"Then the king (Jesus) will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when [did we do these things to you]?' And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' --Matthew 25:34-40
Last week's trip occurred on Monday. When the trip is during the week, the opportunities for conversation are greatly limited due to traffic congestion and my available time. However, I did see Robert that day. He lives near Alameda and 4th by a little mini truck stop. Robert is about 70 years old and lives off of the hand-outs people give him in that area. He is old, tired and speaks in a whisper. I had asked him last week if there was anything special that he needed that I could bring him. I had given him some food, but suggested maybe a blanket or a jacket. He said, "I could use a blanket I guess." So Sunday I brought him one. While we stood at the back of the car I asked if there was anything else he could use. I had asked if he needed some socks and he said yes to that and then he asked if I had a T-shirt. Now usually I let the people I see just go through the clothes and take whatever they see that they need, but Robert is so old and weak from years on the street that I went through the clothes myself looking for a T-shirt. Lo and behold I found a white T-shirt, just what he wanted! I didn't even know I had one in there! A sweet gentle smile appeared on Roberts face! That was worth the trip right there. We talked for a few minutes, Robert barely speaks loud enough to hear and standing by Alameda St doesn't help either. I asked him how old he was, but I couldn't hear his response. I asked where he was from originally and he told me "this area". I told him I was from "this area too". I prayed for Robert and gave him enough food to last into Monday. I was privileged to help him through his day.
Two weeks ago I wrote about a man named Carlos who I see hanging around some buildings in an industrial area by Washington Blvd and Alameda. Actually, he hangs around closer to Long Beach Blvd and Washington. Anyway, he has never accepted any food, but I had given him a blanket a while back and the last time I saw him a bottle of water. This time he accepted another bottle of water and we talked some more (he declined the food again). I saw him reading a book on the French language. He told me when he was in school, years ago, he had taken a couple of years of French, so he was trying to study the language again. I learned that he is from Nicaragua. He told me, "Nicaragua is in Central America". I told him that I knew where it was and that one of my best friends at work was from that country too. I learned the word for "socks" in Spanish is "calcetines". Little by little, Carlos and I will build a relationship. I am convinced that beyond the physical needs that Carlos and others have, the most important commodity that they need is someone spending some time with them. Listening to their stories and their dreams helps validate their lives as worth something to someone. Eventually, I'll be able to help them understand that their life is far more valuable than they ever imagined.....in fact, priceless to their Creator God.
During the course of the trip, I drove over to the Lincoln Park area. I ended up parking and using the public restroom facilities. As I was starting to walk back to my car a homeless man stopped me and asked me if I wanted a peach. He held up a bag with 4 or 5 peaches in it. I declined his offer, but asked him if there was anything he needed. He replied, "I could use some meat". I told him, "Well, I think I can help you with that. Follow me back to my car, I think I've got something there for you." It wasn't very far to get back to my car, but along the way he told me he was from El Paso and that he had just gotten out here a couple of days ago. He said, "Its too cold there in the winter and too hot in the summer." When we got to the car I gave him a deli sandwich and a couple of bottles of water. I asked if he needed some socks. He said, "Well, my socks are wet, I guess I could use some." I think he was surprised that I had some to give out. His name was Daniel and he was 54 years old. I got to pray for him too. The "coincidence" of meeting him was pretty amazing. To think I almost brushed him off as I walked back to my car because I was on a mission to go help people and here right in front of me I almost tripped over someone in my blindness who needed help.
A few months back when my trips downtown were finished I had stopped by a friend of mine from work who was in the hospital with a serious health issue. I saw him in the hospital and at his house when he got out and talked with him a couple of times on the phone. Word got around at work that I had seen this guy and gone to his house and prayed with him. Few people ever expected to see this man return to work, but last week he did return. One of the other guys at work who knew I had gone to see him came over to my desk and talked with me about how amazed he was that our friend had returned to work. We chatted about it for a few minutes and then just before he went home he said in all seriousness, "I guess that prayer stuff really works." Without hesitation or even thinking about it I replied, "Prayer always works." It didn't occur to me until a while later that pretty much everyone in our department knew that I had gone over to pray for and with this man. It was now a testimony to the power of God. What a privilege to be a part of that story.
Well, I'll finish this blog with a quick word on my trip into McArthur Park. It went pretty much the same way it has gone the last few weeks. I got there as my Spanish speaking Pentecostal friends were preaching and at the end, they let me preach too. While they are preaching I'm praying for the hearts of the people milling around in that area of the park. There seemed to be more people there than usual due to some "get the vote out" folks who were gathered around the statue of Signor Oscar Romero. Anyway, as I was standing behind my Pentecostal friends I noticed a few other Christians walking around in the park that day. One couple was a very young couple, I'm guessing in their mid to late twenties who walked right up to me when they saw my Bible in my hands. His name was Luke and hers was Katie. He had on a T-shirt with some words on it about Jesus so we had an immediate bond and talked for quite awhile before it was my time to preach. During this time I also noticed a Muslim family walking past us. I commented about this family later to the Spanish speaking group that was going to take over after we left and one of the men said, "I didn't want to have anything to do with them." I told him, "Remember, Jesus died for Muslims too. We'll never reach Muslims unless we're willing to talk to them." One other thing of note. A blind couple walked passed us at one point too. They both had their walking sticks out. My father was blind the last thirty years of his life and he used a walking stick too. My biggest regret yesterday was not going over to pray for them. Another missed opportunity. Until next time. --John
Monday, February 10, 2014
Monday, January 27, 2014
Downtown 1/26/2014
"So during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist. He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his disciples' feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing.... After Jesus had washed his disciples' feet and had put his outer garment back on, he sat down again. Then he said, 'Do you understand what I have done? You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should because that is who I am. And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other. I have set the example, and you should do for each other exactly what I have done for you.' " --John 13:4-5, 12-13
Where do I begin with what's gone on since the last blog? I've made trips downtown about every other week since I last wrote one, but haven't been able to write about them. My 'weekends' have either been too short due to my work schedule or filled with 'stuff to do' due to the holidays (or both). I've had some memorable encounters downtown and wonderful experiences at McArthur Park during this time. One encounter was at 14th and Paloma Ave a couple of weeks back. I saw two women sitting on the sidewalk near this corner and I asked them if they were hungry as I drove by. They told me they were and as they came over to the car they saw the clothes in the back and asked if they could have some. I pulled over to the curb and got out and opened up the back of the car. Well, three or four other people living on the street in this area came over and looked through the clothes too. The first two women, it turned out, were transgender women and one told me about her efforts to film (probably with a cell phone) what life on the streets was like for them. They both had that cough that was going around at the time. I told them I was just getting over my cough too and sympathized with them how it (the cough) just seemed to linger forever! Well, I gave out food and water and let everyone go through the clothes I had and then gathered them all around to pray. They all gladly and willingly came together for me to pray for them. I prayed for them name by name with my arms around their shoulders. I just can't explain in words how awesome this is and I get to do it most every week! Yesterday, I found a man named Ricardo in one of the old alleys where I have given BBQ's before. No one is allowed to live in these two alley's anymore because the police keep running them off, but from time to time I'll see people who are just kind of passing through. Ricardo was one of these people. He was looking around on the ground for cans and bottles to recycle. I'm guessing him to be about 40 years old and he was wearing a blue T-shirt and some fairly nice jeans and women's boots with about a two or three inch high heel. He accepted the food and water, but when he saw the clothes in the back of the car he asked if I had 'ropa' (the word for clothes in Spanish). When I opened up the back he asked if I had "lady's ropas". It was then that I noticed his "chest" and "booty" as he called it. This is probably why he was in a lonely alley by himself with a very small bag looking for recyclables, but God is faithful and leads me to the lost and broken because he loves them. I was privileged to pray for Ricardo.
I have to tell you about a man named Carlos. I have seen him sitting on the ground behind some industrial buildings near Washington Blvd and Alameda since early last summer. He doesn't really look homeless, but I guess he is. He is dressed OK and only has a backpack with him. He repeatedly turns down offers for food. About two or so months ago I asked him (since he turns down the food), if there is anything special that he needs that I can bring him. I suggested a blanket or a jacket. He reluctantly said he could use a blanket. At the time I didn't have one with me and then over the next six weeks I couldn't find him. Then about two weeks ago I finally saw him again. I gave him a choice between a red or a blue blanket. He accepted the blue one and thanked me. He always is gracious towards me, but just doesn't accept any food. Yesterday, he did accept a bottle of water. I'm wondering if he works in the area there and just can't afford a place to live. I'm sure he's very wary of other people in the area (it isn't the safest place to be). Slowly, I hope to gain his trust and friendship.
