Today was a fairly typical day in Stockton. It started out with
breakfast at Chuck's with a brother who is growing in Christ. Over our $6 meals (that is expensive by Stockton standards) he breaks the news that he doesn't know what to do with his life, he has failed at everything he has tried, and thinks the only option left is to sign up for the military. What an awesome opportunity to share about Gods Grace and Love and how he is so right, we will always fail on our own strength, but need to surrender to Christ and rest in him and let God work out his perfect will in our life. After we talked for about an hour we gave up our table to the others that were waiting to be seated.Outside we met Charlie. Charlie is 54. He has been homeless for 40 years. He is an Alcoholic, he has been drinking since he was 8. His thumb and index finger were black from tar because of smoking so much cigarettes and he looked like he was almost 80. We talked with Charlie about his life for about 20 minutes. It was amazing, or maybe just plain sad. At many points I just wanted to cry for him. The whole time he kept talking about every program he has tried and how he has failed... I realized a pattern this morning. He knew the Gospel already. He probably new the scriptures better then I or my brother who was with me. I was praying and asking God how we minister to Charlie. We shared a little about Gods Grace and Love for even Charlie. Then God gave us an opportunity to show him.
From the distance I can see a woman approaching us. It is clear that she is making a beeline for me. She had no teeth that I could tell, clothes that are way too big, and she was twice my size, and a shaved head. Its raining outside and she only has on a shirt and jeans. When she gets up to me she asks for money. I himhaw and say that I won't give her money (EVERYONE in stockton asks for money, you have to get used to it.). She introduces herself as Eitha. Then she tells me that she wants money to get some breakfast for her 6 kids who are at home. I felt a tug on my heart to get her some food, it goes against every instinct inside me.
I knew it was from the Lord. Then I remember that at Church one of our interns had asked for the Church to provide food for lunches. I told them that the Church didn't have the money to provide food, but I they should pray and see if the Lord provides. The next day someone randomly dropped off 2 large boxes of food. It is so amazing to see the Lord answer even the little prayers. I remembered that there were a few boxes of Cereal amongst the food. So I got the woman's name and address and told her that we would bring her food.
I think that something clicked inside Charlie as he sees this happen in front of him. Our Conversation shifted. He was looking for hope. He was wrestling inside. He recognized Gods Grace and Love. He told us where he hangs out and we hope to go and visit him another day. We left to go get Eitha and her family some food.
A little while later we find ourselves in front of Eitha's apartment. It was in a sketchy area. I was asking myself "What are we doing?" as we knock on the front door of her apartment. She was suprised to see us. She wanted us to look in her apartment to see that she was telling the truth that she had 6 kids. I told her it wasn't necessary. She was so grateful for the food. It was amazing to see the Lord work in the situation. Then She asked if we could get her some money so she could wash her kids clothes. We offered to take them and wash the clothes for her. She was again surprised. Then she asked "Really? All of them?" We said yes, not realizing what we might be getting into.... We could see Gods hand working in her heart. We could see him showing her love and Grace in her time of need. It was an incredible opportunity to be a witness to her that Christians really are Christ's Hand's and Feet to his people. She decided not to let us wash her clothes, but even still we had a great opportunity to witness to Eitha, her husband and 6 children. Who knows? Maybe one day we will get to wash her clothes for her.
By this time it is not yet 10am. Amazing!!! Truly Amazing!!!! These are the opportunities we have every day to witness to people in Stockton. These are the people we love. These are the lost. This is Stockton.
