Lincoln/Springfield, Illinois #6 of 200
Hello, week #6 is in the history books. In Lincoln I have been made to feel close to home. In this town I received the welcome from Law enforcement and the Fire department. A police officer noticed that the wheel of my bicycle was bent and summoned a 20 year veteran fire fighter who came quickly to straighten the rim. He took the liberty of adjusting the brakes as well. He also made me feel at home to use the fire station as needed. The local businesses that I visited were very hospitable as well.
On Tuesday I was well received by the directors of Lincoln Christian University. I was privilaged to attend a very special time of prayer and worship with the graduating alumni.
For the most part, the local Walmart proved to be my mission field for Wednesday and Thursday. There I met alot of people; some Christians, some with puzzled looks on their faces, some that had to look away and then some with scorn.
Late Thursday evening I relocated to Springfield, Illinois. There were still people downtown after 5:00pm. I was enjoying walking the streets of downtown and sharing JESUS. While on a search to find a cup of coffee I was blessed to happen on a Christian fundraising event known as; Lifetime Pregnancy Help Center. I was invited to stay even though I was not a registered guest. (It was the JESUS connection that got me in the door with coffee provided). I was very impressed at the impact that a few people with a vision to help women chose Life could have when outside resources are provided. Testimonies brought tears of joy to my eyes more than once. So I encourage you to get involved with the talents and or resources that you have so as to make a difference in the name of JESUS!!! (info@lifetimephc.org)
Friday I was back to downtown Springfield and broke bread with the homeless. GOD has put another burden on my heart. Now I desire to make even better use of the time as I travel. This to reach out to feed the poor as I share JESUS!!! So I hope soon to be able to purchase a fold up grill so to be able to cook hot dogs on the back of my truck, hand out bottled water and gospel tracts to as many people that will come 2 days a week. So please pray that GOD will provide.
Saturday I went to Bloomingdale, Illinois in hope of finding a good parking place at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum as tens of thousands were coming to see a Brooks and Dunn concert. Guess what? I arrived just in time to get an up front corner parking space 30 yards from the Main Entrance. I was so excited and hurried to get something to eat. I was back in time to meet the crowds with a smile and a gospel tract. I estimate that I was able to deliver about 700. Wow! Forty dollars to park now seemed much more than reasonable. Still I left pained as thousands turned from the smile and I suppose it was more from the cross that was on the front of my shirt than from me personaly. Still I want everyone to come to JESUS and can only begin to imagine how JESUS Himself felt being rejected.
Now on to happier things. Thank GOD for Sundays!!! Well let me back up please. On Wednesday, because someone was so moved by The JESUS truck, that I was introduced to Pastor Glenn Shelton of 2nd Baptist Church in Lincoln, Illinois. We shared testimonies and had like Passions for JESUS and a burden for others. I doubt there was much if any quiet time for the better part of an hour. Pastor Shelton asked me what I was doing Sunday. I told him that I was going to church somewhere but that I did not know where yet as I had not been invited. So he said why don’t you come here, now you’ve been invited. So just as I accepted, Pastor Shelton said, I would like you to preach if you want to.
Then came Sunday, so by invitation I attended Sunday School and Worship Service at 2nd Baptist Church. There I received a warm reception and was made to feel as welcome as a member. We had a beautifull time of fellowship. We all had the benefit of being taught by a well learned disciple of JESUS Christ. On to the main service, which much to my delight was not set to the schedule of a clock as to the duration. Many in attendance gave praise reports and some made their prayer request known. This went on and on, much to my delight. Then Pastor Shelton introduced me and the rest is as you say history. I said it this way as to not preach to you this week. However if you would like me to just ask! Anyway, I was invited to come back anytime so all must have gone pretty well. Oh, I forgot to mention that the service let out about 1:45 pm. (That’s almost 3 hours and I’ll leave it at that, maybe). My recommendation is that if you happen to be anywhere close to Lincoln on a Sunday please go by and meet your brothers and sisters there. (Unless of course you need to be at the Cracker Barrel before the rush. Ha Ha Ha)!
Now I make ready to travel to Chicago, Illinois in a few hours. I will be taking a detour for 7 days in that I will be flying out of Chicago back home. This because I miss my family and friends there as well as having some business that needs to be taken care of. So God willing I will update you about this time the week after next week, when I finish in Chicago.
Thank you all for your prayers and other support!
May the LORD bless You, keep You and make HIS Face to Shine upon You! In the name of JESUS! Amen.
Agape, david
Contact Email: david@hiscall888.com
For Ministry Information Call;
Call Kris @ (502) 594-0451