Reaching Out At Street Reach

Last night, we had the most wonderful blessing of preparing a meal, then taking it and serving it to our friends at Street Reach, a local mission and homeless shelter. I can't put into words what a joy it is to be involved in this ministry. We've seen so many souls saved over the years, as we always share the gospel and do our very best to show them Jesus living in us.

Last night, Bro. George Lowe presented the message, and did a fabulous job, I might add. I can't get over the attentiveness in last night's service. Usually, there are a million distractions, which often quenches the work of the Holy Spirit. But last night, everyone sat perfectly still and as I looked around the room, I was amazed at how they seemed to hang on to Bro. George's every word. What a blessing!

As I've mentioned before, our church does this on the first Tuesday of every month. Other churches are involved, as well, filling the rest of the calendar each month, so that these folks get a good, hot meal every night of the week. I think it's great, the work they're doing there, to help folks who are struggling to get back on their feet. Granted, some of them have done horrible things in their lives, which have ultimately led them to a place like this. But do ya know what?
Some people in churches have done horrible things in their lives, which have ultimately led them to church. (Praise God!)

I know, because I'm one of them. Though I was raised in, and saved in church at a young age, I got out into the world in my latter teen years, and really messed up. It wasn't until about ten years later that I came back, after praying for God to forgive me and then rededicating my life to Him. Thankfully, that was ten years ago, this past October 31st. I've tried to faithfully serve Him ever since!

So you see, it doesn't matter who we are, or where we've been, or even where we are now. What matters is where we're going. And that, my friend, is what it's all about. We're all in the same boat, when it comes to our souls. God made each and every one of us the same. Sure, we can make poor choices, which can cause us much heartache and shame. But it doesn't mean the end. The only "end" we face, is if we die without accepting Christ as our Saviour!

But anyway, these folks there at Street Reach, though they may have fallen on hard times through some fault or failure of their own, they're not "beyond repair", as some might view them. And honestly, they're no more dirty nor sinful than the rest of us! The same blood that covers our sin, covers theirs, as well. And it's our job to lead them to the cross, where they can find that healing flow. That's why I love being a part of this ministry. And I've kind-of made it my calling, to be that traffic-director, so to speak, pointing them to Jesus. Again, what a blessing! Indeed, what a privilege!

We were also blessed, this month, to have so many helpers come and join us. Back at the church, we had lots of hands helping to prepare the meal, and to clean up afterwards. We even had some children come and get involved in giving of themselves and sharing Jesus' love. I can't think of a more valuable lesson to teach young children, in this world of self-centeredness and disrespect!

My friend, Son Hwa, is a special blessing to each of us in this ministry. She truly has a heart to serve, in any and every way she can. God has blessed me with her friendship of 14 years or so, and it's such a blessing to me, personally, to serve and to worship alongside her, here at Grand Strand. As you can see, she's getting ready to have a baby... next week, in fact. So this was her last night to serve in this ministry for a while! :)




She tickled me to pieces, how she was all excited over her "new little Bible", which she bought to take with her to the hospital. While we waited for the food to cook, she found a few moments to read from it. (I wonder what passage she was reading?)






Mr. Earl Conway is a wonderful asset to us, as well. He's always so willing to jump in and do the heavy lifting for us, and take things from the ovens, so we don't get burned. What a gentleman! (We love and appreciate you, Mr. Earl!)




Miss Natalie is a barrel of laughs, constantly cracking us up with her whimsical charm. She loves working in the kitchen, whether it's for Street Reach or for our meals here at the church. Her favorite thing is chopping onions... which unfortunately, she didn't get to do this week.
(Sorry, Nat.)



"Those meatballs sure do smell good!
I think Baby wants to try a few." :)







Again, we're all so blessed to be a part of this wonderful ministry. Together, we're reaching out to those who are less fortunate than we are. And as I've said so many times before, it's only by God's grace that we aren't where they are.

Now is a great time for all of us to share in the joy of giving. I encourage you to take the time to give of yourselves during this most special time of year... a time that's not so bright for some. Follow Christ's example of reaching out to those who are normally shunned by everyone else, and help make their Christmas a blessed one. You will be blessed, in the process!

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