I heard a homeless man pray Wednesday morning and what he said was profound. I am ashamed to say that I don’t even know his name, but his words have resonated with me the last few days.
As he prayed for the biscuit and random articles of clothing, bags, socks, etc. he was preparing to receive in the mid-July early morning Georgia heat, he asked that God would “be with me on this journey…. today.” Not that profound you say?
I often think of, and many times refer to, my life as a journey. We’ve all heard it said before… life is a journey not a destination. I fully expected that man to say “life”, not “today”, and when he didn’t it caught me by surprise for some reason. It’s a very slight difference, but I think it is significant.
Here’s a thought. Have you ever thought of the day you are in as a journey? A journey is the long haul, right? It’s supposed to be this far-reaching voyage that will take many years to work through.
How sad is it that as I stood there listening to the prayer of a homeless man downtown I was preparing to go hop back in a nice car, head back out to the nice part of town, hang out in a really nice air conditioned home, and have a couple of really nice meals later in the day. I didn’t even have to go to work. I really didn’t have a care in the world. God is good, right?
But what if I were to be standing in that homeless man’s shoes? What if I were preparing to battle through another day of uncertainty and chaos? What if I truly didn’t know where my next meal was coming from? What if my DAY were a journey? What kind of faith would I have? Could I stand and pray to a God who had allowed such things to happen to me?
It’s easy for me and most other “believers” I know to have faith. What reason do I have not to? I would like to think that I could trust as Job did in Job 13:15-16. But could I? I’ve never had to surrender all. I’ve never suffered significant trials or loss in my life. I’ve never had to awaken to the challenge of journeying through a day.
All I know to do is truly praise my savior for the unbelievable blessings he so undeservedly gives me and awaken each morning with a thankful heart. How could I ever keep from singing His praise? Thank you God and thank you my downtown brother in Christ for speaking to my spirit.
Bryce, For Kingdom Here
Monday, July 18, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
His Mercies Are New EVERY Morning
We just wanted to share some neat insights from our last visit downtown to see our friends We have developed a lot of relationships, which was our first purpose. We want these folks to know we really care about their well being, both here on earth, and for eternity. We strive to be a consistent, dependable source of hope — we hope! In fact, that’s what we talked about today. Pastor David McKinley, from Warren Baptist, joined us this morning, and shared some scripture from Lamentations. We have hope in Jesus Christ EVERY morning. Our souls need hope, and the only source of hope--real, permanent, everlasting hope-- is found in Jesus Christ. The hope he gives all of us, every sinner among us, is readily available. Much like the soles of our shoes help to build a solid foundation for our physical body, hope in Christ gives our human souls the foundation we need spiritually.
We met several new folks, but the highlight for me was sharing the video I took this past Saturday during “Under the Bridge.” Our friend Donnell—Mr. 76 Days himself—followed through on his public commitment and was baptized. It was awesome. I showed him the quick 20 second video clip I took on my phone, and he put his arm around me and just said, “I love you man.” That one success story, even though he had turned things around prior to meeting us, has made all the trips and coordinating over the past 8 months absolutely worth it. As many of you know and experience daily, when you serve others, and put other’s needs ahead of your own, it seems that God rewards you with an unmatchable sense of accomplishment. That is how we feel; we are on fire with His mission for us, and every trip downtown we are more and more encouraged and determined.
On another note, we spent some time talking with our friend, Greg, this morning. He works as a volunteer at the VA and at Mercy Ministries. I have seen Greg on numerous occasions, but this is the first time I have had the chance to talk. He actually came up to a group of us and talked about how some of the guys really DO want to work. Another long term goal of ours is to do everything we can to line up the folks willing to work with people downtown who can hire them. He shared his own struggles with addiction and bad habits, but that he had turned things around—one day at a time, he got his life back on track. Not to paint an unrealistic picture, he mentioned that a lot of folks were in need of some serious adjustments in things like character, humility, discipline, selflessness, patience, etc…but encouraged us to keep sharing devotionals and continue to teach some of these principles going forward.
