Monday, February 26, 2007

The Faith and Love

Well some good news earlier about our friend Micha. He has been extended his stay with us all, and a new liver is on its way for a transplant late last night. It really goes to show us all that through strong faith and prayer that miracles do happen.

I got a few photos recently of the Valentines dinner that was served for the homeless women here in Salt Lake City. It sure was great to see the smiles on the 30 plus women that night and for the prayers that were given. It was an awesome evening.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Grace With Confusion

Well yea, I'm running around and still confused. Not homeless anymore just a whole different life. Not use ta the people coming up and say "Hi". Oh well just Love It.

I went to what they call the "Crash Course" (Crash=Rhinoceros) it's going to be fast and furious. The fire has just got a flicker of what will BE! Hey, He is Great and those of us who serve Him have only just begun. I can't imagine what will happen in the next few weeks.

Have you ever just imagined like the old school of John Lennon?

Hey, that was good, but did he ever realize what the imagination was all about?

I'm not trying to tell you all that it's just peaches and cream, or a bowl of cherries.

No!

But this cool wave is just rolling and I pray that those on the street tonight will remain warm and nourished by through the works of God.

Just got an email from a house of God I once attended, and a friend name Micha is not doing well. You see, he had a organ transplant just about a year ago and, well, he has really touched many people out here, including me. Please pray for our brother Micah.

The email.


Dear Saints,

This email comes with a heavy heart. It's about 3 PM on Friday and Jeanne McInroy just sent this to me concerning our dear friend Micah Coleman -- a friend and member of The Rock Church for years -- who underwent a liver transplant a little over a year ago. As you may know, he has been in and out of the hospital since that time. He's not doing well. His faith may become sight today.

From Jeanne:
"Please pray...I just got a phone call informing me that our dear Micah's lungs are filling with fluid faster than the doctors can pump it out. He has only hours, if not just minutes, left to live. Pray for peace and comfort for Micah as God takes him home. Pray also for Becky, Micah's mom, and his grandfather, that they would feel the arms of the Almighty envelop them as they say good-bye to their precious son and grandson."

Even if you don't know Micah, you need to see a bit of his heart and love for God. I found this post from Micah on his blog dated Jan 4, 2007 (MicahC4JC.blogspot.com):

============

The cool thing about all of this unknown when it comes to numbers, and strength, and transplant concerns. I still know that God is in control of it all. Some might be quick to think that God doesn't care, or he should have fixed it by now. But God has not abandoned me, He is not slow. If the miracle comes to fast I might not recognize it, if it comes to quick I might not appreciate it. Is that the reason behind all this time and sand? The promise land is just ahead, around the next corner. If I give up the fight now I and turn bitter and turn on God because it the easy thing, I might never see how close I really was from being out this. Two weeks turns into 40 years.

Job 1:20-22
“At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.”

All things work together for God’s glory!

As for me and my house: “We will serve the LORD our God and obey Him.”

============

Amen! Please pray.

Sincerely,

Bill



As it says in Psalm 145:3-5 "Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise. No one can measure his greatness. Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic glorious spender and your wonderful miracles." He is just Matchless.

The confusion will always be there, but the love I now feel is just so great.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Taking It To The Streets

It has been tough trying to log in to my blogger account for the last 2 days. I finally was able to get on by posting a comment to the blog. Go figure.

The last 2 weeks I've been noticing a real move towards compassionate projects for the homeless within K2 The Church. Not that they were already working on bringing the work of God to them before, but just a more visable effort going on. On Sunday the message was "Taking It To The Streets" and was set up like a David Letterman show, where compassionate project participents were interviewed and they discussed their missions.

K2 has been working in Russia with orphans, the Honduras' on housing, New Orleans rebuilding, with the "Dream Center" a very diversified mission to the refugees here in Salt Lake City from many countries, and of course with the homeless and needy locally. The new term for this is thinking and working "Glocally".

I'll be working of course here on the streets trying to make more people aware of homelessness and how to approach them and work with them. An important part of this will be making members aware of the homeless resources available and where they can help out at and take the work of Jesus.

Tonight there is a meeting at K2 concerning on going projects such as working with the local Rescue Mission, the Sunday meals at the park, and other vital missions and projects that we would like to develop. I'll be presenting an opportunity for members to tour the facilities and resources available to the homeless. Most of these resources are within a 4 block area of the main shelter "The Road Home", and I pray that we can all work together to develop a tour of these facilities all on one Saturday.

I really noticed a need for this during the Superbowl meal we served at the park. Many of the volunteers didn't have much knowledge of where to send people or where they went after the meal. A couple even had real crash courses about homeless people while trying to help out. There are just so many areas in which individuals can volunteer while bringing the work of Jesus to the homeless.

