I cannot believe that it is the last day of outreach. I have been more blessed in the past three weeks than any moment in my life. If there is one thing that God is trying to teach me in my youth, even with trials and tribulations, is that He is here.
God was there when my world was turned upside down. God was there when I healed from my first break up last year. God was there when He opened a door after many rejections. God was there when I felt so lonely even with my friendships. God was there when I reclaimed living in freedom everyday. God was there when I rejoiced to holding onto His promises in life.
He is not only in my heart or in a church. He is with all of those who know Him. And He is with the needy. After many interactions with those living in North Philadelphia, I know God is here, too. Over the past three weeks, bridges were built with the addicted, the lost, and the hurting. My heart broke when tears broke out in deep conversations, when these people couldn’t instantly be given hope and freedom. Many situations resembled the broken environment, like for example the glass-ceiling limit of being born in poverty. This limit creates a lifestyle that society sometimes looks down upon.
BUT… God is here
God showed up in this community. His followers made a difference in North Philadelphia. When I met brothers and sisters in Christ, I was encouraged by their fellowship. The Bible says I was to be blessed in this way:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
-John 13:16-17
My first encounter was a family who loves God. The mother, who needs to breathe oxygen through a tube, said she talks to God like He is her friend. (Please pray she successfully gets a new lung through a transplant) I found out her daughter sings at church. I was gladly able to share my insight of loving God to the little girl and tell her more about the protection He promises us.
We eventually got her to sing:
“I hear the chains falllliiiiingggg… Break every chaaaiinnnnnn”
Tears filled my eyes during the song, as I was grateful to God for telling me: “I’m with them always.” Then, her teen son prayed for all of us, showing his spiritual gift. Visiting this family right off the bat opened my eyes to what God is seeing. I felt the presence of God in the streets for the next three weeks.
Another day I entered a home of two prayer warriors. The guy was sharing how 10 years ago his street had prostitution at the corner and drug wars right outside of his house. No longer does he see demonic spirits lurking on his blocks. He praised God, telling us how his prayers were answered as 90% of his block is saved.
Three more people shared how the Eighth Street Community Church being placed on Butler Street and 8th Street helped shift the violence. People can be outside on the streets and feel safe…have freedom.
Another couple even showed us a tour of their home. The elderly man was renovating his whole kitchen. We talked for a good bit on how they housed teenagers who needed a home. All of these teens know the Lord and are making it on their own now.
I encountered many testimonies to provide evidence of His glory and His presence.
God was there to guide a lady we met for a breakthrough in her family. God was there for a man we met who was miraculously healed from cancer… twice. God was there, placing children in the Eight Street Peace Makers (ESPM) summer camp to learn about Jesus. God was there to answer a man we met, who had prayed for peace in the community. God was there to redeem a man we met who was incarcerated, but is currently sharing the Gospel. God was there for the church leader’s son to come home, go to rehab, and become clean.
Just enough Christians. One mighty God. That’s all it takes for God to dominate a community. To use those who love Him, all according to His purpose. To direct the lost sheep home. To proclaim God is Here.