Yesterday I did see Willie. This Willie has been at every BBQ I've done downtown. Yet, he and Dave, another old buddy of ours, were run off from their place on Wall St near Washington Blvd shortly after the last BBQ in October by the police. They were cited for obstructing the sidewalk even though other homeless people living in tents across the street under the freeway are still there. Willie told me where he's been living and where he's been hanging out. In fact, the area where he's been hanging out was where I had just come from. I had helped a woman there by the name of Lee. When he described the area and a woman there that he knew (he didn't know her by name) it appeared to be the same woman I had just helped. Yes, I also saw Antonio and Leticia yesterday too. About two or three weeks ago I got a phone call from Maurice and Elaine while I was at work. They were concerned about me because we hadn't seen each other in several weeks and they wanted to know if I was OK. They had to move where they had been staying on 8th St east of Alameda (by the LA Times building) to the other side of the block on Hunter St. Some of the other homeless people living around them were making that location an unhealthy environment. I drove by there last night on my way home, but it was dark (at 6 pm) and all the homeless people on those two streets had 'gone to bed', and I wasn't sure which shelter was theirs.
I have to stop here and interject a story I heard recently from a missionary in Africa. She was explaining that she wanted to take some people with her and go follow-up on a church plant that they had started out in the 'bush, bush' as she described it. It required a boat ride and a lengthy walk after the boat ride to get to them. A famous pastor from a large western church was visiting them (the missionaries) and was going to go with them. He asked where this church was and she (Heidi Baker) said she wasn't exactly sure where the village was, but "we'll know when we get there". The visiting pastor was not used to doing or going anywhere with such 'vague' intentions or directions, but he went along anyway. When the boat ride was over Heidi and her group jumped off the boat and were going to swim to shore, but the pastor wasn't prepared for that so they took the small attached dinghy to shore. Once they got ashore there was a lot of mud and it was deep mud so that you couldn't wear shoes or sandals or anything on your feet or they would get stuck in the mud. Your legs got black from mud all the way up to and even above your knees. The walk in this mud was long and it was hot (like 110 degrees--after all it is Africa!). The visiting pastor was not used to these conditions and again asked, "where is it and how much further?" Heidi replied, "I'm not sure, but we'll know when we get there." About an hour or so later they came upon a woman carrying some water in a cracked container. I think Heidi said it was a old sink! Anyway, this small woman, carrying the cracked container asked the group, "Can I wash your feet?" Remember Heidi said, "I'm not sure where this bush church is, but we'll know when we get there." Do you think they found the church? Love has to look like something. So many churches here in the west get tangled up in the details of their theology and fail to act on the second great commandment, "Love your neighbor like you love yourself." It was a great reminder in the basics of theology for all of us.
Yes, I went down to McArthur Park and ended up being given an opportunity to preach the gospel in English with my Spanish speaking friends. I never know if I'll be given this opportunity, but while I'm there supporting them I pray for the peoples hearts that are milling around. A couple of weeks ago this group wasn't there, but another Spanish speaking man was there and he asked me if I wanted to use his microphone and preach. That was totally unexpected. Yesterday, the Holy Spirit was present and one man (his name was Antonio) asked for prayer (it was all in Spanish so I don't know the details). Another couple were listening intently (but left when I spoke--not their language I guess). To be able to pray for the peoples hearts while these obedient servants of God preach is a privilege. I'm blessed to be part of the 'team' and it is actually extremely exhilarating to be a part of it. --Until next time. John
Where do I begin with what's gone on since the last blog? I've made trips downtown about every other week since I last wrote one, but haven't been able to write about them. My 'weekends' have either been too short due to my work schedule or filled with 'stuff to do' due to the holidays (or both). I've had some memorable encounters downtown and wonderful experiences at McArthur Park during this time. One encounter was at 14th and Paloma Ave a couple of weeks back. I saw two women sitting on the sidewalk near this corner and I asked them if they were hungry as I drove by. They told me they were and as they came over to the car they saw the clothes in the back and asked if they could have some. I pulled over to the curb and got out and opened up the back of the car. Well, three or four other people living on the street in this area came over and looked through the clothes too. The first two women, it turned out, were transgender women and one told me about her efforts to film (probably with a cell phone) what life on the streets was like for them. They both had that cough that was going around at the time. I told them I was just getting over my cough too and sympathized with them how it (the cough) just seemed to linger forever! Well, I gave out food and water and let everyone go through the clothes I had and then gathered them all around to pray. They all gladly and willingly came together for me to pray for them. I prayed for them name by name with my arms around their shoulders. I just can't explain in words how awesome this is and I get to do it most every week! Yesterday, I found a man named Ricardo in one of the old alleys where I have given BBQ's before. No one is allowed to live in these two alley's anymore because the police keep running them off, but from time to time I'll see people who are just kind of passing through. Ricardo was one of these people. He was looking around on the ground for cans and bottles to recycle. I'm guessing him to be about 40 years old and he was wearing a blue T-shirt and some fairly nice jeans and women's boots with about a two or three inch high heel. He accepted the food and water, but when he saw the clothes in the back of the car he asked if I had 'ropa' (the word for clothes in Spanish). When I opened up the back he asked if I had "lady's ropas". It was then that I noticed his "chest" and "booty" as he called it. This is probably why he was in a lonely alley by himself with a very small bag looking for recyclables, but God is faithful and leads me to the lost and broken because he loves them. I was privileged to pray for Ricardo.
I have to tell you about a man named Carlos. I have seen him sitting on the ground behind some industrial buildings near Washington Blvd and Alameda since early last summer. He doesn't really look homeless, but I guess he is. He is dressed OK and only has a backpack with him. He repeatedly turns down offers for food. About two or so months ago I asked him (since he turns down the food), if there is anything special that he needs that I can bring him. I suggested a blanket or a jacket. He reluctantly said he could use a blanket. At the time I didn't have one with me and then over the next six weeks I couldn't find him. Then about two weeks ago I finally saw him again. I gave him a choice between a red or a blue blanket. He accepted the blue one and thanked me. He always is gracious towards me, but just doesn't accept any food. Yesterday, he did accept a bottle of water. I'm wondering if he works in the area there and just can't afford a place to live. I'm sure he's very wary of other people in the area (it isn't the safest place to be). Slowly, I hope to gain his trust and friendship.
Yesterday I did see Willie. This Willie has been at every BBQ I've done downtown. Yet, he and Dave, another old buddy of ours, were run off from their place on Wall St near Washington Blvd shortly after the last BBQ in October by the police. They were cited for obstructing the sidewalk even though other homeless people living in tents across the street under the freeway are still there. Willie told me where he's been living and where he's been hanging out. In fact, the area where he's been hanging out was where I had just come from. I had helped a woman there by the name of Lee. When he described the area and a woman there that he knew (he didn't know her by name) it appeared to be the same woman I had just helped. Yes, I also saw Antonio and Leticia yesterday too. About two or three weeks ago I got a phone call from Maurice and Elaine while I was at work. They were concerned about me because we hadn't seen each other in several weeks and they wanted to know if I was OK. They had to move where they had been staying on 8th St east of Alameda (by the LA Times building) to the other side of the block on Hunter St. Some of the other homeless people living around them were making that location an unhealthy environment. I drove by there last night on my way home, but it was dark (at 6 pm) and all the homeless people on those two streets had 'gone to bed', and I wasn't sure which shelter was theirs.