Yea, it's just like the old Doobie Brothers tune "Taking It To The Street", and that is exactly what we plan on doing. This is the start of an opportunity to share my recent love of Jesus and how He has changed my life. The fruit that I bear may be still somewhat green but I do feel that it can be nourishing to those who are still wandering around without purpose.

Sunday night was to be the night to change the subtitle to this blog, but not able to log in, it has remained the same until this morning. I would like to thank everyone for their suggestions and hope you all like the one that was chosen.

Yep, it's time for music once again and today's is kinda special, due to the fact this video contains members of K2 and many who have been instrumental in my new life with purpose. I found it, of course where else, on YouTube.com and was impressed with their work. The song "You are My Joy" is from David Crowder. The video was shot near the Great Salt Lake and many of those appearing play at K2 on Sundays.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

The Gift Of Sight

On Thursday night I had the opportunity to share with the Salt Lake City Lions Club on how they were an integral part of my new life. Back in November I was a recipient of a new pair of glasses and a much clearer view of the world around me.

It was an honor to share my story along with briefly mentioning how God has been the main factor in this new life, along with much brighter and clearer vision. I had actually found out that the "Give the Gift Of Sight" program actually donates over 150 thousands glasses a year and over 300 are given out at the shop where received mine. They also donate thousands of used glasses to third world countries. Without these glasses I would have a tough time working on the computer for endless hours. I will pray that this program will continue on and if you have old glasses please donate them to your local Lions Club or a monetary donation will also help others to have good vision.

Yea that's right I'm now working at home and thanks to the Lord for hooking me up with a used computer through a donation. It took a couple of days to get it setup but it was well worth the wait. I've never owned my own computer, this is just so awesome and it would never had happened without faith and trust in God to provide for my needs.

The subtitle to this blog will be changing on Sunday evening so I'm asking again if you have any suggestions please leave them in the comments section or email them to me.

No music today due to no headset to listen, but plan on finding music back here after the weekend.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

A Homeless Valentine

Yesterday was a day of Love, Valentines Day, and we were able to share the love of Jesus with nearly 30 ladies from the shelter. Bonnie S. a member of K2 The Church came up with the plan of serving these ladies with a meal and love about a week ago. She had no idea where any of the items needed for this mission would materialize, and through prayer and faith a lovely evening was had.

Many members from K2 gathered at a local resturant, Big City Soup, which donated their services and dining area for the evening, to decorate and prepare a meal. Clothing was brought in, hygene products, pampering products and of course Bibles by the piles. At 7:45 approx. 10 women and 10 men walked a block to escort to their Valentines Day date with the Lord.

It was just so awesome to see their faces light up as we walked in. Many of the women had put on their best (many dresses and suits were donated earlier this week) for their date. There was a gentleman, Gibb, who really caught their attention, and one lady spoke up quickly and stated, "Oh yea I want him to be my escort tonight". As we all became aquainted with eachother while waiting for all of the ladies to show up, you could just see how Jesus was working to calm their nervousness about this night.

We escorted the ladies to the meal, some grabbing ahold of arms of the men available and some wishing just to walk with another lady or maybe even alone. You could just feel their excitement vibrating. They were all seated with other ladies from K2 where endless converstion and love was shared as this was a night for all of the ladies to be loved by Jesus.

Many prayers were said, trust and faith was built up and the Love of Jesus could be felt throughout the night. Tears were shed, smiles grew bigger, and the calmness of Love spread into the air.

As the night came to an end some were reluctant to leave this awesome time, but you could see that Jesus had truly touched many and that His Love was throughly enjoyed. I hope to share some photos of this great event within the next couple of days.

This is the start of many projects that will be happening for the Salt Lake City homeless population. We all are looking forward to helping spread the word of Christ and I for one am excited to see some of these needy people walk into the light of Jesus.

Yea, I've begun to settle into my new diggs, what a change from the homeless lifestyle this is. I can now wake up a jump in the shower while hot coffee is brewing. It is just AWESOME! We nearly have my office setup for my work and today most likely will be the last time I post from here at the UofU library. The U has been very instrumental in my advancement with my new life and I'm very grateful for the use of their library and other facilities which made my life on the streets bearable.

Today I've picked out a song from TobyMac, a christian rap artist, "Burn For You" is really explaining what has begun to be a wonderful journey. You see, I'm a brand new man, and I do want the world to know that I burn for HIM!

This video has all of the words to this song and I hope that it grabs you as much as it has me.



Oh yea, I'm looking for a new subtitle for this blog and if you have any ideas please leave me an email or comment. This journey is only just beginning and I hope to continue sharing it with any and all who come here.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

The Last Day


Well a today is the last day that I'll trudge up the hill being homeless. Thanks to the many people who prayed and carry out the work of our Lord I'm moving into a home today.

