Joyska's Journal: the "rest" of the story











Tuesday, December 05, 2006

the "rest" of the story

Hope City has been busy!

I've given you quick updates, and asked you to pray for different ones, always abbreviated because of lack of time. Today I want to bring you up to date.

Awhile ago, I blogged about Frog and Michelle, their wedding and their goal of feeding other homeless on the street. It was an exciting time and we were introduced to the "family" as well, which were 3-5 people who were hanging out together and looking out for each other on the street.

Well, as we have learned and knew, not everything we hear is truth. Without putting all their "stuff" out there, let me just say that not everyone was on the up and up. That's reality when you work with people who are addicted, who are hurting, and who are simply surviving. I want to say too, however that we wouldn't have done anything differently, because we simply responded in love.

The "family" has become our "kids". There are three that have captured our hearts and in more ways than one consumed our time. They are 18, 21, and 27. They are vibrant, fun, struggling, hurting, coming off of drugs, and seeking truth. We have had the privilege of taking them in to our homes (2 at Ronna's and one at Lisa's) and walking out the journey with them. And God is moving in them and on their life.

Again, we aren't niave to the fact that everyday is a struggle for the addicted, formily addicted, and the ones trying to quit. We want the best for them... safety, acceptance, and unconditional love with real and true boundaries. I believe they have been given a chance that not everyone gets and we are praying that God moves in them to take hold of it. There are lots of challenges, lots of laughter, and lots of "walking it out".

It came about because as winter was bearing down, we struggled with simply feeding and dropping them back onto the street. It was breaking our hearts to see how they were living just to survive. God moved on Jane especially, to say, we MUST do more.

Well, three weeks later, we are still hanging out with them and seeing God bring changes and light into their lives and ours!

Remember Suzanne and Ray? Well, Suzanne got on a bus and headed home, equipped with a new relationship with Jesus and a new Bible, glasses, and coat to keep her warm and busy on the long trip. We are waiting to hear how she is doing.

Today, was another exciting moment.

There are three people that live in a nursing home, very close to where we used to bring food. Barbara, Butch, and Randy have been coming for quite some time, and Barbara especially has come consistantly to the prayer meetings as well. Today, Barbara accepted Jesus. She is Jewish and understood today who Jesus really is, and how much He loves her. I love it! God is truly meeting us in SO many ways!

So, that is the current update. Pray for us. We really believe that God will give us a building so that we can move ahead with a capability of helping the many "kids" on the street. Christmas is so close, and of course we are doing the Christmas party with food and presents, but we need to figure out what is next. Lisa says all the time, "I believe God is pleased" and I think that too, AND we want what is best for the future... so status quo, or a building... whatever he wants to do!

Continue to pray for Pat as well... he is still in the hospital with little change.
Joyska at 3:59 PM

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