I have to stop here and interject a story I heard recently from a missionary in Africa. She was explaining that she wanted to take some people with her and go follow-up on a church plant that they had started out in the 'bush, bush' as she described it. It required a boat ride and a lengthy walk after the boat ride to get to them. A famous pastor from a large western church was visiting them (the missionaries) and was going to go with them. He asked where this church was and she (Heidi Baker) said she wasn't exactly sure where the village was, but "we'll know when we get there". The visiting pastor was not used to doing or going anywhere with such 'vague' intentions or directions, but he went along anyway. When the boat ride was over Heidi and her group jumped off the boat and were going to swim to shore, but the pastor wasn't prepared for that so they took the small attached dinghy to shore. Once they got ashore there was a lot of mud and it was deep mud so that you couldn't wear shoes or sandals or anything on your feet or they would get stuck in the mud. Your legs got black from mud all the way up to and even above your knees. The walk in this mud was long and it was hot (like 110 degrees--after all it is Africa!). The visiting pastor was not used to these conditions and again asked, "where is it and how much further?" Heidi replied, "I'm not sure, but we'll know when we get there." About an hour or so later they came upon a woman carrying some water in a cracked container. I think Heidi said it was a old sink! Anyway, this small woman, carrying the cracked container asked the group, "Can I wash your feet?" Remember Heidi said, "I'm not sure where this bush church is, but we'll know when we get there." Do you think they found the church? Love has to look like something. So many churches here in the west get tangled up in the details of their theology and fail to act on the second great commandment, "Love your neighbor like you love yourself." It was a great reminder in the basics of theology for all of us.
Yes, I went down to McArthur Park and ended up being given an opportunity to preach the gospel in English with my Spanish speaking friends. I never know if I'll be given this opportunity, but while I'm there supporting them I pray for the peoples hearts that are milling around. A couple of weeks ago this group wasn't there, but another Spanish speaking man was there and he asked me if I wanted to use his microphone and preach. That was totally unexpected. Yesterday, the Holy Spirit was present and one man (his name was Antonio) asked for prayer (it was all in Spanish so I don't know the details). Another couple were listening intently (but left when I spoke--not their language I guess). To be able to pray for the peoples hearts while these obedient servants of God preach is a privilege. I'm blessed to be part of the 'team' and it is actually extremely exhilarating to be a part of it. --Until next time. John
Monday, December 9, 2013
Downtown 12/8/2013
"I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly." ---John 10:10b
"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." --2 Timothy 4:2
Yesterday's trip taught me a deeper understanding of each of these scriptures. When I first arrived I drove around to a few different locations, not seeing anyone, before finding Dave behind the auto parts store. He was the only one there during the time I stayed with him, although I left food and water for Derek too. We talked for probably thirty minutes about a variety of things and people we both knew. Dave is from the Pine Bluff, Arkansas area and I have family from that area too, so we have a special connection. Dave is 67 years old and has somewhat of a business opportunity through his family, but cannot raise the initial money needed to get started. He told me in past years he helped a couple of his brothers get going and now that he needs the help it's not there. He told me he has prayed about this and wanted to know why nothing's happened. It took quite awhile of talking to him to finally identify his brothers lack of assistance, but when he did I told him that should be the target of his prayers (for God to work on their hearts) and also, that if they were in this business, he may have to start at an entry level position until he 'earned' their belief in his ability to repay them. I told him that prayer was his most valuable tool at this point, but that it isn't a magic potent and it usually takes time to see results. He wasn't real excited about his prospects when I left, most people aren't when they realize that part of prayer is persevering through the times when it seems as though God is silent.This job issue is part of a greater issue of the homelessness and all it's ramifications that prey on the minds of these men daily. The hopelessness that they feel and then uselessness that comes with it, makes it easy to see how this mental cycle leads so many to find temporary relief through substance abuse.
I helped several other men before finding a couple of men on a side street off 14th Pl. I didn't get their names and the encounter went far less than the way I wanted it to go. I'd say when I left them I was troubled on a couple of fronts. So what happened? I pulled up to these guys on my way to McArthur Park. I had a couple of sandwiches left to give out which I offered to them. What they really wanted was money. In fact, one of them suggested the amount of $10.00. Now I've had people ask me for money many times. I usually don't give out any because I don't come equipped to give out money. The two sandwiches cost a little over $2.50 apiece and I told them they would last them through the night, but they were insistent on the money. I had to tell them two or three times that I had none to give them. Finally, I drove away. I'm sure they had some choice words for me after I left. Oh, by the way, they took the sandwiches in the end (what a surprise huh?) So one of the reasons I was troubled was that I did have ten bucks on me and I have given money out before, though not that much. I usually tell people who object to giving money to homeless people that $5.00 isn't going to make or break you, so what difference does it make if you 'lose' it by giving it away. I accept the fact that I will get used by people in this ministry. It goes with the turf. I guess what irritated me the most was their rejection of what I was offering. So a scripture came to mind that showed me God's perspective on this. Now I've had people reject me and what I bring them before and it's always troubling. So I looked up the verse that came to mind when I got home and found it in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. I can tell you that if it's in the Sermon on the Mount it's pretty important stuff to learn and understand. So here it is in Matthew 5:43-47:
You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy', but I say to you love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven, for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you what reward have you. Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your father in heaven is perfect.
So my initial thought was God sends the sun and rain (good things) on the just as well as the unjust. So everyone benefits from Gods general and basic blessings. So these two men benefited from the basic 'blessing' of giving food away to the needy. But, instead of being thankful they were unthankful for what they were offered and demanded even more. How often do I have this same attitude with God? And over what issues? I've think I've understood more of the bible by serving the poor than I ever actually learned in a bible study! However, studying the bible certainly lays the groundwork for the understanding of the situations I'm encountering. The above verses also point out that there will be people who will use me, but this is just what the Father experiences on a daily basis. Makes you wonder how many people 'used' Jesus to get healed. Anyway, after this encounter I prayed my way over to McArthur Park.
By the time I got there it was near dark and very cold. The verse at the top about preaching in season and out of season applied here. Because of the temperatures, not too many people were around still. Of the small group of Christians preaching the man, Rene' showed up after I got there. He told me he had just come from work. The two older women preached first. Rene' and I were last. After I finished I talked with Rene' and the two younger girls, who I found out are 17 and 15 yrs old. The older one spoke fluent English and told me that plenty of people around there, particularly the homeless people, definitely understand English. We had a group prayer while the two older women were intently talking to some man who had walked up earlier and were giving us some trouble. They were talking in Spanish so I couldn't follow what was going on, but the two young girls said he seemed to be 'disturbed' about something. Well, we said our goodbyes and I look forward to seeing them next week. --Until then. John
"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." --2 Timothy 4:2
Yesterday's trip taught me a deeper understanding of each of these scriptures. When I first arrived I drove around to a few different locations, not seeing anyone, before finding Dave behind the auto parts store. He was the only one there during the time I stayed with him, although I left food and water for Derek too. We talked for probably thirty minutes about a variety of things and people we both knew. Dave is from the Pine Bluff, Arkansas area and I have family from that area too, so we have a special connection. Dave is 67 years old and has somewhat of a business opportunity through his family, but cannot raise the initial money needed to get started. He told me in past years he helped a couple of his brothers get going and now that he needs the help it's not there. He told me he has prayed about this and wanted to know why nothing's happened. It took quite awhile of talking to him to finally identify his brothers lack of assistance, but when he did I told him that should be the target of his prayers (for God to work on their hearts) and also, that if they were in this business, he may have to start at an entry level position until he 'earned' their belief in his ability to repay them. I told him that prayer was his most valuable tool at this point, but that it isn't a magic potent and it usually takes time to see results. He wasn't real excited about his prospects when I left, most people aren't when they realize that part of prayer is persevering through the times when it seems as though God is silent.This job issue is part of a greater issue of the homelessness and all it's ramifications that prey on the minds of these men daily. The hopelessness that they feel and then uselessness that comes with it, makes it easy to see how this mental cycle leads so many to find temporary relief through substance abuse.
I helped several other men before finding a couple of men on a side street off 14th Pl. I didn't get their names and the encounter went far less than the way I wanted it to go. I'd say when I left them I was troubled on a couple of fronts. So what happened? I pulled up to these guys on my way to McArthur Park. I had a couple of sandwiches left to give out which I offered to them. What they really wanted was money. In fact, one of them suggested the amount of $10.00. Now I've had people ask me for money many times. I usually don't give out any because I don't come equipped to give out money. The two sandwiches cost a little over $2.50 apiece and I told them they would last them through the night, but they were insistent on the money. I had to tell them two or three times that I had none to give them. Finally, I drove away. I'm sure they had some choice words for me after I left. Oh, by the way, they took the sandwiches in the end (what a surprise huh?) So one of the reasons I was troubled was that I did have ten bucks on me and I have given money out before, though not that much. I usually tell people who object to giving money to homeless people that $5.00 isn't going to make or break you, so what difference does it make if you 'lose' it by giving it away. I accept the fact that I will get used by people in this ministry. It goes with the turf. I guess what irritated me the most was their rejection of what I was offering. So a scripture came to mind that showed me God's perspective on this. Now I've had people reject me and what I bring them before and it's always troubling. So I looked up the verse that came to mind when I got home and found it in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. I can tell you that if it's in the Sermon on the Mount it's pretty important stuff to learn and understand. So here it is in Matthew 5:43-47:
You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy', but I say to you love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven, for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you what reward have you. Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your father in heaven is perfect.
