Friday night I took a trip to the inner-city hood of Atlanta. As I traveled West on 285, God told me to turn left and go East on 20. Finally, I arrived on Martin Luther King Jr Drive and parked at a gas station. I got out and began sharing the Gospel.
The area is known as the AUC (Atlanta University Consortium) and University Homes. University Homes, also known as Beaver's Slide, and Techwood Homes, named for being located next to Georgia Tech, were the first federally funded public housing projects in the United States after Franklin D Roosevelt approved his 'New Deal'. These housing communities were notorious for violence and drugs. A majority of Techwood Homes was demolished in 1996 just prior to the Centennial Olympics and were replaced by Centennial Homes, an updated and cleaner environment - cleaner in physical living conditions and a cleaner crime rate. However, while some of the buildings of University Homes are dilapidated and condemned, much of this housing complex remains inhabited. None the less, here I was - in the hood.
God blessed me with so many incredible conversations with people. In the earthly realm, if you're white and in the hood, people automatically think one of two things: 1) you're a cop; or, 2) you've got a tremendous amount courage. Either way, people give you respect and will, therefore, talk to you. In the Spiritual realm, I knew God had brought me there and He had a specific plan for me being there. I knew whether I was sitting at home vegging on the couch in front of the TV or on the streets sharing the Gospel, my life is in God's hands. And, if I was going to die, then I'd rather die serving the Lord then wasting time watching the TV. Therefore, I walked in strength and in courage - not being afraid on anyone - because the Lord my God goes with me and He will never leave me nor forsake me (Deut 31:6). "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord is kept safe" (Proverbs 29:15).
People repeatedly would say something along the lines, "You know, its funny that you're here tonight talking to me because..." Then, they would continue telling me how somebody in their life was praying for them or how they felt as if God was trying to get their attention or was moving some way in their life. God brought so many hungry and hurting people. God gave me opportunities to pray and encourage these people. There are churches in the community, but it really makes me wonder what are they doing - or rather, not doing?
I visited all over AUC's campus and talked with different college students. I even met two security guards. I walked up to them and they both gave me strange looks. I could only guess what they were thinking. As I approached, I asked them if they would mind answering a question. One of the guards responded, "Let me guess. You're lost?" "Nope," I answered. "Oh," he responded with a puzzled look on his face. I then proceeded to share the Gospel with these two men. One of them I know wasn't saved, the other I'm not sure. But again, God gave me a open door to speak truth to these gentlemen - and they listened with open hearts.
Finally, about 3:30 am, I returned to my car and headed home. Before I got back on the highway, I stopped at a gas station to get something to drink. The attendant had locked the front door to the gas station for a few minutes while he mopped the floors. While I waited, I saw two guys, A.J. and Travis, sitting on the curb in the parking lot. I walked over and started talking to them. All I have to say is, "Another God Moment!" These guys were Christians whose hearts were seeking the Lord, but they let their guards down one time and were tempted to go to a club tonight. While they didn't drink or do any drugs at the club, they admitted to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It turns out that a fight broke out at the club and one of these guys got hit in the crossfire of punches. Now, these two young men were sitting on a curb reflecting on why they had even gone to the club to begin with. They were actually already thinking about their walks with Christ there in the parking lot before I had even come over. They laughed and said, "Its so funny that you're here. First, you're white and you're in this part of town. Second, you came over here and started talking to us about Jesus." A.J. and Travis knew that it was no accident that we met that night. The Lord provided me with some time to disciple and encourage these two young men in their relationships with Him.
I can't pick out a single person as for why God sent me to the hood. God sent me there for all of the people I talked to on Saturday. God needed a light there and I am blessed that he chose me.