Thank you for all of your support and hopefully, sooner rather than later, you’ll witness some of these stories firsthand. We meet up every other Wednesday morning at Warren Baptist’s, Fury’s Ferry parking lot…645am and we’re back by 830. You should join us. You have no idea how you'll be blessed.
Graham, for Kingdom Here
We met several new folks, but the highlight for me was sharing the video I took this past Saturday during “Under the Bridge.” Our friend Donnell—Mr. 76 Days himself—followed through on his public commitment and was baptized. It was awesome. I showed him the quick 20 second video clip I took on my phone, and he put his arm around me and just said, “I love you man.” That one success story, even though he had turned things around prior to meeting us, has made all the trips and coordinating over the past 8 months absolutely worth it. As many of you know and experience daily, when you serve others, and put other’s needs ahead of your own, it seems that God rewards you with an unmatchable sense of accomplishment. That is how we feel; we are on fire with His mission for us, and every trip downtown we are more and more encouraged and determined.
On another note, we spent some time talking with our friend, Greg, this morning. He works as a volunteer at the VA and at Mercy Ministries. I have seen Greg on numerous occasions, but this is the first time I have had the chance to talk. He actually came up to a group of us and talked about how some of the guys really DO want to work. Another long term goal of ours is to do everything we can to line up the folks willing to work with people downtown who can hire them. He shared his own struggles with addiction and bad habits, but that he had turned things around—one day at a time, he got his life back on track. Not to paint an unrealistic picture, he mentioned that a lot of folks were in need of some serious adjustments in things like character, humility, discipline, selflessness, patience, etc…but encouraged us to keep sharing devotionals and continue to teach some of these principles going forward.
Thank you for all of your support and hopefully, sooner rather than later, you’ll witness some of these stories firsthand. We meet up every other Wednesday morning at Warren Baptist’s, Fury’s Ferry parking lot…645am and we’re back by 830. You should join us. You have no idea how you'll be blessed.
Graham, for Kingdom Here
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
76 Days
This morning was an absolutely incredible time with our Kingdom Here family. We made our usual trips to The Salvation Army and Mercy Ministries in downtown Augusta to deliver biscuits, clothes, and Bibles to our friends. We had the opportunity to meet lots of new folks and, for the first time, God provided an opportunity for us to pray with our friends as a whole group. It was overwhelming to see God move throughout the morning.
Darnell is one of our new friends at The Salvation Army and his story seems fitting to help describe how blessed the morning was. I began talking to Darnell right when we pulled in. He walked up, shook my hand, and had a certain ‘joy’ about him. I asked him how he was doing.
His response was rather puzzling.
“76 days and blessed, man.” It didn’t register with me.
“76 days? What’s that, Darnell?”
“I’ve been clean 76 days. I was hooked on drugs but God restored my life on March 3rd.”
He went on to tell me how God had broken him and how on March 3rd he pulled out his Bible and wrote in it, “Jesus you can heal me and you can have me.” That day he rededicated his life to the cause of Christ.
Darnell shared with me how he feels compelled to minister to and share the Gospel right where he is in the homeless community. He’s made it his mission to boldly proclaim the name of Jesus, regardless of the cost. He is plugged in to New Hope Worship Center with Pastor Roger and also attends The Bridge church on Saturdays. He’s being baptized on June 5. Crazy. Awesome.
I believe he would have stood there all day long talking to me about his deliverance, mission, and the hope he has in Christ. This man has been transformed and truly believes that “he has been crucified with Christ and no longer lives (Gal 2:20).” His past is his past and he’s now focused on his future. The words he said keep echoing in my mind: “He never gave up on me”.
As we loaded up to move on to Mercy Ministries Darnell stopped us. He asked if he could pray for us and our ministry. And man, he put a prayin’ on us! He thanked God for the impact we are having down there. He asked God to protect us and our families. And that we would know that what we are doing down there is making a difference. His prayer was like fuel to the fire on this thing we call Kingdom Here.