Hallelujah

I took a few last photos as I walked away with my Detroit Tiger hat on! Yea it will be a real emotional day today. I've got many things to do, like go get a bed!

I'll write more later tomorrow, just have ton to do today.

Love ya Lord!!!

Monday, February 12, 2007

A Low & Old National Homeless Count

This past Friday the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH)released some homeless counts that were from 2005. This is the first national count in more than a decade and yet it still lacks in an accurate count of those of us who live on the street.

I had noticed that the count for here in Utah was at 2,104, which is far below the states average of over 3,800 homeless people.

NAEH also stated that the Bush administration is to develop 150,000 units of housing for people who have been homeless for a long period. This is actually an embarrassment to a country who's wealth is at the top of all throughout the world, and when Veterans of the Iraq war are coming back to find that they to among the homeless. What a shame.

When these counts were done, I'm sure that many of us who were living on the streets were totally ignored. I for one have yet to see or hear anyone ask about a homeless count. The fact is here in Salt Lake City where a few of us camp out, even the local programs fail to acknowledge or come to aid the few camped among the hills.

Yea, the US House of Representatives recently passed a bill to spend $115 million for HUD's homeless assistance grants program. This is paltry compared to the war chest that is being spent and at a time when the oil industry seen there hugest profits.

NAEH stated that the shortage of affordable housing is the main culprit of many people being homeless. Well, I can attest to that, along with once you actually find a source to help get you in a home, the doors are slammed in your face.

I'm still praying that many will get to move in off the streets during this year,and yea I hope to be one soon. I'll also pledge to do my best at working as a advocate by letter writing and speaking to many of the political people who can make a difference.

The homeless numbers reported by NAEH are extremely low and the dollars spent to end the homelessness are a drop in the bucket for this very wealthy country.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Could It Be!

My hopes and dreams for a roof over my head have been a real roller coaster ride for the past couple of weeks. The struggle of trying to convince landlords that I'm worth the risk to rent to was a real challenge and one I pray that I'll never face again.

Will the sub-title of this blog be changed forever in just a few days?

I met with the a person today who attends the same church as I, and it looks real promising. He wants his roommate and I to meet each other just to see if we'll be compatible, but I do feel that the chase for a home is done for at least a few months. This couldn't come at a better time, just when I'm preparing to start working on some type of ministry for the homeless.

During the past few months I've been fed, given drink, clothing, warmth and nursed to health. Those that have seen to my needs during this time must always know that by doing this they were actually do this to Jesus. Just as it says in Matthew 25:35-40 those that have prayed and helped are truly the blessed.

What a great life this is and it is only getting better by the minutes. Three years ago or even just 4 months ago I would have told you that it wasn't possible and that I was destined to just blow away with the dust. Today I can tell you miracles do happen, love is really out there, hope is standing right next to you, and this glorious feeling is just so awesome.

Each day as I learn more of how to live this life as Jesus would, I look forward to sharing it with others. Tonight I ask that you pray for all of those throughout the world that are in need of housing, food, medical, water, clothing or love, that their needs will be met. I also challenge you to go out a become familiar with the homeless needs and to show some compassion by befriending someone in need.

A song from Chris Tomlin just says it all for me tonight.

Awesome Is The LORD Most High!

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Another Homeless Struggle

Well, no home yet. It seems that having no rental history for the last three years is slamming the doors on me, and the market here is very demanding.

On Valentines Day I've been ask to help serve a dinner for the ladies who are staying a the shelter. It'll be great to share God on this night and I hope the women will enjoy the meal and love that will be shared with them. I'll also be speaking on Thursday night at a local Lions Club dinner, about their Gift of Sight program. It will be an honor to share with them how much the new eye sight has changed my life and other also.

I do have a possible place to move to this weekend. A guy has just came back from a mission in Russia and he emailed me a couple days ago stating that it may be possible to move into his basement for a few months. I'll be contacting him later on today and pray that this maybe a new place to rest my head.

Today I'm listening to Switchfoot and believing that salvation is here and that I no longer need to run from this life but just embrace it along with Jesus.

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

A Dark Cloudy Homeless Day

Just when I felt that the light was really going to shine today, it was covered with dark clouds and I still remain homeless.

The apartment property manager I was to meet today at 11 a.m. never showed or answered his phone. He had stated that even with poor credit and no rental history all I needed to do was show him how serious I was. Well after 45 minutes of waiting and a dozen phone calls, I had to abandon that hope once again.

