“Kevin, NEVER STOP SINGING!”

On June 4th, 2011 while prayer walking in Atlanta; I felt the Lord's leading to approach a mountain of a man leaning against a light pole in Woodruff Park. I introduced myself and asked his name. His name was Kevin, and he had a warm and welcoming smile. But, his eyes were sunken and glassy with the pain of someone who had cried many tears. Relational ministry often begins by simply asking for and listening to someone's story. So, I asked Kevin how he'd been doing lately. His eyes immediately filled with giant tears. He shook his head in shame and disbelief at the story that had become his life. Then, he spoke some serious truth for our time … "we are all just one paycheck away from sleeping on the street." With family members who have lost jobs and homes, and personal loss of financial stability, I knew very well what he was talking about. My heart immediately connected with Kevin's, and I asked him to share his story.

Just four days prior to our meeting, Kevin had been released from the hospital to find that his rental home had been foreclosed, and he had been evicted. Weak and weary from heart surgery, Kevin was in an instant homeless. Kevin had just enough money to store what was left of his belongings, but he did not have enough for a new apartment or rental home. I asked him about family, and there was none to speak of that could help him. His only family option had turned a very cold shoulder to him when he had reached out for even temporary assistance. So, for four nights, Kevin had been sleeping on the street and walking to work several blocks away. As this was Saturday, he had walked to the park to pass the time. He professed God's goodness in that he had been given a lunch by another church group just moments before our meeting, and he was now talking with me about hope and the Lord's provision for our needs.

After we shared from our lives a bit more and prayed together, Kevin told me that he was a part-time singer and church musician, and he had an opportunity to make some significant extra money by singing at a wedding that night. Kevin went on to explain that he needed a white suit for the gig … a white suit that he didn't have … a white suit that he had priced at a nearby clothing store … a white suit that was quite expensive. I was cautiously skeptical about the legitimacy of this part of Kevin's story. Regardless, I didn't have any money with me in the park, and I knew our group didn't have the amount of money he needed. I asked if he had tried to reach out to the wedding party that wanted to hire him for the gig and let them know his situation. Having been a Bride, I knew that music plans are very important to the wedding. If the hiring party knew he needed some extra help, they might be willing to give him that help in order to get him to the church on time (so to speak). Kevin hadn't thought of sharing his burden, and he agreed that he would call and check. Now, it was time to reconvene with my other group members. So, Kevin and I prayed again for God's provision, and I gave Kevin a big hug. BUT, that's not the end of this divine story! God's plans were WAY better!

After leaving Kevin, I was still burdened with his story. I felt God's urging to help Kevin in a more tangible way. I consulted with one of our Group Leaders for the day. Unfortunately, there was truly not enough money available for purchasing the suit. We left the park to purchase more food to be given away for lunch to the homeless in the park. Then, God had another divine appointment in mind for my lunch date with Rhonda (more to come in a future blog). But, shortly after lunch, I learned of God's plan of hope and provision for Kevin!

After lunch with Rhonda, I was returning through the park to meet up with the other group members again when I heard my name begin shouted across the lawn! It was Kevin, and he was moving toward me at a hurried pace. I turned and walked toward him seeing that he was filled with joy and smiles! "What's up Kevin?" "Wow, you look happy," I said. Kevin was overflowing with hope and joy! He had called the wedding party that wanted to hire him. He had shared his burden with them, and he had great news! If he could get enough money for Marta, they would pick him up in the suburbs and get him a suit! Now, he was just $2.00 away from earning close to $300.00 that night! $300.00 closer to getting off the streets! This was a HUGE answer to prayer! "$2.00 is definitely doable Kevin. Give me a minute to ask around, and I'll be back," I said. 

Moments later, when I returned to Kevin with the $2.00 for Marta, his eyes were filled with tears again. This time, they were tears of joy. Kevin was overflowing with gratitude. Then, he asked, "do you want to hear me sing something!?" Ummmmm … "yes, of course," I said. Kevin began to sing, and his deep baritone voice was in a word … heavenly! Now, my eyes were filled with tears as I gave Kevin one final word of affirmation. "Kevin, God is rejoicing over you and your faith today. He has blessed you with your voice so that you can bless others. Kevin, NEVER STOP SINGING!"

God is So Good!