But For The Grace Of God...

Today Pastor Lance received a call from a woman named "Angel". She was one of the many people that we saw out during our "Marathon for Souls" outreach. Amanda and I saw her walking by herself and something inside (Holy Spirit) told me to turn left instead of right (with the others) and go speak to her - so I did! I am so glad that I yielded to that voice and sought her out.

Angel is an amazing lady. She has a beautiful little baby girl and an aunt who lives near by. She felt that she needed to find a quiet and simple place to start her life over (leaving behind some bad memories) and raise her daughter. Since she has family here, she figured this would be the best place to be. It is because of this choice that God saw fit to bring us across each others paths.

When I spoke to Angel on Saturday, she was very quiet (in a humble manner) and very respectful. I introduced myself and Amanda and told her what we were doing there and about the RAVENS Ministry. As we talked, I asked her if she attended a church at all. She told me that she attends a local church up on the corner - the one her aunt attends. She said with her being so new to the area she just attended where her family attends. Sounds so familiar, doesn't it? Yet, there was something so special about her. Something precious and genuine.

As our week has progressed, we have been so very busy. Each day bringing with it all the cares and concerns that we all face. At times, stopping and wondering if through all of this we are doing anything that is really making a difference - and then - God does His thing!! Tonight we had a salesperson come to our door and do a demonstration. He knew that we were not buying yet he pressed on. We gave him the attention that was required for the demo, but when he was finished - we gave him JESUS. As it turns out, he is a believer and as the bible says "IRON SHARPENS IRON" and we took the opportunity to stir him up! Enough so that he took our card and he wants to go out with us on the streets!! Praise the Lord!!! We couldn't get him to stop talking about the Word !!!

After our "30" minute sales pitch (which lasted 2 hours) we offered him some supper, fellowship, and Word, and we said our"good-byes" and hopped in the car. We were on our way back over to Washington Gardens (where our marathon took place) at 8:30 p.m. Angel had called earlier today and humbly asked if there was any way we could help her out with some food. She was just trying to get enough to get her and her baby through until she can get a job and some money. She told Pastor Lance that she had spoken to me on Saturday and that I had given her our ministry card and told her to call if we could help in any way. So, she did!!

The boys and I went today right after work to the store and gathered together some groceries and we all went over together this evening and took them to her. she was so thankful and humbled. We were able to pray with her and for her as she is going to a few job interviews at some of our local radio stations here in the area. Angel holds a bachelors degree in communications and is hoping to land one of these positions that are available. PLEASE be in agreement with us as we agree with her for favor in these interviews. As I mentioned earlier, she has the most beautiful baby girl and it is her desire to provide her with a good life. We are also asking anyone with children's clothing - girls / 12 months and up /especially a winter coat - if you have any items please contact us so that we can get these items to Angel as soon as possible. The colder weather is closing in rather rapidly now and she could use our help.

So, be encouraged my brothers and sisters! When we feel as if the cares of this world are swallowing us up and we feel as though we have nothing to give - remember - it's not what we have in ourselves, but what God can do through us when we will yield and get ourselves out of the way. I thank God for who He is and all that he continues to do through us in spite of ourselves! I thank god for Angel and for the "door to door" salesmen, and for all the opportunities God sees fit to bring our way. After all, but for the grace of God go I.

Love in Christ