I Love Fridays!!!

Friday is one of the best days in the week for me. I start out down at the Dream Center warehouse, usually helping load food for ministries that we're able to donate to. This week we were able to give groceries to three different organizations, and they in turn will get it into the hands of others in need. From FEMA evacuees in Port Allen to a daycare for children with special needs, the supplies we get from Operation Blessing continue to bless people all over the community.

Around 11am we start 'Ladies Thrive', our weekly support group for women in the neighborhood. Today we talk about calling on the name of Jesus, and how to deal with torment. Alliece asked the ladies for examples of torment. One of them said it was the voices she hears when she drinks too much. Another told us that its the depression that keeps her from getting out of bed. A third lady asked if someone putting a knife to your throat would be torment. We all agreed that it was. We laughed together, cried together and prayed together. Ladies Thrive.

Around 9pm a few of us gathered to pray for our Midnight Outreach and then headed to North-side Baton Rouge. Our first stop was at Bennie's Bar, a happening little spot on North Street with a large bouncer and a metal detector hanging on the door. We went in and gave roses to the ladies and cookies to the guys. The bartender allowed us to pray for her again. She needs lots of prayer these days. Then we toured over to The Alamo and visited some more people. There was lots of activity tonight, but we still had the opportunity to bless them and pray for them. They too, are in need of lots of prayer.

We did our usual drive-by at Gold Club, leaving roses at the gate for the ladies inside. We haven't been able to get in there yet, but we keep sending in the flowers with the 'Jesus loves you' message. I believe the ladies are touched by it. From there we headed across town to catch a couple clubs on our side. One in Gonzales and two on Airline, and then we were out of roses. I think the highlight of our evening is when we pulled up to Kittens to leave chocolate cookies for the bouncers. Our regular guy wasn't out, but Vince (club owner and known Satanist) was standing there in his black suit. We gave him the cookies and wished him well. He thanked us and smiled. (A much improved response since the last time we were there and got kicked out by his brother). Overall, a great night.

It's now about 1am and we have outreach again tomorrow morning. I am so grateful that Pastor Dino and HPC allow us to do these crazy outreaches to touch these hurting people. As we handed one of the dancers a rose she smiled and said, "Y'all are from the church, right?" We smiled and nodded. She smelled her rose and looked us in the eye. "Thank you" she said, "Thank you so very much."

Reach the world by serving one. All glory to God!