Repeat them again and again to your children.
Talk about them when you are at home
and when you are on the road,
when you are going to bed
and when you are getting up.
Deuteronomy 6:7
Folks ask all the time about “success stories” from folks we serve but if you are with us long enough you will hear many stories from those who come to help that rival (or surpass) those of the ones on the street.
Jeff is one such story.
He was on the street, and addict, and as ornery as it gets… but God…
Now he is here most Saturday’s with his daughter and grandaughter doing whatever is needed. They don’t have to find time or make time. This is their life.
God saved Jeff’s life…
who is also Jennifer’s dad..
who is Emmy’s bubbie…
and is friend to sinners
So as a thank-offering they serve those who have not come out yet. You really want to come and meet these three. They inspire and encourage me..,.
Last Week’s Update…stay connected!
Logistics (From 8/17 Street Church)
Served: ~85
Last week's leaders: Bryan, Jody, Curtis, Chino
Next week's leaders: Jody
Next week's preacher: TBD
Gifts
Last week's: socks
Next week's: backpacks
Looking Ahead
We need some food slots filled., If you're around to help, let us know
Miscellaneous
Josey S. and her son made amazing Chicken and rice!
grateful for The River of Life Church who donated 75 backpacks!
Bryan will be in Seoul, South Korea for the 10th world gathering of the Lausanne Congress for world mission. Learn more here https://congress.lausanne.org/
Service
The day started off a bit wonky. It was 4H fair week in the Bywater House so my brain was preoccupied. A slight mix-up led to no coffee but thankfully Emmy Lou and Jody helped me pack so I sent Jody to Dunkin and all was well. We can always use help at storage at Uhaul to help pack lunches and the van. We start at 10 am
The weather was nice and the speakers stayed charged! Folks all pitched in to help set up which is always our goal. It's the best when “random” folks walking by just ask if we want help and don’t bother sticking around. God always has us covered.
Jeff, his daughter, and granddaughter served communion together… well, I’ll be honest, I grabbed Jeff and asked if he would like to do that and of course he lit up. Three generations. It was powerful for us all. His granddaughter is such a hard-working joy. Yeah, I know I’m a girl-dad, but her faith is growing and she just loves to serve. This is the case with all the kids who come down. They are discipled to love and respect all people in the Name of Jesus.
Folks listened to the message and were respectful all the way around. It was one of those days that was so pleasant you forget you are outside. Joseli made rice and beans with chicken and she and her son, Sabastian served it up. He said this week was even better than last! Such joy!
We handed out new Bombas socks that were donated by our friend, Julia. God provides for us all the time. I made the sandwiches this week as my wife was off with our girls to the 4H fair. Most Saturdays she makes half or more of the sandwiches. She is one of those “unseen” saints so let’s hear it for her!
and a big thanks and huzzah to Giv Coffee for keeping us caffeinated and loved! check them out and buy their stuff here! https://givcoffee.com/
oh, and please keep an eye out for Maria and Robert who were not around.
..from the Community Churches…
We finished up there service and my friend, Brianna, asked if I wanted to go down the hall and visit Ms Edith before I left.
“They don’t get her up as early anymore so she misses church. I go and read the Bible to her though”
Ms Edith is one of my favorite people on the planet. She is almost 99 years old with the faith and energy of little kid at VBS. She is getting closer to the New Day and at times she rocks and talks to herself but whenever I say the name Jesus there is always a “Hallelujah! Thank ya Jeee-sus!” in reply.
She can no longer take communion which I miss so much…
“ah, that’s gooooooood!” would be her amen. Only once before have I heard of a soul so enamored by communion and that was a little girl named Ethnie. She was given communion right before she died of a horrible wasting disease and as she took it I was told her eyes lit up the universe…."that’s so good!”
an old black lady and a young white girl both near death, and yet Jesus was so sweet that Death had no bitterness.
when I leave her room I always say goodbye and I love you to Ms Edith…
and she always replies “ I love you too!”… with the “oo” rising in a crescendo that makes my heart flutter.
Love well and deeply my friends. Be like Jesus and Ms Edith
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