Park Bench Ministry

This morning we headed downtown to pursue
an idea we have been throwing around since we got here. Our mission was simple,
we would pick a spot in one of the beautiful garden areas of Odessa, open up my
guitar case, and spend an afternoon playing a worship set.

We finally found an empty bench in an area
that runs close to the waterfront, and set up our homemade signs inside the
case along with a few bills. Our signs read:

 

“Need 1, Take 1…Have 1, Give 1”

 

The concept was pretty simple; I think we
were all a bit unsure of what the reaction would be to such a policy.

 

As the day went on it was amazing to see
God show up through the words and music, He really set a tone in that area.
There was a steady stream of people stopping to listen, some taking a seat on
the benches nearby and listening to several songs.

 

Theresa and Jeannie sat at benches opposite
Heidi and me, and sure enough, God brought people to them, English speaking
(even some Americans) that they got to share their stories with and have some
great conversations about who we are and why we are here.

 

At the end of the day we ended with a good
amount of money (we are pooling it with funds we will hopefully gather doing
this another few times before we leave, and asking the Lord where He wants that
money spent), but more importantly, the atmosphere of that particular walkway
was changed for Him today.

 

I don’t think we had one person take a
bill, but I’m curious to see how the rest of the month unfolds.