Last Saturday as my wife and I were driving to my brother-in-law's funeral, I got to thinking about our breakfast being cooked and served at the center. Tim and Dawn were in charge of it all, cooking, serving and cleaning up. How remarkable that it all was happening. Tim, not too long ago, was living under a bridge. Tim turned his life over to Christ and is now, holding down a job, on our Board, living in house with some of our family, has his own set of keys to the center, our outdoor friends leader, helps with tutoring, a mentor to some of our young people, a leader in our men's Bible fellowship, always wanting to help others. What a testament to living a life for Christ! Dawn, originally from Australia, finding her way to us through her obedience to God. Stepping out in faith as she becomes a member of our neighborhood. Wanting to share her lvoe of Christ with others, lighting the way for us as we visit our outdoor friends. Our community is truly blessed by the two of them and allowing the Holy Spirit to fill their lives with lvoe.
Scott, Matt, Dawn and Tim had company on their visits Saturday morning. Pastor Roger and Pastor Betsy from Grace brought a guest pastor from Africa, Pastor Mande to meet our outdoor friends. The visits made an impression in them all.
The camps were doing much better this week. Some work is happening for the guys, which keeps them busy. No drama this week.
Tutoring is still going strong on Monday and Wednesdays. Ms Lauren is leading our Centenary students and running a tight ship as the neighborhood children come and learn. Great to see each room being used, learning going on, and relationships being formed.
Tuesday afternoon and evening, many of us got to be a part of a book signing by our friend Judy Chrisitie. Judy is a becoming a legend in all the books she is publishing and we get to ride along her coat tails! She graciously allows us to receive a percentage of all the book sales taken place for the week. Ms Lisa reported, we had received around $500 so far.
Matt led our men's Bible fellowship Tuesday evening, reading from Hebrews 11 talking about faith. Not sure the chapel is large enough as more and more men are showing up each week. It is great to see so many men, both young and old, wanting to hear the Good News and how it might work in the their lives. We read about faith and how it is so important to God. Verse 6 says, without faith no one can please God. Do we live our lives in faith in God or ourselves?
Wednesday afternoon, we walked the streets around the center and handed out flyers for National Night out next Tuesday, October 1st, from 5 - 6:30. Ms Abbie went to the houses at the end of our block, to get signatures so we can block off our street. One of the neighborhood ladies walked with us and visited with our neighbors encouraging them to come. We will be cooking some hot dogs, asking our neighbors to bring side dishes. Looking forward to meeting them all.
Another packed house Thursday evening. Sarah and Scott were out of town, but God knew that, so God sent the youth from Cyperss Baptist and Ms Sara from Christ Methodist to us and they handled children's church! That was awesome. We were treated to song and fellowship by the youth pastor of Cypress, Pastor Greg. Then we all enjoyed the food brought by Cypress Baptist for our meal. Another big crowd, lots of new faces and good times.
Prayers for those of us having to deal with the health of our parents. Hard to see our love ones struggling with illness. Prayers for our Board on Saturday as we share what God is leading us to do in our neighborhood. If you have something God has been telling you, that you would like to see happen, please send an email to Ms Lisa, today.
In one of my phone calls from my sister last week, she was talking about her husband, her best friend, her lover for over 67 years. They met when she was a teenager, got married at an early age, had two sons, having been together for 67 years. Working together for the last 47 years in a family business, depending on each other for strength and guidance. It is hard to say goodbye. Glenda, said to me at some point, I wish we had stopped working together and retired. There were things we wanted to do, but now we don't have that chance.
I have been thinking about that statement, things we wanted to do but never did. Was reading in the Bible, not sure where, talking about a young man accumulating all his stuff, excited about his wealth, and God saying, he will never get to use it, I am going to take him home.
My brother-in-law was busy in his garage working on his motorcycles, for a ride they were going to take, and went to bed that night, never having the chance to ride again. The Pastor at his funeral, said he talked with Jackie each week, about life, about their struggles. The Pastor said, he told Jackie he might like to get on a motorcycle again, putting off that ride with Jackie, and now it is too late.
I know we say, we are not promised tomorrow, but does our lives reflect that? Do we tell the ones we see everyday how important they are too us? Do we tell those, who lvoe us the most, how much we lvoe them? Do we tell our children, how much we lvoe them? Can't tell you how many times I have heard, can't wait until I retire, so I can do this or that! What if, like my brother-in-law, that day never comes?
God's Kingdom needs you today, not tomorrow. The children need a friend today, not next week when you find time. Our neighborhood is falling down around us and needs your heart today, not when it is convenient. A hug is needed today, not tomorrow after soccer practice. A kind word of encouragement is wanted on Friday, not on Sunday when no body is around. We talked about at the funeral, we only see our family at funerals or weddings! Why is that? Is it because we are too busy? Busy at what? Building up God's Kingdom or ours?
We hear it everyday, don't put off tomorrow what you can do today. In our hearts we say ok, but our minds says, don't worry about it, you will have another day. Jackie and Glenda will tell you, no you don't. Live your life for God everyday. Bring glory to Him at every moment. You will be blessed. Our community will be blessed. God will be pleased! Amen.
Have a great week. Enjoy God's blessing all around you. Lvoe today!
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