Downtown on a very hot Sunday-6/30/2013

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." --Romans 15:13

When I walked out to the car after church this morning at about 9:30, the heat was already starting to be oppressive.  I thought, "This will be a great day to take extra water and ice to my friends downtown."  I certainly got that one right.  With temperatures pushing a 100 in the early afternoon, it had cooled down some by the time I arrived at 6 pm, but everyone I ran into was pretty much fried from the heat of the day.  Before I get into the trip there were two things about the morning that set the tone for today.  One was a story that the pastor giving the Sunday morning message told.  He talked about spending a day with an autistic woman that he knew and that when she asked him for something to eat he realized he was going to have to feed her himself (she was a paraplegic).  He initially was totally uncomfortable feeding her, but then he realized through the Holy Spirit that this act of service was more Christ-like than preaching to a thousand people.  It's amazing to me how simple, personal, one-on-one acts of kindness always seem to teach us more than the information we can gather from reading a stack of books.  The other thing that impacted my day was a short video I watched on facebook about someone going to a chemotherapy session.  It was set to the music of TobyMac's song, Speak Life.  I had never heard the song before, but the message the song conveys is pretty much what I do with the people I meet each week downtown.  It's a very catchy and inspiring song, you can check it out on the youtube link below.

Earlier in the week, I had washed a bunch of clothes to take downtown and had the car loaded with, perhaps, as many clothes as I had ever taken on a trip.  The second stop about six or seven guys went through them and not much was left over.  In fact, one of the guys (Chicago) started getting upset with one of the other guys for taking too many for himself.  I thought they were going to come to blows over it, but I was able to explain to the one man that he was welcome to take what he needed, but not more than he needed.

In the photo from left to right--Chicago,Willie,Charles,Fred and EJ in front.

Chicago, who also goes by the name of Kenny, understood that I make several stops each week and other people can use the help too.  Overall, this stop was a great time.  I was greeted warmly (no pun there) when I first arrived.  Kenny showed up a few minutes later and while I was leaning into the car to get something out he hugged me from behind.  Several homeless people walked or rode bikes by and were welcomed with cold water and an opportunity to get some clothes too.  I decided that this was the place where I'll have the barbecue next week.  They are all looking forward to it.  I got to pray at least two or three times with different groups of people as they came by.  I had prayed beforehand that this trip would be a blessing and a happy time for the people I encountered.  That prayer was answered at every stop, but in a big way at this one.

Last week's trip I didn't see Antonio or Leticia, nor did I see John Stokes.  Since the week before the last trip was Father's Day and I didn't go that week I hadn't seen these folks in three weeks.  So Antonio and Leticia got the first crack at the clothes and Leticia insisted that I pray for them.  Now the scripture I quoted above, from the book of Romans, is a great blessing/benediction.  I had prayed this over each group today.  When I got to John Stokes he asked me if I would write it down for him!  Well, I had it on a card already so I just gave it to him.  Then he wanted to borrow a pen so he could write down the author (the apostle Paul). Can you believe how real the message from that song Speak Life came true!  Now John had received some very disappointing news since I saw him last.  He told me that the Social Security people are now telling him that he'll have to wait until he's 67 before he can start receiving benefits.  I'm sure you can imagine how he's feeling when he thought he was on the brink of getting off the streets and now they're telling him he'll have to wait two more years.

One of the last stops was around the corner from John where Maurice and Leticia live.  I had thought this was going to be the place where I'd barbecue next, but after everyone living there had been run-off, Maurice and Leticia are the only ones who have returned.  Maurice said he had seen Gabriel and told him that I was hoping to see him again.  Supposedly, he's staying near 14th and Central, but I drove over there and didn't see him.  Maurice and his wife are doing fine, we talked for quite a while.  Leticia asked me to explain what agape love is.  Apparently, they have been reading a New Testament bible!  I used it to read the Romans 15:13 verse to them.  They loved it.  Speaking life and words of encouragement, that's pretty much what I do down there.  Throw in some water, burgers and clothes and peoples' lives are impacted.  It really isn't that complicated.  Until next time. --John

PS.  Pray for the barbecue next week!

