After seeing that prayer was so well received last week at the Plaza, I felt the LORD said, "Now is the time; The Kingdom of God is at hand." So, I started praying about our next move, spiritually. God said to let someone from the crowd pray. That would open the door much wider to acceptance and not rejection.

This morning, 8/28/10, I asked Pops (a different one from the mention of last week) if he would please say a prayer. He politely declined. I then appealed to the whole group, and a new guy quickly said, "I will," only to be followed by a couple of others who offered, too - AWESOME!

I chose the new guy, who I later came to know as Richard. He was about 40 years old and very short with clear physical accents of being Hispanic, having dark hair and dark skin and a strong pronunciation.  

He proceeded to take off his soiled and tattered red hat and bowed his head. At this, everyone followed suit. I kept my eyes open as looking over my flock. I mean... I didn't know this guy at all... just making sure he wasn't about to chant or pray to a Mayan god like Bacabs, the god of the four points of the compass who holds up the sky. (Pshh!)

Then I heard the words that changed my life and perspective of Childlike faith. Childlike prayers.

"God is great. God is good. Let us thank Him for our food. By His hands we are fed. Give us LORD our daily bread. Amen."

A resounding AMEN came from all around. The prayer was over.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so I chose the latter. Tears welled up in my eyes. In fact, several of our team wept. No one laughed. Everyone received.

So Innocent. So simple. So childlike. So Divine.

In Matthew 18, Jesus said, ""I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Richard came to Him with a suchlike heart, like a child.

I had to meet this man.

I sat down with him to get to know him a little better. He told me his name was Richard and he was from Ocala, FL, just 30 miles south of Gainesville. He then started to tell me a joke:

"Say we're in New York and we are by Pinehurst (As if I have ANY clue about any place in NY). We are playing a game of golf. You have four choices of who you want to be on your team: God, Jesus, Moses, or Noah. Who would you pick?" I thought for a second and said, "God, He would know how to slaughter in the right way." Richard quickly said, "NOPE! Noah! Cuz when we're done golfing, we're gonna go boating, too!!" - BUWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Oh my goodness, it was so funny!

For almost a year, we have been going to the Plaza feeding the homeless, while building a community of friends. Before we began going, God was very clear about how "not" to minister. He said, "Don't take Bibles, and don't openly preach or exhibit 'religion' in the slightest." This pretty much eliminated ALL assemblage communication, including prayer. Some people get offended by this. FYI: that's religion.

Too often, many express hurt because some who minister there generate an atmosphere that make the people feel less than normal, inadequate, inferior... like a project, a Christian pitch. They get a condemning message, a cold sandwich, and zero community for their time.

Love never fails.

However, the last couple of weeks have been different. Jesus is saying, "Now is the time; The Kingdom of God is at hand."

Last weekend, 08/21/10, was a MESS. A literal Disaster... so I thought. For the first time ever, all our food was unsuitable to serve. Our casseroles were raw, the grits were souuuupy, we were out of supplies, and it was beginning to rain. What's more, we were considerably late in arriving to the Plaza, but what would be the use anyway? The food was ruined. I was sitting in my car with the window down in the parking lot of Albertson's, all but crying. I didn't know what to do. I looked to the sky to pray, and there was the prettiest rainbow. Right there staring me in the face.

The promise.

All through His Word, God has promised to take care of the poor, the broken, and the needy. He loves them with an everlasting love. He also says those who close their eyes (ignores) to the poor will receive many curses.

That day in the parking lot, He called the 80-ish people we feed "80 Beautiful Promises."

God has promised that He will always provide for our friends at the Plaza. He has. The rainbow spoke directly to my heart! I took authority over the morning, and took off in the Spirit! It reminded me of an experience I had with Fish & Loaves at Christmas 2002. Read that blog HERE.

Miraculously... hahaha.... GOD... the rain stopped immediately, the casseroles came together (but not the grits), and the rainbow has more to it's story.

We got to the plaza and I felt so frazzled. We set up our supplies as usual, and the LORD said, "PRAY." This was new. The only time we had prayed before was on holidays. I hollered to the crowd, "Can we pray?" There was a shaking in my voice. They all knew I was upset. I needed Jesus.

"Absolutely!" they all said. Heads bowed, "Father, (*gasp* receiving a breath of peace) Thank you for giving us one more day. Thank you for the beautiful rainbow of promise in the sky this morning." At that, EVERYONE said YEEESSS!! They had seen and received the rainbow, too. It was pretty incredible!

