70x7 Outreach Blog http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/index.html Matthew 18:21-22 en admin@fortunecity.com Copyright 2008 Pivot Pivot - 1.30 RC: 'Rippersnapper' Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:46:07 -0400 60 Inner Sanctuary http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/entry45.html http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/entry45.html#comm I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.
Psalm 69:3

As we proceeded down the street we see “R” digging through a pile of garbage.  To our eyes there didn’t seem to be anything that would be of value or use, but to “R” she must have seen something of worth.  When we stopped and introduced ourselves there seemed to be some hesitation (which is not uncommon), however, after a few seconds she approached us with a smile that radiated into our hearts.  “R” was very open in sharing that she so desperately wanted to be free of drugs she had turned herself into police where she was sentenced to 90 days in jail.  What an act of courage.  Why was she out on the street rumbling through garbage?  We have no idea, however, when we extended our hands in prayer for “R” and all of the beautiful souls we meet on the street, one thing that is said “dear Lord only you know their situation and circumstances”, and it’s true, only He knows.  “R” was only one of several women we saw last week, there was “A” who was introduced to us by “M” was a frail woman who seemed frightened.  “M” said “A” was new.  After we prayed with “M”, “A” approached the van, and even though she was trembling, still extended her hands to pray with us.  One of the things I’ve learned through this ministry is to see God in every human being, no matter how clever the disguise.  And most of all I learned that life is about love, compassion and service.  Nothing else is real, nothing else matters, and I do think that “A” needed to know someone loves
her.

Donna frequently mentions that this ministry is equally about what transpires IN the van as does OUT of the van.  After we returned to our meeting point, following our prayer of thanks for a safe and meaningful outreach, the team reflected on the evenings miracles. It just amazes me that God has brought such wonderful women into my life….different backgrounds, but such similar beliefs.  We all took notice of the changes that are happening within us.  Our discoveries/changes may be thunderous or sometimes so minute, and it may take
us awhile (especially me) to notice them, however, what we can count on is that these inner shifts are always taking place.  God never deserts His own creativity, and, as an extension of Him, neither do we. We all agreed that as instruments of the Divine we know personally we have come to realize that what separates us from those we see on the streets are not differences in who we are, but a wrong choice here and a missed opportunity there.

I know for myself each week on my return ride home I reflect “There but for the grace of God go I”.

Thank you all for your love and support of 70x7.

Be Blessed,
Diane


Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:16-20

P.S. Summer seems to be here and many of us will be traveling on vacations.  We need your help; we are in need of travel-sized hygiene items.  If you could please collect the hotel items for us to hand out to our clients we would be very grateful.  Thank you and may the Lord bless you with a safe and happy summer.
In Him,
Donna
313-801-2204

]]> 45@http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/ default Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:26:00 -0400 I'm Doing It Myself http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/entry44.html http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/entry44.html#comm “I’m doing it myself.”  As of Thursday, C. had been clean four days.  When we told her she didn’t have to do it by herself, she told us that she got into this (doing drugs) by herself, and, therefore, felt she needed to get out of it by
herself.

Part of me wanted to laugh when I heard her.  How much of my own life transformation have I been trying to do myself?  Mostly, however, I wanted to cry, because I know we cannot change ourselves.  Yes, we can put band aids on our wounds, clean up our addictions, smooth over our rough spots, but Jesus is the only One who transforms, who heals, who delivers, and who saves.

Jesus said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).  This is the grace of God:  we do not have to do what we cannot do.  God’s promise is that He will transform, heal and deliver us when we fully turn to Him. 

Please pray for C. this week.  We see the Lord working in her life, see her clear desire to be free, and also know the strong temptations of the street.  Please pray that C. will
• see her need for Jesus and turn to Him fully;
• be delivered from any and every addiction;
• get her life together, so that she can get her family back.

C. is just one of the women that God is touching through this ministry.  We treasure your partnership through prayer, because as we look at each of these situations, we know that “with man this is impossible, but with God ALL things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

Keep the faith,
Amy

]]> 44@http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/ default Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:06:00 -0400 Taste and See http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/entry43.html http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/entry43.html#comm  
It’s so refreshing to see and hear 20 years old talk about their faith in Christ.  Tonight Cindy and I were blessed to have 2 young ladies ride with us, Allison and Adrienne, it almost made us feel young again.  Allison has ridden with us a few times so tonight she worked the window, talking and praying with everyone we met.  It was so cute when we saw “C” she asked Alli if she was new and then thanked her and told her she did a good job praying.  Now that’s one of the best compliments a person can receive.  I know “C” was sincere because she’s always been very specific with her prayer requests and would interject anything she felt we should have prayed about.  Father, thank you for allowing us to pray with your lost and broken daughter, may her heart be open to the cleansing power of your spirit.  May she begin to see how valuable she is and may you heal her in body, mind, and soul.
 
