BREAKTHROUGH, ANGELA

So I almost cannot wait to write the rest of this blog, but I just wanted to let you know I am half awake typing this as well. We had a lock-in with our kids at the church last night. It consisted of movie time in the chapel, dance party in the chapel, food, and a lot of hide and go seek! All and all though, it was a pretty good time.

Ok, for the meat of this blog. This morning when I was walking back from the lock-in I saw Angela. Those of you who are keeping up with the blogs, you know I have asked for much prayer for Angela. If you haven't, here is a quick summary: always on the streets/corners, very uneasy spirit about her, wears same clothes over and over again - my complete assumption on this situation is that she is homeless, a prostitute, and an addict of some kind. Leading up to this week her interactions with me have been very hardening; no eye contact, very frustrated with me, and almost an attitude of why the hell are you talking to me. This of course has led myself along with others praying for her to pray even harder. The main prayers for her have been for a softened heart, salvation, and her finding her true identity. I saw her earlier in the week, which was the first time in a while. Her spirit was still a little standoffish (i just made that word up). I felt like I had hit a wall with her, not knowing really what else to talk to her about and ask her in our 2 minute convos we usually have. I walked away saying I just need to be bold with her. God put it on my heart that I really have nothing to lose.

A couple days later I saw here again, we had a normal 1-2 minute convo and then I started walking away. God stopped me in my tracks and reminded me of what He had laid on my heart. I turned around and said Angela, "I want you to know that we are still praying for you, and that Jesus really does love you." Her reply was simply, "thank you." We walked our separate ways. Which brings me to this morning. As I was rounding the corner heading home, I saw Angela in the distance. "Holy Spirit lead me," I said. She waved at me first before I made any comment to her. This alone is a breakthrough my friends. She usually sprints the other way, which is funny to me. We carried on the most beautiful 2 minute conversation we have ever had. I don't know if this is the result of her seeming sober/not trippin off of anything or what, but it was such an encouragement to me that God is softening her heart. What came next has pretty much left me numb up until this point of the day. Before I walked off, she said to me, "I am sorry for all the previous times, I really am." That is all she needed to say, actually she didn't even need to say that. I know God has grabbed a hold of Angela's heart. He is molding it and shaping it and softening it, to eventually take in the gospel. Angela agreed to meet up with me this upcoming week, so I will be interested to see if this happens. No I am not being pessimistic, I just know some of the reality of street life. I am asking you to join me in prayer for the crossing of paths this week with Angela. That God would truly pierce her heart in remembering that we are going to meet up and of course that if it is God's will He will give me that opened door to present the gospel. Please keep me in prayer as well regarding this specific situation. Matthew 10 says, "do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the spirit of your Father speaking through you."

So a HUGE praise God for His faithfulness to His children. Amen. This week coming up will be extremely busy. We have some specific hang out times with individuals we have built relationships with throughout the summer, on top of the regular schedule. Also, we will be in preparation for heading to Florida for our mission trip with the kids. The plane ride didn't come through, so I expect ya'll all to start fasting and praying for me now thinking about driving 22 hours in a van with middle school kids! hahahahah - Hope all is well for everyone, I can't believe I only have 3 more weeks left here. Love deeply.