Downtown, Not Many Around, Just Those We're Meant To Meet

The team gathered yesterday, preparing much the same way we've become accustomed. We headed out to the market place after talking through our location clues.

God sent us into an area that becomes quiet just about the time we arrived! That can make one feel insecure, or question, did we discern the clues correctly?

Only 10 minutes out of the cars, we found one of our treasures. A poor man collecting cans, a Vet. who walked with a cane. We approached him, explained our mission, at first he was hesitant. Then he let us pray for him. Pain left his back, which turned out to be one of the clues as well.

The team spread out in a few directions. One group prayed with four men who lived in a nearby half way house. One was noticeably touched by the HS as he received prayer.

Another team met up with yet another in a music store which happened to be one of the location clues. We did not find customers inside the music store, then one team member noticed a word painted on a brick wall inside, "Risk", so R. did just that, he approached the store owners who stood their ground and did not want "Christian" activity going on in their public store. More team members gathered. One owner explained that they are believers but live so their lives are a testimony, but do not endorse witnessing.

It could have turned into an uncomfortable discussion, which we intentionally avoid. There has been enough debating, smashing in the name of Jesus. We kept the conversation light, actually, one of the store owners recognized me, which broke the way to a light blessing which they were initially unwilling to receive. (I once sold product in a store next to theirs, M. recognized me as familiar, interesting the result, God uses all things for good...)

Once outside the store we walked the lonely street towards another clue location. At this point we are questioning once again, "did we hear correctly?" It was getting dark.

On our way to the clock store I noticed a detail shop with a few men standing idle. I called out to the team, "let's go, these are the only people standing around the next location clue."

We went up the the three men and began sharing our mission. Each responded in various ways, then the owner came out of his office and everything shifted. Turns out he is muslim. A couple of us engaged him in conversation. He was firm in his beliefs, especially with regard to his view of Jesus, who he believes is a minor prophet, not the Son of God. Two of us managed to talk with him, he was on his way to prayer, which was an opportunity to challenge him to ask Jesus to reveal himself more. A couple of our team members interceded and could feel the HS fall powerfully as they prayed. I have no doubt we were meant to speak to these men. Did we seal any "deals" as once taught in evangelism classes? No. No one accepted the Lord as a result of our encounter. However, we gave testimony about Jesus, seeds were planted, the HS was present. In God's time, some one else will no doubt come along to water those seeds.

After talking with these men, we turned back on our route and noticed three of our clues in a store front next to the detail shop. More confirmation we were meant to speak with these men.

We headed towards the main street through the downtown area, it was dark. We passed a couple on a park bench. We walked past. Then I felt the HS pull me back. I turned, engaged them in conversation.

This led to praying with a young woman who had stopped to rest on a bench due to pain in her knee. She's scheduled for surgery on Monday, was freaked out, hurting after walking, resting for a few in the arms of her boyfriend.

We asked if we could pray for her, she was eager to receive. First we prayed off the anxiety attack, she felt peace, then we prayed for the knee, which she said felt better when she stood up and tested the leg. She hugged us and explained that earlier in the day she questioned God, "Why me?" Then we come along and minister His love and healing power. Her boyfriend received prayer as well. They identified as believers, yet there was opportunity to encourage them, disciple if you will in the power of Jesus, His Kingdom.

Two people came out of the bar we were standing in front of, they were curious about the gathering and activity. Someone in the bar actually locked the door! Very interesting.

A few individuals were spoken with, more seeds planted. One fellow had passed us earlier, and here he came again past our group. R. took the opportunity to say something quickly to him.

We parted from the young couple, turned towards our cars. On the way we saw two young women window shopping. I approached them and asked outright if they needed any miracles in their lives! One giggled, the other observed and smiled. Turns out they are believers who attend a conservative church. One allowed us to pray over her talents. I noticed some of her gifting in the Spirit and called it out. Initially she did not own up to it, then did so, but explained that there was another gifting she was pursuing, one I am familiar with. She allowed me to pray for her while her friend watched. We chatted a bit and went on our way.

Just yards from our cars, out of the dark, comes a young man wearing a yellow jacket, one of the clues. We stopped him, engaged him in conversation, explained what we were doing. B. said he was not a believer, but had pain and coldness in his feet. We prayed and he said his feet got warmer, some pain left. R. explained the gospel quickly which he politely listened to. R. hugged him and off B. went. Healed, but not ready to make a decision, seeds planted. Lord send the water!

All in all, we ministered to many people. The out reach was different, began with a lot of warfare, which began earlier in the day, evident as soon as we got out of our cars. We managed to press through and saw God move upon many people!

We walk in a simple trust that however much or little God gives favor and anointing to accomplish is good. We only want to do what the Father is doing.......

We talked with one