22 August 07 - 15:06
Answer Me When I Call to You
It was an answer to prayer. For all of us!
Ndumi Mafu was a special guest in our van tonight. He works for Kensington in the video department, is an awesome man of God, and mentors my son. What an honor and a treat to share our ministry with him. I was excited for him to see what God is doing and how He is leading us on the street. I excitedly anticipated the evening (knowing Ndumi would accompany us), but again, our God never ceases to surprise me. What a night!
Our first stop - was to meet "K". We pulled up and Cindy & Donna introduced our ministry to this new young girl and asked her if she'd like a sandwich, juice, and hygeine kit. She walked toward the van and as Cindy handed her the lunch bag she asked "K" if she could pray for her. As she prayed, "K's" tears started to flow and they didn't stop. She clung to Cindy as Cindy told her that she was loved and that Jesus loves her too. I opened the back door of the van and she clung to me. She told us how she had been walking down the street (just then) and had been praying.... asking God to give her a sign.... and we pulled up. "HOW CAN THIS BE?", she asked us. What an awesome privilege to tell her that when we call out to God, we find Him calling out our name.... a call to come to Him...to come home. When we ask God to reveal himself to us, He does. She said that this was not the first time that this had happened just that day. "So, you better pay attention", I said. "Open your eyes and your heart to what God is saying to you and how He is responding to the cries of your heart."
Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 4:1
Psalm 4:1
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 17:6
Psalm 17:6
"K" looked at us like she was sleep walking. And in retrospect, until we find our way back home to God, aren't we all sleepwalking? Walking around without purpose - filling the void in our lives with everything but Him. She was visibly stunned and amazed that God would answer her prayer so immediately and send us directly to her to proclaim His love for her and give it to her with physical arms that she could feel. When Cindy handed her our card, she promised to call. For prayer, for answers to questions, for encouragement. I hope she does. She stopped and said, "There are things I'm not willing to give up yet. Things that I do.. and my will is weak." Dear friends, haven't we all been there too? I told her, "Did you know that God loves you right where you are at? He knows what you are planning to do. He knows what you have done. He knows what you aren't willing to give up yet, and He's still calling you. When you are ready, He will give you the strength to make the right decisions. He loves you too much to let you continue on the path that you are on. He has a purpose in you and it's not the street." As she walked away, you could see a twinkle in her eye. An awareness that wasn't there just moments before. This is what I live for!!!!!
Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen.
Isaiah 32:3
Isaiah 32:3
Again, I'll say... it was an answer to prayer for all of us. An answer to "K's" cries to God and an answer to the prayers of our hearts that God would continue to reveal himself to us and use us to further His Kingdom. Use us to give HOPE to these girls on the street.
And that was only our first stop!
We met several other girls last night. All happy to meet us. All taking the cards and telling us that they would call for prayer, ID, questions, etc. All taking hugs from us and love from us. All yelling back.... "I LOVE YOU TOO!" when we pulled away.
I'm struck with a thought that my friend (soon to be officially a Pastor) Rollin Godette instilled in me this week.....
Are we prepared to die?
And moreover.... are we prepared to live the sort of life that God has planned for us. A life of joy and meaning. A life worth living. Hmmm...
That is my prayer for all of us today. May God instill a desire in ourhearts to seek after Him. To not just long for Him, but to know Him. And may He bless us with true joy and meaning in our lives. May we realize why we get to live out another day.
Thank you for your continued support.
God Bless you, your family, and all your friends!
Love,
Lauren
one comment
Dear Precious Lauren,
I am almost breathless as I sit here after reading this beautiful testimony of such great giving and boundless love. I recently read a novel about a women who almost died in the city of San Francisco as she served on the streets as you and your team have faithfully been doing. It is not altogether without danger the area that you work in no doubt yet I KNOW that our Jesus is protecting you and that you will not be harmed. In any case, your faith and courage awe me and I will pray continually for your continued success with these women.
You are a shinning example of loving and serving Jesus with perfect passion.
Grace and peace be with you and the team, dear sister. I wish I could go with you! I certainly will be with you in spirit.
Love,
Evie
Evelyn Longmire - 24 08 07 - 17:45
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