Mobile Prayer Station: DAY 31

The day was beautiful. After last week's heat wave and crazy thunderstorms, today was almost perfect in comparison. Now before I get into sharing about the events of the day, I I decided to test my theory about the slowness of last week by intentionally spending some time before getting out on the corner in prayer with God, in order to get my heart and mind focused on Him just to see if that quickened the encounters of the day. Now, I'm not trying to find a formula in all this because God cannot be put into a box nor can He be controlled by an A + B = C mentality. I'm simply trying to keep in step with the Holy Spirit by learning and responding to the revelation He brought last week about staying focused on God, rather than on what happened yesterday or my future plans, even on the task at hand. 

Well, I couldn't have been out more than 30 minutes when Dan came strolling by ready to talk about faith and life. I've talked with Dan a couple times before and each time I've had the opportunity to pray with him about the pressing things in his life. Almost immediately after Dan left (after we talked for close to 30 minutes) Herman came riding by on his bike. What made today stand out more so than others is that I was able to share a prophetic word God gave me for him almost a year ago when I first met him in which God reminded me of again a couple weeks ago. This time I felt released by God to tell him. It was a special moment. We talked for a solid 30 minutes about faith and life. Though I've talked with Herman here and there, today was the first time I got to pray with him. It was funny when I asked Herman if I could pray with him, he said "I knew you were going to eventually ask me that." What can I say I love praying with people. Now you have to imagine this picture, here I am this 5'8, 130 pound Asian man praying with this (roughly) 6'4, 350+ pound African American man. It must have been a neat sight to see. 


Throughout the rest of the day I chatted with a few more people, but nothing very deep until Rahelle came bounding up. I met her once before gosh must have been a month ago. So, we have a little history which means she knows just how much I love praying with people because after some small talk she simply stated that she needed some prayer. I love it when I have some familiarity with people because it means we can be more relaxed with one another. She actually shared how she was planning on travelling overseas to China in 2013 in order to teach English. So, she was seeking some prayer in asking God to guide her, open doors for her in terms of getting her TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) certification and some more sensitive things in which I felt very honored to have her trust me with praying for her on. Imagine that, here I am about to spend 1 year over in Taiwan while Rahelle is just beginning her journey. Needless to say, we had a lot to talk about and I was really able to encourage her on many things. Please, remember Rahelle in your prayers.


So, what did I learned today from my little experiment? I learned that it's always better when I have my heart and mind in the right place, focused on God, when I'm serving Him. The day just flows smoother. I am less distracted and I'm freed up to be fully present both with God and with people. Does this mean God brings more people for me to encounter when I do this? I'm gonna have to say maybe. God has a plan for me and everyone else that I see when I'm on the street. So, at the end of the day, as the proverb says, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails" (Proverbs 19:21 NIV). Now, if I could make some sort of conclusion it would be this, serving God is an honor and a privilege in which He will supply both the words to speak and the strength the serve (1 Peter 4:10-11). When our focus in on God we will embrace more fully this truth and not worry so much about what we are going to say or in having the strength to serve. God will provide, but our focus needs to be on Him in order to receive this grace from Him. When it is everyone is blessed.

Phillips, Craig & Dean: YOU ARE MY KING

This is one of my all time favorite worship songs. If there is one image of Jesus that I am completely drawn to, it's Jesus as King. For me this speaks of His majesty and authority, but also His grace and understanding. I love kneeling before King Jesus because He has earned all of my love and devotion for what He has done for us by taking on the full weight of God's wrath for sin in our place. Such amazing love! If you are a follower of Jesus than you are also His servant. This means that as servants of King Jesus we are also His ambassadors here on this earth (2 Corinthians 5:20). And as His ambassadors, Jesus has bestowed upon us the power of His authority. So, when we speak, we speak with the full weight and power of Jesus Himself. This is what it means to be ambassadors of King Jesus, but we must always remember to exercise this authority in love. In this way we honor Jesus our King as His ambassadors here on earth. 

