For more information:
info@JesusRockofLife.org
786 879 0352
***12/18/15 UPDATE ITEMS NEEDED***
Deodorant: 41 needed
Shampoo: 78 needed
Body Wash/Soap: 63 needed
Toothpaste: 44 needed
Deodorant: 41 needed
Shampoo: 78 needed
Body Wash/Soap: 63 needed
Toothpaste: 44 needed
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It's that time of the year again! We're busy with all the preparations for our upcoming New Years Events. We are celebrating our 8th New year event! This year's theme is "You are Loved". We are gifting 100 care packages to the homeless of Downtown Miami.
We are extremely humbled and grateful because the Lord is good. His faithfulness has remained from the start and we believe strongly in Jesus name that He has wonderful things in store for His people.
At the heart of our annual New Years campaign is the desire to share the love of Jesus with all who feel abandoned. At our last ministry meeting, we discussed an important idea: what's the point of these care package gifts? Won't they be used up in a couple weeks? It won't change the situation at all, so why even do it?
Here at JROL, we believe in gifting with love. Our goal is that these gifts will touch the hearts of those who believe that they are forgotten. There is One that sees every single person on this planet and He knows their every need. He uses His people to deliver a message to the broken-hearted:
"You see? You're not alone. There is someone who cares."
And so this Holiday season, let's unite to give a gift with the purpose of stirring the hearts that have become hardened and isolated from God's love.
Care Package Details:
Each care package will be filled with these Top 5 TRAVEL SIZE essential items:
- Tooth Paste- Tooth Brush
- Body Wash
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
Additional items may include: snacks, socks, body/face wipes, hand santizers, etc.
The donation deadline is December 14th.
If you would like to place a donation box at your business or church, please let us know and we will get one you to.
Event Date Details:
What: New Years 2016 Campaign
Where: Downtown Miami;
Apprx. Address: 532 North Miami Avenue, Miami, Fl, 33169
When: Monday, Dec 28th, 2015 (7:30 PM)
For questions, donations, or box requests please contact 786 879 0352 or info@jesusrockoflife.org
Thanks,
- Yanelys
JROL Events
Through the eyes of a spectator, everything in the downtown of Miami looks beautiful and pleasing to the eye. The tall skyscrapers, the beautiful night sky, the stores and all the luxurious restaurants you can find. But within all that beauty and craze, lies the unsettling lives of those who call the streets their home. Monday to Monday, we do this outreach mission that for us is as worthy as the air we breathe. Getting to co-part with the works of Jesus to us is an extreme privilege. This Monday was a breath of fresh air in this hot Miami weather.
Arriving to our regular spot, the audio was assembled and the volunteers along with those there at downtown gathered for a time of worship. As the presence of the Lord was felt so tangible, we welcomed our brother Braulio to give the special word for the night. The preaching focused on its main verse in James 4:7-8 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded.”
The word was like a double edged sword that was piercing through the hearts of those who needed it the most. Like many of us might have once heard, our mess becomes our message. Our brother Braulio shared a humbling testimony in which many of those living on the streets could relate. From suffering with an addiction to heroin, coming in and out of jail and even living on streets, this message that he had for everyone was surely one that captivated those in need of hope.
There was surely a release of grace over all of us that night; having such a powerful word was exactly what those of downtown needed. After receiving their portion of the spiritual food, then came the time to start serving the one that everyone highly anticipated. Monday’s menu was one that was hard to resist, a pleasant bowl of lentil soup. The soup contained an array of hearty vegetables and delicious chunks of sausage. Everyone surely left with a full and content stomach that night.
As the night was quickly coming to an end, our prayers and help still remain for those facing the hardship of being homeless. Like our Brother Braulio who once faced these difficult trials but was more than conqueror through our Savior Jesus Christ. Our hope is that they too can come out of the streets and have a new home in the comfort of Jesus. As each Monday passes by, closer we get to seeing more breakthroughs in the lives of our friends fighting the good fight. God bless!
- Jen
Hello Everyone,
This weeks post will be a bit different. Instead of writing an update on this weeks outreach, we decided to share a few clips of the night. Praise God and thank you for stopping by!
This weeks post will be a bit different. Instead of writing an update on this weeks outreach, we decided to share a few clips of the night. Praise God and thank you for stopping by!