Grabbed the phone and went to work on the search again, after a dozen or so calls, I found another possibility. The girl stated once again they needed an application fee. I bussed out to pick up an advance from the person I work for and his wife took me to the apartment for the viewing. Well, the place was alright, needed some cleaning, but when I asked how soon after putting the application in would I be able to move in. She had told me all they needed to do was verify employment. The girl said it would be a week or so before they would go through the applications. Yep, been there done that to the tune of $60, this time the $20 stayed in my pocket.

Laura and I got busy on the phone once again and after several calls, set an appointment for tomorrow morning.

Yea, I'm still gratefull for Jesus and all He does, but today He sure blocked the light out and things are a bit cloudy. He will still remain my "Strong Tower" just as Kutless sings it.

Social Actions.....Who Cares?


Just got this off of YouTube.com. Pastor Andy just rocks at K2 The Church, and God delivers a great message through him each time he speaks.

Watching Over Us

Yea, it's been a real tough time trying to end the homelessness I've experienced. After umpteen applications, many bus rides, who knows how many blocks walking, being told, "Well, I chose another person today", "I won't rent to your kind", or "where have you been for the last 3 years?", I believe that today is the day. He has been letting me know that it will become true today!

What? Moving off the hill will actually be a heart felt moment. You see after close to 4 years, that hill has become very close to me, and today it may just be part of my past.

As I bow down before Him I ask that you, keep up the prayers throughout this day, I have a feeling they will be answered.

Oh yea! God is watching over US!

Monday, February 5, 2007

The Homeless Sense

What is sense to the homeless person? Is it just trying to survive? Or, is it just trying to be? Maybe it could be just trying to be accepted? Some never figure it out, many just never get it. I really hope and pray that many will. Some times I'm not sure if I do.

Yea, it's another day of, well, can I say I really don't know, but I can't live on without the hope and love of Him.

Sense is believing, hoping, loving, just grabbing ahold and saying I love you Jesus. You see, Jesus is the one I love, but yet sometimes it doesn't really make sense.

I keep trying and trying, but many things feel like the desert is really running dry.

Am I to stay on these streets for the rest of living life here on earth?

Many people are praying for me throughout the world, just as I do for them each day. It really seems like though God has a purpose for me without a home.

Hey! I'm not saying I'm giving up. I'm just trying to figure out where I'm really at, and why this is happening. It just doesn't make sense sometimes.

Yea, no home today and here in this valley it just gets tougher each day battling for a home.

Ah, what the heck I'll go back out tomorrow and just struggle on, trying to find a home.

I love you Jesus! Thank you for your LOVE.

Tonight I could go back to where I once was, but this is just to good to leave. Yesterday it was great seeing and sharing with Angel, David, Leprechaun, Treena, Steve, Bobbie Brown, and many others. I shared with them the love and the truth of this new life and yet I'm not sure weather I really understand it, but tonight I pray that each one of those I seen will be touched by Him.

Sometime I will look back and it will all make sense, but today I must go on with what He has designed for me. It may be staying homeless and just passing on His word, I'm not sure. What ever it is I still love you Jesus!

All right the music today, well, it could be just no beat at all, but yet, it's the beat of Jesus' feet right next to me, and its "Day by Day".

A Super Day

Yesterday was a super day, and I'm not talking about the Superbowl. I had a chance to discuss my housing with Pastor Andy and others at K2 The Church and fully have faith that God will present me with housing within just a couple of days. That wasn't the greatest thing that happened though.

At K2 The Church we were going to have a Superbowl party and watch it on the big screen, but God had another purpose in mind for the party. The NFL announced that they were going to come down on churches and other organization who showed the game on big screens and threatened with penalties. So, the food that was being catered in along with a huge support crew went to Pioneer Park and set up tents and presented the homeless and needy with a great catered meal. It was great to see many of my acquaintances and many came up to me wondering what was going on with me, because I was looking so bright and cheerful. So, I had many chances to share with them my new found love for Jesus and invited them to come and see for their self how great life can be.

It was just a super day to see the compassion that was being shared with everyone at the park. Clothes were given out, bibles handed out, caring conversation, unselfish love and care given, some even went to homes for the game, and there were many prayers said.

Many of those who came out to help were asking what do we do when the food runs out, I just stated, "He will provide". We ended up having food left over to give away for many to take with them. Now I pray that those who never witnessed this great type of mission that it touched their hearts and the needy will see more of them.

My work is going great, my health becoming more stable (mentally and physically), and my love for Jesus is just growing stronger my the minute.

This early morning I'm so grateful that on November 11th I said a prayer and told Him that I'm all His. Each day is so much better than before even my worst day doesn't compare to some of my best days before. This is not a life of partial giving, but just stomping on the gas to full throttle giving of my life to Jesus.

Today I'm rocking out with Jeremy Camp's "Take My Life".