Here's the link to the Speak Life song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rK6O0YtBRY



  

Downtown Sunday afternoon 6/23/2013

"Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for He was going to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they [the Jewish leaders] saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."  Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I [will] restore fourfold."  And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a s son of Abraham, for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."  --Luke 19:1-10

This morning at church a visiting pastor used this text for his message about "acceptance" and "change".  He used his church as an illustration of how most people will not accept anyone different until the other person changes.  Yet, in the above story, we see a clear example of how Jesus reversed the process and 'accepted' Zacchaeus before there was any change at all.  Then, after a relationship was established, Zacchaeus changed on his own accord.  A couple of other examples were cited as well, the woman caught in adultery and the thief on the cross.  Both stories illustrated Jesus accepting the other person just as they were, before any change was evident.  In fact, with the the thief on the cross---before any outward change was even possible.  Then as an extreme example of this process, this pastor had an unusual anecdotal story of the day when three transvestites showed up at his church for a Sunday service!  He said that if one had shown up that would have been shocking, but when three showed up that was simply overwhelming at this church.  He could see the "people" talking amongst themselves (like the Jewish leaders in the story of Zacchaeus).  Well, this pastor walked over and started talking to the three men.  It turned out that they were homeless and had entered a "best dressed transvestite" contest and hadn't had time to change before coming to the service.  Well the four of them continued talking for a while before the service and seemed to have an enjoyable conversation.  All the while, the pastor could sense all eyes of the congregation looking at him with disapproval.  So in his conversation with them he told them that although he was glad to have them attend and didn't care what they wore, he couldn't guarantee that the "other people" would be as accepting.  The three understood and have been back many many times and always in 'regular' clothes.  So with this story in mind from this morning, here's what happened this afternoon....

I had already seen several people when I drove under the freeway at San Pedro Ave.  I saw a woman standing in an alley, almost like she was waiting for someone, but this isn't an area where you "wait" to meet someone.  Anyway, when I drove up and asked if she was hungry, it was a man, dressed as a woman.  How does God orchestrate these things!!!  His name was Cedric and he was 66 years old and 'liked to wear women's clothes'.  We must have talked for 15 or 20 minutes, he was quite talkative.  I ended up praying for him twice, the first time he dropped to one knee when I prayed and the second time was for healing of a stab wound he received about three weeks ago.  He was quite appreciative of me 'just taking the time to talk to him'.  He said it was the first real conversation he had had with anyone that day (it was about 6:30 pm).  What was the take-away?....God loves these people too!!!

On another note, I had hoped that I might be able to do a barbecue with some folks living on 8th St.  I drove down there first today and there was only one couple left there.  Apparently, the police had run everyone off that street a couple of weeks ago.  Maurice and his wife had left too for about a week and then came back a few days ago.  He told me Gabriel had moved over to 5th and Gladys St.  I'll have to look for him there next week.  We'll see what we can come up with for a location to BBQ.

I did see Willie with his friend Charles.  I hadn't seen Charles in two or three months.  Mel was there too and the four of us had a good time talking.  When I prayed with them, Mel continued praying asking for patience and blessings for us all.  It was surprising that he was so serious in prayer because he is usually a non-stop joke machine.  --Until next time.  John            

Downtown 6/9/2013

                               The story of Mr. Nan Guo

"In the Warring States period, in the third to fifth centuries before Yesu (Christ), there was a state called Qi.  The king was fond of listening to music played on the Yu, a wind instrument.  So he convened a band of three hundred players.  Every day  at teatime the band was called in to play the Yu for His Majesty.  Now, one of the players, Mr. Nan Guo, knew nothing about the instrument.  But, by pretending to play the Yu, he was believed to be part of the orchestra.  No one knew the truth.

Finally the king died, and the prince became king.  But the new king did not like to hear the orchestra.  He enjoyed solo performances.  He called each musician in to play alone for him.  This time, Nan Guo could not hide.  He was shown to be what he was!"

The point of the story is what Yesu (Christ) said in another story.  The tares and wheat grow up together.  There are those who appear to be playing the Yu, those who appear to be Christians.  Then, when they are put to the test, it shows who they really are...."   ----from the novel Safely Home, by Randy Alcorn, about the persecuted house churches in China and how dangerous it is to be a Christian there.

