Monday, I was busy running around, trying to catch up on various errands, that I'd really been wanting to get knocked out. I stopped at a convenience store in downtown Brandon. As I went in, I saw a young man outside the store, who appeared to be waiting for someone. Some time later, I came out and the same young man was still there. He approached me and asked if I, by chance, was going to Florence. I told him no, that I couldn't help him.
As I got into the car, Micheal Gosa's words from Sunday morning came back to rebuke me. "The Lord passes the plate every day...", he'd said. What was I going to put into it today? I sat there for a good 5 minutes or so, weighing all the reasons why I needed to go on and get about my business against the needs of this young man. Thankfully, Michael's words (along with lots of recalled scripture) won the battle.
His name was Jeromy. He's 20, works part time in a Mazzio's in Florence. Reason he was in Brandon, a foot, was that he'd been arrested the previous day on an outstanding warrant for violation of insurance requirement on his car. His car, of course, was impounded. As we traveled down to Florence, I learned a lot about him. His father's a pastor at some apostolic church in Florence. I told him about why I was helping him, about the core of the Kingdom - loving God, and loving our neighbors, about God's plate that he passes to us every day. I told him about the loving family of believers that worship at Meadowbrook, and asked him to come visit. Finally, as I let him out at a place in Florence, I prayed with him.
Thank you Michael Gosa, for presenting the Lord's call in such a vivid and challenging way! Thank you, Father, for blessing us each day with opportunities to love you by the way that we love others. You are truly an awesome and great God! Amen!
A Grateful Brother
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Torch Light Testimony #6
From Anonymous:
While traveling on a recent business trip I took my seat on the plane and was deep in thought of the upcoming meeting the next day and up walked two young men with suits and ties and a familiar nametag from the Mormon Church. They sat down beside me and we exchanged casual hellos. I asked them if they were on their two year mission and they gave me some brief explanation about their upcoming work. In the midst of the small talk, my cell phone rang – (yes the plane door was still open), and when I answered on the other line was my father. He had just completed some follow up test and told me his cancer had returned. With only a couple of minutes to talk, many things ran through my mind. It is difficult to receive such news in such a public place.
At that point, when I hung up the phone, the young men began talking to me and were inquisitive about my faith. This took my focus off of the terrible news and right on to something of greater significance. It was an opportunity to share my experiences with Jesus. We talked through the entire ninety minutes, not about what our church did verses theirs, but about how Jesus impacts our lives and the importance of the Holy Spirit working through us. How Jesus message is so significant to the lost world. Toward the end, I shared with them what we were doing with the torch lights in the city. I spoke to them about how we were asking people if they had something that we could pray about for them, and shared some of my personal experiences as well as others at Meadowbrook. This intrigued the young men and they both stated, I think we can use this too.
Two questions were asked at the end of the flight, I asked the young men for us to consider why God saw fit for us to sit by each other today and they asked me a more powerful question, if there was something they could pray about for me today. I briefly told them about my phone call and told them about my father. At the same time I reaffirmed my faith that God is in control. So after a day of reflection my thoughts are this, God has us together on that day to encourage each other. They left encouraged to spur on towards sharing Jesus in their two year mission, from their comments I believe after our conversation they saw their mission not to make others Mormons, but to share Jesus with others. For me, I was encouraged and reminded of God’s care for me when two strangers asked a simple question, Is there anything today we could pray for you about?
While traveling on a recent business trip I took my seat on the plane and was deep in thought of the upcoming meeting the next day and up walked two young men with suits and ties and a familiar nametag from the Mormon Church. They sat down beside me and we exchanged casual hellos. I asked them if they were on their two year mission and they gave me some brief explanation about their upcoming work. In the midst of the small talk, my cell phone rang – (yes the plane door was still open), and when I answered on the other line was my father. He had just completed some follow up test and told me his cancer had returned. With only a couple of minutes to talk, many things ran through my mind. It is difficult to receive such news in such a public place.
At that point, when I hung up the phone, the young men began talking to me and were inquisitive about my faith. This took my focus off of the terrible news and right on to something of greater significance. It was an opportunity to share my experiences with Jesus. We talked through the entire ninety minutes, not about what our church did verses theirs, but about how Jesus impacts our lives and the importance of the Holy Spirit working through us. How Jesus message is so significant to the lost world. Toward the end, I shared with them what we were doing with the torch lights in the city. I spoke to them about how we were asking people if they had something that we could pray about for them, and shared some of my personal experiences as well as others at Meadowbrook. This intrigued the young men and they both stated, I think we can use this too.
