Our Bigger Family

About a month ago we had two Girls move into our house with us. Today they were getting back from a trip to Socal and they brought the last load of their things with them. We were out front of the house unloading their car, the whole family was moving things into the house, and as I walked out to get another load of things I see a homeless guy walking down the sidewalk. As he was walking by and looking at the family unload the car he says, " I wish I could be a part of that family." I kinda chuckled and said "really?" I was hoping it would start a conversation. He just got angry and said "Yea. Its not funny! I don't have a family, I'm homeless. Anything I have I get digging through the trash!" He never slowed down, he just kept walking. I thought of about a dozen things I could say.... But it was too late he was gone.

We belong to a bigger family, The family of Christ. I have really been learning a lot about our family lately. This is just another example of what Christ has been doing in our lives to stir us up for his family. God has given us a vision. Its a vision to live in a home with lots of room for others to live with us, to do life with us, to grow in Christ, learn life skills, be raised up and discipled and sent out to spread the Gospel. We really have a heart for our community and the people in it. Please pray that the Lord opens up a door for a bigger home.

Currently we have a 4 bedroom home. Our family of 4 lives in two bedrooms downstairs and we have 2 girls living upstairs. The Lord has given them a similar heart for the people of this community and Stockton, That is why they recently moved here to Stockton. We pray he moves more people here to Stockton for his vision. We also pray he continues to stir the heart of the people in his body here in Stockton. We see daily how he continues to do this....

Just last night on the way home from church with a brother, we stopped for some tacos. It was about 10:30pm. (this is not too late for dinner in Stockton) We ended up meeting a homeless guy named Bobby and giving him a ride across town to his home (a bush in a business complex). He professed Christ, but was acknowledging his desire to know Christ more. We had a great opportunity to share our hearts with him and love on him. We left him our phone number and he said he would call us to get together sometime. Before we left we gave him some tacos. His eyes lit up. He was surprised at our generosity, which was not all that much from my perspective. Somehow in our conversation he saw Christ through us. I can only pray that Christ continues to use us to share his love, even in the little things like this.

We are going to look at a home today. Its big! Like 7 bed 4 bath? I don't remember exactly. But the thing is that its in a very sketchy neighborhood.... I know we are called to that area. I know it!!! But I want to be sure that my family is protected and safe. I really need clarity right now to be sure it is the Lords will. Its only a few blocks away from where we live now. But 2 blocks in Stockton in the wrong direction is like 2 miles. There are clear lines that define boundaries of neighborhoods and areas. This move crosses the line...it crosses those boundaries.

The Lords will be done. Thats all I can ask for. We are willing, but we are also weak. It will only be by his strength. Thank you all for your continued prayer and support. We are still being supported from friends and family whom the Lord has put it in their hearts to support us. This is also stretching, and for me especially. (any of you who know me know what I mean) Every part of me wants to just get a job and support us on my own. But the Lord has been clear that's not his will for us. He wants us fully dependent on him and he has been able to use our availability in radical ways. Till next time... God Bless