Today was an amazing day. First a few of us went to youth and adult shelters to hand out care bags. These are bags prepared by one of our members which contain a toothbrush, tooth paste, one pair of clean socks, a granola bar, cheese and crackers, an easy open fruit cup with spoon, and a small New Testament bible with the Psalms and the book of Proverbs included. Each of the bags had a label with “God Bless You” printed on it.
We handed out over 125 bags. Everyone we gave them to was so grateful, it made you wonder how much we take for granted with our knowing we have our own shelter, food, and friends who care for us. In the future we hope to find others with whom we can share such bags.
Secondly, I was walking through the parking lot heading into the office to work on my Sunday School class when I met a gentleman who was walking his dog. We exchanged pleasantries and then we talked for about 30 minutes in the parking lot. Before both of us left to go about our day we prayed together. What a blessing to make a new friend and to not only commit to pray for each other, but to use the parking lot as our sanctuary. We were able to offer up our praise to God and to seek his blessing for both of our lives.
Thirdly, at a garage sale stop near our church I met a woman who is searching for a church to attend. We found out we were both from the Midwest and shared our conclusion that the “thunderstorms,” if you can call them that, experienced in California are wimpy, at least compared to those in the heartland.
I don’t know if any of the people I met today will ever walk through our doors, but I do know that God answered my prayer to be of service to the King. The kingdom of God is all around us we just need to be ready to recognize it and ask God to open our hearts to share the love of Jesus with those whom we encounter.
Feeling humbled in serving our LORD with you,
Pastor Randy