We started serving the food.

It was pretty amusing. So many people came up to me, patting me on the back, "umm umm umm, the food sure was good today!" HAHAHAHA - LIES!

Pops (one of many) had said he almost left because he didn't know if we were coming. But Bernard stopped him and said the most amazing thing to me. Looking me in the eyes, he said, "We knew you were coming. You are always here. You are so faithful."

- BAM - My heart melted. It wasn't me at all. Left to me, I am a perplexed basket-case crying in a parking lot. God was and is the faithful one. And, left to me, I'd like to sleep in instead of getting up at the crack of dawn on a Saturday. But, I can't. There is such incentive from God's love that leads me with such eagerness week after week.

This day, I discovered on a new level, they love ME, and I love THEM! It's not the food at all; it's the love, the consistency, the authenticity. This December, I will officially have been doing homeless ministry for eight years. I'm so grateful to have not given up when my life took a turn. I am reaping the benefits of LOVE on this day! Love NEVER fails!!!

Yesterday, Monday, began an intentional season for me. Some people think that to be "me" comes easy. Ha. I have to laugh. It is, in fact, one of the greatest struggles. See, it is exclusively my intention not to be me, but to be an example of Jesus Christ!

I have struggled the last couple of months in the spiritual area... doubting God. Not cool. But thank GOD, I know what to do about it. I'm a fighter. I'm a Deborah.

I COVET YOUR PRAYERS!

Over the next 40 days, I will be pressing in to Matthew 6:6 and Ecclesiastes 11:6 - Look them up. You won't be sorry!

After prayer and receiving confirmation, I have an AWESOME regimen that the LORD gave me to follow. I don't feel led to share what that is publicly, but I do have a couple of solid people holding me accountable.

BUT, one thing I do want to share is a book that I will be doing during this time: The Art of Listening Prayer, which is written by Seth Barnes. This is my third time going through this book and I still get SO MUCH out of it! It is very POWERFUL! If you want a copy, go here to get one.

Here are some challenges from the book:

Where do I start?
1.      How do I hear your voice?
2.      God, is my walk with you personal?
3.      Do I possess a hunger for a closer walk with you?
4.      What would an increased hunger look like?

What's my confirmation?
1.      Does it line up with Scripture? Prov 30:5, 2 Tim 3:16
2.      Does it exalt Jesus Christ? John 16:14, Philippians 2:9
3.      Will it produce good fruit? John 15:1-16
4.      Will it produce spiritual growth? Mark 4:26-29

How do apply it?
1.      Is there a practical way that I can apply what I am learning?
2.      Is there a particular person or place where you want me to minister today?
3.      Are you asking me to reach out to others to through some kind of ministry?
4.      Is there anyone who can help me grow in this area?

Thank you so much, faithful friends and supporters, for all you do and for BELIEVING in me! I could not do what I do without you!

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide
Under the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1)

 

 

 

Several weeks ago, I received a phone call from a young man from my church. He had met this woman who had need. I was able to speak to Lisa at that time. I asked her to come to the Plaza so I could meet her. She did. She also came to church with me the next day. Then she called me in the middle of the week and asked if there was church because she wanted to come! I went to pick her up, and she came to my small group that night.

I could not shake her. I genuinely saw something in her... a hunger. Lisa was obviously not your "typical" street person. I knew at that time that I needed to really press into prayer and fasting, for she could potentially be the first lady to come into the ministry home. As time passed, Lisa kept in contact and kept coming, rarely missing.

Fast forward about six weeks... On Monday, May 10^th, Lisa called me at 9:00 at night. We were just chatting. She wanted to let me know that she was safe and had a hotel room, and then she dropped a bomb on my heart! She told me she was really hungry and then asked if I would please bring her something to eat. My throat sunk clear to my toe.

Oh I remember it so well; being hungry. The immediate thought that came into my mind was one particular night on the streets. I remember many instances but this particular one just broke me. Oh my gosh, I was so hungry. I could not go on any longer. I couldn't walk the streets. I couldn't use another drug. I truly believe if I had not eaten, I would have died. I asked someone, a guy, if he would please get me something to eat, at best a $7 meal. He made his list of things he expected from me in order to get me food. I was so hungry; I did it... all. I remember feeling so disgusted and defiled. I was just hungry; why did that have to happen.

