Coffee, breakfast casserole, transformation

Deep discussions about 2 Corinthians 12:6-7. Confirming Paul's claim that God's grace is sufficient.

Personal testimonies of how coming to the Light removes the darkness of addiction, opening the eyes of understanding to making decisions that keep us on the strait and narrow.

This wasn't a Bible study or church service. It was a talk Saturday morning at Love In Action over cups of coffee and a tasty breakfast casserole.

One brother shares how crack cocaine drove him to the point of literally choosing between life or death. Prison time and living on the streets were direct results of addiction. He understands John 10:10. He's lived it. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

How is homelessness "abundant life?" Living forgiven and drug free is abundant life. If you've never lived in the prison of addiction it's hard to understand what this brother is feeling. With his new life, he's working on coming off the streets. Jesus delivered him and set him free. Now with a new outlook on life, it's just a matter of time before he will not be part of the homeless population.

Another brother shares how drug addiction landed him in jail. Time served, then back on drugs. The last time he was incarcerated, he was placed in a program. He learned and realized that the only way out was through Jesus Christ.

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." He knows that's the truth. The moment the eyes of his heart were enlightened and knew the hope he was called to (Ephesians 1:18), God set him free.

He is early in his new life, but he's excited. He understands his environment is important. He needs to continue surrounding himself with other believers who will mentor and encourage him. That's why ministries like Love In Action and The Harbor are so important. The environment our friends live in is not always positive. There's temptation on every corner. Finding safe places filled with the love and life of Jesus is key.

Being homeless doesn't mean you are a lost soul wondering aimlessly through city streets sleeping wherever you can lay your head. We do have brothers and sisters who ended up in their situations for decisions they made. But we also have brothers and sisters who are working to come off the streets for the right decision they made to surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

The stories are many and each one weaves together the story of God's amazing grace. What our brothers and sisters need are others in the Body of Christ who will encourage, believe in their desire to live for Christ, and help.

Listening to stories of salvation, deliverance and transformation brings great encouragement and increases faith. Seeing it happening in the lives of our homeless friends is uplifting.

Think you know the homeless? Share a cup of coffee with one of our friends and be amazed. And, if there happens to be a mouthwatering sausage and egg breakfast casserole around to enjoy, then that's an extra blessing.