January 23, 2010: The Shift to Shamrock

We moved towards the Shamrock station this time around as the homeless group got moved again. This time we couldn't find our usual suspects of people we help but we found a new crop of people near the gas station, Shamrock. We spoke to the owners and they said it was fine we parked out to the side and serve sandwiches, fruit, and water there. We did however try going to the camp site, and saw two guys housed in a house that had been vandalized but was in the process of being built. We gave sandwiches to these two guys, but they were clearly drunk and out of it. At the Shamrock station we met Jamie and his son, missionaries to this area. And they shared the gospel message through the Spanish Bible. It was a very fun time for them and for us to watch them. Shannon, Jonathan, William and I were feeding them, but while we were at it, William and Jonathan heard about this guy who needed blankets and pants. They drove back to the SWBTS housing to get some of these items and came back to give some clothes. My wife, kids, Shannon and I spoke to various groups of people. I spoke to Reynaldo, who in Shannon's words, told the story about Noah and how they got drunk on the boat, and had a huge party. That was kind of hilarious. Reynaldo and I prayed for a little while for strength to endure the weather and the times ahead. Most of these guys needed jobs. I spoke to Antonio and Juan who were both from Guadalajara, Mexico, and they needed jobs more than anything. They wre grateful simply for lunch. I also met some people from El Salvador, which was interesting. I knew some El Salvadorians from Miami, FL, so them having made it all the way to Texas was quite a trip. They hitch hiked a LONG WAYS. Overall the experience was better than expected. I thought we couldn't find anyone, but it was God again, who came through and brought people to us. He's an on time God, and one that forever surprises me at every turn.

January 2, 2009: The Move to the Back

After being snowed out on Christmas day, we made an attempt to go on the day after New Years. It was cold, but not as cold as last week. We were moved due to the fact the homeless were evicted from their tent home across the street by the police. Jonathan Sharp brought bread, and some pasta. Jeremiah brought Chili, and Shannon teamed up with us to bring presents. When we got there we couldn't find the group. Then we bumped into Jesse, who told us to look over the hill. Once we looked over, there was a group of at least 10 that we could see. It was good to see two guys that were ex-cons. Joe, and Joey. How funny they had the same name. We got to share our gifts, as well as love on them as much as we could. There was a guy Joe Martinez who gave us his number so we can take him to church. The most amazing thing about today was being able to find a place where they are going to be indefinitely. Praise God for His glory. My wife and kids went as well as Isaac and Abigail both gave water. It was a true blessing to watch my kids love the honeless.

December 5, 2009: Transformation at the Tent

I was so thankful for this day. Not only was it for a great cause, but we got to see one of the men we were trying to outreach to in the past, come to know Christ sometime before our meeting. I made some mac n' cheese with turkey special, while Jeff brought bread and water. When we made our first stop at the campside down the Mexican Restaurant we saw that the place was vacant. It seemed that they have moved to another area. I told Jeff, "If we don't find them, we are going to leave." I had no faith that we would find them. But then as we crossed the street to the gas station we saw 2 homeless guys who pointed directly across another street that they had moved to this area. They had build this incredible tent, and now stay in there for the winter. There was about 9 guys and 1 girl all huddled up inside. To our surprise we saw Abel. This time around he was completely sane. He had gotten off of his addictions and sounded as if he had seen Christ. The funny thing is that some time ago when we had stopped going there for the past few months he had find his way back into church and received the grace of God. Since then Mario, a local missionary, has been mentoring him and allowing him to grow. He was serving and reading the Bible while we were there. They told us that they were studying the story of the feeding of the 5,000, and here we came with food. It's another example of how God provides even when we don't expect it, and even when people have no faith like me. They asked for jeans, and then we took off as my wife wasn't feeling well. All in all this was a great time. Praise the Lord for answering our prayers!