On June 4th, 2011 in our morning prayer/"ask the Lord" session, I felt God tell me and the other missionaries who were about to depart for Woodruff Park in downtown Atlanta to "Be Bold" in sharing our faith, because he is a "Bold, Not Timid God." Most importantly, I felt him telling me that he was indeed "with us." This bold … not timid message was confirmed by our Project Leader. So, I felt confident in God's message and promise as I set out to do personal ministry with homeless people in Woodruff Park.
When I entered the park that morning, I really didn't know who to approach or how to approach them. There were many homeless men and women in the park, and there were other passers-by scurrying past the park with their day's itinerary before them and their "I don't see 'em" blinders firmly in place. But, I waslooking for a God ordained appointment. "What does that even look like," I thought to myself!? As I walked the perimeter of the park, I prayed for the Holy Spirit to specifically direct my movement and reveal the person he was calling for me to minister to that day. I prayed for God's words to be my words and for his promises to flow through me to those around me. The second I finished praying for a sign, I heard a very standard male cat call from the man I had just walked past.
In an instant, I thought, "oh buddy, if my husband was here… and, I'll just ignore that and keep walking" – right!? A step or two later, I hear God's message resound in my head, "Be Bold, Not Timid. I Am with you." Oh … and, "you asked for a sign!" So, I turned around and opened the door to more than an hour long ministry and prayer session with LeRon – a gang/prison tattooed, drug-dealer, ex-con, thug newly in Atlanta from the West Coast. God really knows what he's doing! From seemingly very different worlds, LaRon and I had an instant rapport.
He shared his view of knowing Jesus, and I shared how knowing about Jesus and walking in relationship with Him are actually quite different. He shared how life in his world is about survival, and I shared how life in relationship with God is about abundant provision, protection, peace, joy, and hope. He shared how drugs and alcohol were a way of life for someone in his circumstances, and I shared how worried and sad I had felt every time the phone rang with more bad news of my formerly (praise God!) drug-addicted sister.
LaRon told me he knew why we were having this talk, and he admitted feeling God call to him in recent weeks – even prompting him to leave his former life behind as he started anew in Atlanta. Only God knows LaRon's future, but I believe as I shared the love and hope of a real relationship with Jesus, God used me to water the seed he had already planted in LaRon's heart. Although this divine appointment started with a lewd cat call, this encounter reminded me of when "Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17.
Jesus Christ came for all of us sinners fully understanding our condition and our circumstances. Regardless of whether you are more like LaRon, more like me, or a bit more like Christ himself, Jesus desires a closer relationship with you. "Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice." 1 Chronicles 16:10
In Love for Him & You, Sondra Wallace-Foster
p.s. more to come on my divine appointments in Atlanta with Kevin, Rhonda, and Marcus in future blogs.
If you're interested in supporting my ministry with Adventures in Missions, you can make your tax deductable donation at: http://adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=staff , please put "Sondra Wallace-Foster" in the Staff Member field.
I just LOVE how God works! Blessings to you and in your ministry!