There are always stories, adventures, and testimonies of Gods awesome work. I wanted to share this one with you because it has really made me consider who or what I put my trust in. This happened about a week ago...

Walking down the street, heading towards The Salvation Army Thrift Store, my friend Chelcee and I where stopped by a man that has forever changed my view on life. Sitting at a bus stop, he waved the two of us down, because he had seen us around and wanted to talk with us. Well, to our surprise he was deaf, and had been drinking, and to top it off, he spoke Spanish.

Right away, I knew that God had set this all up. I pray often that God would stretch me, and this is what He does. As soon as we realized he was deaf, we grabbed a pen and paper, praying we could somehow communicate. He sat, motioning that he had seen us before, praying, and that he felt ashamed of himself. Because he had been drinking, the guilt made him believe that he was unlovable. As soon as we got the paper and pen, the three of us began an amazing conversation.

His name is Eduardo, and he is from Mexico. For work, Eduardo was in the masonry business and the pain from the work drew him towards alcohol. He also told us that he was a retired boxer in Mexico, and when you look at his hands, you could see the result of years of fighting.

This was only the surface of our conversation. But the part that amazed me most was that it happened in three languages: sign language, Spanish, and English. I think the most important part of our whole conversation was this: in that moment, Eduardo saw and felt love. True, genuine, raw love. Not by anything Chelcee or I said or did, but by God through us.

We all hugged, said our goodbyes, and walked in opposite directions. Have you ever had one of those moments where all you could do was say, "Wow!"? That moment occured as I realized a very important lesson. When we are going about the Lords work, the barriers we see, can be overcome by God, our Creator. When we allow the Spirit to work, where we know we cannot, God will never cease to amaze us.

Keep Eduardo in your prayers...

Take a look around. Look at your neighbors, your co-workers, friends, family, the state, the country, the world. One of the most common struggles that I see is that of suffering. No matter where you are on this planet, there are people in our lives that are suffering. In some form, this should deeply effect us, as believers in the body of Christ. If suffering has not affected you in the past or now, all I would suggest is to check out the news; T.V., internet, newspapers.

The reason I bring this topic up is because as the fellowship of believers, we must do whatever we can to be there for those that are suffering. It has been heavy on my heart to write on this struggle. Being involved with the homeless community, the low-income housing projects, and society, I see this suffering going on everyday, in every direction I look.

For a long time I would look at these struggles, and justify it in my mind that it is their choice, their lifestyle, and it is what they want. When I realized that the world does not revolve around me, that is when I could see the deeper issues that where within the very hearts and minds of those suffering around me. So far, every person I have ever talked with that live on the streets, have told me stories and events that have brought to this point in their lives.

"Happiness is not a reward-it is a consequence. Suffering is not a punishment-it is a result." Robert Green Ingersoll

Much of the time, it was the choices that they made that brought them to this point. But it came only from one or several devastating events before that. At the same time, most of these people resort to some sort of pain killer. That can be alcohol or drugs or sex. Soon, this becomes a lifestyle, and there is a sense that the pain is no longer there.

I recently attended a conference called H.I.M. (Hawaiian Island Ministries). The theme of the conference was 'Many yet one'. This idea of being united as a church, really hit home for me. Looking at the struggle of suffering as a whole and trying to tackle on your own, is impossible. But, as the body around the world, with hearts of compassion and selflessness, and the struggle can change.

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18.

Paul writes to the Galatians, "But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load." Galatians 6:4-5. This portion of scripture, in context, reveals a couple of things. First, as believers, we are to be there, with gentleness for those who are over taken by sin. Secondly, we all have our own choices, decisions we must make, keeping in close step with the Lord.

Several weeks ago, one of my friends from A'ala park (China Town), named Tony, was beaten by a group of thugs. These guys took a lead pipe and started beating Tony while he was asleep. As soon as Tony woke up, the attackers had already run away. It was a very violent and random act. Blood stained concrete, clothes, and body, a group of Tony's friends called for an ambulance to get him to the hospital.

When I heard about the attack from some of his friends, they let me know all the details. They also told me where he was staying, and with that, opened the opportunity to visit him. They also showed me the blood that had not yet been washed off the sidewalk. It was really disturbing, since the attack had occured nearly five days before.

The Revolution Hawaii team went to visit him, as soon as there was a chance. He was doing well. After several stitches in his head, and having a metal plate set in his cheek, he seemed to be doing much better. He told us about his plans to get back to work as a mason, and how his doctor had set up a place for him to stay. So, things seemed to be looking up for Tony.

But, the streets have a way with sticking with a person. Although he spent most of the nights at this new place from the doctor, I found him out at the park in China Town, back into his old habits. He is still out there today.

This is a tough story to write about, but I see the importance, as a believer, to continue to be there for him in whatever way I can. Ultimately, he will make his own decisions, but it can be the better decision through Gods will. I want to ask that you keep Tony in your prayers. God bless!

Luke 15 gives us a glimpse at the amazing grace of God. Looking at 15:11-32, we get the story of the prodigal son. "It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found," (Luke 15:32). I believe that you have or know of a person that this verse relates to. I know that I have plenty, and I myself, am included. Working in the inner-city, on the streets, I have met plenty of people, heard many stories, and have seen it happen.

I met this guy Jordan, who was part of the Honolulu ARC, as a recovering addict. A very young guy, with quite the background. It has been a struggle trying to get through the program, having to start over a few times. This past month, he was asked to leave, and he would then have to wait another 30 days before he could re-enter.

It is very difficult to be homeless in China Town. One is constantly surrounded by the influence of drugs, alcohol, violence, and theft. For Jordan, it is even more difficult because he has no family in Hawaii; no home, nowhere to go. When I heard he was out on the streets, a few of us would visit with him, just to listen and talk. I saw a person who is struggling with a heroin addiction, but I also saw a man that loves God, who desires to get things right in his life.

He has plans to finish the program, to get job training, and move on in his life. This is going to be a process, it will take time, and it may not be easy. I got the opportunity to take him and some of the others in Revolution Hawaii, up to the North Shore, something he has wanted to do. To see Waimea beach, Pipeline, Sunset beach, and eat some Motsumoto's shave ice. It was an opportunity that he wanted to take to get away from the inner-city street life.

In the next couple of days, Jordan will be re-entering the ARC; a lost child coming back to open arms. I want to ask that you would pray for him, for strength, courage, and for his physical health.