So my initial thought was God sends the sun and rain (good things) on the just as well as the unjust. So everyone benefits from Gods general and basic blessings. So these two men benefited from the basic 'blessing' of giving food away to the needy. But, instead of being thankful they were unthankful for what they were offered and demanded even more. How often do I have this same attitude with God? And over what issues? I've think I've understood more of the bible by serving the poor than I ever actually learned in a bible study! However, studying the bible certainly lays the groundwork for the understanding of the situations I'm encountering. The above verses also point out that there will be people who will use me, but this is just what the Father experiences on a daily basis. Makes you wonder how many people 'used' Jesus to get healed. Anyway, after this encounter I prayed my way over to McArthur Park.
By the time I got there it was near dark and very cold. The verse at the top about preaching in season and out of season applied here. Because of the temperatures, not too many people were around still. Of the small group of Christians preaching the man, Rene' showed up after I got there. He told me he had just come from work. The two older women preached first. Rene' and I were last. After I finished I talked with Rene' and the two younger girls, who I found out are 17 and 15 yrs old. The older one spoke fluent English and told me that plenty of people around there, particularly the homeless people, definitely understand English. We had a group prayer while the two older women were intently talking to some man who had walked up earlier and were giving us some trouble. They were talking in Spanish so I couldn't follow what was going on, but the two young girls said he seemed to be 'disturbed' about something. Well, we said our goodbyes and I look forward to seeing them next week. --Until then. John
Monday, December 2, 2013
Downtown 12/1/2013
"Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Not last week's trip, but on the two previous trips I met a man named Derek who was living in the alley behind the auto parts store on Washington Blvd. Last week I ran out of food before I got to him, so this week I went there first. When I pulled up I saw Dave, who was previously staying with Willie on Wall St. I hadn't seen Dave since the last BBQ in October (nor Willie either). Yesterday, Derek was there and he was very happy to see me and I found out through Dave that Derek's dad is a man who goes by the name of Peacock whom I've met and helped before too. I don't remember what he looks like without seeing him, but I do remember helping a man in the past with that name. In talking with Derek and asking about his 'prospects' for getting off the street he said he was working to get a job in the oil refinery business. I guess he's worked in that field before (Derek is older that I thought he was, he's 43). I prayed with Derek specifically that he could find the right contacts and help to getting some work. There was another man there named Larry who I've seen before too. I prayed with them all and let them look through the clothes in the back of the car. I helped some others, Antonio & Leticia and Lee & Thomas, a man named Robert who was near where Antonio and Leticia were, but the most memorable man of the day was Kevin on 14th Pl.
Kevin was pushing a cart with just a very few things in it. Now I may have helped Kevin before, he looked vaguely familiar. When he told me his name was Kevin I told him my full name, because Kevin is my middle name, he then told me his full name, Kevin James Rogers, and he said it proudly I might add. Kevin is 51 years old and comes from the South Central Los Angeles area. We talked for quite a while about stuff we used to do as kids growing up in that area. After I told him where I grew up, he said as kids they used to ride their bikes down El Segundo Blvd to the beaches. That was something I used to do too in junior high when I was in the junior lifeguard program at Manhattan Beach during the summers. I told him those two summers of junior high were 67' and 68'. During the summer of 1967 I vividly remembered stopping on my bike on one of the small streets of Manhattan Beach and hearing the Doors song 'Light my fire', blaring on someone's radio (that's the year the song came out). I knew at the time it was a moment to remember. Kevin totally identified with it. When we were looking through the back of the car he saw some shoes and asked if I had any 11 1/2's. I said the only thing I had close to that size were the 12's that I was wearing. So I gave them to him. He had been wearing some 10 1/2' size tennis shoes that obviously didn't fit and must have been painful to walk in. The side part of the heels were stretched way out of shape. He couldn't believe I was offering him my shoes. I think he was about to tear-up when he had them on and his feet felt so much better and then he looked down and saw me in my socks with a big smile on my face. Luckily, his socks appeared to be in good shape, because I was all out of them. I took his picture, but I'm still having problems moving the pictures from my phone to my computer. One of these days I'll have to just post a bunch of pictures of all the cool people and stuff I've seen this year. I prayed with Kevin and we must have hugged two or three times. It was a very special encounter.
So after this I went on down to McArthur Park via 7th and Columbia St and the "I am Legion" sign. (Yes, I had to go get another pair of shoes on the way down there). When I got to the park there was no place to park on the west side, so I parked on the north side close to the east end and then walked towards 7th and Alvarado. The little Spanish speaking evangelistic group from last week was there again and as I listened to them I began praying for the hearts of the people milling around. There were four people, three women and one man who were in this speaking group. The man was preaching at the time. They asked if I'd like to speak again and I told them if they wanted me to I would. But first each one of them spoke except for the youngest girl. During that time I kept praying behind them and eventually, a man named Salbador came walking up. He was maybe 25 or 30 years old and from the Spanish speaking evangelistic group on the other side of the park. He said he liked to come by and give support to this group since we're all "on the same team". He asked me if I wanted to speak too. I said "Sure, I'm just not sure how many people will understand my English here." He told me, probably 40-50% of the people there can understand English and that eventually some people will come just to hear me speaking. He told me, "I want you to be speaking here every Sunday!" So it was three months ago that I started adding this stop as part of my downtown ministry. I had no idea when I started what to expect, in fact, I was a little overwhelmed thinking I didn't really fit in here in this Spanish speaking area. I did know, however, that language is no barrier to God, and if need be He would provide someone to interpret for me like he did at the church on Cloud Nine Alley three years ago. Anyway, I did preach for a few minutes and after I finished Salbador brought another man over to the group who was ready to give his life to Jesus. I know it couldn't have been from me speaking, because I don't think this guy could speak any English. But.....I had been praying for people's hearts while the others were speaking...... So last week Joe, the policeman, told me there are three gangs whose turf borders this park. Joe doesn't know about the fourth gang.....Gang Jesus! His turf covers the whole earth. --Until next time. John
Not last week's trip, but on the two previous trips I met a man named Derek who was living in the alley behind the auto parts store on Washington Blvd. Last week I ran out of food before I got to him, so this week I went there first. When I pulled up I saw Dave, who was previously staying with Willie on Wall St. I hadn't seen Dave since the last BBQ in October (nor Willie either). Yesterday, Derek was there and he was very happy to see me and I found out through Dave that Derek's dad is a man who goes by the name of Peacock whom I've met and helped before too. I don't remember what he looks like without seeing him, but I do remember helping a man in the past with that name. In talking with Derek and asking about his 'prospects' for getting off the street he said he was working to get a job in the oil refinery business. I guess he's worked in that field before (Derek is older that I thought he was, he's 43). I prayed with Derek specifically that he could find the right contacts and help to getting some work. There was another man there named Larry who I've seen before too. I prayed with them all and let them look through the clothes in the back of the car. I helped some others, Antonio & Leticia and Lee & Thomas, a man named Robert who was near where Antonio and Leticia were, but the most memorable man of the day was Kevin on 14th Pl.
Kevin was pushing a cart with just a very few things in it. Now I may have helped Kevin before, he looked vaguely familiar. When he told me his name was Kevin I told him my full name, because Kevin is my middle name, he then told me his full name, Kevin James Rogers, and he said it proudly I might add. Kevin is 51 years old and comes from the South Central Los Angeles area. We talked for quite a while about stuff we used to do as kids growing up in that area. After I told him where I grew up, he said as kids they used to ride their bikes down El Segundo Blvd to the beaches. That was something I used to do too in junior high when I was in the junior lifeguard program at Manhattan Beach during the summers. I told him those two summers of junior high were 67' and 68'. During the summer of 1967 I vividly remembered stopping on my bike on one of the small streets of Manhattan Beach and hearing the Doors song 'Light my fire', blaring on someone's radio (that's the year the song came out). I knew at the time it was a moment to remember. Kevin totally identified with it. When we were looking through the back of the car he saw some shoes and asked if I had any 11 1/2's. I said the only thing I had close to that size were the 12's that I was wearing. So I gave them to him. He had been wearing some 10 1/2' size tennis shoes that obviously didn't fit and must have been painful to walk in. The side part of the heels were stretched way out of shape. He couldn't believe I was offering him my shoes. I think he was about to tear-up when he had them on and his feet felt so much better and then he looked down and saw me in my socks with a big smile on my face. Luckily, his socks appeared to be in good shape, because I was all out of them. I took his picture, but I'm still having problems moving the pictures from my phone to my computer. One of these days I'll have to just post a bunch of pictures of all the cool people and stuff I've seen this year. I prayed with Kevin and we must have hugged two or three times. It was a very special encounter.
