The Bull Rider

Last Tuesday was the first night for our time change. Paul had decided to start an hour earlier by preaching at 6:00pm and serving the meal at 7:00pm. Judging from the crowd it looked like many were not aware of the time change, although, we did have a respectable crowd. We were privileged to serve 55 meals with the assistance of 12 volunteers.

Every week we are fortunate to see old and new faces. I am always surprised to see someone who used to attend our meetings at the Carpenter's Cellar on Tuesday nights. One was named Paris. He said he was named after the city in France. Another was from South Africa who I had to admit that I had forgotten his name. One of the new faces that came in had the biggest belt buckle I had ever seen. He told me that he had won it bull riding. He did not look like a bull rider but who knows. One individual went into the men's bathroom and took off his clothes and started washing them in the sink. We had to remind him that this was not the appropriate place for doing this. At least he was not using the sink in the kitchen.

This Tuesday, we were fortunate to have blankets because many were still in need because of the cool nights. I guess it is difficult to keep up with your bedding when you don't know when or where you will sleep each night. As usual, Paul tried to helped the ones most in need. He provided a room for the night for one individual and gave another a ride home. We try to meet as many needs as we can each Tuesday night. We are very grateful for those who provide support and prayers for Food for Life Ministries.
~Marc

The Mean Streets

Life on the street can be dangerous, especially if you are sound asleep in your “cat hole” and someone attacks you. That is what happened to Chris. He said that someone who had just been released from jail woke him up in the middle of the night and told him to get out. Now Chris did not take this lying down but there were consequences. The man who roused him from a deep sleep was about 250 pounds and Chris is tall with about half the weight. But Chris knows how to take care of himself. A fight was necessary to retain his place to sleep that night. Last Tuesday, Chris asked us for some Advil for the pain and antibiotic medication cream for his back. He was banged up pretty bad and told us he is tired. He is tired of living this kind of life. He comes downtown to Food for Life for inspiration and prayer. Also, he is fighting an addiction that controls his life. But this is exactly the people we are looking for. These are the down and out and those individuals who are tired and searching for a way out. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). We provide the answer each week for those who are hurting and desperately need a change in their life.

This week we served 75 meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. As is the past, the GE workers were serving in the kitchen and passing our clothes that they had accumulated at work. Also, there are many volunteers like Dan whose purpose is to reach people on an individual level. They are Paul’s support so that we can reach as many people as possible. We are especially grateful for their ministry support.
~Marc

Late-Comer

Every week walking into FFL proves to be a new experience. Today I was running late, so I came after things had picked up momentum. I have a new responsibility every night. Tonight i walked and was promptly handed gloves and around 15 bags of bananas to unbag. As i donned the metaphorical 'what can i tackle next' apron, i was presented with chopping the ham to put in grits. I progressed through these tasks and the worship started in the next room. As Atsen played through the songs, we shredded and demolished our way through the ham with the extremely dull chef knives procured from the left-hand drawer of the stainless steel island.

After the message, we brought the food out to the serving line. The food tonight was superb: grits 'n ham, chicken celery rice, brownie bites, cheese bread, peach cobbler, and of course the fruit of the week: bananas. My favorite job at FFL is serving food; that way i get to at least communitcate with each person individually. I have come to know people both by name and by habitual food preferences. For instance, Three Helpings customarily declined the banana, as did Chicken Hawk (as he referred to himself a couple weeks back upon receiving a fourth helping of chicken wings). But Jolly Man accepted his fruit-of-the-day with a wide smile and a 'thank you very much young lady!'

I love serving these people. I love listening to their bantering when they pass my food item of the night. I love to tease them for not eating enough fruit or vegetables. These people are such a joy to serve and I hope that I may continue in this ministry for a long time to come!
~Leslie (Guest Blogger)

Locked Out

One of the difficulties we face on Tuesday nights is locked doors. It is not because Triune Mercy Center does not provide keys, but that the key holder may not attend that night. Usually it is the room that has the ice machine that is locked. When this happens we make a trip to the local Hardees across the street and beg for some ice. Since we brew tea, it is essential that we have ice to serve the tea cold. But last Tuesday, it was the kitchen that was locked. Now that is a problem. Here we were with about 40 homeless and 14 volunteers staring at the locked door. All telephone calls for help resulted only in voice mail. So naturally we turned to some skills by some of the homeless for help. With the help of a credit card and a small knife, we had the door open within minutes. I did not feel too comfortable doing that but it was essential for our ministry. Proclaiming Gospel is the center piece of our ministry, but the meals are the means to accomplish that.