WORSHIP | WE NEED YOU LORD & I DON'T MIND WAITING
ADORACION | DAME TU MANO SEÑOR
Pastor Virginia opening service
This past Monday night, As I pulled up around the curb, I spotted a crowd of people: homeless, abandoned, and lost. If you've never been to an outreach, at first glance, they seem like they chose a life of poverty and addiction, a life that this world looks down upon. Don’t get me wrong, our lives develop with the choices we make…
But Take a second look.
I see a woman who suffers from mental illness. This woman has surrendered to a life of homelessness. She gives everything she has for a man (who also lives on the street). She will ask for money and turn it over to him. She asks for men’s shoes pretending it’s for her, but it’s really for him. She does it all to give it to him, while he leads her on to get what he pleases, with no real interest or love for her. She sits on the dirty street barefoot and disheveled. I see a broken woman. Her purity and self-esteem is shattered. She has been robbed.
The first part of John 10:10 states “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;”
You see, WE (humans) are God’s beautiful creation. In Genesis it describes that when God created mankind, he said that it was GOOD. He was pleased and he saw how beautiful all that he had made was.
Satan hates that. He hates that we are beautiful to God. He hates that we have purpose and hope, while he has been sentenced for the ultimate defeat. He hates that Jesus came and conquered death.
But I’ll tell you what he does enjoy: He sure enjoys the fact that he has people on the streets held captive. He absolutely loves to confuse us into believing the lie that we are not worthy. He is constantly trying to get in our heads to convince us that our lives will always be hopeless. He shoves darkness into the lives of the lost and without Jesus, people are defenseless against him.
But I have great news.
The Second part of that verse says “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus came so that we didn’t have to live this way. I think of Jesus and when he walked the streets of Galilee. He saw the despair, the sickness, the sin that had consumed the world. He was there on a mission to let us know that through Him, we can still attain all the goodness that had been prepared for us since Eden. Which brings me back to this Monday night and this ministry.
Some believe that this work goes to waste. “These people will never change” they say. Week after week, Year after year, and I still see a few people that I’ve known since 2008. I admit. It’s not an easy mission. In the words of the Dream Center “It’s one of the toughest, most discouraging mission fields in the world. And it’s right in our backyard.”
But let’s take a quick sec and present this idea unto God.
Each Monday and Wednesday night our team members head out to Downtown Miami for outreach. We take hope and promise of a new life to some of the most broken people living in the darkest of circumstances. We have a mission to seek out the lost as Jesus did. You see, the world may forget you, but Jesus will NEVER abandon you!
I can just hear Him telling me in simple words: "Plant the seed. I am the gardener that will nurture it in its time. "
Often times, we can feel and be seen as the underdog. We’re not as strong, as smart, as qualified, and well...you get the point. 1 Samuel 17 describes an incredible scene where a young shepherd boy named David, challenged Goliath, a giant Philistine feared by the Israelite's. Goliath was even referred to as “man of war” in verse 33. Everyone tried to discourage David. Fear was trying to get a hold of him, just as it had taken a hold of all the Israelite men who were physically stronger and seemingly more capable than David, but were not brave enough to face Goliath. However, David boldly challenged the giant. With a slingshot and 5 smooth stones in hand, he went out for the battle. He declared these brave and powerful words:
“44 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
You see, David knew who he had on his side. With 1 smooth stone, he conquered the Goliath in his life.
Facing the Giant
Pastor Virginia preached about this last night. She described how we have our own type of Goliath in our lives. It can be a giant or something small, but it’s something that induces fear in our lives. The stone that David used is a symbol of the mighty power that the Lord has bestowed upon His children. As David said, whichever battle or sin we face, it is the Lord’s battle and we must merely be courageous enough to stand firm, go out, and challenge the enemies taunting in our lives, trusting that He has won the victory for us.
It’s time to examine what is the Goliath in our life. What do we need to challenge and declare victory over, in Jesus name? Last night’s word sank deep in to the lives of everyone on that street. As David took that stone and aimed it straight toward His enemy, we must take hold of Jesus and with Him we will conquer the enemy in our life.
