07 February 08 - 15:45
I Think I Love You Too!
We all got into the van. It stared out with introductions of the other women riding as the team for that night. What wonderful women! It was an honor to meet them.
We got settled with tea and coffee and off we went-whispering a prayer for protection and for God to lead the way as we neighborhood. Talk of a shooting right where we were going to be, was a little unsettling at first. I was quick in forgetting the covering we had just asked for from the Lord. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will find refuge in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 90. Lend that shadow Lord!
Despite, being taken aback for the moment, it really felt like Donna's van was a sanctuary of sorts. It is not inconspicuous. It is very bright white, an easy target (no pun intended). But it almost seemed as if God hovered over us all night as we traveled from street to street. It was if His Spirit called out to expectant hearts as we watched God reveal his precious children on those streets. We meet some with hesitation, some with tears, some with smiles from ear to ear, some with wit, and some with pain but never, never was anyone the same. Everyone we met had a story, some shared it and others hid it away like under a cloak, for safekeeping until the heart was ready to reveal it another time; maybe some Tuesday night that is still coming.
We met D. who seemed like she was in emotional pain, it was hard for her to engage at first with Cindy who wanted to extend a prayer and a lunch to her. She did receive it and muttered something like, "it's just hard" as she walked away. I wonder what her hurt was. Maybe it wasn't for us to know, just to be there with love reaching out it's hand in a prayer or a smile.
We then met a young boy named B. who has such a fun spirit. He smiled his brilliant smile and graciously received this passionate group of women in a van, who wanted to prayer for him. As Cindy yelled out, "We love you", he yelled back, "I don’t know you but I think I love you too!" He made us all laugh!
It's amazing to me how, in the neighborhood that just had a shooting the night before, that young women and some men would be willing to approach the van as we pulled over to the curb. I think it goes back to the van, being marked as God's caravan of the love of Jesus coming! We found out that not only had someone been shot last night, but there was another shooting across from the liquor store we passed. It was time again to remember the Lord's Words, "I did not give you a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 Do the people of the neighborhood know that the precious promise is for them too, Lord?
We also met up with J. and his group of friends who gathered in a circle and prayed at the van with us. One was in a t-shirt! They all seemed ready to receive all that we were offering and were smiling from ear to ear. They were thrilled to see God's "white horse" coming to their curb.
We saw K. and her friend who were struggling with needing help to leave their addictions behind. Donna encouraged one of the women to go to Herman Keifer for intervention. It amazed me at how in tune Donna and her team are, being keenly aware of needs in the people, and the life on the streets. The people are getting to know You, Lord, through this ministry. They are getting a glimpse of Your compassion, Your mercy and tenderness, Your desire to meet their physical needs with food, gloves, hats, and hygiene kits on these Tuesdays. It is because this team gives all of themselves as they pray, hug, and reach out with such sincere hearts! They did not withhold anything in loving these precious people.
We saw R. once on the street and offered him a prayer and a lunch bag. He said that he was really ok and had a home so he didn't need the lunch but he would take the prayer. He tried to give the lunch bag back, but we told him to pass the lunch bag on to anyone and bless them as he found someone who might need it. And, then while driving in the same neighborhood as J.; we saw him again! Hmmm...wondering if You were trying to do something in this, Lord? It was at this second meeting that he revealed his real name. He was very concerned about our safety and updated us on the recent shootings (why did these reminders keep coming 
up). He was quick witted at times and thought this was all very serendipitous that we would meet up again.
Everyone thinks that the ministry is about the people we meet, by God's design, on the street...and it is; but it is also something more. I found that meeting and spending time with the ladies in the van was just as much a God appointment as we talked about abiding in Christ and what that meant. As we shared the challenges of letting go and surrendering to a Power greater than ours, of being tuned into "God in us"! We talked about claiming the promises of God, breaking strongholds and curses of generations by "calling things that are not as though they are." and what that really means. We explored praying to cover those things that seem impossible by focusing on the amazing attributes of God; His power, His strength, His sufficiency, His grace, His mercy and His love. We looked at how limited our perspectives are of how God can answer a prayer ...with an answer to a teenagers prayer for an extra 24 hours by giving her a "snow day"...who would have ever thought!!
We learned that we are all still learning and grateful to share our ever growing love with those who desire to be loved, imperfect as it is.
Every stop has the potential of so much more than one could ever know. We are called to obedience and in that step of faith, God shows up. It doesn't have to be seen from my eyes or any other's. It is real because God is present in us; living in us. And, every time we speak, pray, give out food or hug with the right heart motive, it touches deep because of His power at work in us; in them. It takes a special calling, a tender, faith-filled, courageous, and heart of abandon to commit to the work. "May the favor of the Lord rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us, Lord-yes, establish the work of our hands" Psalm 90:17.
In Him,
Kathy Richardson
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