It is not always easy

Our first night out to feed the homeless in our city was a huge success and we didn't even feed any homeless people. That might seem like a strange thing to say, but it really was. Here is why:

• it was freezing cold, and we had eight people who willingly spent two hours serving the Lord with their presence
• we all came away with an understanding of how blessed we are to have a warm place to sleep
• we were able to let some people know where we would be every Tuesday and Friday night
• we saw how much a cup of hot chocolate and a warm bowl of soup can really take away the deep cold in a body, as we all shared together
• we had an amazing prayer time for those in our city. To be able to gather together in freezing weather, and spend 20+ minutes just interceding for those less fortunate was special
• we understood how desperate those who live on the streets must be, we were forced to think how scary it must be to live like this
• we had two teenagers that could have been warm and comfortable in their homes that spent two hours in freezing cold weather, willing to serve their peers

Our target group is teens. As I watched these girls, Virginia and Missy shiver and not give up, I was blessed. As a youth pastor I love to see young servants of the Lord. I was so proud of them, but more importantly I know the Lord was. He knows their hearts.

I am truly excited for what God has in store for this type of ministry. I am grateful that we started with a truly challenging night. We will always be able to look back and say "we remember the first night of ministry, it was freezing cold, high winds, and no one came for food. It was awesome!!!"

What a blessing to serve God. It is not always easy, it wasn't supposed to be.