We celebrated this Holy Week by reading through the Gospel of John describing the death, burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We reflected on the implication of those events for our lives today. Because He lives, we can also live too. Lee Headly was kind enough to lead us through the reading of theses powerful scriptures.

After serving 67 meals with the assistance of 14 volunteers, we had a drawing for sleeping bags. I was pleased to see one of the homeless who had asked for a blanket win a sleeping bag. The above picture is one who was fortunate enough to receive one. Even though it is spring, some of the nights are very cold and there are still needs for blankets and sleeping bags. We always welcome any who donate these items for our friends downtown.

Happy Easter.

~Marc

Lost and Found

Allen is a unique individual. He may be down on his luck and live in the Sally (Salvation Army), but he hasn’t stop trying. He related to Lee, one our volunteers, that he has continued to look for work where there seems to be no work. Every conversation these days downtown is how difficult it is for the homeless to find any type of work. It seems to be nonexistent. But Allen kept trying. He applied at one company who told him "they did not need anyone but to come back later". He did and they continued to tell him the same thing over and over until finally he got the job. Persistence does pay off.

In addition to a new job, Lee Headley presented Allen with a new Bible last Tuesday night. Not just any Bible, but a large print study Bible. Lee has been mentoring Allen each Tuesday night so he wanted to give him something special. After writing his name in the Bible and that it was presented by Food for Life on the inside, Lee took it to have his name printed in gold on the outside. Allen was so happy. Thanks Lee for caring for the less fortunate.

On a sad note, I talked with a homeless man who was very distraught. His bicycle had been stolen and he was looking for the person who stole it. He told me that he had a “shank’ in his pocket and was prepared to use it. We talked at great length about the consequences of him following through with his plan. I tried to be logical to someone who was emotional and was not having much success. I realize that a bike is much more important to a homeless person than to me. At the end of our conversation we prayed about the situation and he left. I continued to pray that he would find his bike but not one who stole it.

Allen found a job but another lost a bicycle. The problems of the homeless really are not much different from ours. Many in this economy will lose jobs, homes, spouses, children, and a way of life. The only difference is that most of us have families to provide some support. Most of the homeless have lost that long ago.
~Marc

Guest Blogger

Dear readers,

My perceptions from attending Food For Life are in the paragraphs and possibly the entries to follow. What I've seen at FFL are people who may not be used to serving serve, and those who aren't used to being served sitting and enjoying a meal prepared especially for them. The love that these people receive from the people with FFL is unrivaled.

I'm sorry that i must ask you to forgive the late post. I have many excuses that I could use, but none of which would be satisfactory or the whole truth (as the whole truth is that I am basically just a failure at doing things on time). The following is my journal entry from last Tuesday night after attending FFL.

'I walked in the United Ministries kitchen at 6:41pm, and already the place was buzzing with activity. People were chopping and washing and peeling and unbagging and unwrapping and, in short, creating culinary masterpieces.....ok.....maybe not MASTERPIECES, but when assembled with love, the simplest dish can become a true work of art. As I began to search out an area that needed assistance, conversations and light banter whirled back and forth over my head. The chef at the stove let out a loud, deep, belly-laugh at the comment made by the young man chopping zucchini in the far corner. Smiles lit the faces of all in earshot. I decided that the workers had everything under control in the kitchen, and moved to the cafeteria to see if i could be of more assistance there. Already the room was filling up with people, both workers and homeless. Walking into this room filled with hungry, hurting, lonely, mistreated, and unloved people made me realize what an awesome God we serve; He would take the least assuming of us and make us heirs with his own Son, the Maker of heaven and earth. It's absolutely incredible.

The realization that sometimes we consciously or subconsciously think we are better than those who have no home or are addicted to drugs or alcohol made me sick. I am such a selfish, undeserving person to even hint at thinking I am better than anyone in that room. I am here to glorify my Savior, and for that reason alone. Who am I to think that God, who by HIS mercy and grace alone decided to create me to live for Him, would love these people any less than He loves me?

Later that evening during the worship service, all the songs were about grace. Once again I was pointed to how inept I am versus how capable and loving God is. A man two seats down from me shushed another man when he spoke too loudly during the message. He then turned back to face Paul with wrapped attention. He followed along in a borrowed bible the whole message, then quietly closed it and returned it to it's shelf after the message was over.

The rest of the night went smoothly with joking between servers and those waiting in line, serious conversations over hot meals, and the worship team jammin out on the small stage. The workers are few, but the harvest is many. As the night ended, that sentence reverberated through my brain. We are the workers. May I never forget that I have been called to harvest right where I've been placed.'

