Chance Meeting on a Bridge?

On Friday as I was driving across the bridge, I saw one of my guys.

I refer to some men as my guys because they went on a retreat with me this past February.

I was headed to Mt Moriah to visit "Richmond Friends of the Homeless" who we're serving lunch that day.

I did a u-turn as I hung up the phone on Charles.

There was John (not his real name).

I came along side him and asked if he wanted a ride to Mt Moriah for lunch.

He said OK and hopped in the car.

It was great to see him. 

He seemed pleasantly surprised as well.

John seems to have his own set of challenges, but has always been willing to talk with me.

He was grateful for the ride.

When we arrived John got out and took his place in line.

After lunch I went up to John and asked if he would be willing to meet with a friend of mine who works for Pathways to Life.

To my surprise he said he would and he gave me his phone number.

I'm praying that some help will come from that meeting and that I can learn some more about how to help the men and women on the streets.

I love how God brings about divine appointments because I don't believe they are just by chance.

The Homeless Guy: The Homeless Guy In San Diego - An Update

I have enjoyed following this man's journey. He speaks the truth.


The Homeless Guy: The Homeless Guy In San Diego - An Update

Learning The Wrong Way!

Sometimes learning what NOT to do, is just as important as learning what to do.

Project Prevention

We spent Friday afternoon visiting four different families.

These families were all on the verge of loosing their kids because of the living situation.

The Dream Center works with social services to solve what ever problem there might be.

In most cases it has to do with not having enough beds.

The families are referred to the DC based on low income only and there are no drugs or alcohol involved.

The DC then adopts the family and tries to provide basic needs like beds or maybe a refrigerator.

Everyone gets to know each other and while we were there we got to pray with them.

The Project Prevention has real potential to change families lives.

It was probably my favorite outreach we got to do.

You have the ability to build relationships with the family on a regular basis.

They come out once a week and stay in touch during the week by phone.

I can see this happen in Northside very easily.

Charles is already doing it there!

Project Prevention Richmond???

Skid Row

Yesterday we spent the morning walking down skid row.

It was everything I had imagined and more.

It was as if I was in a twisted world.

There was skid row but in the background were the tall buildings of downtown.

It was quite the contrast.

The buildings represented jobs, families, and a home.

Skid row was pain and suffering.

Skid row is a place on its own with little or no rules. Chaos.

Needles and pipes were a steady diet on the streets.

Hope was far removed from the faces of the people on these streets.

It was gut wrenching.

It would be easy to throw up your hands and be overwhelmed, but I know a God who loves to do the impossible.

I look forward to seeing what God is going to do in Richmond.