                                          ---------------------------------------------------------------

When I read this story this morning I thought it was an interesting twist on Jesus' story about the tares and wheat (believers and non-believers) growing together, who won't be separated until the day of judgement when their true identities will be revealed.  All during our lives we are faced with moments or opportunities when the decisions we make in that moment will change our direction or the direction of others.  Yesterday, was such a time as this...

For the most part, yesterday's trip was uneventful.  I arrived later than normal because my work scheduled has changed back to nights and I have to sleep when I get home now on Sunday mornings.  I was able to see Antonio and Lelicia whom I missed seeing last week.  I think Lelicia was worried something had happened to me.  When I told them next Sunday is Father's Day and said I have two kids and may not be able to make it next week, Antonio said they had a 28 year old son.  I also found out Antonio is 55 and Leticia is 53 years old.  As I was driving away from them I heard Leticia say, "I love you."  Not too far from them I found a man named Carlos sitting on the sidewalk.  He had a backpack next to him and not much else.  It looked like he'd been wearing the same clothes for awhile.  When I gave him some food and water I could see him looking up to the sky and pointing and then looking at me and thanking me.  It was another direct lesson on the difference between being thankful for help and being happy about being helped.  While talking with Carlos and giving him some much needed clothes another young man named Alex came walking by.  He had passed us, but suddenly realized what was going on and turned around and said something in Spanish while rubbing his stomach.  So he was helped too.  Before driving away, Carlos repeatedly said, "God bless you."

I also saw Willie on Wall St.  I hadn't seen Willie in a month or two.  He told me another Willie that we knew, who had been staying behind the auto parts store on Washington Blvd, had been held up and then beaten up.  Also, Tara Lee had been beaten up and received stitches on his chin within the last week or so.  It was a reminder how dangerous and cold-hearted living on the streets can be.  Willie also warned me about some of the people who have been staying around the two alleys where we've had the barbecues.  In fact, I had driven down one of them earlier and saw two men who seemed sort of out of place there.  They had declined my offer of help and seemed more interested in me moving on than anything.  So I obliged.

Well, I had helped another couple living under a freeway, his name was Paul and they had a small black dog named Magic (I'm hoping that didn't signify black magic) and then there was another man named Kenny who I found picking through trash in the gutter on Washington Blvd.  Anyway, I was down to the last couple of burgers and wanted to go by where John Stokes lives and find out what the latest news is on his plans to move back to Atlanta.  He's turned 65 now and is waiting for his social security checks to start arriving.  When I got to where he lives he had a couple of women there with him.  We talked for a few minutes about his situation and it looks like he'll have to wait at least until next month before he'll start receiving any additional money.  When I commented to him about his women friends he responded with a sheepish grin and said they were 'working girls'.  I had given John the last of the food and a couple of bottled waters, I don't know if he was going to share them or not.  I introduced myself to the two and they said they're names were Yolonda and Angelina.  We talked for a while and then as I was about to leave, John asked me to pray for them.  So, of course, I did.  So here is when "that moment" happened.  I had just gotten back in my car and hadn't even closed the door yet when Angelina walked over to me and asked if I was a pastor.  I said, "No, I'm just a guy."  Then she asked me if I thought she was pretty.  Yeah, I know what you're thinking.  Then she just kind of blurted out that her mother had just died a short time ago (killed in an accident by a drunk driver).  At this point, I knew that I needed to get out of the car to continue this conversation, so I did.  She then told me that she was struggling to get by and was ashamed of some of the things she was having to do.  I looked her in the eyes and told her that in God's eyes she was a person of worth and not to let anyone tell her differently. "Remember you were created in His image, He will always love you."  When I said this I could actually see a look of "Really?" on her face.  I then told her again that God loved her.  I said, "Look, I have two kids and no matter what's happened to them or where they are or what situation they're in, I love them no matter what.  The same goes for you, no matter what's happened to you, God loves you."  At this point I put my arm around her and said, "Let me pray for you."  I prayed that God would comfort her during this difficult time and provide for her needs.  While I prayed, she clung on to me like a six year-old little girl who needed the protection and comfort of her Mom.  What a privilege to have been there for her at this time as an ambassador for Christ.  I can only hope and pray that some other man doesn't come by with other motives in mind.  So here was "that moment".  It came by quite unexpectedly.  A month ago I had a similar encounter with a man named Dave who was living under a freeway.  He had asked me, "Will I ever get another job?  So here were two real people (and there have been others), in times of crisis in their lives, not knowing where their next meal will come or what the future holds.  They're feeling alone and abandoned by their families and society.  In Luke 19:10 Jesus said, "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."  My passion is to seek to serve Him.  My job is to be ready for every opportunity.        ---Until next time.  John           