God is alive and well in the inner city of Greenville, SC. We would be sadly mistaken to believe otherwise. Prayer is essential to FFL's success though. Continue to partner with us in prayer to our great God that He would soften hearts, release those in darkness, and free those in bondage.

- Leslie Dye

Our Inheritance

How many of us dream of receiving an inheritance from a rich relative? We all have heard stories of those that receive such a windfall, but a year later they are no better off. The inheritance just seemed to evaporate. Tonight Lee Headley preached a message from 1st Peter about an inheritance that will not fade away. In fact, it is incorruptible. Every thing in this life will perish one way or another. Even the food we served Tuesday night, if not eaten, will spoil. But this inheritance will not spoil. Also, this inheritance is undefiled. Unlike us it is without sin. And finally, this inheritance will not fade away. Everything is this life will fade away but this inheritance of eternal life will never fade away. In fact, it is eternal. Even though most of us will never receive an inheritance from a rich uncle, this inheritance promised in 1st Peter is available for everyone who believes. This was a powerful message that gives hope for everyone, including those who live on the street struggling with their day to day problems. I had one homeless tell me that this message was a real encouragement to him. Thanks Lee for sharing this message of hope which is available for all of us.

I would like to ask everyone to pray for Chris who I wrote about in my last post. He had expressed a desire to quit drinking. This week he came in stone sober. He said he had not drunk any alcohol during the week. He said that he had spent time in the library and staying away from those that stick it in his face. There was a real change in his demeanor. He expressed concern for others that we don’t usually see in the homeless community. It was a real pleasure talking with him.

Tonight we served 72 meals with the assistance of 12 volunteers. We had the normal requests for over-the-counter medicine and one individual, named Bobby, who we provided a bus ticket back home. We all like to see those that want to reunite with their families. Other requests were for blankets and sleeping bags. Even though the weather is getting warmer, the nights are still cool. Thanks to all who support Food for Life so we can provide some temporary relief for those who are on the street.
~Marc

A Testimony

Last night we were blessed to hear a powerful testimony of how Lynn Irby went from the street on drugs to the church teaching others about the saving faith in Jesus Christ. A testimony is a powerful example of how God can change a person’s life. Many people may not agree whether God exists or not, and some may disagree with certain points of theology but when someone stands before a room full of hurting people testifies to God’s grace there is no denying the truth of the Gospel. There were two major responses to this testimony. One man was brought literally to his knees and he accepted Christ as his Savior and others seem to get mad at the obvious change in her life. This was evidenced by a couple of incidents between some of the homeless. Fortunately, all of these were defused before someone got hurt.

But there was another response too. Some wanted the same changed life without them changing. They wanted to stop drinking and spending most of their time in jail but they did not believe they could change their habits. Chris had a bottle in his pocket to help him relieve the shakes in the morning. He told us that he was going to quit drinking because it was killing him. Of course, he said he was not making any promises because he did not want to lie. Tony suggested that he pour out his whiskey if he was serious. He said he could not do that. Paul suggested that he quit trying stop drinking and focus on accepting Christ as his Savior. He suggested to Chris that the real problem was sin. Until he recognized that he was just as bad as others on the street and everyone else in the world, he could not stop acting in response to his sin. Chris responded that he could never be a “Jesus Crispy”, no offense to us. We told him we took no offense but that was his only hope. Finally after talking, we all prayed for Chris and asked God to do the work in Chris’s heart for the change he desired. Then Chris left and headed for the mission.

We had a big crowd Tuesday night. We served 85 hot meals and lots of coffee with the assistance of 18 volunteers. As every week, we had many requests for blankets, aspirin, and clothing. There are so many needs. Some never ask for anything and others ask for something every week. As I looked in the crowd, I was surprised to see Rufus. I had not seen him in years. I remember when Paul first started his ministry; he bought Rufus a pair of shoes. He is a quiet man and but very respectful. It is good to see some of the folks that came each Tuesday night over 6 years ago.
~Marc

Volunteers that Minister

Last night we served 115 meals with the assistance of 14 volunteers. We were blessed again to have the youth from Brookwood Church come and serve. We appreciate their leader’s concern that their youth develop a desire to help the less fortunate. Many of us may take for granted our homes and families until we realize there are some that have neither. If we just spend time loving on those who don’t have those things, it will change them and us.

Another group of volunteers that come consistently each week are students from the Evangelical Institute of Greenville. They provide the music and also minister the Gospel to the homeless. They truly have a heart for the less fortunate. When Paul can not attend we can always depend on these students to continue the work of the ministry. Last Tuesday night one of the students, Lincoln, brought the message from Romans 6:10-18. It was a powerful message on sin and the need to totally surrender our lives to God through Jesus Christ. That is a message for everyone, homeless and volunteers.