Mobile Prayer Station: DAY 30

Man, was it humid out today which didn't help the slowness of the first hour (again). Honestly, I should pay closer attention to when this happens because I have a sneaking suspicion that maybe it was because God was getting my heart and head focused on Him, rather than on what happened yesterday or my future plans, even on the task at hand. In thinking back, I have been asking God to help me stay focused more often lately because I have been a bit distracted in thinking about travelling overseas at the end of August. 


Ken and Ann came out a little later in the day, after I'd spent an hour wrestling with God in letting go of my thoughts and concerns for the day and the future. It's interesting right before they came out Jessica came by and began engaging me in conversation. I shared with her my heart in praying with people and she asked for some healing prayer. She talked a lot about good energy, so I explained to her that I was a Christian who prayed to God and in Jesus Name. She said that was ok, so I prayed for both healing and for an increased awareness of God's Hand in her life and in the lives around her. If there's one thing that I love praying for people on, it's revelation because knowing God is both through knowledge and experience. 


The second hour in the stifling humidity was spent with Ken and Ann. God bless them that they came out right after work, but this meant that they weren't really dressed to be out in the heat and humidity. Regardless, I was grateful for their company and willingness to step out and be available to God. Over the next hour I shared with them the vision and heart of the Mobile Prayer Station of being more light than heat in the community and in being reliant on God to draw people to us who wanted prayer, rather than trying to sell or promote the prayer station and forcing prayer on people which I believe is a unique posture to take which people aren't really used to seeing Christians take. I believe giving people the freedom to choose to engage is important, rather than forcing them into conversations of faith and life. 

Maybe God was getting Ken and Ann's hearts focused on Him as He had done with me earlier (they did share that their day at the office was overwhelmingly busy), but the second hour was also slow. Ken, Ann and I spent some time praying for the community and for a few people walking by. They did end up praying for me which was great! And I was blessed to pray for them before we started to say our goodbyes. But, while parting ways one of the men who hangs out in the park came walking by and I asked him if he'd finally let me pray for him (I ask him everyday I see him which he kindly says no). But, today he said yes! So, he put out his cigarette and came on over and the three of us (Ken, Ann and I) prayed for a renewed mind and a change of heart for Emmanuel (at his request). This made me happy for two reasons: 1) I finally got to pray with Emmanuel and 2) Ken and Ann actually got to pray with someone before they left. Yay! 

The day ended with yet another answered prayer. There are a few elderly people who walk around the park with their just as elderly dogs. One of the ladies that I've been praying for as I see her came walking by with her dog and I said hi to her as I usually do and it seemed like she was going to keep walking, but then her dog started walking in the opposite direction which was right in front on my sign and then stopped. (The providence of God, what do you think?) So, Alice and I actually started talking. I have a confession to make, there's something about the elderly that draws me and warms my heart. I'm believing that it's all the Scripture verses that talk about caring for the widows, elderly and orphans that ignites God's compassion in my heart towards them. Talking and praying with Alice was a great ending to a long, hot and humid day. It felt good to be able to pray with her about some of her family relationships and health concerns. I was very surprised at how vulnerable and open she was with me. It was a very sweet moment. In leaving she said that this was exactly what she needed. Praise God!

Mobile Prayer Station: DAY 29

So, my friends Matt and Monica joined me today. Of all the days this one was probably the hottest yet this summer. To be honest, I was a little skeptical about anyone being out, let alone wanting prayer. But, oh me of little faith. The first hour was slow. We spend the time talking and praying for the community as well as for a few of the people walking by. Matt and I talked about possibly offering dream interpretation for people which I've been toying around with and now am feeling a bit more released by the Lord to do so (I'd of course have to change the sign). Matt had to leave after about an hour, but Monica stayed the rest of the time. I did end up interpreting one of Monica dreams which seemed to be on target.  


Anyways, today a few people stopped for prayer. First was Cindy, who after talking with her seemed to be a New Age spiritualist. Monica and I prayed for her and got some good words for her. I got a picture of a heart with all of these cracks and fissures which began to close and heal. I shared my image with her and told her God was going to bring healing to some past wounds of her heart which seemed to touched Cindy deeply. Monica sensed that God was calling Cindy to be a great intercessor for His Kingdom (after He saved her of course), so after Cindy left Monica spent some time just calling that out. We ended up seeing Cindy again and she was so warm towards us. Jesus seriously made her day. 