All this to say…We are PUMPED about what we are seeing happen. This is just the beginning. God is faithful and true. He never changes. He never fails. He never gives up on me, you, or Darnell. He's moving in downtown Augusta and in the hearts of these men. And we are honored to be His hands and feet.
Please know that we are so grateful for your support and prayers.
Be Love!
-Jamie for Kingdom Here
Darnell is one of our new friends at The Salvation Army and his story seems fitting to help describe how blessed the morning was. I began talking to Darnell right when we pulled in. He walked up, shook my hand, and had a certain ‘joy’ about him. I asked him how he was doing.
His response was rather puzzling.
“76 days and blessed, man.” It didn’t register with me.
“76 days? What’s that, Darnell?”
“I’ve been clean 76 days. I was hooked on drugs but God restored my life on March 3rd.”
He went on to tell me how God had broken him and how on March 3rd he pulled out his Bible and wrote in it, “Jesus you can heal me and you can have me.” That day he rededicated his life to the cause of Christ.
Darnell shared with me how he feels compelled to minister to and share the Gospel right where he is in the homeless community. He’s made it his mission to boldly proclaim the name of Jesus, regardless of the cost. He is plugged in to New Hope Worship Center with Pastor Roger and also attends The Bridge church on Saturdays. He’s being baptized on June 5. Crazy. Awesome.
I believe he would have stood there all day long talking to me about his deliverance, mission, and the hope he has in Christ. This man has been transformed and truly believes that “he has been crucified with Christ and no longer lives (Gal 2:20).” His past is his past and he’s now focused on his future. The words he said keep echoing in my mind: “He never gave up on me”.
As we loaded up to move on to Mercy Ministries Darnell stopped us. He asked if he could pray for us and our ministry. And man, he put a prayin’ on us! He thanked God for the impact we are having down there. He asked God to protect us and our families. And that we would know that what we are doing down there is making a difference. His prayer was like fuel to the fire on this thing we call Kingdom Here.
All this to say…We are PUMPED about what we are seeing happen. This is just the beginning. God is faithful and true. He never changes. He never fails. He never gives up on me, you, or Darnell. He's moving in downtown Augusta and in the hearts of these men. And we are honored to be His hands and feet.
Please know that we are so grateful for your support and prayers.
Be Love!
-Jamie for Kingdom Here
Friday, April 8, 2011
Our New Friend, John
We had an incredible day this past Wednesday with our friends downtown at the Salvation Army and Mercy Ministries. I call them "friends" because I really feel like we are making progress in connecting with the folks in the community. We are learning their names, their stories, and their true needs. One of our new friends is John.
I met John right when we arrived at Mercy. I immediately noticed his long hair & cowboy boots. If we had been anywhere else I would have bet money that he was a guitarist for the Allman Brothers. I struck up a conversation about his well-worn boots and we immediately hit it off.
John is a former United States Marine. He served our country faithfully in Vietnam and is quite an interesting character. He is clearly hardened and obviously jaded from a life of war, poverty, and misfortune. He's struggled for a long time and you can tell. He told us the story of how he ended up in Augusta. His bags and all his belongings were recently stolen from him at the bus station in Atlanta but he still had his bus ticket. So, he went to the only place he could really go...here. On top of that, John was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. Despite all of this, what I'm going to share with you next will likely break your heart. It broke mine.
When we were talking about John's broken in boots I pointed out his long hair and told him he looked "like a rock star". He chuckled and brushed it out of his face. "Yeah, I know I look like I just walked out of a bar. But, I'm growing it out for Locks of Love. Those kids don't deserve that and it's the only thing I can really do to help."
Tears immediately welled up in my eyes.
This man who really has nothing & just had everything he owned stolen from him had found a way to give something of himself to help make someone else's life better. Although John's life has been tough and he's seen many hard times, he knows there is more to life than just himself. He'd found a way to make a difference and he was doing just that. Incredible.
John's had a rough go of it as of late but because of your generous contributions and donations to this cause we were able to give John a set of toiletries, a change of clothes, some food, and a new Bible. We are making a difference in this community and YOU are helping.