The streets were rather quite this evening so we did a few home visits.  It was fun to visit with some of the children we haven’t seen in a while.  It was “D’s” birthday today and she turned 8 years old.  We first met her when she was 3 years old sitting in her front yard with her little sister both playing with their dolls, dressed in filthy clothes, with big blue eyes and dirty little faces.  She has always called us the “Church ladies” or the “Lunch ladies”.  She would run to us and ask us to pick her up and give her a big hug.  Those encounters were always bitter-sweet.  Her parents would stand in the background not wanting to join us in prayer but allowing us to pray with little “D” and her sister.  This family does not go to church and when we have offered to give them a Bible they would say, “No, thanks”.  It took 2 more years before the parents would join us in prayer.  We rejoiced all evening when that happened.  Then things changed again and the parents would leave the room when we prayed.  We’ve received so many mixed messages from this family.  They welcome us when we come by and they thank us for giving the girls a lunch bag.  They even invite us to stop by again.  Please join us in praying that this family will begin to see that the Lord is good and desires a relationship with them.
 
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34:8
 
 
Love,
Donna

]]> 43@http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/ default Sat, 03 May 2008 12:19:00 -0400 Proclaim it Clearly http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/entry42.html http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/entry42.html#comm
They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.  They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and rich in love. Ps 145:6-8

Celebrate what a wonderful thing!  If you have not heard we are having our first fundraiser event next month.  The event will be 2 evenings Friday May 16th and Saturday May 17th.  The tickets are $30.00 a piece and include appetizers, dueling pianos, live and silent auction items, and beverages available for purchase.  If you have already purchased a ticket Thank you, we look forward to seeing you and telling you about all the wonderful things the Lord has done and is doing out on the streets.  Space is limited so if you haven’t purchased a ticket yet and are thinking of coming please contact me or a team member (they have tickets also) and we will be sure to get a ticket to you.  The event will take place at the Oxford Inn on Main St. in Royal Oak from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.  I hope you can join us for an evening of great fellowship and AWESOME entertainment!



And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.



Col. 4:3-5



“Hello, we are with Abide Ministries, would you like a lunch bag and hygiene kit?” we asked.



“No thank you, but have a nice day”, he said.



“May we pray with you?” we asked.



“Pray with me?  Who do you pray to?  I’m a Christian”, he answered.



“We are Christians also”, we proudly replied.



“Maybe you are and maybe you aren’t.  A lot of people claim to be Christians but do you pray in Jesus name?” he confidently replied. 



WOW! In all our years of doing outreach we have never been challenged like this before.  At first we were a little taken aback, we’ve never been questioned like this.  Then we started rejoicing.  Thank you Lord for arranging this meeting with someone who had the wherewithal to question what we are doing.  Thank you that you used a young man walking down the street to open our eyes and make us rethink how we approach people for prayer.  I don’t think we ever questioned that others might think we pray to someone other than Our Father in heaven and his son Jesus.  Have we gotten too comfortable and lazy?  Are we letting others know that the God we pray to is the triune God?  Have we become so single-minded that we forgot this is America and Buddhist’s, Muslim’s, New-Agers and Mormon’s also pray.  Lord thank you for your written Word that shows us clearly how we are to proclaim you message of grace, truth and love.  May we never become so proud that we forgot who it is that allows us to love others in your precious son’s name. 



In Him,



Donna

]]> 42@http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/ default Sat, 03 May 2008 12:02:00 -0400 Life is Like a Box of Chocolates http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/entry41.html http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/entry41.html#comm 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

]]> 41@http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/ default Sat, 03 May 2008 12:01:00 -0400 Healing to the Bones http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/entry40.html http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/entry40.html#comm Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.



Proverbs 16:24



“Your prayers have healed my shoulder”, says “C”.  And we remind her that Jesus is the one who healed her.  “C” had been suffering with an injury to her shoulder for a couple of months and when she asked for prayer for her shoulder we presented her request to Jesus and he healed her.  For the last few weeks “C” has been very grateful for what He has done for her and has told others.  On Thursday the team (thank you Lord for a faithful team they went out on the streets while I was out of town and blessed so many) was back in “C’s” neighborhood and ran into “B” who was hobbling down the street.  She asked for prayer for her ankle and the Lord healed her.  When they saw her again later in the evening she was practically dancing down the street in joy! 



Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace." Luke 8:48



On the streets tonight we kept hearing stories of healing in the lives of our clients.  Healings from addictions, healings from gun shot wounds to family member’s, healing from a drug induced coma, and even grateful healings from hunger pangs.  Our wonderful Lord cares for all his children and it brings joy to our hearts to hear of and see the things He has done and is doing.  Then He blesses us with an encounter with a gentleman that wants prayer for faith, a faith as strong as the woman with the issue of blood that dared to reach out and touch the hem of His garment.  Then this man doesn’t wait for us to pray for him, he prays for us!  We are always so grateful and humbled by the people we meet who are so excited to talk about their faith in Christ to complete strangers.  Their excitement and joy in finding the ‘church’ cruising the streets and meeting them where they are at is beyond measure.  We may be the ones that climb in the van a few times a week but it is the Lord that is reaching out to His children and blesses the team with being able to witness His Holy Spirit move in the lives of all of us!



