UNDER THE BRIDGE: If You Can Love Like That...

  Sunday, June 28, 2015

Nelson (L), Ashley 2 (7 months pregnant), and two beloved dogs.

     Congratulations Ashley Number 2!  (We have another Ashley [Ashley Number 1] of the same age who is also pregnant!)  Ashley 2, who has been homeless for a few years, gave birth to a healthy baby girl three days ago (her first baby).  Fortunately, Ashley 2’s sister came down to help set her up and Nelson (the father who was also homeless) in an apartment.  And Nelson has found a job.  Mother, father and baby girl are out of the street and into an apartment.  Praise God!

Ashley 2, beloved child of the Lord!

Home during the day is bench number 6!  Here, she is eight months pregnant!

Two benches down is the home of Ashley 1 (here 7 months pregnant) and Chris,
with the only smiling Pit Bull I know; Mouse!

Ah!  Here are my prenatal vitamins. Thank you, Chris!

What a beautiful couple!

     Ashley 1 is now 8 months pregnant.  Thank God Ashley 1 and Chris found each other about three months ago.  They both have been in the street for years and are trying to get into an apartment before the baby is born.  The father of the baby (they weren't married) is now in jail for a long time, and it was fortunate that Ashley 1 and yet-to-be-born baby girl have been accepted, loved and taken care of by Chris.

     Though Chris is also homeless, he does work at a local car wash - when  it's not  raining; and it has been raining a lot lately.  Neither Chris nor Ashley drink or do drugs, thought each has a laptop which they use wherever there is free wi-fi - which is almost everywhere in this city.  They play games, watch movies and keep up with what is happening in the rest of the world!

While awaiting the birth of the baby, the stroller is handy to haul belongings!

     However, it's now time to get into an apartment before the baby is born next month or the state will keep the baby right out of the hospital and put her in a foster home.  Ashley and Chris want to be able to keep and take care of this baby girl.  Please pray for them!
     Ashley 1 is 24 years old and this is her fifth child.

The two Ashleys at the beginning of the year!
Ashley 1 on right; Ashley 2 on left.

     
     We have been holding services for the homeless on Sundays at Wayside Park by the bay.  On those days, we also fix them a home cooked meal with all the trimmings.  Whether it’s cold, hot, or stormy, we are there – and so are the homeless.

I'm on the far left preaching to the church in the street; Pensacola Street Revival!

I am explaining Jesus' walk to the cross...

   

...after which we have communion. Bruce (L) and Paul (R).

After prayer time, it's on to...

...grilled hamburgers for all!

     

     Sometimes, it’s Paul’s turn to preach the Word!  

Paul is an excellent teacher who makes the Gospel of Jesus Christ easy to understand for all!

     We also have Heather preach to the homeless once a month.  She also fixes them a great meal and brings bags of clothing for the homeless.  Her church often helps with supplies and with serving the homeless. 

     But now she has a new partner with whom to serve the Lord Jesus Christ!  As of May 23, Heather and Scott became husband and wife! 

Congratulations, Scott and Heather!

Heather preached the Word of  God to...

...the homeless who are hungry for the Love of  Jesus!

     While setting up the “kitchen” and getting ready for the service we also do minister to any of the homeless who wants to fellowship.  There are some, however, who are busy with other endeavors while patiently waiting for the service to start.

Some may be catching up on "meditation!"

...or catching up on their summer reading list...

...or playing the latest game, or calling a friend...

...or discussing the latest movie...

...or reading the paper!

     We are blessed to have Heather preach on the second Sunday of the month.  The “established” church does not always “certify” those who are certified by the Lord according to their gifts.  Heather is such a person called of the Lord to teach and preach to the children of God, and I am glad to facilitate the exercise of her gifts.   

Heather preaches the Word  of  God to the ones she loves.

After Heather's preaching, Scott explains communion, as...

...Heather passes out the wine, and ...

...Phyllis, Scott's mom (Heather's mother-in-law) passes out the bread.

Then Heather and Scott pray for our sheep...

...Robert...

...and Steven, and all the rest of God's children.

Then it's dinner time, with Scott (R to L), Anthony (his son) and Heather.
That's Chuck on the left; hungry and ready to eat!

There are plenty of cold drinks, courtesy of Paul!

Sunday family gathering!

"ANYBODY WANT SECONDS!"

     Because I cannot finish this blog post in one day, events can change before I’m done writing.  The homeless story is a very dynamic one; changing continually.  When I wrote the story of Ashley 2’s birth of her baby, it was accurate.  But this has changed.

     A week after she had her baby, things changed drastically for her.  The reason Ashley 2 loved Nelson was because, “He never abused me like all the other men I have known!”  Nelson had gotten drunk many times before and never showed violence towards Ashley 2.  But today would be different.
     They had been off the streets for one week.

     Yes, Nelson was drunk as they came out of the store.  He was also very angry at Ashley for one reason or another.  But, for the first time today, he hit her…over and over again.  It was all caught on the store camera. 

     The cops came and arrested Nelson, who it was found out, was wanted on an outstanding warrant. We won't see him for a long time. 

     Ashley 2 was taken to a shelter for abused women.

     The baby was taken by the state and put in a foster home.

     My question to you is:  Can you love Ashley?  Can you love their innocent baby?  Can you love Nelson?  Because all three need prayer.  Can you do that; in love?

“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”  Matthew 24:12

     If you can love like that, then you may be that remnant who will be part of the coming Revival.

If Jesus loves you (and He does),  then I love you, too, Ashley, Nelson and brand new baby girl.  My prayers are with you continually.

Well, good night, y’all, and God bless you.