I refuse to allow that to happen to anyone else as long as there is anything I can do about it! When Lisa called me and told me she was hungry, I, in my pajamas, packed a bag of food from my refrigerator and cupboards and drove to SW 13^th Street with no hesitation!

When I drove off, I had such a burden in my soul. She IS the one!

Lisa knew she would have a warrant activated soon, as she accidently missed her court date. Tuesday, the very next day, it became active. Lisa was so courageous. She turned herself in. The next morning, I went to her first appearance, and the judge released her to the ministry.

It has been just over two weeks since moving in. The first thing Lisa did was go through Breakthrough at our church. She had the bomb-diggity of a time! She even got baptized! As you look at her pictures, you will see smile after smile. Ah Jesus! Lisa found amazing hope in Jesus Christ and has already developed countless friendships from the Body of Christ!

Every day, we seek the LORD through prayer, worship, and the Word. It is already an interesting journey. We both are being streeetched. hahaha. But there is a level of commitment from both sides to win the race!

I would LOVE for you to partner with us on this journey! There are multiple ways you can do this. Obviously, the biggest way is prayer and financial support. There is no gift too small. I really mean that! Please click HERE to give a secure donation to this ministry. As you give, you will receive bi-monthly newsletters updating you on our progress, and you can also subscribe to this blog by entering your email address HERE.

Another way you can give is with your time and talents! Lisa needs discipled! And I need your help!

Please email me privately by clicking HERE if any of the below information could apply to your interests in serving the Kingdom:

I have essential life skills and giftings I would like to volunteer:
_____ Discipleship                          _____ Computer and Typing
_____ Financial Training                  _____ Organization and Administrative Skills
_____ Sports and Exercise               _____ Healthy Eating and Cooking
_____ Hair Stylist                           _____ To simply hang out and love
_____ Teaching (Bible, Music, English, etc...) ____________________
_____ Small Group: When ________________ Where ________________
_____ OTHER ________________________________________________________

Second, I want to thank you even more for your prayer support! We feel them! God has been up to some pretty amazing things as a direct result of your prayers. We started this ministry in November, 2009 with four volunteers and 18 people to feed. Now, April, we have approximately 25 volunteers and have grown to 60 or more people to feed!

God is always enough! We have been blessed to provide a hot breakfast every week for more than twenty weeks! Each week, we have at least four casseroles, grits, biscuits, donuts, fruit, and hot coffee for every person there! You do the math! So many times we doubted God's provision and thought we would be short, but He has ALWAYS reminds us of the fish and the loaves. Sometimes, we even have leftovers that we leave behind. Just a miracle! One of the gentlemen, Mr. Al, who lives there, was telling a new friend about it, "You don't ever want to miss coming here. The food and people are the best you'll ever have. They're here every Saturday." My heart just melted when my ears overheard him say that! We want that expectation! 

 People have suggested to me that I should send in letters to companies for donations, but it is my desire to inspire the body of Christ to be the hands and feet of Jesus. In saying that, I'm very proud to give a shout-out to The JOY FM!! We go through more than five to ten gallons of coffee per week. That's a lot of coffee! The JOY FM (click here) caught wind of our needs and has so graciously and generously committed to supplying us with Certified Organic, Fair-Trade (our heart's desire) coffee that is literally called "Good Morning Gainesville." - NICE! Long and short, I am really amazed at our God.

Meet Mr. Ray! He is absolutely one of my favorites. (So many favorites, HA!) He is 59 years old and just now beginning to live life. He is openly falling in love with Jesus! Since we have been coming to the Plaza, Mr. Ray has been there every week! A couple of months ago, he said he wanted to go to church with me, so I picked him up. Since, he has gone every week! One time at the altar, God spoke to him saying, "I want you to love again." Given that, he has opened his heart even more to others and has even professed hearing God's voice again saying that he is called to preach! He asked if he could please get some books on God and theology. I LOVE IT!

 In July 2009, our wonderful Gainesville was ranked number FIVE meanest to homeless from The National Coalition for the Homeless. We take this very seriously! There are an estimated 1600 known homeless in Gainesville. We only minister to a small portion of those people, but we do it with great anticipation that the LORD is bringing those who need Him most and are ready for the Harvest! Again, we are growing rapidly. We give God so much praise! Wouldn't it be great if we could not only minister to these amazing people, but one day, have a place they can call their own... a residency. It is only one dream away from being answered! Though we don't openly preach at the Plaza, there has been tremendous fruit for the Kingdom! Lately, some have been asking a lot of questions about the Bible and making implications toward having a Bible study. Would you please pray for wisdom and Father's direction in how to go about this?

