Week 3

This week Steve Martin, Charles, Stef and Justin joined me in Pontiac.  We walked around and ended up on the steps of the Salvation Army Community Center with Marily and another guy whose name escapes me.  We spoke of spiritual things and she blurted out some things in "tongues" out of nowhere and kinda freaked the kids out.   We discussed it later to help them better understand what "that" was.  Justin joked that she stole his soul.  Which is kinda funny since she did look through him while speaking in tongues then ask him what it was he wanted to say... Justin said, "nothing" and she agreed with "Amen."  I couldn't wipe the stupid smile off my face.  We discussed later how some of the things she was going through mentally could be something of a spiritual nature (demonic oppression/possession) or perhaps simply a human being who has lost touch through a psychotic break from too much stress and anxiety, etc.  We are frail, fallen humans that can "break."  But we are also spiritual beings capable of being influenced, oppressed, even possessed spiritually.  She may have gotten into some "not-so-good things." and opened herself up to spiritual oppression.  Or again maybe she just had a nervous breakdown and never regained touch with reality.  We discussed this and how there are things we do not see in the spiritual realms and how as saints we are directly involved in the battle that is waged in the spiritual realm.  As in Frank Perretti's "This Present Darkness."  It was then very cool that Sunday Shannon's sermon spoke directly too that conversation.  Confirming to us that perhaps we right where we were supposed to be on that Tuesday.  Its good to know that we are in tune with God's Spirit. 

Week 4

Only Steve and I went to Pontiac this week.  We went to a location that Tim tipped us off to the week before.  Last week we saw Tim as we were leaving town and I stopped and gave him water and prayed for him.  I am not sure who was more blessed, Tim or I.  It was awesome.  We did not see him this week and I pray that God protects him and gets him off the streets before it gets too cold.  So we visited WHRC Elementary and no homeless there.  We went back to town and found Kyle and Rudy on the steps at the Sal.  We sat with them and offered water and some long sleeve shirts.  They accepted and were grateful.  I also passed on some decent shoes to Rudy, I will take some socks next week as Rudy's looked rough and smelled worse.  I want to get some folks like Kyle (who doesn't mind being on the street) a good sleeping set-up.  Like a sleeping bag and sleeping pad and a backpack he can put it in.  It is funny... they share with each other out there, don't get me wrong, they fight too.  But they will take care of one another.  A man named Robert came out to visit Rudy and Kyle and he brought blankets.  But because they already had some, they were going to give them out to others.  Pretty awesome.  We are gaining rapport and trust from some folks as we are out there each week.  We are learning a lot too.  Like the Baldwin Center opens up in the cold months as a shelter from 8pm to 7:30am.  They also offer showers 3 times per week.  There is no laundry as it is a 6 week wait.  Some folks just through out soiled clothes as they cannot wash them.  There are some basic needs met out there.  Steve and I are going to check out Baldwin Center to see how we can help or compliment what they do to meet more needs.  It sure does make a difference in my faith walk to be doing what I know I am supposed to be doing.  What are you supposed to be doing that perhaps you are not.  There is joy that comes from doing what the Lord asks of you even a deep peace and fulfillment when we do the Lord's will.  You may not be sure what He is asking of you.  Pray then, step out and do.  What if you step out and were wrong?  No big deal really.  But what if you are right when you step in faith?  You have everyhing to gain.  What if you do not step out at all?  You could lose the immeasurable blessing of a fulfilled faith life.