Here’s a look at what’s happening with our ministry:
This past week we met a new couple. Their names escape me, but I remember the conversation. When we walk up, they are pretty loud, playing some kind of game. The wife looks very young, and her loud, childish demeanor relates possible mental instability. Turns out that was true. The husband is older, solemn as a rock, a look of sadness on his face. We decide to talk. The conversation goes something like this:
-The wife is bipolar, scizophrenic, and can only afford half of her medication. They are both drunk and high to ease the pain.
-They are confident that none of us could understand their pain, and that God has given up on them.
-We try to offer encouragement. Hope goes nowhere. Scripture goes nowhere. The offering of physical gifts (including offering to pay for medicine) goes nowhere. Nothing we offer is taken as credible.
-They ask why we are even out there. We try to answer, but the truth is, it was a loaded question. No answer is acceptable to them. Yet still we debate.
-At least an hour later, we get frustrated and decide the conversation is futile. It’s time to keep moving on with the night
-End of interaction
Sometimes the stories we take back with us Monday nights don’t always feel positive. Often they can leave us dejected and sorrowful. We walk away feeling helpless that we can’t do anything. But we must realize that our encouragement comes from knowing that Jesus can. He reminds us that it doesn’t need to be our burden to alter someone’s situation. By doing what we do in Flood Love, Jesus allows us to participate in the hope and salvation that can truly only come from Him.
As we walked away from the couple, the husband thanked us for letting him vent. I don’t know about you, but that kept me from feeling the conversation was completely hopeless
Prayer is the most powerful tool we have:
- Please pray for this unnamed couple to allow Christ into their hearts, to heal their pain, erase their sorrow, and lift their spirits.
- Please pray for the thousands upon thousands more homeless who share similar pain, but lack the Love of Christ in their life to help them through it.
- Please pray that we in Flood Love would be constantly encouraged by the Holy Spirit to continue our ministry in faith and joy and humility. Pray that we never lose confidence in our purpose. Pray that we see our ministry as a blessed opportunity from Christ and not a burden.
Flood Love meets Monday nights at 6:45pm, (departing at 7:00pm) on 15th St, between F & G in front of Smart & Final (Map).