The Frist 'Hatchet' We've Ever Met

I'm amazed at how many stories there are. I think that's probably the biggest lesson that I'm learning is that everyone has a story and they want to tell it. This was first intriging to me when Kristy came back from the last SAMS conference in Atlanta. That's pretty much what they talked about (in terms of evangelism). But to see it in practical situations is stinking incredible. We've had the chance to meet and pray with a crazy range of people.

Last night, a group of New Hampshire college students, on Alternative Spring Break, came to help us out. There were 9 of them altogether. It's a cool program - they give up their spring break to go across the country doing community service. It's not a religious organization or anything - we didn't realize that at the time (nor do I think they realized that the Salvation Army IS). I hope it was a cool experience for them. I think I've got all their names:

• Adam
• Erica
• Randy
• Katie
• Amanda
• Lauren
• Matt
• Kristen
• Jeremy

Thanks for helping us out. We gave out 137 cups of hot chocolate - and struck up conversation with a whole bunch of them. I've added more names to our list on the right of this page - maybe I need to start adding dates . . . soon. Please continue to pray for them all.

OK, couple of cool stories, couple of people stories and I'll be done.

First: it's neat how the people there are accepting us as part of the landscape. Kristy brought some Hot Chocolate to a group of three security guards, one of which was new and a little suspicisous. Perry, one of the guards we met last week said, "Ah, it's alright, they come here all the time."

Secondly: Kristy also got to pray with a man named David, who just wanted to encourage us and said that he really appreciates what we're doing - that he has seen us over the past few weeks.

Thirdly: Claude - a chef/baker. Holy smokes, this guy made us hungry. He works at a pastrie place uptown and started telling us about some of the recipies in the cookbook that he is preparing. He also gave us some tips for our hot chocolate - we'll be sure to put it to use. He has a son, Tyrel, but can't see him because of the poor relationship with Tyrels mother. Pray for reconciliation.

Fourthly: Josh (AKA Hatchet). A homeless teen wearing an Insane Clown Posse hoodie. Kicked out of his house, staying with friends here and there. And he's under 18 so he can't really stay at the shelters. We got him a cab across town and listened - he's got an unborn baby on the way with another teenager. Pray.

Finally: And most crazy. We think we've had our first 'Salvation' experience!!!! Dan. We think that he accepted Christ. He may have been a little intoxicated - but he did say that he needs God and Kristy led him in prayer. Continue to pray for him.

Continue to pray for this rapidly-developing ministry. We're fixin' to take the canteen soon. Maybe this week . . . who knows.

Grace.