I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.



Philemon 1:6-7





Love,



Donna

]]> 40@http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/ default Sat, 03 May 2008 11:57:00 -0400 He Gave His Very Life http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/entry39.html http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/entry39.html#comm For the Lord does not see as man sees; for a man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  (1 Samuel 16:7)



We’ve all been told lies:  we’re not good enough, smart enough, attractive enough, bold enough…we’re not “enough” to reach the dream that has been planted inside of us.  So we limp along in life, never questioning the lies we’ve accepted as truth.  Some of us just package the lies we’ve believed in more socially acceptable ways.



Tonight, we met “T” and offered her the standard fare – lunch, an Easter basket, prayer.  She fumbles nervously, shifts back and forth on the sidewalk, and downwardly mumbles, “I’m not worthy.”  Later, “P” called her roommates down from their apartment - two male cross dressers who approached the van disheveled, half made up, visible signs of the lies they have believed.



Some may be tempted to shake their heads at these people, unable to identify with them and express disgust at the life they have chosen.  The truth is, however, they are any of us, and they are all of us, who have chosen to believe in and walk in the lies that we’ve been told. 



The Truth is what God says about us, including the woman selling her body to feed an addiction and the men who dress like women and offer themselves for the same.  Each week during outreach, we are given precious moments when a person asks for prayer and we get to speak the Truth that will penetrate the layers of lies, and will one day set them free. (John 8:32; 8:36)



For as many lies that “T”  - and any of us - has been told, God has a more powerful Truth.  We are His Heart and Mouth, His Hands and Feet that deliver the news: 



You are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of Your Creator!  His name is Jesus, and He gave His very life so that you could live freely and abundantly in the safety of His Presence.  He will never leave you nor forsake you; His love is from everlasting.  Won’t you choose to believe His love?  (Psalm 139:14; John 10:10)



Believing in Him,



Amy Smyth

]]> 39@http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/ default Sat, 03 May 2008 11:56:00 -0400 Old Friends http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/entry38.html http://70x7outreach.myblogsite.com/entry38.html#comm Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.  You've already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it's time to be done with it for good. Of course, your old friends don't understand why you don't join in with the old gang anymore. But you don't have to give an account to them. They're the ones who will be called on the carpet—and before God himself.



I Peter 4:1-5 (MSG)



“I want prayer to leave the street life behind”, so Cindy grabs her hands and prays for her.  Then she starts to roll up her sleeves and “B” says, “I know you, didn’t you used to work in the corridor?  Don’t you remember me; my name is “B”.”  And Cindy quietly acknowledges that she knows her.  “B” gets all excited and wants to know how Cindy left the life, so Cindy explains the process.  Then “B” looks at me and says “You know me too, you used to ride in a different van about 12 years ago when I used to be on the other side of town.  Yes, I remembered her and all the ladies she used to hang with, and then she tells me they are all dead now.  All those beautiful young ladies, ladies filled with hope; gone, gone before they even knew what joy there is in a life lived for Christ.  Gone because of drugs, sex and murder, gone because of satan’s deception.  



Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 (NIV)



We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.  Romans 6:4 (NIV)



After our encounter with “B” I was very concerned for Cindy and how she felt after seeing someone that knew her in her old life.  I should have known better than to be concerned; Cindy’s faith and gratitude for her new life in Christ is like a breath of fresh air.  She was so glad she got to see “B” and tell her what Christ is waiting to do for her also.  “B” just shakes her head and says she still waiting for God to change her life.  Those are fightin’ words to Cindy so she tells “B” ‘God IS waiting to change your life but you need to surrender!’



“L” quietly approaches the van, “I’m so glad to see you ladies, I haven’t worked the streets since I met you 4 months ago.  I need prayer for my 2 sons, they are into drugs and I don’t know what to do except pray.”  “L” the best thing you can do for them is pray and we will join in prayer, prayer for healing of addictions in this family, prayer for a mother’s strength to be a good role model, prayer for the hearts of her sons to be open to the life God has for them.  And a prayer of thanksgiving that you are no longer working the streets but looking to the One who loves you.



For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)



Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38 (NIV)



“Hello, we are from Abide Ministries – 70x7 outreach, would you like a lunch bag and an Easter Basket?” 



“Yes, thank you I would.  And where did you say you were from?  I know the scripture 70x7, it means to forgive.  I’m so thankful you are giving out lunches, Easter Baskets, and prayer, we all need Jesus.” 



Cindy holds his hands and prays with him and again God blesses us.  I pray we never stop being surprised by God.  After an evening of tears He always shows up with an encouraging Word for us from a complete stranger and joy fills the van.  It doesn’t matter how many lunches we give away, how many hands we hold in prayer, how many tears we shed, He always sends us someone who encourages us and blesses us by their joy in knowing Christ.  



Have a blessed week,



Donna



P.S. if you would like to help support the work of this ministry make checks payable to Abide Ministries with 70x7 on the memo line and mail to:



Abide Ministries



16333 Terrace Dr.



Roseville, Mi. 48066-2028

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