Now is the time - Line Up !

It is hard to believe that less than 3 weeks ago, it was cool and damp with many on the street asking for blankets or a change of clothes. However, last Thursday night it was sweltering heat with the temperature approaching the 100 degree mark. Naturally, the requests were more in line with the change in weather. Everyone wanted a cool place to rest including lots of cold ice water and tea. We are very fortunate and thankful that Triune Mercy Center allowed our 14 volunteers to serve 60 meals in their air conditioned facility. This is a real blessing not only for our street friends, but also for our faithful volunteers.

I am always amazed how much time Paul spends with the each homeless individual. He always gives each one his undivided attention. As soon as we arrive each night, I see individuals "lining up" in order to talk with Paul. Some are requesting clothes, a room for the night, a bus ticket out of town, a job, help with their bills, a ride across town, or many just want some money. Everyone can use a little money; sometimes for the wrong reason. Others just want to give Paul suggestions what to preach. This night, one individual said he was writing a book on how to interpret the Bible and wanted to give Paul a few of his suggestions. Another, more importantly, needed individual ministry. Paul was privileged to talk and pray with him after the meal. Our desire is to present the true Gospel straight from the Word of God and minister to the hopeless on an individual basis. We are very fortunate that many of our volunteers are equipped and willing to assist Paul in this endeavor.

This Thursday Paul continued with Romans 13:13-14. The overall theme is the understanding of the urgency of the time and that our salvation is nearer than we may believe. If that was true at the time Romans was written, how much more urgent is it today. It is important that we all realize that time is short and as 2 Corinthians 6:2 states now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation. We can not just focus on our earthly needs at expense of our eternal destiny. It is the difference between eternal misery or eternal bliss. This understanding fuels our ministry each week.

Please pray for Paul and his volunteers that we may advance the Kingdom of God each week and we would never be ashamed of the Gospel, because as the Apostle Paul stated in Romans 1:16, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes. That includes all of us, including our friends on the street.

~Marc