One More Off the Streets

Last Thursday and Friday, I had the awesome opportunity to take it to the streets. I went with Crescent City Christian Schools on their Great Days of Serving led by Jerilyn Cushing. I had the blessing of serving with my wife, Susan, and a bunch of high school guys and gals. We went to the French Quarter to share water, clothes, and a conversation with the homeless of New Orleans.

We met some pretty amazing people. Willie Mae, Koolio, Josh, Tony, Kermit, Andrew, Sara, and Otis were just a few of the people I met. We gave them water and sat down and listened to their stories. We did not beat them up with any particular sins they may have been involved with, just freely shared the love of Jesus.

I want to tell you one story... Andrew. My wife met Andrew the first day we were there. She gave him some water and talked with him. He said he was going to put some gin in that water later. Andrew admitted in this conversation that he had a problem with alcohol. Susan prayed with him and went on to speak to others.

The next day, Susan and I ran into Andrew and he told us what had happened since yesterday. Andrew said that after Susan had spoken to him the day before, a man came up to him and gave him a laminated piece of paper with the man's Christian testimony written on it. Andrew read it and it sounded almost like his story. Then, later in the day, someone else came to Andrew and told him he looked like he could use some help. He was given the number to Bethel Colony, run by a friend of mine, Pastor Mel Jones. Bethel Colony is a Christ based recovery program.

Andrew asked if he could use my phone to call Bethel Colony. I told him it was tough and he had to be ready to do whatever it takes to overcome his addiction. He agreed and called. I gave Andrew bus fare to get to Bethel Colony as we were leaving the French Quarter that day. Andrew was getting off the streets and was going to really hear about Jesus at Bethel Colony. He was walking toward the bus stop as we were leaving and I was saying, "Hallelujah!, Praise the Lord!"