friday update

Blessed Portion Friday Night Update 5-21-18

Acts 28:3-5 "But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live. but he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered him no harm."

Hello Everyone,

BIG thanks again to our faithful Greek Ladies who feed so many for us once a month--they never complain when its cold and rainy (like it was tonight) they just always come smiling and ready to serve. So thankyou Jackie Mangas and your amazing team of people--- we love you!!!

The picture with this post this week thrills us because it is empty!!!! No one is sleeping there....for our friend is in a recovery house and your donations helped him get in there so THANKYOU!! Its funny because we always on Friday check all the spots we have been checking since we started this ministry and one of our volunteers said as we came upon this area in picture "That's where I stayed but no more." It was a great moment knowing he was with us and had a bed to sleep in and not in that cold wet area. We talked about his relapse and how difficult it is to figure out why he does what he does.....he also shared about how God is revealing more of who he is to him and that is amazing to hear.

Tonight we gave out a tent to a young man who was in need of one we heard from another ministry and thankful we had one to give him. We gave out lots of blankets and book bags, canned food items, all the shoes and jackets. Listened as some talked about how they were kicked out of where they were staying and they are struggling to find a safe place--hard when your a couple and don't want to be separated. Visited with our friend for a few who has found out she has cancer and will be having surgery soon. She is trying so hard to stay strong and positive and she needs our prayers. She is such a kind woman and we are so blessed to know her and her boyfriend.

Tonight we talked abut the passage above and how those around Paul that night had to have been in shock that he was not harmed let alone dead because of that poisonous snake that gripped on him. We talked about how he just shook it off and was totally ok. How that for us the enemy does try to latch on....latching on with addiction, anger, frustrations, unforgiveness , suicide and many other things and yet he cannot take us out. For us as Christ followers we need to remember that we have the power of Jesus Christ inside of us. We are children of the King, we have a blood bought right to freedom and healing through Jesus Christ. That when the enemy tries his best to latch on so to speak we need to shake him off, resist him, not allow him to put his poison in our hearts and minds.....we have to out truth him. The old saying "you dont need to outshout the devil you just need to out truth him" is exactly true. So many things the enemy tells all of us each day I'm sure is mind blowing and same for our friends downtown and perhaps even more. There is power with having Jesus in your heart and mind--great power!! So we shared that with many tonight and prayed at each stop with our friends and as always it was wonderful.

We got to see our ladies at Hobson house and met a new woman there and thankful again these women have a place to stay. A place that is safe and secure and where they can find healing and rest. We had a great night and as always we were blessed, encouraged and spurred on by those we serve....thank you for all you do to help this ministry keep moving forward. Thank you for all the donations you all bring each week....we are so appreciative and we need you!