Calling All Disciples - Olly Olly Oxen Free

For years I've been working hard on developing a bible study centered around the issues of growth in the Lord, from that initial contact to full immersion. I love it. I love how it's coming together, how it applies, how it can be used, and how it makes the scriptures clear. "What on earth is God doing? can be, in part, understood simply. But what do I do with that, pray tell? The thought came to me, Have a Meet-Up (http://www.meetup.com/Calling-All-Disciples-Olly-Olly-Oxen-Free/. Teach God's word using Blueprint to Glory, impart it to believers, and take it to the streets where it can be put to practical use. That's what we're going to do!

But I wasn't entirely ready yet. After spending time at a neighboring park in San Rafael. I said to myself, where is the church? There is such a need for outreach at the parks. Minus the tents, it's like tent city. Many people with no where to go, doing who knows what, wasting away. I know they are hungry. Yes, there are City programs, only God didn't call governmental services to meet the needs of the poor. He called His body. We are His hands. We are His feet. But I needed more than an opinion. I needed a heart change. What followed left an impression and made clear a direction.


Wanting cream in my coffee, I drove to a 711.  As I pulled in the parking lot I could see a lonely soul sitting near the corner of the street. I called out to him, "Would you like some coffee?" He was quick to say yes. After making our purchase of food and drink, we stood outside in the cold of the morning and talked. As I asked questions, he began to open up. He told me he loves to write out his prayers. He said it helps him to work through his thoughts and experiences. "Some were even published!" he said. I was impressed. I asked harder questions, "How did you end up on the street? Where do you live? Where's your family? Are you alone?" I wasn't drilling him. I was taking a genuine interest, but after awhile, I began to sense the Lord's heart concerning him.


He said he had been on the streets for five years after falling victim to his addiction on crack cocaine. He lost everything, including his kids. The courts took them where they currently live as foster children. He said he couldn't bear the shame and has since been running. My heart broke. Finally I asked, "Can I pray for you?" I held his hands and began to pray. Tears were streaming from his eyes. We attracted the attention of another person, too. I kept praying. "I break off shame, in the name of Jesus. Out! Get out! Lord touch this man. Cover him with the blood of Jesus. I hear the Lord saying, "You are forgiven. You are forgiven," He cried deep delivering tears, right in front of 711. Go figure. I just went out for coffee with no other intentions and look what God did.


Can you imagine, if a group of people with the same heart, serving the same God, with the same vision, can do with intention? We are called to effect change in our community, and here's an opportunity. Together, with the Lord's guidance, all we have to do is show up and be willing servants, brothers and sisters in Christ, and disciples of God. The call isn't to the poor and the needy. The call is to those who have filled up on the goodness of God, even to the point of gorging. The word is clear, if we hide our light, it can be put out. If we bury our talent, it can be taken away. Our best option is to give it away and how better to do it together.


Join me each week while we learn of the Lord and His kingdom, while planning our monthly outreaches. Who knows where we'll go if we ask God to open doors for us. We can cook, we can feed. Permits? Let's get them. Finances? Let's ask for them.  But remember, while we make our plans, the Lord will direct our steps (Prov 16:9). Let's follow Him.