So after this I went on down to McArthur Park via 7th and Columbia St and the "I am Legion" sign. (Yes, I had to go get another pair of shoes on the way down there). When I got to the park there was no place to park on the west side, so I parked on the north side close to the east end and then walked towards 7th and Alvarado. The little Spanish speaking evangelistic group from last week was there again and as I listened to them I began praying for the hearts of the people milling around. There were four people, three women and one man who were in this speaking group. The man was preaching at the time. They asked if I'd like to speak again and I told them if they wanted me to I would. But first each one of them spoke except for the youngest girl. During that time I kept praying behind them and eventually, a man named Salbador came walking up. He was maybe 25 or 30 years old and from the Spanish speaking evangelistic group on the other side of the park. He said he liked to come by and give support to this group since we're all "on the same team". He asked me if I wanted to speak too. I said "Sure, I'm just not sure how many people will understand my English here." He told me, probably 40-50% of the people there can understand English and that eventually some people will come just to hear me speaking. He told me, "I want you to be speaking here every Sunday!" So it was three months ago that I started adding this stop as part of my downtown ministry. I had no idea when I started what to expect, in fact, I was a little overwhelmed thinking I didn't really fit in here in this Spanish speaking area. I did know, however, that language is no barrier to God, and if need be He would provide someone to interpret for me like he did at the church on Cloud Nine Alley three years ago. Anyway, I did preach for a few minutes and after I finished Salbador brought another man over to the group who was ready to give his life to Jesus. I know it couldn't have been from me speaking, because I don't think this guy could speak any English. But.....I had been praying for people's hearts while the others were speaking...... So last week Joe, the policeman, told me there are three gangs whose turf borders this park. Joe doesn't know about the fourth gang.....Gang Jesus! His turf covers the whole earth. --Until next time. John
Monday, November 25, 2013
Downtown 11/24/2013
"So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave,"Suddenly a voice came to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" And he said, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life." Then the LORD said to him:....(18) Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." --1 Kings 19:13-15a,18
"Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Phillipians 2:9-10
If you've been wondering where I've been, rest assured, I've been making trips downtown every week, I just haven't had time to write about them for one reason or another. A week ago I even went on a Saturday instead of Sunday. I remember this because I got a parking ticket. You don't have to feed the parking meters on Sundays, but you do on Saturdays (bummer). So the last blog I wrote was for the BBQ (Oct 20) I did for my friends living under the freeway at Wall St between Washington and 16th streets. It was a couple of weeks before the end of daylight savings time. Since that time I've made the trips and helped lots of people, but nothing truly special happened that was particularly noteworthy to write about. There were a few homeless men I met and helped who were sleeping or sitting on sidewalks or in alleys alone that I always feel privileged to help. In fact, one of them named Derek I just now thought of and I realize I forgot to go by yesterday where he's been staying. I had stopped to help him the last couple of weeks. He's staying behind the auto parts store on Washington Blvd. Yesterday, was actually a pretty full trip and when I suddenly realized I was out of food, I ended up going to the Jack in the Box to cover three more guys I met towards the end. I had purchased 10 big deli sandwiches and a bunch of bottles of water and in three stops I was out of food. The first stop was with Antonio and Leticia. The last two weeks, Antonio hasn't been there. Leticia told me he was around, but was gone for the day both times. I was glad to see that he was back with her yesterday. I had been given a small hooded light-weight tarp from a friend at work before last week's trip. When Leticia saw it in the car she asked if she could have it. With all the rain last week, it was perfect timing for her. I'm going to try and buy about twenty or thirty of them for the winter this year. Next I stopped over by the BBQ spot. The last three weeks Dave and Willie haven't been there and so I didn't stop, but I stopped on the other side of the street yesterday. Lee was there and he told me that Dave's stuff had been stolen a time or two so he's moved on and Willie decided to move on too. Paul was there yesterday and after he and Lee looked through the clothes he told me about someone living on 17th St. I drove on over there and saw some homeless folks, but they were sitting in chairs by their tent and seemed to be doing OK on food. I kept driving east weaving my way down side streets until I was about fifty feet before the stop sign at Central Ave. A woman had just turned the corner and was pushing her shopping cart down the street right in front of me. I grabbed a sandwich and held it out the window, which initially seemed to startle her, but when she saw what I had she looked up in the sky and said, "Thank you Jesus". After giving her some water bottles I got out of the car and opened the back up so she could sort through the clothes. She was so happy and thankful for the opportunity. She went by the name of Lenny. I don't know how long ago it happened, but it must have been years ago, she told me she had been pushed out a window and was badly injured. Her hips and legs had been broken, her jaw was broken (she had no teeth). She pointed to a couple of indentations on both sides of her jaw where she said screws had been put in to hold it together. Yet, she was thankful to God that she was still alive and able to enjoy life. She said it was "meant to be that I came this way today". Apparently, she didn't take that route very often, in fact, I don't take that street to much anymore either. But, remember Paul had me looking for someone on 17th and that's why I was there too. So after taking her picture and praying with her, I got back in the car and two more men came up who remembered me and asked if I had any hamburgers. I told them I had sandwiches today and gave them both one, then they asked, "Are you going to pray for us?" After I prayed with them, another woman was walking by. She was not homeless (I could tell by the way she was dressed), but she wasn't well off either. Her name was April. She told me where she lived in a very low rent place by the produce district and said she only had enough money to buy a muffin (which she had in her hand). So now, with one of my sandwiches and the muffin she actually had a full meal. We talked for a while together and I prayed with her too. When we were about finished talking two more men were walking by. One of them noticed and remembered me. They came over to the car and it was then I realized I was out of sandwiches, April and gotten the last one. She was still nearby and offered to give it up for them (remember she had the muffin), but I told her, "No, I'll go get something to cover these guys." One of these two men's name was Solo. I know I've mentioned his name before in these blogs, but it's been at least a year and a half since I saw him the last time. You wouldn't believe how happy and excited he was that I remembered his name! Well, I told Solo and his buddy Larry, that I'd go over to the Jack in the Box and I'd be back. They told me where they'd be and I took off. As I was going through the drive-thru, I decided I'd get three large burgers and I'd have one with them while we talked. When I got over to where they were there was a third guy there by the name of Peter. So they all got to eat (and they ate the burgers right then too). They all got to go through the clothes and in the back of the car. I asked them how they got through the rain from last week (I think it was Wednesday that it really poured rain out here). I prayed with the three of them asking God to protect and provide for them. I'm sure I'll see them again.
