about who gave all that she had. These guys have little, and yet they give. I will post pictures on Monday when I remove the pictures from my PDA phone.

Part 3: January 24, 2009 - Chilly Willy

I can't fathom or explain in great detail what we did today, but it definitely started with its moments, and ended with tears of joy and gladness. This morning I went to gather some take out boxes from Krogers, Sam's Club, and the Seminary Food Store. They did not have any. Then I stopped by a chinese place which I want to name, but out of self control I will be nice. They had cartons upon cartons of boxes and they wouldn't sell me anymore than 4. At 30 cents a pop I was willing to purchase 30. That's 9 dollars! They would've had enough money to buy 300 more. They didn't budge. So I left everything in God's hands and decided to trust that our group can handle the load. Michael Philips, Jessica and their three kids, Tricia and Jeremiah David, Jonathan Sharp and I headed out in another outreach to feed and clothe these homeless people. This time the group moved further into the canal area, and camped out. They started a fire just inside the area. They were located just outside a restaurant called "San Luis" Mexican restaurant. When we arrived we pulled a table and put all the food out. There was Jessica's yummy chicken and dumplings, Jonathan and I made Maccaroni with cheese and beef, and Tricia and Jeremiahs bread, brownies and other sweet delicacies. The homeless guys were so happy. There were about 10 there when we arrived. Anthony got in another fight and this time he was bloodied pretty badly. He was causing trouble and Manuel another guy pounded him. Manuel was a great guy. His wife and children were at their homes, but he was divorced and separated. He had very little, but he genuinely wanted to read the Bible, and pray with us. There were other familiar faces, but I don't recall some of their names. I met Daniel, and some other guys that were in tears overall the support. The most touching moment was when Jonathan gave up his jacket for Anthony. Anthony was cold but he didn't admit it. In the end we prayed together. When we finished Jeremiah, Tricia, and I headed back to the seminary to get more firewood. We packed his Ford Explorer, and picked up Jonathan to haul over all the firewood. The firewood would keep them warm for the next three days as it will average in the high 20s. There we met Frank. Frank was sober, and wanted to get his life right so he can see his wife and kid. He wanted a shower, and work. But he would do all this for free. We pray that God will use these opportunities to show more of his saving grace. I don't know how this is going to work, but we will do whatever it takes to love on these people. When we left the second time, we took Anthony to his home, and he almost ran us over. It was fine, but it was quite scary. Anyway enjoy some of the pictures.