03 May 08 - 12:01
Life is Like a Box of Chocolates
Isn't it true? Life is like a box of chocolates. Just like Forrest said. "You never know what you're going to get."I love that God sends us out on to the streets with expectant hearts and we never know what we're going to get. Each person we meet, a blessing! Each person we meet, loved by God. Each one, someone that God has designed with unique gifts and a purpose. Sadly, many of them have either lost their way or just never opened the gift that Christ died to give them.
Have you ever thought of Christ like a box of chocolates? The beautiful box (an invitation), the chocolates inside (a promise of greater things to come), each bite (the reality of God's presence here on earth). Ok, so I really love chocolate!!
"D's" prayer request tonight, "That God would take these drugs out of my mouth." Prayer requests like that are so humbling to us. This was our first time meeting her. These girls feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in that van. There is no earthly reason why they would reveal so much if they didn't. Desperate and alone. I thank God every week that he has sent us out to love on those that feel no love. Cindy hopped out of the van to reveal her "badges of honor", (heroin scars) and a heart redeemed for Christ. "D" just hugged her tightly and cried. Karen handed her a book "It's Never too Late" and our information card to get treatment and prayer. I told her that she didn't have to do this alone. "We will be there for you every step of the way." And she cried. "Have you had a better offer today?", I asked. She just shook her head and held on tight. She has been shot 7 times on these streets. Left for dead and in a coma. She has seen more hell than the average person.
I can't imagine that she has had a better offer than meeting the one that came to save the world.
Several men were on the street tonight. Many didn't want sandwich bags. It's hard to say, "yes", to that kind of charity sometimes. But they all said, "YES", to offered prayer. And what was the prayer most requested? "I need work!" Almost all of them were without jobs.
"J" and "M" and "D" all asked for prayer to get off the streets. "J" said that four people had been murdered out there in the last couple of weeks. We don't hear about it on the news. Who cares about these people? Right? Our hearts broke for her as we could see bright shining, beautiful, scared eyes looking back at us.
Three married couples were out tonight. They all stopped to talk to us, approaching a van full of women they didn't know. Accepting prayer from strangers on the street. And, walking away with thanksgiving all over their faces. "You've blessed our night tonight", "L" said. She has no idea how much meeting her has blessed our ministry.
While we talked to Leonard (and his cute puppy), a man and his two teenage children walked by mocking us. We could hear them around the corner making jokes as we prayed. It didn't stop us. When we saw them a block later, figuring that God had put them back in our paths, we stopped to talk to them. The mocking continued. But we stand on solid ground. That's ok. "God Bless you guys! We love you!' and off we went.
Everyone got a box of chocolates tonight. (along with their usual lunch bag, hygiene kit and prayer.) I wish you could have seen the smiles that spread on their faces. I pray that as they look at the beautiful chocolate boxes, they see an invitation extended to them tonight. As they read the tract inside their hygiene bags they start to think about who Jesus is. When they see the chocolates inside the box they sense something greater in store for them than the life they are presently living. And when they bite into the joy of that candy, that God just fills their heart with His perfect vision of them.
Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
He said:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:1-12 TNIV
I want to thank my sisters in the van tonight. Donna (my mentor and dear friend), Karen (for working the prayer window for the first time and doing a great job), Betty (we are an awesome team - no wonder we are working together at the fund raiser) and Cindy (joy and love and all kinds of yummy stuff wrapped up in one person! I should take a bite of her... I wonder if she'd taste like chocolate!) This van full of God's gifts to me have changed my life. Thank you for your counsel, for your friendship, for allowing me to serve along side you. You all make me want to be a better person and a better Christian.
God Bless you, your family and all your friends!
Love,
Lauren
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