It’s eerily quiet at the homeless camp, empty except for Cliff and Jalisco. Saturday night is usually wild, full of cuss and filth. But the stillness is a welcome change. Cliff pulls out his chess board and challenges me to a game while Pat plucks away at his guitar. When Hawaii shows up, I stop the game and give him a good hug. It’s been a week since I saw him last.
He pulls me aside and reveals how he’s been having a rough time. He’s sick and tired of the drugs, the alcohol, and the whole lifestyle. I can see God’s pressing on his heart. I ask, “Would you be willing to go to a recovery program like Set Free?”
“My problem is, I’m kinda poor. They gonna charge me ’n stuff.”
I stop him before he can continue. God is not bound by cash.
“I want you to do something right now. We’re gonna pray. I want you to pray that God will make a path for you so that the money is not an issue. Jesus says ask, seek, knock. So, you’ve got to start by asking God to do that for you. And I know that’s humbling and that’s hard and that’s terrifying to you. Because when I was in your shoes, it was terrifying. There was nothing scarier than putting it down. But God knows that’s for your best.”
He hesitates, not sure God will hear his prayer because of his drinking. But I explain that Jesus came to save sinners. If he’s honestly sick and tired, and if he really wants to turn toward God, then He will hear his plea.
Hawaii bows his head and prays,
“Father God I ask you right now. Please open the door for me to get myself in to be with you. Please. I love you. I trust you for everything. Open the door to put me in. Lord, I know I drinking beer right now, but I never forget you. Open the door for me. Anywhere. I don’t care. Anywhere that can put me close enough to reach you.”
“The Lord’s calling you to something awesome here.”
“I know. He’s been calling me for a long time.”
“You watch. God’s gonna move here. But you’re going to have to do the follow through.”
When I pick up the phone to call Set Free Ministries, I fully expect God to make way. Keep Reading