Two questions were asked at the end of the flight, I asked the young men for us to consider why God saw fit for us to sit by each other today and they asked me a more powerful question, if there was something they could pray about for me today. I briefly told them about my phone call and told them about my father. At the same time I reaffirmed my faith that God is in control. So after a day of reflection my thoughts are this, God has us together on that day to encourage each other. They left encouraged to spur on towards sharing Jesus in their two year mission, from their comments I believe after our conversation they saw their mission not to make others Mormons, but to share Jesus with others. For me, I was encouraged and reminded of God’s care for me when two strangers asked a simple question, Is there anything today we could pray for you about?
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Torch Light Testimony #5
From Anonymous:
We went to lunch today at a local Mexican restaurant. While we were there a group of over a dozen men came in dressed in their military camouflage uniforms with there families. We were talking it over about how we could give our light and share it with that group. Then the Lord placed on my heart to buy their lunch. I talked it over with my wife and kids and they also thought this would be a great idea. Our kids proceeded to write them a note to let them know that Meadowbrook prays for peace each Sunday and that their service was appreciated. We called our waitress over and asked her to secretly give us the tables check. She too was a little dazzled. We got the bill and quietly paid. We gave the note and the light to the waitress and simply asked her to give it to the table when it was time for them to get the bill. We don't know what the outcome will be, but today a seed was planted not only for these men, but the waitresses as well. I prayed on my way by the table and out the door that God would use this for his glory.
We went to lunch today at a local Mexican restaurant. While we were there a group of over a dozen men came in dressed in their military camouflage uniforms with there families. We were talking it over about how we could give our light and share it with that group. Then the Lord placed on my heart to buy their lunch. I talked it over with my wife and kids and they also thought this would be a great idea. Our kids proceeded to write them a note to let them know that Meadowbrook prays for peace each Sunday and that their service was appreciated. We called our waitress over and asked her to secretly give us the tables check. She too was a little dazzled. We got the bill and quietly paid. We gave the note and the light to the waitress and simply asked her to give it to the table when it was time for them to get the bill. We don't know what the outcome will be, but today a seed was planted not only for these men, but the waitresses as well. I prayed on my way by the table and out the door that God would use this for his glory.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Torch Light Testimony #4
From Gayle Reaves:
We went to lunch at Newk's and realized that it would not be a conducive environment, so I waited for an opportunity later in the afternoon. I went on to Dillard's and was waited on by a really sweet lady in the Ladies Dept. After she checked me out, I handed her the flashlight, and told her I wanted to add any of her special cares to my prayer list that day. She just beamed, and reached over to the register, where she tore off a piece of register paper. On it she wrote, " My brother, Larry, has Spina Bifida, Finding a new home, My daughter who is pregnant." She went on to tell me that her brother, who is in his 50's is in her sole care, that she works fulltime at River Oaks, and at Dillards nights and weekends, that she has a lengthy commute, so she is looking for a home in the immediate area, and her daughter lives with her and is pregnant. (How she could be such a gracious employee with all of this on her shoulders is beyond me.) Anyway, I have followed up on a couple of houses in the area, in her price range, and will call her tonight.
This was easier than I thought it would be. Thanks Jerry!
We went to lunch at Newk's and realized that it would not be a conducive environment, so I waited for an opportunity later in the afternoon. I went on to Dillard's and was waited on by a really sweet lady in the Ladies Dept. After she checked me out, I handed her the flashlight, and told her I wanted to add any of her special cares to my prayer list that day. She just beamed, and reached over to the register, where she tore off a piece of register paper. On it she wrote, " My brother, Larry, has Spina Bifida, Finding a new home, My daughter who is pregnant." She went on to tell me that her brother, who is in his 50's is in her sole care, that she works fulltime at River Oaks, and at Dillards nights and weekends, that she has a lengthy commute, so she is looking for a home in the immediate area, and her daughter lives with her and is pregnant. (How she could be such a gracious employee with all of this on her shoulders is beyond me.) Anyway, I have followed up on a couple of houses in the area, in her price range, and will call her tonight.
This was easier than I thought it would be. Thanks Jerry!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Torch Light Testimony #3
From Blaine Totty:
Simon was our waiter, Simon with the British accent. I told him we would be praying for our food soon and asked if we could pray for something he was concerned about. He paused and looked at the ceiling then said "my father's health." Father is a British subject who moved here several years ago looking for special health care for his weak heart. The family followed later. Simon got a good tip and a flashlight with a note signed "Your Friends from the Colonies".
Brandon at the Kroger checkout register said his co-worker had been in a wreck with a cement truck and he was concerned for her well being.
A young lady behind the register at Newk's was concerned about the family being able to pay the rent. Living with her grandmother who is in ill health, their car had just been repossessed also.
Simon was our waiter, Simon with the British accent. I told him we would be praying for our food soon and asked if we could pray for something he was concerned about. He paused and looked at the ceiling then said "my father's health." Father is a British subject who moved here several years ago looking for special health care for his weak heart. The family followed later. Simon got a good tip and a flashlight with a note signed "Your Friends from the Colonies".
