"If Jesus didn't Love you, I wouldn't be out here....."
I found myself saying that over and over again to so many young people hanging out tonight.
It's been quite a while since I have written in the Soul Saving Center Street Journal....but something drove me to the streets tonight.
We just finished Hinds Feet in High Places and the book ended with the character returning to her valley where there was so much darkness and sadness and evil but she was different and she knew she was to tell them about the way out...even if they didn't believe her or listen....she had to tell them.....I sat there reflecting on the end of that book and I felt myself anxious to hit the streets....
What really fueled the fire was some who were there had family members who had recently experienced violence or something traumatic in their families....and it happened in Salem....
We prayed together and after praying I found it hard to sit still....I left right after making my way to the specific streets that were mentioned tonight. There were so many people hanging out all along the way....so I parked the car and walked up to groups of people, people in cars.....hanging out, high, making exchanges but they all took a flyer inviting them to church.
Each group got a different approach from me. The Lord is teaching me to listen to His voice as to how to break the ice....but the words "I wouldn't be out here if Jesus didn't love you" was something that God wanted me to let them all know....and you know what so many said in response? "I believe that!"
Don't think because you see rough tough looking people hanging out that they don't feel the emptiness inside them....that's why they are doing so much to elevate the happiness they crave. Looking for God in all the wrong places.
I met a young woman who had come into my center for help a few days ago and as I spoke to her about her life and what it would look like with Jesus as Lord in her life she remembered me....I didn't remember her but when she reminded me, I told her this was a "God-Connection" and she said "Probably!" She didn't want me to see her in her present state as she was very upset and saying a lot of "Things" very loudly when I walked up to her. We are staying in touch!
A car I approached had very dark windows....I knocked on the window and asked if I could give them a flyer....once the window was down they both knew me and told me who they were. They come from families who are Believers....We chatted about the knowledge they have of God and how they should be out here with me! They said, "Yea, I know." They can't hide forever....they've got to choose....heaven or hell.
I came home greatly anticipating going out again....the Harvest is White and so ready for the gospel...
Of course I heard the enemy talking smack about people not wanting to hear me....but that's whats so cool about listening to the Holy Spirit....He gave me ice breakers that require me to follow up because I proposed some art classes just for the girls and they were receptive. I talked to some kids about singing and while talking to some guys tonight, I believe the Lord was there ahead of me dealing with them.
There's nothing like writing about these times....I'll be writing more....If Jesus doesn't come back, I've got more time to tell people about Him.