Clearly, our numbers have been increasing over the last few weeks. Just 3 weeks ago we were only serving about 40 meals and now it is almost 3 times that amount. Many have theories about why the numbers vary so much, but I honestly can not figure it out. I know we constantly see new faces along with some of the regulars that come and go. Regardless, we are pleased to serve anyone and everyone. Please pray that God will always provide the resources to help these folks and that God will change their lives for eternity.
~Marc

Are You Poor?

Hello FFLM Friends,
First of all I would like to say thank you to all of the people that are faithful followers of the Lords work here at Food For Life. We couldn't do what we do with out your support. It takes all types of support. We value those that are faithful givers and those that serve food and drink along with those that minister. What ever form your giving, all are giving from the heart. As a caring body of Christ like disciple makers, this is what we are called to do. We give of ourselves because of the way God has given to us. He gave his life as a ransom for many.

This week it was my pleasure to continue to teach out of James 1;5 if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach. Last week we focused on the fact that God is a good and God gives good gifts. Say that five times real fast! God doesn't hold back His goodness. In fact, He gives it liberally and without reproach. Our focus this week was on the word "ask". Does a person without need ask for something he already has? No, Jesus said in Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God. Only those who are spiritually bankrupt are in need. In the world if you go to the bank for a loan you must have good credit and a bank account with money in it. In other words you can't be in need. My dad likes to say "the bank only hands out umbrellas when the sun is shining". In the Kingdom of God those that are in need of a gift from God are prime candidates. We must ask, that is what we do to receive from God. Imagine that! We ask! It doesn't matter if we are already walking out the Gospel of Christ or in need of the Gospel of Christ, Just ask with a contrite heart, and receive!

This week we served 110 plates of food, with the help of 12 faithful volunteers. Please pray for Micheal. It is a man we have been ministering to for years. The doctors gave him some bad news this week They told him he has cancer, and it is terminal. Micheal has made many professions of faith, and we are praying that he will surrender and persevere to the end!

~Chef Paul

Tuesday Give Away

Last Tuesday night was extra special for some fortunate folks. One of our wonderful supporters purchased 25 backpacks and stuffed them with all the necessities for life on the street. There was much anticipation during the drawing and the winners were more than willing to have their picture made. Thanks to those who made the evening an extra special time for every one.

Paul continued to teach from James on wisdom. He related that the real wisdom is the Gospel which is Christ crucified on the cross for the lost. Without this particular wisdom, we have no hope in this life or the life to come. This revelation gives us wisdom in dealing with the difficulties of life and we can truly say “count it all joy when we fall into various trials” because we know that either He will take us through or take us home. Either way, there is joy.

We made a big pot of coffee this week but most preferred either water or tea. One homeless mentioned to me that he could not drink much coffee when there is a full moon. I knew that the moon had an effect on the oceans but I didn’t know it spices up the caffeine. However, we did not have any problem serving 40 meals with the assistance of 14 volunteers.
~Marc

God's Wisdom

What is wisdom? Does wisdom from God differ from the wisdom of this world? Last Tuesday night we were fortunate to have Jason (Paul’s brother) bring the message from the book of James. He continued to teach on verses 5 through 8 about wisdom. From the world’s point of view, knowledge and wisdom are closely related. However, knowledge and wisdom from God is very different. Real wisdom is more than the knowledge of God’s word. Jason gave an example of a friend that had lots of theological knowledge, but lived a life that did not reflect the wisdom of God which was evident by his life style. So how do we get God’s wisdom? In James, it simply says to ask God. But Jason pointed out in verse 5 that there are conditions. First we have to ask in faith not doubting the goodness of God. Also, God will freely give us wisdom in order to represent Him to the world. And finally, as someone pointed out in our discussion, God gives wisdom to develop a relationship with us. Wisdom must be used to glorify God and not for our selfish desires.

Every week, we see new faces. This week as we arrived, there was a lady dressed in western clothes in a motorized wheel chair waiting to get in. She rode in and found an electrical outlet to recharge her chair. After I brought in the food, I was surprised to find her walking around in the kitchen talking to the other volunteers. I guess the chair was her mode of transportation.

Another group of new faces were from Seacoast Church in Greenville. They were especially helpful washing all of the pots and pans. Most volunteers don’t gravitate to this job but they were willing to serve regardless of the task. They assisted 14 other volunteers to serve 68 hot meals on a very cold night. The numbers were down this week because most had probably found a warm place and were not willing to venture out in the cold.
~Marc