So now I was out of food and the second part of the trip begins. You will remember I used to prayer-walk down Cloud 9 Alley (no one lives in that alley anymore) and even Skid Row. But, the last 2 or 3 months I've been focusing on the 7th and Alvarado area and McArthur Park. This used to be called the West Lake District. It was 3:45 p.m when I left downtown and headed over there. First I stopped in front of the shop door on 7th and Columbia St where the sign "I am Legion" appears. I mentioned in my blog on Oct. 6th that this phrase appears only in the new testament and in the story of the man possessed with demons who lived in a cemetery. Jesus cast out the demons (The man said his name was Legion because he was filled with many many demons) and they entered a herd of pigs and ran off a cliff and drowned in the Sea of Galilee. So for anyone to purposely paint this on something is very intentional and not a good sign (no pun intended). So I first stopped by and prayed on the corner where this sign appears and then drove on down to the park. As I drove by the park I saw three police cars stopped and they were picking up shopping carts that some of the homeless people had there. I drove around to the far west side and parked (this is where I got the ticket last week). There was a group of people in that southwest corner who had set up chairs and were preaching the gospel in Spanish. Some of them smiled and nodded to me as I walked by when they saw I had a bible in my hand. I approached one of the policemen who was working on the shopping cart detail. I told him about my experience a couple of months ago seeing the street fight right there where we were standing. He told me, "Yes, that happens sometimes." When I asked if it was gang related he told me that there are three gangs whose turf borders the park and they sometimes get into it. I introduced myself to the officer and told him that I started coming down here after that incident to pray for people. He said, "Well, this area needs a lot of prayer!" He told me his name was Joe and I told him I'd be praying for him and his buddies too. He then told me, "We need a lot of prayer too!" I walked on down to the east end of the park. There was another small group of about 6 people who had a microphone and a small speaker and were preaching the gospel in Spanish. I then noticed a statue that I hadn't seen before a short distance away in that corner of the park. Apparently, it was dedicated the day before to a Monsignor Oscar Romero from El Salvador. From what I gathered from the plaques he was killed in the 80's which was a very turbulent time in Central America. A lot of Central Americans migrated to this area during that time. I took some pictures and then started walking back towards where the small group was preaching. I saw a man standing by himself reading what appeared to be a bible, but in Hebrew. I asked him if he was reading the same book I was reading (I held up my bible). He told me how much better the bible was in it's original language. His name was Ramon Reyes and he was from Puerto Rico. We talked for quite awhile (there was a small language barrier, but we did OK) and he told me that the small group preaching there were Pentecostals. Although he was not part of their group he talked with them and they gave me their microphone and I was given the opportunity to speak for a while to the people. I didn't speak too long, only about five minutes or so and I have no idea how many people standing around could even understand English, but I was happy to take the opportunity. I spoke briefly on Luke 15, one of my favorite chapters in the bible, and stressed the point that one's past does not disqualify you from the kingdom of heaven and that Jesus wants and loves you. I ended by praying for them. After I was finished, I wandered back over to the sidewalk by the bus bench. There were a couple of men sitting there and one of them started a conversation with me. He spoke enough English for us to communicate. He seemed to have a christian background, although he didn't claim to be with any of the people there, he just was asking me questions and about how and why I ended up there. His name was Jordan Nelson and the other man's name was Juan. Before leaving I prayed with both of them. I started walking back down to the other end of the park where my car was. The group of people that were having the service when I first got there were gone by now, although there was one man sitting on a bus bench waiting for the bus. He had a guitar case and apparently he was with that group. I recognized him from the week before when I was walking back to my car. We had made eye contact then and we recognized each other last night (it was now dark out). He never did tell me his name, but said he was with Pastor Hector who I'm assuming leads the group of Christians in that corner of the park. This man told me about their commitment to reclaim this turf for Christ. He told me about some very disturbing and violent things that have happened while they have held services there, but they believed this is now 'holy ground' and they are committed to persevering and preaching the gospel in this area. He said it is of the utmost importance due to the amount of violence and evil in the area.
A couple blogs ago I mentioned that I had been praying that God would use me as a weapon of light in a dark place. Well, I'm finding out that this is indeed a 'dark place'. I'm also finding out that others are praying for this area too and are willing to be used for this harvest field. Jesus said in Luke 10:2-3, "He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on you way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves." Well, I think I have found the 'turf', now I must work on my 'light' and the gifting to be used here. Please pray for me to be used here. --Until next time. John
PS. I had been a little distracted when I walked around the park area. I realized I had my cell phone, but had forgotten my wallet in the car. When I got back to my car and was unlocking the door I saw I had left the window down on the back passenger door. My wallet was still there though. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
"Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Phillipians 2:9-10
If you've been wondering where I've been, rest assured, I've been making trips downtown every week, I just haven't had time to write about them for one reason or another. A week ago I even went on a Saturday instead of Sunday. I remember this because I got a parking ticket. You don't have to feed the parking meters on Sundays, but you do on Saturdays (bummer). So the last blog I wrote was for the BBQ (Oct 20) I did for my friends living under the freeway at Wall St between Washington and 16th streets. It was a couple of weeks before the end of daylight savings time. Since that time I've made the trips and helped lots of people, but nothing truly special happened that was particularly noteworthy to write about. There were a few homeless men I met and helped who were sleeping or sitting on sidewalks or in alleys alone that I always feel privileged to help. In fact, one of them named Derek I just now thought of and I realize I forgot to go by yesterday where he's been staying. I had stopped to help him the last couple of weeks. He's staying behind the auto parts store on Washington Blvd. Yesterday, was actually a pretty full trip and when I suddenly realized I was out of food, I ended up going to the Jack in the Box to cover three more guys I met towards the end. I had purchased 10 big deli sandwiches and a bunch of bottles of water and in three stops I was out of food. The first stop was with Antonio and Leticia. The last two weeks, Antonio hasn't been there. Leticia told me he was around, but was gone for the day both times. I was glad to see that he was back with her yesterday. I had been given a small hooded light-weight tarp from a friend at work before last week's trip. When Leticia saw it in the car she asked if she could have it. With all the rain last week, it was perfect timing for her. I'm going to try and buy about twenty or thirty of them for the winter this year. Next I stopped over by the BBQ spot. The last three weeks Dave and Willie haven't been there and so I didn't stop, but I stopped on the other side of the street yesterday. Lee was there and he told me that Dave's stuff had been stolen a time or two so he's moved on and Willie decided to move on too. Paul was there yesterday and after he and Lee looked through the clothes he told me about someone living on 17th St. I drove on over there and saw some homeless folks, but they were sitting in chairs by their tent and seemed to be doing OK on food. I kept driving east weaving my way down side streets until I was about fifty feet before the stop sign at Central Ave. A woman had just turned the corner and was pushing her shopping cart down the street right in front of me. I grabbed a sandwich and held it out the window, which initially seemed to startle her, but when she saw what I had she looked up in the sky and said, "Thank you Jesus". After giving her some water bottles I got out of the car and opened the back up so she could sort through the clothes. She was so happy and thankful for the opportunity. She went by the name of Lenny. I don't know how long ago it happened, but it must have been years ago, she told me she had been pushed out a window and was badly injured. Her hips and legs had been broken, her jaw was broken (she had no teeth). She pointed to a couple of indentations on both sides of her jaw where she said screws had been put in to hold it together. Yet, she was thankful to God that she was still alive and able to enjoy life. She said it was "meant to be that I came this way today". Apparently, she didn't take that route very often, in fact, I don't take that street to much anymore either. But, remember Paul had me looking for someone on 17th and that's why I was there too. So after taking her picture and praying with her, I got back in the car and two more men came up who remembered me and asked if I had any hamburgers. I told them I had sandwiches today and gave them both one, then they asked, "Are you going to pray for us?" After I prayed with them, another woman was walking by. She was not homeless (I could tell by the way she was dressed), but she wasn't well off either. Her name was April. She told me where she lived in a very low rent place by the produce district and said she only had enough money to buy a muffin (which she had in her hand). So now, with one of my sandwiches and the muffin she actually had a full meal. We talked for a while together and I prayed with her too. When we were about finished talking two more men were walking by. One of them noticed and remembered me. They came over to the car and it was then I realized I was out of sandwiches, April and gotten the last one. She was still nearby and offered to give it up for them (remember she had the muffin), but I told her, "No, I'll go get something to cover these guys." One of these two men's name was Solo. I know I've mentioned his name before in these blogs, but it's been at least a year and a half since I saw him the last time. You wouldn't believe how happy and excited he was that I remembered his name! Well, I told Solo and his buddy Larry, that I'd go over to the Jack in the Box and I'd be back. They told me where they'd be and I took off. As I was going through the drive-thru, I decided I'd get three large burgers and I'd have one with them while we talked. When I got over to where they were there was a third guy there by the name of Peter. So they all got to eat (and they ate the burgers right then too). They all got to go through the clothes and in the back of the car. I asked them how they got through the rain from last week (I think it was Wednesday that it really poured rain out here). I prayed with the three of them asking God to protect and provide for them. I'm sure I'll see them again.
