facilitating a kingdom of love...

"Your kingdom come.  Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" ~Matthew 6:10

        What does this verse mean?  Often times when we go out on the street there is a subtle expectation within our souls to see men and women saved.  That somehow this is the ultimate sign of God's kingdom shining through here on earth.  Although I don't argue with this, we shouldn't limit how the Master works.  I've come to the conclusion that our job is not to save, but to facilitate what Jesus is already doing in the lives of others.
        I started thinking about this the other day when a friend of mine dropped off his chain and box cutter for me to hold for him.  My friend is an older gentleman from Elizabeth.  By most standards this man has nothing to offer society.  He drinks, is unemployed, eats at soup kitchens, is in and out of hotels and city shelters, and is always asking for money.  To the outside eye there is not much God is doing in this man's life.  He has no apparent interest in sustainable change.  I was struck however when he dropped of his "weapons of choice" the other day.  He knew he was about to do something stupid and felt safe enough with me to help him resist a violent answer.  Although this may seem like a very small and unnoticeable step, this act of resistance and accountability is a snippet (however small it may be) of God's kingdom of love shining through.  It is these small steps towards the heart of God that we work diligently towards everyday.  Its not always scoring a perfect ten, but walking with others as they make their way from a negative eighteen to a negative seventeen.

Here are a few other examples of God's flicker shining through the darkness...

    Anthony from Newark missed his intake interview for a rehab then disappeared about a month ago.  Just last week he reappeared, profusely apologized, and asked for another chance.

    

 

This is Nelson and Kimberly from the South Bronx.  Despite Nelson just getting out of jail and the couple being on the brink oh homelessness they still maintain hope.  I was able to refer them to free legal services to help with their housing issues.

This is Greg from the north side of the Bronx.  He has been clean and sober since January and is now enrolled in a technical school. 

A retired FDNY firefighter and formerly homeless, this gentleman felt lead to give us a check in appreciation foe the hope we bring to his neighborhood.

Our team of dedicated volunteers who give up their Friday nights every week to serve the lost and the lonely in Newark's South Ward.

Please continue praying for our mission as we facilitate the Kingdom of Love.  Grace & Peace...