"In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.: Romans 8:37
"In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.: Romans 8:37
A Clip of Last nights Worship:
Outreach Missions,
Weekly Update
The Process of a Miracle | Jesus Rock of Life Ministries Preaching Clip
11:00 AM
Last Night Jorge and Paz gave a word based on Mark 7:
Jesus Heals a Deaf and Mute Man
31 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.[h] 32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him.
33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. 34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). 35 At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.
36 Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. 37 People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
In the text, Jesus heals a deaf and mute man in an unexpected way. Click the video above to view a clip of last nights preachnig "The Process of a Miracle"
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What would you say if I told you that you were being taken care of 24 hours 7 days week?
You may think its a joke. Who is this person willing to be so caring towards me? I think that this attitude is a battle that we have when it comes to fully understanding that we truly have a God who is always caring and watching over us constantly. How could someone find me worthy enough to care for me night and day?
John 10: 3-4 states:
“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice”
In this parable we are sweetly reminded that we have a Shepherd who is there taking care of us.
We are His sheep and He is our Shepherd.
This past Monday night, Pastor Virginia preached this exact word in Downtown Miami. It was wonderful and it was true beyond our understanding. In the midst of this word, many asked themselves that question I asked earlier: "Who are we, that God would delight himself in us and call us by name to return to His flock?" That's the good God we have. He knows each struggle, each emotion, and He still finds worth through it all.
Our Mission
Our mission is to remind others how loved they are by a loving, faithful, and passionate Shepherd. He continually watches over us and when we feel alone in a tough circumstance, like the homeless of Downtown Miami, He will never us alone leave in a barren land without an escape. Being in the streets is so hard and can get so lonely. I put myself in these shoes and I cannot imagine the desperation I would feel at times.
Our Prayer Tonight
So our prayer is that the love of God may fall down on these streets and may we see little chunks of heaven here on earth. The night to say the least was incredible, as well as a very packed one. We had delicious meat pasta served alongside some refreshing drinks. We had a line of over 65 people, and God provided for every single one like he always has. Were so thankful for what God has been doing in this ministry and were so expectant for more. Continue praying for those lives at downtown, and for us to be used powerfully in their lives.
God bless,
Jenny
Orphan, homeless, sick, Prisoner; we hear it all the time. It’s
everywhere, in the news, in our churches, in our streets, in our own homes.
There is a desperate need out there, a need for something more than pouring out
of money, food, and items. There needs to be sustainability. But what can
sustain us? Better said, who can take this mess and turn it into a message of
hope and love?
Come to me all who
are weary
This past Monday, Pastor Virginia preached on Matthew 11:28.
It’s simple. Jesus extends an invitation to us. He says (paraphrased) “Come to
Me, I will give you rest, I will relieve your pain. I will carry your burden and
I will give you peace.” As she continued
with the message, my eyes scanned the people standing in front of us: the
homeless of Downtown Miami.
Let’s pause for a
sec.
Let me repeat that. In this very moment Jesus is speaking
through His word. Here are a broken people listening to these words. Jesus is telling them: “I’m Jesus. I came to this world and gave my life for YOU.
I did it because I love you and even if I knew that you would be standing here
this very moment, still sinning and lost, I did it anyways! I rose up and broke
the chains of death over your life. Now you have a chance of real life. You are
accepted. Life will be tough at times, but I am here to give you rest. You can come to
me and I will be your comfort.”
That's an amazing word. I remember when I first realized this truth. I thank God because He used someone to guide me to Him. This same way we need to guide others to the truth.
So let’s be honest. Is “homeless” (or orphan, sick, needy) just
another word that we've become anesthetized to? Did we forget that behind the
label there’s this person that Jesus thought of? I always feel that as followers
of Jesus, we have the biggest gift and we need to just share it with the entire
world. We have encountered real Love. We have welcomed life, hope, and beauty.
Were far from perfect, but when we encounter tough times, we know Jesus is
there. Jesus is the Rock of Life.
Where are we through
the suffering?
The Lord has called us all to live an abundant life. He desires
that we are happy and fulfilled and enjoy the beauty of our lives as he originally
created it to be. This is important. But there’s this BIG THING we can’t
forget: We’re not yet at the finish line. The reality is that right now, today,
we are living in a flawed and dying world and we need to help others get on
that same path of salvation.