Spiritually, since beginning this ministry, the LORD has done miraculous things! The total reward is invisible to the eye, but I want to enlighten you to a small portion of the manifested fruit: Three have gone through Breakthrough (A Spirit-filled weekend set apart for God encounters), Three are registered to go in May, Multiple people have gone and go to church regularly (We go to lunch every Sunday after service, too!), Three Salvations, Two rededications, One Spirit baptism, and countless love encounters! Jesus IS Lord! We have been blessed to provide dozens of blankets, sleeping bags, clothes, and shoes, as well as other necessities. To GOD be the glory! He is our vision!

Clearly, the greater fruit is the Salvations, but we sure are having fun downtown! We are building a community of trust and Agape love. We just don't wish to be a preaching message. We desire koinonia! Often, we hang out just to fellowship with our friends. We have moved from the porch to the living room, if you will. We play cards, dominos, and have even had parties for birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Easter!

As you can see, I could go on forever! I just love what the LORD is doing... but I will stop here.

On another note, I want to give another shout-out to the LORDJ  - - - -

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SON, CHRISTOPHER, for finishing strong on his Freshman year at the University of Louisville!!! I AM SO PROUD OF HIM! Man has JESUS been so faithful to restore and redeem our family! Christopher is really discerning the voice of God, and I am well pleased! In church, Christopher heard the still, small voice of God say, "You are my son, and everything is going to be ok." HALLELUJAH!! (Never doubt or underestimate the power of a praying mother!) See Deuteronomy 30:19-20!!!!

May God bless you, again and again, as you give to the Kingdom of God! Thank you friends and family!

 

It's all too familiar. When you live through so much hell, when continuous calamity happens in your life - endless pain, rejection, deception, tragedy - lies get filtered constantly and even magnified in your mind. They are bombarding. Those lies become strongholds. Strongholds become a way of life. Life becomes survival... and nothing else.

This trip took me back to when I was homeless on the streets. I did "whatever" it took to endure just to keep going while never actually living.  I robbed, stole, cheated, deceived; life became a race to win, but there was no prize in the end, only a new day to start surviving all over again.

Here is a girl whose survival story is this:
She is 21 years old and was in school (she's a pre-med student) when the earthquake happened. It happened so fast that she could not run to safety. Very quickly, she was trapped in the rubble. She was swallowed up by the earth. It was dark and a suddenly cold. As she lied there hour after hour, though she did not fear death, she wondered if she would die. One day later, as she was crying out, some people heard her but could not dig her out. Eventually, they gave up and left. (I'm certain they had their own destruction to overcome.)

She responded by crying out to Jezi (Jesus). As she cried out to JESUS, she testifies that He sent her an angel. He comforted her with His presence. At almost three days under the rubble, she became a survivor! She was pulled out. She was rescued.

This young lady will live... unlike tens of thousands others. A scripture that was put on my heart immediately to pray is, "For the LORD sustained me." (Ps 3:5) He was her sustainer. For another miraculous story of how God sustained a little boy, click here!

Another Haitian pastor said this, "God let us know that He is Creator of His work. God let us know that He is here in the middle of disaster. In the middle of disaster, many passed away, the rest of us, God let us see His power. The new Haiti is to come!" --- AMAZING!

The "rumor" going around Haiti right now is, "If you are still alive, no matter the condition you are in, the TRUE God has a purpose for your life."

I AM HOME!!! ahhhhhh.

It was truly one of the most humbling, emotional, candid, eye-opening, heartrending, disturbing yet stirring and tender realizations I have ever experienced. It was NOT a mission trip. It was an exposure. I mean that with all sincerity. We witnessed so much....

I will be sharing some outstanding and miraculous stories as well as some very sad ones, too. I will also be sharing some provoking photographs and videos.

There was such a strong presence of God's hand of redemption and restoration! Haitians are more hopeful than ever. It is revival time!

I love you all so much. Thank you for making a difference not only in my life, but in the life of the nations of Haiti and the Dominican Republic!

Amazing.