The Vision Is Manifesting!

Greetings in the name of our LORD! Ah sooo much to write about, so much to report!

I would first like to thank you for your support, prayers, and confidence in coming alongside of us in the efforts of bringing Jesus Christ to the streets of Gainesville. I believe with all my heart that if revival is to happen in our city, it has to come through all walks of life, including the homeless. God says He is close to the poor and contrite.

In Amos 5:24, God says, “I want to see a flood of justice…” Imagine a flood of God’s people going forth with a holy determination to change the path of the homeless in our cities, people rising up and, like Jesus, going about doing good to those who could never repay them. With every person doing his or her part, together we can change Gainesville and our country – ALL of it! “For the needs of the needy shall not be ignored forever, the hopes of the poor shall not always be crushed” “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (Proverbs 29:7).

We have seen such a hunger in our people! It is exciting to give you the following summary! For more than a year now, we have been building a foundation at The Bo Diddley Plaza. We started with 3 volunteers and 18 people to feed. There are now approximately 30+ volunteers (with at least 20 showing up every Saturday) and more than 80 people to feed. Every weekend we meet together in a close by parking lot to pray God’s Spirit to be loosed in His people and on the grounds of the Plaza. This has proven much fruit in our ministry. There has also been some resistance. But we are empowered and covered. We walk in our authority that Jesus has given us.

There are five small groups involved with donating, cooking, and serving at the Plaza, with a sixth one on the way. We are delighted! The LORD has really been placing on my heart, “Now is the time.” After praying through what this looks like, one thing He revealed is to begin a second feeding. We are happy to announce that we now feed dinner on Wednesday nights. We began this about six weeks ago. We had about 40 to feed with five volunteers and have already grown to 60+ with 15+ volunteers. Hallelujah! Jesus multiplied our efforts!

Relationships are key! Though we don’t openly preach, we are building the Kingdom one person at a time! We follow Jesus’ example when He hung out with the sinners. We are there several hours throughout the week. We eat, play games, meet needs, and talk one on one with our friends. It is amazing the stories that we are hearing; moreover, it is amazing things we are hearing. Monica, a volunteer, was approached one day by Ron, “We really like you guys. You don’t just come out here and drop your food off and leave. You make us feel like real people.” Monica was able to look him the eyes and say, “You are real people.” Both were taken by this. Fruit on both sides!

Mr.

Without a doubt, every week, someone wants to give back to our ministry. Ken gives me $2.00 every time he is there. Cowboy makes us trinkets out of bamboo. Mr. Jerry gave me Cross earrings. Mr. Roy gave us $50.00 one time! But the one that touched my heart the most was undoubtedly the most precious. My adopted brother, Tristan (6yrs old), went with us to the plaza. Tristan’s been before, so he felt pretty comfortable. He even passed out the bananas. Tim, one of the homeless men, came running up to me, “Hey Ms Jen, I got something for your little brother!” He told me how he had some clothes, and he didn’t know what to do with them but then God showed him when he saw Tristan. He then gave me a bag full of clothes! The coolest part is, is that they fit! They were Tristan’s size, and they were all new. It just blows my mind how God puts it on their hearts to give back… and he always provides the lamb to do so.

We are just so humbled at what God is doing in and through us! We have had several salvations, one at our Invite Sunday service! In saying all this, we are making our proposal for the next year to come, 2011. We have no idea what God is going to do, but we know it will be great! With your continued support, we believe that many more will come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, but not only know Him, experience the true love of Jesus Christ by building lasting relationships in and with each other!

On a side note, since July, I have been blessed to travel to speak in three states about homelessness by giving my testimony. It is always wonderful to speak of the greatness of God, especially when it is unlocked from inside of a person. The people we see every week have stories; they have lives, and it is a privilege to be a part of their story!

As you prayerfully consider your ongoing support, please know that it is our honor to be your hands and feet to our homeless community. The approximate monthly total for Wednesday dinners, Saturday breakfasts, Sunday lunches, and all our supplies is a minimum of $1100 per month. This serves approximately 550 meals per month and so much more. We have purchased endless shoes, socks, clothes, feminine items, and more. Your kindness is more than appreciated; it is deeply respected and valued! It is also bathed in much prayer.

May the LORD multiply to you one hundred fold for you generosity!