8/07/2009

The joys of ministry


Many times people have said to me, "Do you ever feel like people are taking advantage of you at Food for life"? I always answer "Yes", but I am taking advantage also. I love to take advantage for the sake of the Gospel. It is why I do what I do. Its why a Christian lives.

Every once in a while I get the opportunity to see God work in a very tangible way. A couple of months ago God introduced me to a couple at F.F.L.M. Chris and Beverly were living at the Mission in the family apartment. They met in a homeless shelter, fell in love, and soon after got married. This family has been through allot in their short time together, and are still experiencing hard times. One Tuesday night Chris was surrounded by a couple of guys that come to F.F.L.M. faithfully. They gathered around him and began to pray that God would provide him a job quickly. You see, Chris has two children. One of the children is an infant, and the other a toddler that lives with a family friend. So, he really needed a job, and he needed fast! Well, they began to pray believing that God would provide a job and he did! I walked up to Chris moments after that prayer and felt led to go ahead and give Chris a job even though I didn't really need anyone. The next week one of the guys that prayed with him told me about the prayer and how God had used me to answer that prayer. It was so cool to be a part of this. We just need to be available, and God will do the rest. So, Chris came to work at Streetside the next day. He is a hard worker and has a great attitude. Last week he got his drivers licence and is now being trained to deliver food. I am very proud of Chris. Yesterday an employee decided to lay out of work and not call to let me know were he was. Obviously, he lost his job. Bad for him, great for Chris! He will now be able to get more hours.

Chris and Beverly have also moved out of the Mission and are on the fast track to getting their own house. They have joined the G.A.H.I.N. program. http://www.gahin.org/ Through G.A.H.I.N they are receiving help with many other needs such as child daycare vouchers, food, and diapers. Last week a man that comes to F.F.L.M walked up to me and handed me a check for $650.00 to help Chris and Beverly with what ever they needed. Well, they had some dept that was associated with a title loan that had a high interest rate on their car. They owed $670.00, and this money was able to get them out from under that payment so they could make a fresh start. Oh, the joy of seeing God work! I am so grateful for this ministry, and I am also grateful for all of those that believe in the work that God is doing at F.F.L.M. We are the body of Christ! Being taken advantage of isn't so bad!

Thank you to the 18 volunteers that helped us prepare 82 plates of food this week. It takes everyone doing their part to make it work.

Paul