Brandon at the Kroger checkout register said his co-worker had been in a wreck with a cement truck and he was concerned for her well being.
A young lady behind the register at Newk's was concerned about the family being able to pay the rent. Living with her grandmother who is in ill health, their car had just been repossessed also.
Torch Light Testimony #2
From Eric Livingston:
The Harrells, Bearmans, and Livingstons shared lunch together Sunday afternoon. (The preacher said we were supposed to go out in pairs of families, but we don't do everything that guy says to do.) We had the 6 adults at one table, and 7 kids at another table. As I was trying to get the kids settled at their table in a seating arrangement that minimized cootie cross contamination, I looked at our waitress, who was standing nearby waiting patiently, and asked if she had any children. She gave me a nod and a knowing smile, as if to say, "Take your time; I understand."
She served us wonderfully during the meal, and we greatly enjoyed each others' company. Towards the end of the meal, both Lee and I mentioned to our waitress how thankful we were for her service to us, and said that we would like to serve her by praying for her. We asked if there was anything we could pray about for her. She said we could pray for her son, and for her as she tries to finish school, while working a full time job. I assured her we would pray for her, and she seemed deeply touched and appreciative. It was a rich afternoon, and I really saw how simple it can be to bless others through the ministry of prayer.
The Harrells, Bearmans, and Livingstons shared lunch together Sunday afternoon. (The preacher said we were supposed to go out in pairs of families, but we don't do everything that guy says to do.) We had the 6 adults at one table, and 7 kids at another table. As I was trying to get the kids settled at their table in a seating arrangement that minimized cootie cross contamination, I looked at our waitress, who was standing nearby waiting patiently, and asked if she had any children. She gave me a nod and a knowing smile, as if to say, "Take your time; I understand."
She served us wonderfully during the meal, and we greatly enjoyed each others' company. Towards the end of the meal, both Lee and I mentioned to our waitress how thankful we were for her service to us, and said that we would like to serve her by praying for her. We asked if there was anything we could pray about for her. She said we could pray for her son, and for her as she tries to finish school, while working a full time job. I assured her we would pray for her, and she seemed deeply touched and appreciative. It was a rich afternoon, and I really saw how simple it can be to bless others through the ministry of prayer.
Torch Light Testimony #1
From Carol Beasley:
After lunch I thanked our waitress for working on that day. Sam told her we were going to pray “in a minute” and asked if she had anything she’d like us to add to our prayer. She was excited and just asked us to pray for things in general. She said on the way to work she realized she hadn’t prayed that morning and pulled over and prayed. We did pray for her later.
After lunch I thanked our waitress for working on that day. Sam told her we were going to pray “in a minute” and asked if she had anything she’d like us to add to our prayer. She was excited and just asked us to pray for things in general. She said on the way to work she realized she hadn’t prayed that morning and pulled over and prayed. We did pray for her later.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Update on Christmas Project
Work is continuing at both Matt’s and Sims House shelters. Christmas Can Still Change This City has become a reality thanks to the generosity of so many.Here is a recap of the work through January 7, 2010. Would you like to help? Contact
Cindi Latson, Tammy Gandy, Blaine Totty, or Lisa Cantrell.
Sims House:
1. Walls, baseboards, window trim, ceilings painted in 3 upstairs bedrooms and landing
2. New carpet installed on stairs, landing, and 3 bedrooms
3. Old bedroom dressers removed and replaced with new ones
4. Two new mirrors installed in the bedrooms
5. New thermostat installed upstairs
6. Light switches cleaned of paint and new receptacle plates installed
7. 6 ceiling fans vacuumed and hand washed, bulbs replaced, and pull chains installed
8. New curtains installed in bedrooms and bathroom
9. New TV/DVD/VCR player put upstairs
10. Hallway heating/air return vent replaced
11. Bathroom light fixture replaced
12. Drain in bathroom repaired
13. Sinking kitchen ceiling repaired, 4 new inlaid fixtures and new bulbs installed
Matt’s House:
1. Upstairs bathroom completely gutted and new bathroom installed with new tub, toilet,
sink, and ceramic floor
2. Lavatory plumbing repaired
3. Ceilings repaired, stippled, and repainted from previous water damage
4. Holes in walls patched and readied for painting
5. Stairwell wall repaired, covered with beaded wood paneling, and painted
6. Outdoor condensate drain repaired
7. HVAC return vents replaced
Both Houses:
1. New vacuum cleaners purchased
2. Pack N Play baby playpens purchased
3. Toy Boxes made for each house
Items Remaining:
1. Installation of new carpet in Matt’s House
2. Painting of 3 bedrooms at Matt’s House
3. Window curtain installation at Matt’s House
4. Painting of bathroom at Sims House
5. Installation of new sink and cabinet at Sims House
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