Next, Charday came by who must have been no more than 20 years old and asked for prayer because she was single and pregnant. Monica spent quite a long time praying for her. Honestly, I was a bit nervous that she was going on too long. I've learned that praying with people on the street, particularly with people who are not used to prayer in the first place, can get a bit antsy if the prayer time goes on too long. But, God's grace was there and Charday was fine with the longer prayer. Lastly, came Aldene who is a medical student who just moved into the area. So, we spent some time talking which is always a joy and then prayed for community for her. I gave her one of our church's cards and hopefully will see her again. 


The day was good. Some people may think that praying with only three people in two and a half hours is not worth bearing the heat, but I would beg to differ. Three people today received pray that I'm betting wouldn't have gotten prayer anytime soon if we weren't out on the street. With Cindy, I'm betting that this may have been the first time she ever received prayer from Christians. For me, there's nothing like being given the opportunity to pray for the lost children of God, even found children of God in transition. There are a lot of hurting people out here who need prayer. But, what I'm learning is that it's not so much about going out and trying to reach everyone. It's about simply (which sometimes isn't so simple) making ourselves available to God and He will bring people into our path to love, care and pray for and with. 

Sarah Sadler: how deep the Father's love for us

I've been really thinking and meditating this past week on the Father's love for all His children. It truly is so amazing how deep His love is for us. I mean what drew me to God in the first place was His unconditional love for me. I don't mention this too often, but some of the first words I ever heard from God was that He loved me and that He would never leave me. I was floored that even as a hopeless drug addict and manipulative drug dealer, God still loved me and wanted me to be near Him. I can still remember when God's Kingdom came near to me and I became aware of my sin and shame. When this happened an interesting thing happened as well, God heightened my sense of smell. It was like I could smell the stench of sin, both on myself and others. 

The reason I bring this up is that even through the stench of my decaying sin-filled soul God still wanted me close to Him. There's a verse in the bible that is very real to me which says "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners" (Romans 5:8 NLT). Imagine the sin of the world as a giant garbage dump and Jesus as this pure, spotless and holy Being who steps down out of Heaven into the middle of this giant stinking rotten pile of crap and refuse. When the bible talks about Jesus taking on the sins of the world, this is the picture we should have in our minds. For me, this verse says that even when my soul stunk like a garbage dump God still sent His Son to wade into the garbage dump of my life in order to save me. That's how deep the Father's love is for us. 

Mobile Prayer Station: DAY 28

Overall, today was quiet. I stood underneath a tree in the shade for most of my time on the street enjoying the peacefulness of the day. The whole area was uncharacteristically subdued. Not many people were out and the people whom I normally see were nowhere to be found. Even the children's playground was quiet with only a few children at play. Normally, I would have been eager to get going hoping God would bring people to pray with, but the day felt different. Instead of eagerness, I felt a peacefulness wash over me, so I enjoyed the day just being friendly with people as they walked by. while still praying for some of them in my heart as they walked by as well as praying for revival for the area.  


Today was like a day of rest while still laboring in the fields. To be honest, it was a welcomed relief as God has been continually stretching and challenging me over these past weeks to have my security fully in Him while embracing more deeply my dependency on Him. God's peace felt great, like standing in the shade on a hot summer day with a slight breeze blowing. It was refreshing and life giving. Sure, I was ready to pray with anyone if they came up, but that was almost secondary to enjoying God's presence and peace in the moment. Today was a good reminder that our service should always come from a place of presence and peace with God and in this way we will make the deepest and most lasting impact on the earth for His Kingdom. I truly believe that we can experience the peace that the bible talks about: "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, [that] will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7 NIV), even while we labor for God's Kingdom. It happened to me today.

Mobile Prayer Station: DAY 27

Today, I had a very interesting conversation with a man named Mishael, who considers himself a Hebraic Christian. At first I thought he meant he was a Messianic Jew, who is a Hebrew who has found their Messiah in Jesus, the One who Moses and those after him prophesied would come. But, in further talking with him he explained that he was not Jewish but desired to live a Christian lifestyle with a strong Judaic foundation. Ok, I can appreciate that, wanting to truly follow after the 1st century disciples of Jesus' day. 