So now I was out of food and the second part of the trip begins. You will remember I used to prayer-walk down Cloud 9 Alley (no one lives in that alley anymore) and even Skid Row. But, the last 2 or 3 months I've been focusing on the 7th and Alvarado area and McArthur Park. This used to be called the West Lake District. It was 3:45 p.m when I left downtown and headed over there. First I stopped in front of the shop door on 7th and Columbia St where the sign "I am Legion" appears. I mentioned in my blog on Oct. 6th that this phrase appears only in the new testament and in the story of the man possessed with demons who lived in a cemetery. Jesus cast out the demons (The man said his name was Legion because he was filled with many many demons) and they entered a herd of pigs and ran off a cliff and drowned in the Sea of Galilee. So for anyone to purposely paint this on something is very intentional and not a good sign (no pun intended). So I first stopped by and prayed on the corner where this sign appears and then drove on down to the park. As I drove by the park I saw three police cars stopped and they were picking up shopping carts that some of the homeless people had there. I drove around to the far west side and parked (this is where I got the ticket last week). There was a group of people in that southwest corner who had set up chairs and were preaching the gospel in Spanish. Some of them smiled and nodded to me as I walked by when they saw I had a bible in my hand. I approached one of the policemen who was working on the shopping cart detail. I told him about my experience a couple of months ago seeing the street fight right there where we were standing. He told me, "Yes, that happens sometimes." When I asked if it was gang related he told me that there are three gangs whose turf borders the park and they sometimes get into it. I introduced myself to the officer and told him that I started coming down here after that incident to pray for people. He said, "Well, this area needs a lot of prayer!" He told me his name was Joe and I told him I'd be praying for him and his buddies too. He then told me, "We need a lot of prayer too!" I walked on down to the east end of the park. There was another small group of about 6 people who had a microphone and a small speaker and were preaching the gospel in Spanish. I then noticed a statue that I hadn't seen before a short distance away in that corner of the park. Apparently, it was dedicated the day before to a Monsignor Oscar Romero from El Salvador. From what I gathered from the plaques he was killed in the 80's which was a very turbulent time in Central America. A lot of Central Americans migrated to this area during that time. I took some pictures and then started walking back towards where the small group was preaching. I saw a man standing by himself reading what appeared to be a bible, but in Hebrew. I asked him if he was reading the same book I was reading (I held up my bible). He told me how much better the bible was in it's original language. His name was Ramon Reyes and he was from Puerto Rico. We talked for quite awhile (there was a small language barrier, but we did OK) and he told me that the small group preaching there were Pentecostals. Although he was not part of their group he talked with them and they gave me their microphone and I was given the opportunity to speak for a while to the people. I didn't speak too long, only about five minutes or so and I have no idea how many people standing around could even understand English, but I was happy to take the opportunity. I spoke briefly on Luke 15, one of my favorite chapters in the bible, and stressed the point that one's past does not disqualify you from the kingdom of heaven and that Jesus wants and loves you. I ended by praying for them. After I was finished, I wandered back over to the sidewalk by the bus bench. There were a couple of men sitting there and one of them started a conversation with me. He spoke enough English for us to communicate. He seemed to have a christian background, although he didn't claim to be with any of the people there, he just was asking me questions and about how and why I ended up there. His name was Jordan Nelson and the other man's name was Juan. Before leaving I prayed with both of them. I started walking back down to the other end of the park where my car was. The group of people that were having the service when I first got there were gone by now, although there was one man sitting on a bus bench waiting for the bus. He had a guitar case and apparently he was with that group. I recognized him from the week before when I was walking back to my car. We had made eye contact then and we recognized each other last night (it was now dark out). He never did tell me his name, but said he was with Pastor Hector who I'm assuming leads the group of Christians in that corner of the park. This man told me about their commitment to reclaim this turf for Christ. He told me about some very disturbing and violent things that have happened while they have held services there, but they believed this is now 'holy ground' and they are committed to persevering and preaching the gospel in this area. He said it is of the utmost importance due to the amount of violence and evil in the area.
A couple blogs ago I mentioned that I had been praying that God would use me as a weapon of light in a dark place. Well, I'm finding out that this is indeed a 'dark place'. I'm also finding out that others are praying for this area too and are willing to be used for this harvest field. Jesus said in Luke 10:2-3, "He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on you way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves." Well, I think I have found the 'turf', now I must work on my 'light' and the gifting to be used here. Please pray for me to be used here. --Until next time. John
PS. I had been a little distracted when I walked around the park area. I realized I had my cell phone, but had forgotten my wallet in the car. When I got back to my car and was unlocking the door I saw I had left the window down on the back passenger door. My wallet was still there though. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Monday, October 21, 2013
10/20-Last BBQ of 2013
You are enthroned above
the heavens,
The earth and all creation,
bow down before you,
You are crowned
with strength and glory,
the angels crying glory
All surround you
Forever you will stand
Your kingdom has no end
Oh Holy God I stay amazed
You are so much more
than words can ever say
Oh Holy God, I pour out my praise
on the One
who never ceases to amaze
---Stay Amazed, written by Jamie Birkenfield, Klaus Kuehn, Robert Quintana
When I first pulled up the street I saw one of the guys sitting on the sidewalk under the freeway, he called out to me and I called back and asked him if he was ready for a BBQ. He said, "Are you barbecuing today?", when I answered yes he was overjoyed. There was a young man named Mario (he told me he was 24 yrs old) who was riding around that street on a bicycle who asked me what I was talking about. He thought I came by to tell them where there was going to be one in the area, but didn't know that I was going to do one right there. He was pretty happy too and helped me unload all the stuff in the car. Throughout the day he was quite helpful to me.
Dave and Willie, whose stuff is a little ways further up the street were there, Willie and Eddie who work at the recycling place across the street, Mario, Paul, Louis and several others (I have trouble remembering all their names even though I recognize them) were there. A more few people who passed by joined in. It was a great day. There was a young woman with a very small dog who passed by, we invited her to join us, but she didn't. The story was she had been at the clinic on the corner and had been physically abused. I guess it's understandable that she wouldn't want to hang around with 'all these men' that she didn't know. I'm sure she just wanted to get away from there as quickly as possible.
My most memorable moment of the day was inviting a passerby by the name of Vernon who had stayed to eat with us to join about four or five of us in a prayer circle which he did. I prayed with those in the circle and when I ended the prayer Mario was running up to us because he wanted to get into the prayer circle and be part of it with us. Can you believe it? Yes I was AMAZED. It may not have been the 'fire coming down from heaven', but it was definitely the kingdom of heaven right there and everyone was enjoying a wonderful time. All the food was cooked and given out and Mario and Paul helped me pack up the car before leaving. It was a wonderful day. I hope I am able to do it again next year. Until next time--John
Here's the link to the song above:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7Cfo8atJPo
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Downtown 10/6/2013
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations....and remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." --Matthew 28:19a,20b
One of my personal prayers in recent months has been that God would use me as His weapon of choice in a dark place. With a street ministry, one realizes quickly that greater spiritual gifts are needed and to that end I have been praying 1 Corinthians 14:1, which says, "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." In this verse, the word prophecy doesn't necessarily mean 'foretelling the future', but speaking the word of God (yes, you could say preaching I guess). A few weeks ago, as this ministry has taken me into new areas I have become acutely aware that I need greater gifting for spiritual warfare. I have recently established friendships with pastors who are pursuing similar paths for the enhancement of their ministries, although none are street ministries that I know of. Remember, this is framed in the context of me being used as His light in dark places. I really didn't know what this might look like, but it's beginning to take shape. So far I'm really just feeling my way around and don't know exactly how this will go down, but I can tell you the tension is slowly building. All I can tell you now is what has happened and some of the conversations I've had with people who are familiar with the McArthur Park area. You can form your own opinions.
I didn't write about the trip last week (Sept 29th) because, initially, I didn't think anything 'special' happened worth writing about. As often happens though, something occurred during the trip that stuck in my mind and it's significance grew as the days passed. I had helped some of the homeless people on that trip that I have seen a lot of lately and again this last Sunday too. After giving out all the food with clothes and water and praying for peoples needs I headed down to McArthur Park.
