Evangelism

Miracles Among the Homeless

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I have been so encouraged in watching the mighty works of the Lord through my good friend as she (and now others with her) minister to the homeless in our area.

She started passing out lunches to homeless people–no big thing, in her mind–which moved into also eating lunch with the homeless, and eventually–to her surprise–became a larger thing: other people wanting to come and share in what the Lord is doing, others (even local businesses) donating food, clothing, and such to the “ministry” and still more coming to minister outright. The ministry is still young, but already they have had opportunities to lead people to know Jesus, and to see signs and wonders as He demonstrates His love among them. Here are a couple accounts of the miracles that have taken place among them:

Not too long ago, as they gathered, homeless people continued coming to them, so that they didn’t have enough food. But they read one of the stories of Jesus multiplying the loaves and fishes, prayed over the meal, and as they served the food, they witnessed it multiplying. The Lord provided so much that just as in the biblical accounts they had leftovers–even though there was not enough in the beginning. (And hungry people don’t exactly eat meager portions if they can help it.)  There was more than enough!

Another day, my friend put too much water in the coffee, and by the time they noticed, it was too late to fix it. She reports that it tasted TERRIBLE–more like water than coffee–but as her and another gal watched the homeless people drinking it down, they apologized to one man that it was so bad, and he responded in surprise. It was very strong coffee, he said, and very good. The Lord had changed hot water into strong coffee, and they hadn’t even asked for it. God knows what we need!

Miracles like these aren’t rare. One homeless man shared that God always supplies his needs. One time, he told them, he asked God for something very specific, and when he opened the dumpster, he found it right on top! When needs are prevalent, and faith is childlike, miracles happen.

I love you dear friend.  Thank you for walking faithfully before the Lord.  You have shown me that signs and wonders follow obedience and humility regardless of our expectations. 🙂

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Review of Veiled Freedom by J.M. Windle

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Recommended: An insightful and beautifully written piece of fiction.

This novel reveals modern day Afghanistan realistically and astutely.  Windle juxtaposes the perspectives of three characters: 1) a slightly naive Christian woman, in Afghanistan to start a relief project, 2) an intelligent but rough-on-the edges American security chief to the MOI, and 3) an Afghan native with a tragic past who only wants to please Allah.

Veiled Freedom mixes Western and Middle Eastern culture, politics, and Christian and Islamic spirituality; it has action and mystery while still being a lighthearted, easy read.

The novel’s strongest theme is quite relevant: change has to happen from the inside out.  No country can force freedom or lifestyle on another country, nor can anyone spiritually ‘convert’ those who are content as they are–our personal and corporate freedoms must be taken from the inside out.

The only downside was the superficial way in which Christian character, Amy’s, faith was portrayed.  I felt the novel worked much harder to reveal Islam than Christianity, yet, in this day where not all ‘Christianities’ are alike, I would have liked to feel that Amy was deeply and desperately connected to God–especially as she’s made to be the story’s ‘model’ Christian.

Overall, this was an enjoyable and educational read, deepening my understanding of Afghanistan and its people.

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Feeding the Poor

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Tonight, Ben and I went to Target, and in the parking lot met a homeless women and her son.

I wouldn’t say I’ve ever been particularly moved to give to or talk with homeless people, but in the last few months, God has really given me His heart for the poor.  And the Bible makes it quite clear that we are not to neglect the poor, the widows and the orphans.

When this couple approached us, without hesitation we talked to them, gave them money and a Bible, and told them that the Lord loves them–and they were very excited.  The young boy, especially, said, “A Bible!  Is that where it talks about God and stuff?!”  And when I told him that yes, and God loves you as much as He can possibly love, his face was glowing with joy.

Afterward, I felt so deeply for them that we prayed on their behalf in the store, and I wished I could have spent more time talking with them and sharing the good news of the gospel in its full depth.  Lately, it seems, I am often moved to weeping when the Spirit shows me glimpses of His love for the poor.  It is so important to me that everyone know that the Lord is enough to sustain us–physically, emotionally, and spiritually, no matter how poor or rich or what our circumstance.  He really is all we need.

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