Our hearts are overwhelmed and grateful. So are our friends.
Be Love,
Jamie for Kingdom Here
I met John right when we arrived at Mercy. I immediately noticed his long hair & cowboy boots. If we had been anywhere else I would have bet money that he was a guitarist for the Allman Brothers. I struck up a conversation about his well-worn boots and we immediately hit it off.
John is a former United States Marine. He served our country faithfully in Vietnam and is quite an interesting character. He is clearly hardened and obviously jaded from a life of war, poverty, and misfortune. He's struggled for a long time and you can tell. He told us the story of how he ended up in Augusta. His bags and all his belongings were recently stolen from him at the bus station in Atlanta but he still had his bus ticket. So, he went to the only place he could really go...here. On top of that, John was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. Despite all of this, what I'm going to share with you next will likely break your heart. It broke mine.
When we were talking about John's broken in boots I pointed out his long hair and told him he looked "like a rock star". He chuckled and brushed it out of his face. "Yeah, I know I look like I just walked out of a bar. But, I'm growing it out for Locks of Love. Those kids don't deserve that and it's the only thing I can really do to help."
Tears immediately welled up in my eyes.
This man who really has nothing & just had everything he owned stolen from him had found a way to give something of himself to help make someone else's life better. Although John's life has been tough and he's seen many hard times, he knows there is more to life than just himself. He'd found a way to make a difference and he was doing just that. Incredible.
John's had a rough go of it as of late but because of your generous contributions and donations to this cause we were able to give John a set of toiletries, a change of clothes, some food, and a new Bible. We are making a difference in this community and YOU are helping.
Our hearts are overwhelmed and grateful. So are our friends.
Be Love,
Jamie for Kingdom Here
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Little people with BIG HEARTS!
Kingdom Here Ministries would like to thank the preschool at Trinity on the Hill UMC. The preschool made Kingdom Here Ministries the mission focus for the month of February. As a result, hundreds of pairs of socks, gloves, hats, and other clothing items have been donated to us. These items will be distributed to the ‘less fortunate’ in downtown Augusta. Isn’t that AWESOME???!!!! We are thankful of the support of the community, and it is great to see our children developing servant’s hearts.
Galatians 6:9-10
9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season
we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then,
as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone…
God Bless,
Beau from Kingdom Here
Galatians 6:9-10
9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season
we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then,
as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone…
God Bless,
Beau from Kingdom Here
Thursday, February 24, 2011
“Greatest Mistake”
There is so much we can learn from King David. Like most of us, Mighty David had it all. Even so, he wanted more. His lust for another man’s wife, Bathsheba, could have been his downfall. However, David eventually chose to admit his sin and God used David to highlight the power of His grace and the power of His restoration. It was his “Greatest Mistake”.
My new friend Thomas is in need of that restoration. Thomas is like many people I know: smart, well spoken, clean cut, and hard working. Thomas grew up in a military family. He had the chance to see all corners of the globe. His family settled in Panama City Beach, FL, where he finished high school. After school, Thomas chose to follow in his father’s footsteps. He joined the National Guard and served for several years. Recreational drugs became a thorn in his side. Thomas was no longer the man that his parents had brought him up to be. A decision to steal a couple guitars and sell them to a pawn shop turned his world upside down.
Fast forward a year… Thomas, in his early 20’s, is on probation. According to him, he stays ‘here and there’. His only possessions have been lost along the way. He does have a Bible, but admits he ‘just needs to open it more often’. He has found work at a local BoJangles. He is down… but not out! God is restoring him… the work has just begun! We met Thomas at a local shelter. After sharing the story of David and Bathsheba with Thomas and praying with him this past Wednesday morning he told our group, “Thanks for what you are doing. I don’t plan on seeing ya’ll when you come back. I’m on my way out of this mess.”