In John 13:15 it states: “What I've done, You do.” At the end of this life,
I don’t only want to remember all the great times and all the great Sunday services…
I want to know that I went out there and I shared the Good news with every
person I encountered: not only my coworkers or the new person at church, but
also the homeless, the orphans, the prisoners, the sick...
It's the people that I have to go out of my way to reach. Just like Jesus went out of his way to reach our hearts.
Hello everyone!
We're having a Garage Sale Fundraiser in order to raise funds for the ministry. If you have extra stuff that you need to get rid of, please contact us at 786 879 0352. Please share with others. Date, Time, and Location coming soon. Thanks and God Bless!
Hola a todos!
Estamos lanzando el primer evento de recaudación de fondos del año! Para la venta de garaje sale, estamos recolectando artículos como muebles, decoración, y cualquier otra cosa Que se puede vender. Por favor, comparta esto con los demás!
Publicaremos la fecha y el lugar del evento cuando se confirme.
It’s been a
cold few days here in Miami. We are not used to sweater weather at all. On
Saturday night we received a message from some of the men who are currently
homeless and living on the streets in Downtown Miami. They said that their
belongings were taken from them and were absolutely freezing and didn't have
any blankets to keep warm for the night. We quickly collected blankets and
sweaters and made our way to Downtown Miami. We were heartbroken to find rows
and rows of homeless under the transit station, some enduring the harsh cold
without any protection, others snuggled under blankets that they had. As we
drove by looking for the men who had called, I noticed an older lady lying on
her side. She was huddled up in fetal position trying her best to stretch her
over sized sweater down to her knees so that she could gain some warmth.
Thankfully we were able to give her something to cover her legs with to help. The
streets were covered with people just out in the open enduring the cold night. It
was the harsh truth: this night there were so many people suffering in
front of our own eyes.
It’s
important to know that we are a full time ministry. Our outreach missions take
place every Monday and Wednesday, but every day we are operating and working
towards a goal to permanently take these people off the streets and help them
restore their lives. This Saturday night is not a new sight for us, but a reminder
of why this ministry exists. We are committed to sharing the love of God, helping
those abandoned and in need. Yesterday
we were back for our Monday outreach. Usually, on difficult nights when the
weather is too cold, we don’t have our regular service. This is because we
like to get through the night quickly so that the people we are serving are not
standing in line freezing. Upon arriving, we did a prayer for the food and
began the nights serving. It was a peaceful and quick night. We were able to
serve warm food and warm drinks for them to help combat the cold.
There are
countless reason as to why men and women are homeless here in Miami. Here at Jesus
Rock of Life, we care about identifying the root of the issue in an
individual basis and then working on solving that issue in Jesus name. We don’t
care for condemnation or judgment towards anyone. Jesus came to give us a clean
slate (1 John 1:7). Jesus transforms us and makes us new creatures (2
Corinthians 5:7). Whether the cause is an addiction to drugs and alcohol, lack
of employment, or mental illness, we believe that Jesus is the answer to every
single problem. Only He can set you free from any strongholds in your life that
are keeping you from living the purposeful life that God intended for you.
Monday night kicked off the beginning of this exciting new year of 2015! Rock of life Ministries is more than excited to start our first week serving the streets of Downtown Miami. Yesterday was jam packed with obstacles left and right but we had the complete victory though Jesus Christ! Last Monday (01/05/15), led me to remember when I once asked myself a silly question: What could lead us to cancel an outreach night? And I received a response: “we never do, rain or not we go”.
The night I asked this, it raining intensely and I thought that it would've been easier to just cancel that night. But little did I know that through that response, Jesus taught me to have a deeper appreciation for this ministry I dearly love.
Yesterday was the day that Jesus made me realize why that response was given. I understood that there’s a responsibility we have and it's an honorable one. The enemy will always try to set obstacles, but we, the ministry, and you, where ever God has called you, have to say no to the easy way out and YES to the fight. Last Monday, not once did I have doubt that the night would be canceled. I was so firmly confident that Jesus would finish the good work He started and that nothing could come in between that. It’s so easy for us to give up when we face struggles of many kinds, but Jesus always has the last word. I got closer to understanding the heart that Jesus has for this ministry, he never gives up and has such a deep love for those at downtown.
With all that being said, the circumstances of yesterdays outreach night fit in so perfectly with the word preached. The main verse was in Philippians 4:13.
