Daytona Beach: March 2008 Archives

Well...we finished up today with another 300+ burger day....kind of felt like a farewell "party" as we said goodbye to a number of our new friends...made commitments to keep in touch with a few and a some frustration over the seeming lack of time to "finish" some of the conversations that have started. There is a sense of great accomplishment (people cared for, burdens lifted, commitments made), but along with this there is a humbling realization that the need is far greater than anything we could have accomplished. Our prayer is that God will bring others along to water the seeds that have been planted and that the individuals we've talked to will continue their steps toward their Savior.

As we sat down as a team to talk through the week....there was the realization that while we have had the opportunity to work with the people we've met, God has taken the opportunity to work in us. We have been changed....and want to see the seeds planted here, in our lives, also grow and bear fruit. We'd learned that living out the Christian faith includes sharing our Christian faith. We've learned to take time to listen to those around us...believers and non-believers...to care for those that we come into contact with...friends and strangers...and we want to live this "new" reality when we return home.

As we get ready to pack up and leave, we would ask you to pray with us for safety on the journey...for the work that God is doing here in Daytona....Also, pray for the new believers we worked with (Joel and Robert) and for those that seem to be

so very close (Kevin)...remember with us those who claimed to know Christ, but had lifestyles that were counter to that claim, that God would relentlessly call them back (David and others)...for people we have talked with for a number of years, that the seeds continually planted will eventually take root (Jose, Vicki)...Remember the guys from the Rehab center that we met on Monday, that their journey would not only lead to freedom from addiction, but also to true freedom in Christ...for our friends at the home who each morning greeted us with great joy and dancing....for the homeless men and women whose lives are often so difficult and dangerous...for all the wonderful people we met from infants to snowbirds...each with unique stories and needs....and each who are loved dearly by their creator. And pray that the lessons we've learned and the changes we made will be more than a great memory....but will become a permanent part of our lives.

Thanks for your prayers...we know that anything that was accomplished during this trip is owed to the prayers of God's people....

 

Hard to believe we have one more day at the beach...

Today was another VERY busy day with again over 300 burgers served and lot's of people touched. We've developed some great friendships with an odd assortment of characters. And it's amazing that once you get past the labels we put on people (homeless, addict, snowbird, spring breaker, etc) you find yourself talking with a real individual, with a real story...you find yourself seeing the person through the eyes of Christ. Each a unique, loved child of the King with a unique (sometimes tragic, sometimes uplifting but always interesting) story to share.

What's hard is that we are not always able to see the outcome....each conversation goes where God let's it go, but doesn't usually end up in a neatly wrapped story....good conversation...good insights..but then the person walks away, back to their "normal" life and we simply have to trust that God is in control...it is humbling to realize we can't "fix" everything...

It's an amazing sight to stand at the grill and watch Taylor students hugging homeless men and women, listening intently to the stories of residents from the home, caring for peers who seem genuinely interested in what this group of college students is doing. It's great to have retired couples seek you out, simply to thank you, not for the food, but for the opportunity they've had to talk with the students. If we have learned anything, we've learned that the world if full of needy people....and that you can't tell the need by looking at them. We've been amazed at the depth of spiritual maturity and insight in some of our homeless friends, and frustrated by the materialistic "passion" of some very nice "church going" people. But in all cases, we have seen God use the group to meet these individuals where they are...and work in our lives in the process.

Tomorrow we head out to the beach for one last day of grilling and talking. We are tired, but determined to finish

 

the week strong. Pray with us that we will be faithful during this final day and that we will reach those that are in most need. Continue to pray that the county will not step in and stop the work...but that even if they do, we will see God work in the midst of changed plans.  

Today was a busy day....during the 5 1/2 hours we were "open" for business, we served over 300 hamburgers and box loads of hotdogs and countless cans/bottles of drinks...This is great news....because it means that we have a unique opportunity to connect to a large number of needy (spiritually speaking) people and to feed their souls as well as their stomachs. But it also stretches the limits of our resources....not just financially, but more importantly, the resources of our team...at one point....during the "lunch rush"...the majority of our team was out talking with individuals and a handful of the team was serving a group of around 40 individuals waiting on some food. This presents some unique challenges that we are working through. This crowd also came to the attention of the the Beach Patrol who have suddenly warned us that we will now need a permit to give out food at SunSplash park...this after last year telling us we would not need to....however, it looks like they're going to "turn the other way" for this year...so pray with us that this doesn't hinder our efforts for our final two days on the beach...

 

Exciting news....Robert (who we talked about in the last blog) came back to talk with Emily and Amy, and after a lengthy conversation he gave his life over to the Lord. Then Brett had the opportunity to talk with a very bright nine year old who had a beautiful conversion to Christ...with an excitement that was contagious to the entire team when Brett shared. What a remarkable day....and these are just two of an enormous number of great stories...stories of God working in the lives of those we are coming into contact with...and working in the lives of our team as we witness God working.

Keep praying for the names listed before....and for the unlisted others that are spending time under our tent. Pray for strength for the team, and wisdom for how to work through difficult and serious conversations!

As the sun came out strong yesterday morning....so did the people....

We were just getting the grills warmed up, when many of our new friends started showing up...what a great collection of God's children found their way to our tent. People from the home across the street...college students who we've met during the evenings...high school students hanging out on spring break...homeless men and women...and even a few visiting Taylor students. From 11:00 until 4:30...we turned out the burgers and dogs and God opened up the doors for great conversations. These conversations included some serious things. From young women dealing with incredible pain, and questioning God's goodness/existence in this dark world..to Christians who had fallen away...frustrated by the hypocrisy of the church...struggling to find a reason to believe again.