So on Sunday/29th I was driving westbound on 7th Ave towards the Park and was about a mile to a half a mile from Alvarado St. It was about 5:30 pm and getting close to sunset. I was looking from side to side at the people on the sidewalks when I happened to notice a roll-up door on the south side of the street. On this roll-up door were the words, "I am Legion." Now this was not spray-painted on, but intentionally, in big block letters painted on this door. These words, as most of you know, are in the New Testament in one place and that is where Jesus is confronted by a demon-possessed man living in a cemetary. The phrase meant that the man was filled with many demons and Jesus cast them out and into a herd of pigs which subsequently ran off a cliff and drowned. I thought to myself, why would ANYONE ever want this painted on the side of their building. Why would anyone, especially knowing the significance of this, want to identify with this statement. I decided I'd prayer-walk in front of this store on my way home. I went on to the park and prayer-walked there, but for some reason, had absolutely no interactions with anyone. When I left the park and drove home I somehow, 'forgot' all about it because I was troubled that I hadn't talked to anyone. I had even purposely walked right in front of a group of 10 or so young Latino men hoping they would say something to me about why I was there, but it was as if I was invisible to everyone. Anyway, about three or four days later I happened to mention seeing this 'Legion' sign to a Christian friend of mine. I told him where I had seen the sign and he told me that a few years back, before he became a Christian, he and his wife were walking around this same area. He knew the area very well, and I'm guessing what he was about to tell me occurred 15 to 20 years ago. He and his wife happened to walk into a 'store' on 7th about a block or so from Alvarado St and McArthur Park. There are many many small stores lining the streets in this area and this particular store was a 'witchcraft' store as he described it. Maybe, it was a psychic reader or tarot card place I don't really know. Anyway, when they went in there the store owner told my friend (remember he was not a Christian at the time), I can help you, but I can't help her (pointing to his wife who was a Christian). He said, "She has two angels standing by her." Well, by now I'm beginning to get an idea of what's going on in this area. Remember, a month or so ago when I first noticed this area, it was because of a street fight that occurred there with about twenty men fighting in the street. This last Sunday when I drove into this area, there was something going on where they had streets just north of 7th blocked off from the downtown area all the way to just west of McArthur Park. Traffic on 7th was bumper to bumper. I had a friend of mine in a hospital at Vermont and Sunset which is not too far from here so I thought I'd go and visit him and come back through there on my way home. I visited with my friend for about an hour and a half from 5:30-7 pm and then drove down Vermont to 7th and took it across town. It was dark by now, but I did see the Legion sign on the door again. It is at 7th and Columbia St. There was also a Spanish speaking storefront church a couple of blocks away (with a service going on). I had promised to visit Maurice and Elisha (a homeless couple I'm friends with) Sunday and wanted to get by their place before it got too late so I didn't stop on 7th Sunday, although I looked intently for a store that might be the one my friend had told me about, but since that was 15 or 20 years ago, it may have moved by now. I did see one store (Psychic shop) on Vermont on my way to the hospital.
So Monday (yesterday) I was at UCI medical center all day and was talking to a technician who was taking my blood pressure and temperature all day. I had never talked with her before and found out that she was from Central America and when she came here in the early 80's she lived in this 7th and Alvarado area. She told me the area is totally gang infested and being a woman doesn't even like to get out of the car in that area anymore. Needless to say, she doesn't live there anymore either.
Once again, there isn't much to tell right now, I've just written about what I've seen and some conversations I've had with people who have spent time in this area. When I started writing the blog for this trip I said I had been praying that I would be used as God's weapon of choice in a dark place. Well, I think I've found a dark place. So far nothing has happened. A few weeks ago I said in one of the blogs, "It's kind of exciting to NOT have a clue of what to expect, but know that something will happen and to be ready." I still don't know what to expect, but I praying and working on being ready when the time comes.
I'll end with this quote from Isaiah 58:11
"The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail."
--Until next time. John
One of my personal prayers in recent months has been that God would use me as His weapon of choice in a dark place. With a street ministry, one realizes quickly that greater spiritual gifts are needed and to that end I have been praying 1 Corinthians 14:1, which says, "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." In this verse, the word prophecy doesn't necessarily mean 'foretelling the future', but speaking the word of God (yes, you could say preaching I guess). A few weeks ago, as this ministry has taken me into new areas I have become acutely aware that I need greater gifting for spiritual warfare. I have recently established friendships with pastors who are pursuing similar paths for the enhancement of their ministries, although none are street ministries that I know of. Remember, this is framed in the context of me being used as His light in dark places. I really didn't know what this might look like, but it's beginning to take shape. So far I'm really just feeling my way around and don't know exactly how this will go down, but I can tell you the tension is slowly building. All I can tell you now is what has happened and some of the conversations I've had with people who are familiar with the McArthur Park area. You can form your own opinions.
I didn't write about the trip last week (Sept 29th) because, initially, I didn't think anything 'special' happened worth writing about. As often happens though, something occurred during the trip that stuck in my mind and it's significance grew as the days passed. I had helped some of the homeless people on that trip that I have seen a lot of lately and again this last Sunday too. After giving out all the food with clothes and water and praying for peoples needs I headed down to McArthur Park.
So on Sunday/29th I was driving westbound on 7th Ave towards the Park and was about a mile to a half a mile from Alvarado St. It was about 5:30 pm and getting close to sunset. I was looking from side to side at the people on the sidewalks when I happened to notice a roll-up door on the south side of the street. On this roll-up door were the words, "I am Legion." Now this was not spray-painted on, but intentionally, in big block letters painted on this door. These words, as most of you know, are in the New Testament in one place and that is where Jesus is confronted by a demon-possessed man living in a cemetary. The phrase meant that the man was filled with many demons and Jesus cast them out and into a herd of pigs which subsequently ran off a cliff and drowned. I thought to myself, why would ANYONE ever want this painted on the side of their building. Why would anyone, especially knowing the significance of this, want to identify with this statement. I decided I'd prayer-walk in front of this store on my way home. I went on to the park and prayer-walked there, but for some reason, had absolutely no interactions with anyone. When I left the park and drove home I somehow, 'forgot' all about it because I was troubled that I hadn't talked to anyone. I had even purposely walked right in front of a group of 10 or so young Latino men hoping they would say something to me about why I was there, but it was as if I was invisible to everyone. Anyway, about three or four days later I happened to mention seeing this 'Legion' sign to a Christian friend of mine. I told him where I had seen the sign and he told me that a few years back, before he became a Christian, he and his wife were walking around this same area. He knew the area very well, and I'm guessing what he was about to tell me occurred 15 to 20 years ago. He and his wife happened to walk into a 'store' on 7th about a block or so from Alvarado St and McArthur Park. There are many many small stores lining the streets in this area and this particular store was a 'witchcraft' store as he described it. Maybe, it was a psychic reader or tarot card place I don't really know. Anyway, when they went in there the store owner told my friend (remember he was not a Christian at the time), I can help you, but I can't help her (pointing to his wife who was a Christian). He said, "She has two angels standing by her." Well, by now I'm beginning to get an idea of what's going on in this area. Remember, a month or so ago when I first noticed this area, it was because of a street fight that occurred there with about twenty men fighting in the street. This last Sunday when I drove into this area, there was something going on where they had streets just north of 7th blocked off from the downtown area all the way to just west of McArthur Park. Traffic on 7th was bumper to bumper. I had a friend of mine in a hospital at Vermont and Sunset which is not too far from here so I thought I'd go and visit him and come back through there on my way home. I visited with my friend for about an hour and a half from 5:30-7 pm and then drove down Vermont to 7th and took it across town. It was dark by now, but I did see the Legion sign on the door again. It is at 7th and Columbia St. There was also a Spanish speaking storefront church a couple of blocks away (with a service going on). I had promised to visit Maurice and Elisha (a homeless couple I'm friends with) Sunday and wanted to get by their place before it got too late so I didn't stop on 7th Sunday, although I looked intently for a store that might be the one my friend had told me about, but since that was 15 or 20 years ago, it may have moved by now. I did see one store (Psychic shop) on Vermont on my way to the hospital.
So Monday (yesterday) I was at UCI medical center all day and was talking to a technician who was taking my blood pressure and temperature all day. I had never talked with her before and found out that she was from Central America and when she came here in the early 80's she lived in this 7th and Alvarado area. She told me the area is totally gang infested and being a woman doesn't even like to get out of the car in that area anymore. Needless to say, she doesn't live there anymore either.
Once again, there isn't much to tell right now, I've just written about what I've seen and some conversations I've had with people who have spent time in this area. When I started writing the blog for this trip I said I had been praying that I would be used as God's weapon of choice in a dark place. Well, I think I've found a dark place. So far nothing has happened. A few weeks ago I said in one of the blogs, "It's kind of exciting to NOT have a clue of what to expect, but know that something will happen and to be ready." I still don't know what to expect, but I praying and working on being ready when the time comes.
I'll end with this quote from Isaiah 58:11
"The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail."
--Until next time. John
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