Downtown 6/2/2013

"but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in my name He may give you.  These things I command you, that you love one another."  --John 15:16

Well this is the first video I've posted in these blogs.  It's a short but powerful video about love, a lesson on forgiveness from an unlikely 10 year-old girl and God's vast resources.  Yet it starts with the love received from God and played out in the life of Heidi Baker.  It's a lesson we all need to learn and demonstrate in our own lives.  I know not everyone is cut out to serve in Africa or even the streets of downtown Los Angeles, but we can all serve Him someplace and it starts with wherever we are now.  (sorry if there's a promo at the beginning of the video)

My last barbecue was September 30 of last year.  Shortly after that time, those people were pushed out of their 'homes' and run off.  They all scattered in different directions.  It took some 'accepting' of the situation on my part and then finding a new group of friends to bond with who are living close enough to each other and far enough away from the beaten path to do another barbecue.  I'm sure having an open flame on a sidewalk in LA county is violating some law!  So it has to be a 'safe' place in more than just the normal ways one might think (like secluded too).  Last week I happened to stop under a freeway on a small street off Olympic Blvd and in a matter of a few minutes five people came over to the car that I hadn't even seen when I first stopped.  They were people who lived in their vehicles under the freeway.  I thought perhaps this was 'the place', but after this Sunday's trip, I think around the corner from there might work out best. I have been praying about it and God knows it is a desire of my heart to have this happen.  But wouldn't you know that obstacles are appearing on the horizon.  One is my work schedule will change from days to nights for the next four months, so I'll have to be sleeping during the day on Sundays now.  With daylight savings time going until November (I think), I'll need to make this happen in the next two or three months at the outside to ensure enough daylight.  On the street that I have in mind there are at least 4-5 people living on the sidewalk that I know of plus the people in the cars around the corner and under the freeway.  Please pray for this opportunity to happen (that the people stay in place and that the police stay away for about 2 1/2 hours).  I'm thinking sometime the weekend before or after July 4th.

Sunday when I was with these people and brought up the idea the response was very positive.  The couple that I had seen there last week (Maurice and Elicia) was still there.  Maurice kind of mentioned we could do the barbecue and have some music and I could 'preach' to them.  I said, "I don't preach, but I do tell people about the Jesus I know.'  They introduced me to a man living on that street a few tents down.  His name is Gabriel.  He came on down to the car and looked through the clothes in the back, like they all did and we had a good time talking.  Maurice said Gabriel was a Christian and he and I talked for quite a while about spiritual things.  I was very impressed with not only his biblical knowledge, but his understanding of it also.  While I was there a couple of men from around the corner came by (one of them was Kenny from last week).  He had told me last week where Gary was living on a street called Paloma, but I had looked there Sunday and didn't see him.  Kenny said to look on the other side of Washington Blvd.  I'll look again next week.  While I was looking on Paloma St I found a man named Nassau.  He's about my age and has been homeless for almost 40 years!  When I asked him if he needed some socks he showed me the ones he had on.  They were black and were stuck to the skin on his feet.  He feet were in a lot of pain and it made walking around difficult.  That's why he was still on that street and hadn't moved on.

I finished up by going by where John Stokes lives.  The first time I stopped he wasn't there, but the second time he was.  He is the one who turned 65 last week.  He was hoping to have his Social Security check kick in this last week, but it didn't (what a surprise, huh?).  He said he was "so disappointed".  If he has to wait another month, he probably won't make it to Atlanta for his extended family's 4th of July celebration.  So we prayed about the government check coming through.  Perhaps they can help correct the situation this coming week.

Earlier on this trip I met J.J, Alvin and David from Rancho Cucamonga as well as Nassua who I mentioned already.  In the words of the video, I stopped for each one and got to pray with them too. It's really isn't complicated.  Until next time. --John