 

Jim talked with three great high school kids from Jersey (Zack, Kevin and Brian)...and had the opportunity to share Christ. Kevin was/is open and the boys will be back today to talk some more. Lauren and Timmy had a conversation with Rachael...who has had some tremendous pain...and struggled to help her find hope (see Timmy's blog for more)..We talked to a great couple from Connecticut (Pat and Patty) and were able to share the difference between religion and relationship...Patty took a Bible with her and promised they would come back today. Emily and Amy talked with Robert...a thoughtful gentleman who is really seeking God and trying to accept the incredible news that he can be forgiven. Brittany talked with a hurting woman named Tammy who is struggling to come to grips with the hurt in her life, and the claims that Christ makes on her...and Jackie talked with Jose who is coming back today to go through Romans 12 in his new Spanish Bible....these are just a few of the MANY stories that God is writing during our time here in Daytona...please pray for us...and for our new friends...as we join God in this adventure.

 

 

Also...there are a lot of confusing messages being shared as Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons and others are out talking with the people of Daytona....pray that their efforts will be frustrated and that clarity and truth will reign on the beach today....we are tired (and some are a little burnt) but we are incredibly encouraged with what God is doing.

 

The day didn't start off as we had planned!

Heading out to the beach, we found ourselves in mid 40 degree weather and what seemed like hurricane force winds (okay, maybe not hurricane force, but certainly a mighty wind)...we found ourselves at the park trying to put up the tent, and figure out a way to light the charcoal. As we looked around the empty beach, we figured that today would be a slow day...we hoped we would get a chance to talk to a few people...but didn't have high hopes. God had some other plans...

As our team spread out and began talking to the few brave beach walkers...we watched as three white vans pulled up on the beach by our tent...and out of the vans came 30 guys who happened to be on their once-a-week break from a rehab center in Orlando. What an incredible time we had talking with these guys....some of them shared long conversations with our team, while others simply ate burgers, drank soda and played a rousing game of volleyball. And while we spent time with these men, the sun began to peak out, the wind died down and people began showing up. Some of the people that the team had met the night before showed up and engaged in further conversations...It was amazing...if you stood by the tent and looked all around, in every direction you would see people engaged in serious conversations with members of the team. Real connections happening, Bibles and tracts being handed out and friendships being made.

 While we talked with the people who found their way to our tent, two powerful messages continued to come out. First, we were overwhelmed by the amount of pain and hurt that people are carrying with them. And second, we were continually amazed with their openness hear the compelling message of God's incredible love for them.

And as we returned to our hotel for dinner and for worship....we began to pray for the individuals we met...and as the stories were shared, we sensed God doing an incredible work in us and through us...and a growing excitement for the week.

Please pray for the people we met tonight...that the seeds planted will find fertile ground....and that, if possible, they will be led back to our tent tomorrow, giving us another opportunity to share God's amazing love and the hope He can bring into their shattered lives.

 P.S. If you want to get another great view on the trip, read Timmy's Blog at  http://timothe.us/blog/category/daytona/ He also has some great pictures you can check out http://flickr.com/photos/thatkidwithacamera/sets/72157604160826832/

 

It's Easter in Daytona..and although the day has been a bit overcast, our spirits haven't been. The day started with a sunrise service for those on the team that could wake themselves up that early...followed by the full team heading off to CrossRoad Baptist church to enjoy an easter service with Pastor Dan and the rest of the body at CrossRoad. They were very accommodating to 29 strangers showing up for their service.

After the service we came back to the hotel where we enjoyed a "traditional" Easter ham dinner (complete with asparagus)...and celebrated Brian's 19th birthday! After dinner we headed out to the beach....and we continued to see the team come together in unity...including a somewhat "violent" game where everyone dives in to the pool looking for a little candle (or toothpick)...heard great stories from Laura, Lauren and Liz as they had opportunities during a walk on the beach to have a serious conversation with some individuals...

After dinner we spent a great time in prayer, sharing and worship as we prepare our hearts for tomorrows work.

Pray with us for tomorrow as we set up our tent and begin handing out food...and look for ways to share God's love with the people of Daytona. We are excited (and a little nervous) about tomorrow...dealing with our own feelings of inadequacy....but we know God is faithful, and the he has brought us here for a reason, and we are eager to discover it!

Today was a day of catching up on sleep...but even in the midst of the rest, we have been reminded of the great need here in Daytona. From the waitresses at Sonny's BBQ and the server at Burger King to the night watchman here at the El Caribe, we are constantly confronted with the opportunity to show God's love to those around us. During our time on the beach, a mom came up to some of the girls on the team to tell them how impressed she was with the way our ladies carried themselves, and how they were a great example to this mom's young daughter. So even during this "down day" we are beginning to see God at work...and are growing in anticipation for what He is going to do through our team this week.

 

After 19 hours, winding mountain roads and virtually NO traffic...we've arrived VERY early at Daytona Beach. The weather is a bit overcast, but didn't stop the crew from sticking their toes in the ocean...our early arrival means that rooms aren't altogether ready for us...so everyone is trying to find a place to grab some shut eye. The food crew has made the first trip over to SAMS for some lunch and breakfast supplies....looking forward to getting settled in our rooms, grabbing some sleep and enjoying an Easter service tomorrow at a local church....great group, lots of fun (even late at night in a van)