You know the place of expectancy where you just cant wait for something to happen because you know it’s gonna happen and you know its gonna be good. Like when you’ve worked all day, you’re physically exhausted, you’ve taken a hot bath, you’ve gotten your night clothes on, and you lay down on your bed…that very second before your head hit’s the pillow and you know that you know that you know it’s gonna be amazing. It’s gonna feel good. It’s been worth the wait. That’s how it is to feed the homeless… that’s how it is to be a Misfit for Jesus.
Every Thursday Night proves to be special. Every Thursday Night initiates uniqueness. Tonight was no different. The breeze was cool, the sun was warm, and the atmosphere was God sent. The homeless gathered at the tables, formed in a line, awaiting The Meal… they know they’ll get something and they know it’s gonna be good. After dinner was provided KooKoo and the KoKo Nuts began setting an atmosphere of worship. After one song they stopped long enough for Lisa Law to remind us of the importance of prayer and filling out the prayer cards. Randy Abott then grabbed the mic to inform us that this indeed would be a special night. Sitting in the back of the truck was a make shift baptism. Tonight five homeless would be baptized.
Baptism isn’t salvation which was clearly spoken by Randy. Baptism is a timely intimacy with you, the Father, and all people watching. So often we look at Baptism as a religious ritual but really it’s an outward expression showing the world whom you once were. You’ve made the choice to be different. You are physically ridding yourself of the past. You are being obedient to the Word..,to the Father. The first to be baptized tonight was a sweet young couple, Anthony and Elizabeth Mozee. Randy married these love birds back in May of this year and after accepting Christ they chose to walk in obedience and take the next step. The third person was a very familiar face to the homeless and to Misfits, Ronnie Smith. After sharing a short testimony and thanking Misfits for all the prayers he walked into the water and Randy did as the Lord commanded. The fourth was Dustin Strub. Randy shared with the congregation of homeless and Misfits that after receiving Christ as his personal Savior it was then that Dustin realized his life of crime had to be dealt with and he turned himself in. Since then, God has proven faithful and Dustin remains a citizen in Tent City. Number five to be baptized was a deacon of the Misfits. Gus is well known to all in Tent City and loved by all in Misfits. We are rejoicing with the knowledge that Gus is no longer a homeless and is in an apartment in the City of St. Louis. What should have ended there didn’t. I love how God orchestrates a service to His design. Between each baptism was a worship song by KooKoo and the KoKo Nuts following with some short testimony then the baptism, which then allowed the Holy Spirit to begin to work on the hearts of believers and non. Albert, a long time Tent City resident and head deacon professed to being a believer in Christ but not a follower. He openly admitted he failed. He sought forgiveness from the Lord and then proclaimed he was done playing games. He took off his shoes, stepped inside the baptism, and outwardly professed the old man was gone and a new Albert now lived. Not long after that I caught out of the corner of my eye Randy speaking with another man… Maynard. After prayers of repentance Maynard also took the step of obedience and was baptized.
The service was coming to an end when Lisa Law came to the mic and requested prayer for a believer who was straying from the Lord. She then felt impelled to call forth anyone struggling or needing salvation. Pastor Purdy spoke so eloquently and boldly about the importance of hell being a real place. When all was said and done the laying of hands came upon all the ones who were baptized and a prayer of protection over their lives poured from the hearts and mouths of fellow believers. The atmosphere was set. Supernatural encounters from God was prevalent. Worship prevailed. Man did nothing, God did everything, and we were abundantly blessed.
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Posted by Randy Abbott at 8/12/2011 7:42 AM Categories: uncategorized
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