Amazing Night of Ministry at Friendship Park!

So, I must admit. I was hoping for rain tonight. Rain meant Tom and I could stay home. I could work on my message for Worship Service tomorrow. Jesus House has made a commitment to show movies at Friendship Park on Saturday nights. 80% chance of rain turned into just a few drops. 7:00pm came and so did the clear skies. Tom and I load the van. Movie screen, projector, Sound system, blender and all the slushy fixing’s….etc. There are a few kids gathered in the park. As we unload three kids asked if they could help. I could feel the love and acceptance of God’s presence for these kids. After unloading, one boy helps set up for slushy’s with great joy asking if he could help serve the slushy’s and he did. Three other boys play with the microphones. Singing, rapping and having a fun time. We open the night with prayer asking God’s blessings upon our evening. We need water for the slushy’s. I’m walking back to Jesus House to get the 5 gallon cooler for water, and a young girl, maybe 8 and her little brother, might be 6 ask if they can walk with me. I said they would need to ask their mom. Well, mom was home sleeping, but big brother who’s like 11 says it’s ok. We walk and as we come to the intersection of Washington and Allen, Mac, my daughter’s dog is looking out of the upstairs window barking. I call his name and he stops. The young girl says to me, “you live here” and I said yes. I live upstairs. The younger brother says, “you live with Jesus!” My reply, yes I do. I live with Jesus. As we came inside Jesus House they are both amazed. They said, Jesus has a nice house…..lol The little boy asked me, “why do you get to live in Jesus House?”….Well I said, because He has asked me to help Him take care of His people.” Well, they thought that was just the coolest thing. We are now walking back to the park and the two kids are amazed that I live with Jesus. So, I said to them, ‘You can live with Jesus too” they asked how? My answer, “When you believe in Jesus He comes and lives within your heart.” The little boy says, Jesus died for us, right, I said yes, He did. I asked, is Jesus still dead, and they said no, He is alive…GLORY!!! And the young girl said, “Jesus, is the Son of God!” (Luke 18:16&17) But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. As the movie is playing and children are eating slushy’s and running around the park. I notice two men walking down the side walk with a look that said, “what is happening in the park?” I approach them. We have a small dialog about the movie. I ask them a few questions about themselves. They are new to town, both from Chicago staying at the shelter. I invite them to come to Jesus House tomorrow. And one gentlemen asked if I would pray for him. I am not one of those people who say ok I will pray for you, and then walk away. If you ask for prayer we are going to pray. I join hands with him and pray for him. Another GLORY!!! We are well into the movie. What once appeared to be tough gangster are now sitting watching “Journey 2” and the peace of God fills Friendship Park as the children play! Slushy’s come to an end. Tom takes the slushy and etc….to the van. I felt the need to walk over to him. Knowing that both of us were tired and really wanted to stay home, but knew in our hearts we must be faithful to that which God has given to us. I see the smile in his eyes. He had such a wonderful time making slushy’s with the kids. A man walks across the street coming toward us. We exchange hellos. I ask him how he’s doing. He say’s better, but it’s been a bad day. I ask if we can pray for him. He say’s yes. I ask if there was anything specific? He say’s with a desperation in his voice, “ I need Salvation!” Again, GLORY!!! Tom and I lay our hands upon him and pray. You would think it’s over. The van is loaded. We have three kids that we are taking home because it’s 10pm and they do not live close to the park. We pull in the drive to drop off two of the kids, and the mom comes out of the house, and then the 18 year old sister comes out of the house. Walking toward the van. Then the dad comes out as well. The window is down in the van as we are talking with them. The 18 year old lays her head on the door of the van and ask for prayer. She has a kidney infection from her drug addiction. She is physically sick, and knows she has screwed up and needs God to help her. Tom and I along with her mom, dad and siblings lay hands on her and pray in Jesus name! Wow! Can you say GLORY!!! You and I…. Ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ, He has given us the ministry of Reconciliation. He has commissioned us to GO. Preach the Gospel, lay hands on the sick, cast out demons. In John 4:6 Jesus was weary from His journey and He sat down by Jacobs well and you know the rest of the story, right? We must look past our weariness and throw ourselves out there in the midst of this fallen world to see the power of God’s love at work. (2 Chronicles 16:9) For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. (1 Corinthians 15:58) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the LORD. My many experiences with the LORD over the last 26 years I have learned obedience even when I’m tired and have a list of things to do, and wish it would rain so I could have a break. My LORD always gives me strength to do HIS WILL, not mine. And my Jesus, never ceases to amaze me. GLORY! Thank you Lord Jesus for being with us at Friendship Park tonight! You truly are Immanuel, God with us!!!

Immanuel

A few of us "Jesus Freaks" gathered for worship downtown on the square last night....as we sat with our instruments lifting our voice in worship unto the Most High God we were surrounded by a half dozen homeless people. As we worshipped, they listened and as they listened the peace of God fell upon them. It was a beautiful sight. To behold the peace and rest of my LORD settle their hearts, even if it was just for a moment.. Jesus came to them last night and sat with them. I was reminded of King Saul, who would have a tormenting spirit and he would call for David to come play his harp before him to chase away the evil spirits…..for two and half hours as we worshipped the Lord amongst the lost, the broken, ridden with not just addiction but hopelessness. I witnessed the power of the Lord’s Presence giving light to those who sit in darkness and bringing peace in the midst of torment. The Eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are His Everlasting Arms. Thank You Jesus!!! You are Immanuel, GOD WITH US!!!