Saturday Night

Saturday nights are always unpredictable in China Town. On this particular night, there were no exceptions to that. See, about six of us hang out with our friends at A'ala Park about four or five days a week. In particular, there are three we have gotten to know quite well over time: Anna, Bear, and Ducky.

Saturdays are busy days, usually starting with going door-to-door at Mayor Wrights, followed by hanging out at the park. Prayer, stories, and tears fill the hours. This day, Anna asked us if we could go up to the ARC (Adult Rehabilitation Center), and pray with her later that night. So we agreed, and then hopped onto the bus.

After dinner, our group made some tuna fish sandwiches and loaded up the Dasani water bottles, and headed out to China Town. Tonight, we had a large group, so we split up into a couple of groups. My group went up to the ARC, and as we got closer we saw our friends, under a doorway, leading up to the building. Now this was luxery compared to the hot airvents, railing, broken bottles, cigarette butts, and cardboard scattered along the side of the building. When we got there, they were discussing some deep Bible topics, drinking, and having a good time. We all said hi, hugged, and so began our Bible study. We checked out Proverbs 13 as we sat, shoes off, on Annas blanket.

After reading and discussing this scripture, all of us held hands in a circle and prayed. If you where present, I think I can testify that the Spirit was moving. After the final amen, we sat and all felt the goose bumps on our skin. It was late and so we said our final goodbyes and continued our journey through China Town.

That night, in such a dark and hurting place, there was a bright, shining light. God's presence was recognized. His light was there amongst the pain. I have come to realize that He is everywhere, especially where He is not welcome.

Doc

10-25-08

There are always things going on here in Hawaii. Lives are being changed, healed, and transformed. God is truly working in this world. I have realized that the power and persistence of prayer is such an important thing. Pretty much allowing God, the Spirit to take charge. I am only the hands and feet, trying to do His work.

Four or five days a week, about three to four of us visit A’ala Park, near downtown Honolulu. Many homeless hang out there until they are kicked out at 9:00 p.m., forced to sleep in door walkways. We have built very strong relationships with most of these people. There are quite a few characters, including one guy named Doc who is in his sixties. The first time I met him he was laying on a piece of wet cardboard, unable to move. He had been there for a few days. I sat next to him and could feel the pain in his voice. A Navy veteran, he told me some war stories.

Despite the smile on his face, it was the open sores, swollen elbow and crooked and aching back that revealed to me a broken, hurting man. I prayed with him and then he returned the favor by blessing me with a powerful prayer that changed me. That was about a week ago. Yesterday I stopped by the park to just chat with some of the guys. As we talked I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Doc! He was walking, the sores were healing, and the swelling in his elbow had gone way down so that he could now move his arm.

He told me he felt much better, and was each day getting better. That was such a special thing for him and for me. Please continue to pray for Doc and his health.

Homeless in China Town

10-15-08

The past few weeks have been an amazing adventure. A few nights ago I had the opportunity to experience what it was like to be homeless. So, our group headed out to the famous China Town, and slept on the streets. What an experience! You see, every Saturday night we go out and hand out water, sandwiches, cookies, and pray with people. An emphasis we have is building relationships with the homeless and staying consistent with it. Meeting people where they are at in life.

So the night went on and it was so incredible. It got to be around 2:30 a.m. and things were pretty calm. But then things that did go down were crazy. There were several drug deals and prostitutes roaming around, but god truly had His protection on us. In fact, one of out friends, Bonzai, provided coats and pillows for the girls in our group. And he is a homeless guy. Talk about hospitality. Another hour went by, when a silver car pulled up to where we were sleeping and there was a group of guys just looking for trouble. One of them asked, “So ya’ll thought it would be fun to go homeless?” I simply told them that we were just doing a prayer walk and now were waiting for our ride. The response was surprising because he just said, “Okay”. Earlier that night, I had prayed that God would protect all of us, and that is exactly what happened. These were some big guys that were just looking for trouble. I was sweating bullets, yet I felt a sense of peace.

I felt God working at that moment. And being here, I have realized that God is always working. Prayers are being answered left and right. Lives are being saved daily.

Aloha!

9-19-08

Aloha! It's me Matthew. Just checking to see how things are going. I am doing very well, thank you. In fact, I have been truly blessed to have moved to the island of Oahu, Hawaii.

Over the course of this nest year, I will be living here, participating in a mission program called Revolution Hawaii. The focus will be learning discipleship, building relationships with individuals in need, and growing closer to God. This program is run through The Salvation Army, a Christian non-profit organization.

So far, I have been in Honolulu for three weeks, and there have already been many adventures. Listen to this: there is a group of ten of us in China Town, handing out sandwiches, and talking and praying with the homeless. This is an area notorious for its homeless, drugs, and prostitution. At about midnight, we were heading back to our vehicles, when we ran into a lady named Tina. We started to talk with her, hearing her story, and just getting to know her. Then, out of nowhere, a car flies by, throwing raw eggs at us. Now, you would think that someone would get hit by one. The amazing thing was that all the eggs but one missed us and the one egg that did hit didn’t break but bounced off and broke on the ground. It was such an experience for our first night there.

Being here has not been a vacation. There are hurting adults, homeless children, addicted teens, and I want to make a difference. I have felt called by God to take on this challenge and I know that through Him, something positive will happen.

Please keep me and this ministry in prayer.