Part of Mishael's story is that God called him out from a lucrative business which gave him both money and fame. He felt God telling him to give it all up and begin living a simple lifestyle. As he put it, "Jesus shoved this big fat camel through the eye of a needle and into His Kingdom" (Matthew 19:24) and for the last 15 years he has lived as a sojourner, owning nothing and living by faith. He said most of the time he travels by bicycle and by way of God giving him or someone he knows a dream. Honestly, he reminded me of a mixture between an Amish, a Quaker and a Mennonite all rolled up in one. And from what I gathered he had very conservative views, all the way down to what he thought women should wear (everything covered). 

Now, I'm not out here to judge anyone about their views whether I agree with them or not. Mishael had a wonderful heart for Jesus and I was blessed to have spent well over an hour talking with him. We even spent some time praying together. I prayed out loud and Mishael prayed silently to himself which was a but different, but hey to each his own. I even got to prophesy over his life a little while we prayed which he seemed to received. We talked about lots of things. He shared how he was part of a fellowship of believers who were trying to live a communal lifestyle like those described in the book of Acts: "And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need" (Acts 2:44-45 NLT). Now what Mishael and his friends are doing is not terribly new, over the last 20 years or so there has been a growing house/organic church movement which also embraces these verses and are filled with people trying to do life together more so than just on Sundays. Regardless, I commend what Mishael and his friends are doing. My only hope is that they are actively moving missionally in reaching out to the lost children of God and are not overly isolating themselves in the hopes of keeping themselves pure and untainted by the world. 

Mobile Prayer Station: DAY 26

A big motivator for me in being out on the street with the Mobile Prayer Station day after day is the alarming reality that there are countless people who have never been prayed for, who's names or images have never been brought before the throne of God's grace. Now this revelation is not of my own thinking, but something the Holy Spirit brought to my attention many years ago and continues to remind of at least once a week. 


The reason I'm thinking about this is that I read a blog by my friend Scott today where he gave a pretty fair assessment of the current "celebrity" driven Christian culture in America. Afterwards, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed when some of the status updates of the "celebrity" Christian fan pages I've "liked" came through. What struck me as I was reading through the comments was how many people said they were praying for this person and then I thought about all the many people I see each and every day who probably have never been prayed for. To be honest, it made me sad. Now don't misunderstand me here. I love prayer and and am thrilled that people are praying, but I couldn't help but to think about... (I think I'll let the Holy Spirit fill this one in for you). 


So, today I had the privileged to pray with Amir who must have been 8 years old. He was walking with his mother when he stopped in front of my sign and started reading. His mother then asked him if he wanted me to pray for him and he said yes. So, I asked him what he wanted me to pray for him about and when he shrugged his shoulders, I gave him a few suggestions. He decided on blessing, and so I started to pray. But, to my surprise the very first words out of my mouth were "God, thank you that you see Amir and that you don't think that he's too little..." which is right, I mean kids aren't too little in God's eyes. But, the sad reality is that we treat them like they are. I am always amazed at the spiritual and emotional sensitivity of children and by their faith. Kids simply believe. No wonder Jesus tells us "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:2 NIV).


But what does it mean to "have faith like a child?" Well, I believe this story will help illustrate. It's like a child who only knows the area of her house and yard. This is what she is familiar with and this is where she feels safe. But, as she grows, she begins to take walks with her father away from their house and through the neighborhood where she loses sight of her house and soon is lost. Even if she tried to find her way home, she couldn't. But, because she was holding her father's hand she knew deep in her heart that she was safe. She knew that her father loved her and that he would always do what was best for her. That he would protect and guide her wherever they would go. Knowing this filled her with joy and excitement, rather than fear. She wasn't frightened as they walked down unfamiliar streets because she had full confidence in her father. This is how Jesus tells us we should be, like a child who has full confidence in our Father in Heaven. 