As the message quickly finished, we all united in prayer and started the serving of food. We gave out plates of warm rice and beans with a delicious beef stew. The food was so great that many were complementing on the chef’s food that night.
At the end of the night, we united in a prayer circle. This year started off on such a great note, and we all are so expectant to continue seeing Gods gracious hand over this ministry. Thank you for the continuous support on our blog. Catch us next week for our new update. God bless
- J
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19
Hello Everyone,
The 2015 New Years Event is quickly approaching! We are still collecting the following:
1. Deodorants
2. Toothpaste
3. Funds on our GoFundMe Page: http://www.gofundme.com/bookbagjrdv
1. Deodorants
2. Toothpaste
3. Funds on our GoFundMe Page: http://www.gofundme.com/bookbagjrdv
In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, contact 786 879 0352 - give@JesusRockofLife.org
God Bless and let's get ready for our 7th annual outreach event! Praise the Lord!
**** E V E N T D E T A I L S ****
The 2015 New Years Outreach is an event hosted by Jesus, Rock Of Life Ministries. It's an exciting and blessed night of giving and loving others as Jesus loves us. This year we're giving away new book bags filled with essentials like shampoo, body wash, deodorant, tooth brush, and more.
El Event de Año Nuevo 2015, organizado por el Ministerio Jesucristo, Roca de Vida, es una noche bendecida de dar y de amar a otros como Jesus nos amo. Este año estaremos entregando nuevas mochilas llenas de esenciales como champú, gel de baño, desodorante, cepillo de dientes, y más.
Where: 532 North Miami Avenue, Miami, Fl, 33169
When: December 29th, 2014 - 7:30 PM
Contact: 786 879 0352 or give@JesusRockofLife.org
**** I M P O R T A N T L I N K S ****
New Volunteers: http://
Q&A:
http://
DONATE for the event:
http://www.gofundme.com/
God Bless You!
Downtown Miami has become like a second home for us. With the year coming to an end, I took a moment to ponder on the incredible moments we've had there. God has blessed us with moments of tears, repentance, restoration, reconciliation and so much more. When I think of all the things God has done, I’m amazed. Monday nights can never be compared to another; they each are different and unique.
This Monday night we had the pleasure of having our sister Paz, give the word (Click here for a clip). It was powerful from the beginning to end. With her message being clear and short, it hit all the right areas that the people needed to hear. “Do you need a miracle?” she repeated throughout her preaching. We all agreed. We need a miracle. The word allowed for all of us to analyze the miracles we wanted to happen in our lives.
I need a Miracle
Personally, the ones I pray for could never come close to the miracles in the hearts of those without a home in downtown. Some of the prayers that they have is to be release from addiction of drugs, alcohol, prostitution, or to simply be reunited with their families once again. But one miracle that captivated me the most was the request of just simply being able to smile again, hug their families again, or to be in the midst of God’s joy.
I need a Miracle
Personally, the ones I pray for could never come close to the miracles in the hearts of those without a home in downtown. Some of the prayers that they have is to be release from addiction of drugs, alcohol, prostitution, or to simply be reunited with their families once again. But one miracle that captivated me the most was the request of just simply being able to smile again, hug their families again, or to be in the midst of God’s joy.
As soon as the preaching ended, the prayers being made were powerful and full of hope. A circle was made around those that needed a miracle that instant. It was so pleasing to see the encouragement that Jesus poured out that night over all his people. We are all in constant need of God’s miracle, and he will never fall short to give us a good, pleasing and perfect will for our lives.
Sweet little desserts
Sweet little desserts
Shortly after, the preparation to serve food commenced. Everyone formed a line and received a hearty “Cuban” style plate: Rice, beans and a delicious beef stew. Sweets are always distributed afterwards and between you and I, that's their favorite part of the meal. :) For those of us that have a home, we have the luxury of having a delicious baked good as we see fit. However, when you don't have much money in your pocket, most of the time you are left craving these sweet desserts. They all love it when they see boxes of cookies, pies, cakes and much more. We packed up and drove off away from the streets of Downtown Miami.
Each night keeps getting better and better, I see the love that Jesus keeps pouring out and the grace he has over our lives. Who would think, that on a Monday night people would be serving His beautiful kingdom out there? But that’s the God we praise, the one who puts that desire in each volunteer’s heart to go out and serve in body and spirit.
