Oh Lord, thank You, thank You, thank You.  Thank You for constantly reminding me of why You placed me where I am.  Thank You for continually breaking my heart; for allowing me to see others with Your heart and through Your eyes. 

This morning as I carried bundles of clothing individually marked with the names of those “in the house”,( who are not able to come out to the van because they are working), it was like Christmas as they rushed toward me waiting for their gift.  A sweet gift from You Lord as a reminder of how much you love them.  They were all like children as I delivered their clothing, with big smiles and hugs and blessings to me of gratitude.  What a joy to see those faces light up!  Thank You Lord for Your constant provision and unconditional love.

As I walked outside to get ready to open up the van and minister in love to the people lined up and waiting, I announced that I was going to begin with prayer and anyone who was interested in joining the prayer circle was welcome.  I am always amazed at what takes place on that sidewalk so early in the morning, and how the Sweet Holy Spirit moves.  Sometimes there are only four of us, but lately, the circle has grown upward to 15 or more; as was the case this morning.  As one gentleman walked up to join in, he was trying to somehow get rid of his cigarette without damaging it….he was trying to be respectful.  I reassured him that he was okay, I could tell he was feeling a little uncomfortable.  I didn’t want the fact that he had a cigarette keep him from joining in the circle.  The enemy has heaped so much guilt and shame on them already, the last thing I want to do is add more.

 
Gathering in a prayer circle....

 We thanked God for His unconditional love and what He provides for His Children.  That He is a God of mercy, grace and forgiveness and not a God of condemnation.  What an awesome sight, oh how it blesses my heart.  Especially in these days of war and realizing how the enemy has so oppressed the Iraqi people.  Father thank You that I live in the United States of America, where I am free to assemble and pray publicly out in the open without fear, where I am free to call upon the name of the Living God.  Oh, Lord, help us to only speak blessings upon our President and leadership, we bless them in Jesus’ name!

At one point, as I was helping a gentleman with clothing, he was so thankful.  He said, “this is so great that you do this.  Where I come from, no one does anything like this, just give clothes away…..thank you!”

Another man came up to me with such sadness in his eyes and a look of loneliness.  He too was in need of some clothing.  As I helped him, all he could say was, “Thank you so much, this is so nice that you do this, God bless you!”  My reply was, “Oh, thank you, He will and He does bless me.”    ( as I helped put his clothing into a plastic bag for him)

When I was inside helping to serve meals, I noticed such a deep sadness in Jeff’s eyes.  I went over to him and asked if he was okay.  He said, “Teri, I need another prayer session with you, if you have time later on.”  I said, “Of course I do, we can pray now if you would like.”  Jeff opted for later.  So, once breakfast was over, I could feel his eyes on me, wondering if I had forgotten him.  I walked over to him and asked him if he was ready.  So in the middle of the dining room, we prayed……Oh, sweet Jesus, how I love praying for people.  Thank You for allowing me such a privilege.  As I ponder how much I love praying for people, I am reminded that so do You Jesus.  The Word says that You pray and intercede for us day and night; that tells me that You too love to pray for us, that’s how GREAT Your love is for us…….THANK YOU!

You see last week, Jeff asked if I would pray for him.  After we were done praying, much to my surprise, as I opened my eyes and turned around, there were two more people lined up behind me.  One just had a question for me and some reassuring words, the other too wanted prayer.  MORE Lord, MORE!  Bring them in, line them up.  I love how You are moving and ever changing and broadening our territory and stretching us.  Oh sweet Wisdom, how I cry out for you, how I look for you, how I need you!  They are sooo incredibly hungry Lord, they need You.