Mobile Prayer Station: DAY 25

Today was an interesting day. The time seemed to race by. In reflecting back, it's not that I was swamped with talking and praying with people. Maybe I was simply enjoying the quality of time I got to spend with people. I was blessed to be able to pray with a few people I've prayed with before plus a few new comers. I will share about my relational time with Michael, one of the travelling homeless kids that migrate between cities throughout the year. I see them hanging out in the park almost everyday and am always moved to pray for them. Maybe it's because we have similar stories. So, I was glad when Michael came by and asked me for some money because when I told him I didn't really feel right in giving him any, he asked if I could pray for him. 


Being on the road is nothing new for me. I've spent my own fair amount of time travelling where I've rubbed shoulders with the many transient people of the various music and drug scenes; from Grateful Dead shows to Phish and Horde tours to the underground rave scene. I've even spent time with the "Rainbow Family" and their yearly gatherings. So, needless to say, on many levels I get them. Though on the outside the world sees only rebellious kids not wanting to conform to the tenets of society which is true to some degree. But underneath all of the many layers of these complex kids is the same desire that every human being has and that's the desire to belong; to be fully known and yet still be fully loved. The sad reality is that these travelling kids have failed to find this anywhere else expect among themselves. Now to be fair, there is the Lord's timing on all of this and from my experience it takes time to unconditionally love and not judge people into the Kingdom of God. But if the Body of Christ is faithful in loving and not judging people, I fully believe that there is no one that the love of Christ cannot touch through His Body, the Church. 


I am also learning that loving people means being willing to open up my heart and life to them which also means being willing to sacrifice my time, treasures and talents on their behalf. A great book that I am reading at the moment (which I think I've mentioned before) is "When Helping Hurts: Alleviating Poverty Without Hurting the Poor...and Yourself." This book has helped  broaden my perspective and given me greater understanding on discerning which of these (time, treasure, talents) is best for the people God crosses my path with and what is needed (relief, rehabilitation, development) in order to equip and empower them for greater living. I know my time with Michael was short, which is why I am hoping and praying that God makes a way for more relational time with him and his friends. So this is my prayer: Father in Heaven, lavish Your grace and love upon these travelling kids and make me trustworthy enough to be able to love these kids with the love and compassion of Jesus. And if I am not that person, then I pray Lord that You would divinely orchestrate the path of those who are and cross them with these kids. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Mobile Prayer Station: DAY 24

What do we do when we pray for physical healing for someone and nothing happens? That's what happened with the homeless man I prayed with today. Seeing him limp along with his crutches broke my heart. I saw him walking from a good distance away because he had to stop every so often to rest. When I saw him I was moved with compassion for him and began praying that God would make a way for me to pray for him. 

I typically don't do this, but when he got close I approached him and asked him if I could pray that God would bring healing to his leg. He said "yes" and so I prayed. It's interesting after my initial prayer I asked him if he felt anything and he said "yes." So, encouraged I continued to pray again, but this time nothing happen and he started walking away. I could see his ankle still bent but obviously he had had enough of me praying. I do wish I could have spent more time praying for him, but obviously I already used up the small window of time he was willing to give me. 

Something I'm learning while being on the street is that when people stop they generally will give me anywhere from 3-5 minutes with them, if not less. So, I am learning to be on point with the Holy Spirit when it comes to praying, pastoring and prophesying with people on the street. But, when it comes to healing, I need more time with people. Praying for physical healing is very new to me and I have had some success in the past where God did bring some physical healing to people. I myself have experienced physical healing and I know that God's heart towards His creation is goodness, redemption, wholeness and restoration. But still, I need more time. The times that God did bring physical healing were times where I had at minimum 15 minutes with someone. So, I'm hoping that the more I step out in praying for physical healing, the more the Lord will guide and lead in being more on point with this divine gift. 

It is a bit discouraging when I pray for physical healing for someone and nothing happens (like today). But, at the end of day I understand that if I don't pray for physical healing than the chances for it happening are slim to none. But, if I do pray for physical healing than the chances for it happening increases exponentially. So what do we do when we pray for physical healing for someone and nothing happens? We pray again and then again and then again and then again and then again and then again. I don't believe we should ever stop asking God to bring physical healing to His children, both lost and found. We need to be continually asking God to have mercy on us and bring healing to us. In Jesus Name, Amen.