Final Prayers
I encourage you all reading this to take a second and pray for South Florida. Let's pray for all of these people who are struggling. Let's have a heart for others and really make an effort to show them the love of God. Jesus will always supply no matter what and He has continued to do so faithfully. God has a purpose and divine plan. We put our trust and hope in God, that one day Jesus will come and wipe away all the homelessness in this world.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4
God bless you always!
Final Prayers
I encourage you all reading this to take a second and pray for South Florida. Let's pray for all of these people who are struggling. Let's have a heart for others and really make an effort to show them the love of God. Jesus will always supply no matter what and He has continued to do so faithfully. God has a purpose and divine plan. We put our trust and hope in God, that one day Jesus will come and wipe away all the homelessness in this world.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4
God bless you always!
Have you ever heard of a centurion? Simply put, it means a Roman captain. He was loyal and courageous, beginning as a soldier in the army and working his way up the ranks. There's a special passage in Matthew 8:5-13 MSG that mentions an encounter that a centurion had with Jesus:
“As Jesus entered Capernaum, a
Roman captain came up in a panic and said, “Master, my servant is sick. He
can’t walk. He’s in terrible pain.” Jesus said, “I’ll come and heal him.” "Oh, no,” said the
captain. “I don’t want to put you to all that trouble. Just give the order and my
servant will be fine. I’m a man who takes orders and gives orders. I tell one
soldier, ‘Go,’ and he goes; to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; to my slave, ‘Do
this,’ and he does it.” Taken aback, Jesus said, “I’ve yet to come across this kind of simple trust in
Israel, the very people who are supposed to know all about God and how he
works."
Am I the only one who is kind of amazed that Jesus himself was amazed of this mans faith? I mean,
Jesus, King of kings, Powerful Lord, well, he can do it all, more than we can
even begin to imagine. Yet, Jesus was amazed and taken aback by this mans
faith. He even pointed out that he had not come across such trust.
This past Monday, the message was centered on this passage. Pastor Gonzalo preached about how Jesus can heal every single one of our physical and emotional scars, if only we had faith. I believe this so much.
Pain only Jesus can heal
This past Monday night I met a lady whose name I
won't reveal. She was much older and was new in the area. She asked me for some
directions, which prompted a conversation that I will never forget.
She told me about how she had been abused since
she was a little girl by her mother. When she got married, her husband abused
her and broke her bones. All her life has been abuse. When I asked her about
her family, she lied at first and denied having any, but just a few seconds
later she looked down at the concrete floor and confessed that she did have
family, but they didn't want anything to do with her and she didn't know why.
This completely broke my heart.
You know, I've been working with the homeless
for about 7 years now and I've heard so many stories, but the reality is that
they never get old and sometimes I encounter people that you can feel their
pain a mile away. Her demeanor was sad, yet when she professed her faith in God
and I would see a spark of joy in her again.
Break my heart for what breaks Yours
I have found that the longer I work with people
who are in need, whether they are homeless or not, the more their need reaches
my heart. It's like God puts more and more of his heart into yours. He's
transforming it, giving you His eyes for others, and breaking your heart for
what breaks His. All this while giving you strength to fulfill His mission.
I hope to see this lady this upcoming Monday
again. I pray that God uses our team to reach her. May her heart be more
susceptible to the healing and love of God like never before. I pray this for
her and every individual on the streets. I pray for transformation, an increase
of faith and trust in the Lord and that Jesus
may just sweep His grace and love over the streets of Miami tonight.
Jesus, the humble initiator
There's so much to talk about when it comes to
Matthew 8:3-15, but I wanted to point out one last thing. Jesus is such a servant. He was willing to visit the roman
captains house while already knowing that he could heal his servant with just a
snap of his fingers, and still he initially was going to go and seek this
individual. Jesus continues to do this very same thing
today. He goes to people. When requested to go to the home of the
centurion, he is on his way. He’s a humble initiator. He is going out to serve.
He is going out to help. He goes to preach, teach, cast out demons, and heal. God is looking for us because we’re lost, and He is not. Some of you don’t know it,
but Jesus is looking for you. He is seeking you. He knows you. He loves you. He
died for you. He’s pursuing you. He’s a humble initiator. He doesn’t owe us
anything, but he pursues us in love.