This past Monday night, I had the privilege of traveling to a homeless shelter in the heart of Altanta.  I, accompanying First Baptist Church of Cumming, had a great time serving approximately 500 homeless men and loving on them.

Two men that I talked with, Dan and Warren, had taken a bus from Florida to Atlanta.  They were originally carnival machine operators.  They, however, quit the current carnival company that they were working for and moved up to Georgia.  They had just gotten off the bus this past Friday.  In other words, as of Monday, they had been homeless for 4 days.  Warren stated that he had been homeless previously and carried a huge chip on his shoulder.  Dan, on the other hand, has never been homeless before; he was tremendously scared.  As Dan, Warren and I spoke for quite a while.  Warren, really, never 'let me in' - he continued to say that "[his] home was currently under construction".  But, I never really got the impression he knew what he was talking about.  His pride kept him somewhat distant from the conversation - only speaking periodically.  Dan, however, gave me his full attention.  There were times when Dan would get seemingly angry, but I think it was the fear trying to put up a strong front.  Dan's constantly fought to hold back tears.  Dan, grew up Catholic but confessed that he knew nothing about salvation and forgiveness; he admitted that if he died that night, he would spend eternity in Hell. 

After some time of discussion, DAN ACCEPTED JESUS CHRIST as his Lord and Savior!!!  You could see a new peace in his countenance; his tears were now tears of relief. I showed him some passages in the New Testament that was given to him that night. I showed him how he was a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) and how there was no longer any condemnation regarding his sins (Romans 8:1). Finally, the New Testament didn't have the Psalms in it, so inside the front cover, I wrote one more verse: "I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4)  I told Dan that whenever he got scared out on the streets to remember that verse.

Dan was so grateful and his demeanor was so much more relaxed and joyful.

Something that is also very cool is most of this entire discussion was RECORDED ON VIDEO!!! I got some general clips of the homeless shelter on video, as well. Once I secure a copy of the videos, I'll post them on here so all of you can watch.  I'll try to get them on here within a week or two.

 Please remember Dan in your prayers tonight - wherever he's at.  Remember to thank God for saving his life.

A few nights ago, I was walking back from the gym and met this very nice couple sitting at the bus stop. Their names were Michael and Rebekah.  They just moved approx. 2 months ago from Louisville, KY in order for them to be closer to Rebekah's children who live in Delray Beach. I asked them if I may ask them a personal question while they waited for the bus.  They said, "Sure."  I ask, "In your personal opinions, what you ya'll think it takes to get to heaven."  They both replied, "To ask Jesus Christ into your heart to forgive you of your sins."  To which I congratulated them for having the right answer and then asked, "Now, can you say that you are truly living the lifestyle that Jesus Christ has called you to live?"  They both answered, "Well, honestly, we weren't up until a few months ago, but we definately are now." I said, "Good; I'm glad to hear it."  Then I asked, "Have ya'll found a church down here yet?" They said, "No, we haven't.  Where do you go?"  I gave them directions to my church.  Michael and Rebekah said that they wouldn't be in town this weekend, but that they would be there next weekend.  I'll keep ya'll posted.