I am thankful that God has chosen Kingdom Here to be a small part of an incredible transformation. I believe in Thomas and I believe in many of the men we have come in contact with. I hope that Thomas has made his “Greatest Mistake” and that God will continue to change his life. Pray for Thomas. Pray for the homeless men in Augusta. Pray for restoration.
God Bless,
Beau w/ Kingdom Here Ministries
My new friend Thomas is in need of that restoration. Thomas is like many people I know: smart, well spoken, clean cut, and hard working. Thomas grew up in a military family. He had the chance to see all corners of the globe. His family settled in Panama City Beach, FL, where he finished high school. After school, Thomas chose to follow in his father’s footsteps. He joined the National Guard and served for several years. Recreational drugs became a thorn in his side. Thomas was no longer the man that his parents had brought him up to be. A decision to steal a couple guitars and sell them to a pawn shop turned his world upside down.
Fast forward a year… Thomas, in his early 20’s, is on probation. According to him, he stays ‘here and there’. His only possessions have been lost along the way. He does have a Bible, but admits he ‘just needs to open it more often’. He has found work at a local BoJangles. He is down… but not out! God is restoring him… the work has just begun! We met Thomas at a local shelter. After sharing the story of David and Bathsheba with Thomas and praying with him this past Wednesday morning he told our group, “Thanks for what you are doing. I don’t plan on seeing ya’ll when you come back. I’m on my way out of this mess.”
I am thankful that God has chosen Kingdom Here to be a small part of an incredible transformation. I believe in Thomas and I believe in many of the men we have come in contact with. I hope that Thomas has made his “Greatest Mistake” and that God will continue to change his life. Pray for Thomas. Pray for the homeless men in Augusta. Pray for restoration.
God Bless,
Beau w/ Kingdom Here Ministries
Monday, February 14, 2011
Progress
Hey Folks,
Our intent is, and always has been, to develop a relationship with the homeless and needy in inner city Augusta while meeting their deepest needs in their darkest hour. We believe that, in doing this, we will be able to effectively minister to and deliver the Gospel of Jesus Christ to these people.
We are making progress.
We took our first trip on Thanksgiving Day 2010. Since then we continue to see many of the same faces. We are learning names and they are beginning to remember ours. More and more they are opening up to us about their situations. This past week's trip was incredible. We took a crew of 8 men and ministered to around 50 people. The numbers of people serving are growing in proportion to the number of people we are serving. God is good!
We also think it's very important that we give a special thanks to all the folks who have helped this ministry grow legs by donating their time, clothes,food, and resources. You are an incredible blessing to us & this community. More than anything, though, we are grateful for your prayers. Oh, and go visit Jason Adams' Chic-Fil-a in Evans, GA - Mullins Crossing, as well as the Bo Jangles on Washington Rd in Martinez. They donated breakfast this past week.
Check us out of Facebook and Twitter too!
In closing, here are a few pics of Kingdom Here in action. More to follow soon!
Be Love,
Jamie for Kingdom Here
Our intent is, and always has been, to develop a relationship with the homeless and needy in inner city Augusta while meeting their deepest needs in their darkest hour. We believe that, in doing this, we will be able to effectively minister to and deliver the Gospel of Jesus Christ to these people.
We are making progress.
We took our first trip on Thanksgiving Day 2010. Since then we continue to see many of the same faces. We are learning names and they are beginning to remember ours. More and more they are opening up to us about their situations. This past week's trip was incredible. We took a crew of 8 men and ministered to around 50 people. The numbers of people serving are growing in proportion to the number of people we are serving. God is good!
We also think it's very important that we give a special thanks to all the folks who have helped this ministry grow legs by donating their time, clothes,food, and resources. You are an incredible blessing to us & this community. More than anything, though, we are grateful for your prayers. Oh, and go visit Jason Adams' Chic-Fil-a in Evans, GA - Mullins Crossing, as well as the Bo Jangles on Washington Rd in Martinez. They donated breakfast this past week.
Check us out of Facebook and Twitter too!
In closing, here are a few pics of Kingdom Here in action. More to follow soon!
Be Love,
Jamie for Kingdom Here
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