To be honest, we did not feel like going anywhere today. We have gone every Shabbat for 4 weeks because others have been out of town. However, we know that every time we go, we are the one that gets “ministered” to…our spirits leap and He gives us more energy and joy over sharing His Word than anything else. Plus, we got a text on Friday saying they really needed help this week because they were short-handed. So, we went. And, as we were driving, I prayed there would be enough people to help with passing out the food so we could have a chance to pass out a Psalm and pray with the people. We prayed His Spirit would lead us to those wanting truth, prayer, and words of encouragement.
When we arrived at the first stop, there were many more people than usual to help! There were only three people in need at this stop but one was a new person named Todd. We spoke with Todd and he shared how he really needed a pair of shoes, size 10.5 or 11. We asked if there were any shoes, and at first, the answer was no. All of a sudden, Steve (one of the weekly helpers who brings used clothing), said, “I just found some shoes.” When we looked at what size they were, they were a Men’s Size 11! Wow—talk about Father providing when we have a need! We were able to share how He provides when we ask and it is aligned with His will.
At the next stop, we met Kevin. Kevin took our Psalm handout and asked us to pray for his mother who was diagnosed with cancer. Kevin was humble in spirit and did not want prayer for himself, but for someone he loves. It reminded me of Haiti…where they asked for perseverance in their faith rather than much needed shelter or clean water. What an honor to pray with others…to be led by His Spirit on what to say.
We prayed with Kevin for him and his mom. When we finished, I could tell he was tearing up. Words just can’t express how much His Word moves the hearts of people…you can see His Spirit touch their heart and change their whole demeanor and attitude! What a blessing to see His Living Water move through us to others. I can’t even describe it…it’s like suddenly, someone gives you a magnifying glass to look through, and see things that aren’t visible with the naked eye…things that can only be seen through His eyes.
On our last stop, there were over 200 people; some standing in line before we even drove up. With plenty of people serving the food, we went down the line, passed out a Psalm, and said, “Here is an encouraging Word for you today.” We also offered prayer.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills…” as Derek would say as he passed out the Psalm. Derek would use this as an introduction to talk about the hills around Jerusalem. Some people get excited about Jerusalem and long to be there. It is a blessing to be able to bring up Israel while feeding the hungry and sharing with them.
As we got to the end of the line, a man came up to me and when I said the words, “Here is an encouraging Word for you today,” he replied, “someone asked me if I wanted prayer and I responded with ‘I didn’t need prayer.’ But, I always need encouragement, and I was just telling myself that I need to focus on encouraging others. Thank you!”
I responded with, “His Word is the only Word that lasts, is always true and will never fail…we will all pass away, but His Word is alive forever.”
He said, “My name is Ramawn. Thank you for serving us today.”
I said, “It is my honor and privilege to serve you. Thank you for allowing us to.”
With that, Ramawn said, “You know, you are different. You mean it when you say it.” He went back in line with a smile and I said, “May Father bless you today.”
While continuing to pass out the Psalm, Derek was talking to a man in line. As I found out later, the man, (whose name we will not mention), was bitter and hardened. Within two years, he had seen his wife tortured and murdered at the hands of an organized crime gang. He had also lost his mom to a major accident and even his sister as well. Here is a man who has witnessed much death, and loss. He said, “and no one really cares. No one knows or even reports on the news what happens down here.”
The man is intimately acquainted with the ‘realness’ of organized crime members who use listening devices, computer hacking, EKG body sensors, etc. He tells of the helicopters that fly at night and about others who are just waiting to be rounded up. Some of the language he used was straight out of a Mission Impossible movie. What do you say to a man who has seen so much death and how do you relate to him? The man said, “seeing my wife killed….it changes you.”
Derek had the opportunity to speak words of hope into his life; as much as he was allowed to speak, for the man was spewing off out of the overflow of his heart; damages, brokenness, unforgiveness and bitterness. “Cry out to Him”, were the last words Derek said to him. It’s difficult to try and relate to stories like this, so we relate the work of the Master and the sufferings He endured for our eternal life!
Fifteen minutes had gone by and I ran out of Psalms to pass out. So, I went to the front of the line and offered to help serve but they had it under control. All of a sudden, Ramawn came up to me and said, “I had to come ask you…what “church” are you with and these names, Elohim, Yahuweh and Yahushua…what do you know about these names?”
I explained that we don’t go to any church or belong to any denomination. We study Genesis to Revelation, use their true Hebrew names and we believe in home group assemblies. “We don’t do religion,” I said. At that, he said, “let me shake your hand!”
I also explained the Names themselves and the difference between their Names and titles. Stepping back, he said, “I started reading the Psalm and saw the real names and couldn’t believe it. I have been praying using these Names since I was a boy. If people were required to know their real Names to enter the Kingdom, most here would be in trouble.”
He went on to explain that he was here because he needed to hear from Father and get out of the materialism of the world. He isn’t working right now. But, when he did, he wasted his money. He said he never imagined meeting someone that actually knew the truth and used Their Names. It was truly a mo’edim. He then asked me to help a guy with crutches and then with a walker, carry their food and drink so they did not have to balance both.
I helped the first man on crutches and then helped Harold, the man using a walker to get around. As I was helping Harold, he asked my name and Derek walked up as he was explaining he needed prayer to not have to use the walker. Derek prayed and as His Spirit led him, Derek said the words, “Father, restore his equilibrium.” When we finished praying, Harold had the biggest smile on his face.
He asked our names again and just kept saying, “You just prayed for my equilibrium…you did not know I had a problem with my equilibrium!” Derek and I explained that His Spirit says…that when he takes his next step, he will notice that he is healed. Harold had tears well up in his eyes…tears of joy. He kept saying over and over, “You both make me so happy. Thank you!”
Harold had experienced three strokes which left him unbalanced and wobbly when he walked. Standing there, Derek began to tear up because of the continual bright countenance and smile of this man which became nearly overwhelming!
Before I walked away, I noticed a leap in my spirit…a joy just seeing the joy in his face and through his spirit. I can’t explain it, but the look on Harold’s face is as if he could see Yahushua’s Light in us…and then we could see His Light reflected back to us through Harold’s face.
We have never had anyone look at us like that before… it was the most humbling, yet joyous experience…deep in my spirit as it leaped and tears welled up in my eyes…His Living Water, Shalom and Joy was overflowing through us. At that moment, Derek wanted to go behind one of the cars parked there and fall down and weep.
I can only humbly pray for these precious people and do as He calls us to do…but I know the Master was with us today and has all resources at His disposal. These people will forever have permanent impressions in my heart. I want to forever see Harold and Ramawn’s smile, their look of joy and their hope restored!
Today, we did not feel like leaving the house, yet because we did, the light of Messiah filled us to overflowing in the reflections of everyday people who have nothing.
“He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3
“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:12
May He restore you to wholeness, sustain you, and fill you with His joy this Shabbat!
Derek and Rivkah
Thank you for this glowing report. We feel waves of refreshing as we hear your words of life and living waters being shared with hungry souls.
Wow, my spirit rejoices within me as I read this blog. It’s like I’m right there with you both. ABBA rejoices too, I’m sure, when He sees His children going outside of themselves to minister, to pray for, to supply needs, encouraging those in need spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. I’ve seen that in my household many times over!