“You have 15 days to cease & desist activities of feeding the homeless.”

These are not words a pastor to the homeless wants to hear. Yet these are the words the City of Phoenix gave us last week.

This means we will not be able to serve starting July 25th.  It means on on this day 150 people won’t be receiving a meal and worshiping with us.

I have two thoughts I’d like to share with you.

First, as Peter and the Apostles did in Acts 5 we will continue to preach in the name of Jesus Christ no matter the orders received from others.

Second, when Jesus spoke in Matthew 25 about serving the ”least of these” we think that he actually meant it.  Period.

And we are going to continue serving “the least of these.” Period.

Here is what we need now.

1. To pray for these things specifically.

• For the leadership of Prodigal’s Home, CrossRoads United Methodist Church, and Community of Grace Lutheran Church; especially for Pastor Dottie Escobedo-Frank and Bishop Minerva Carcano of the United Methodist Church, Pastor Tim Wright and Bishop Steve Talmage of the ELCA.

• For the homeless and poor we serve – that they may continue to see the miracles of God open before their eyes.

• For Kim and I as we seek strength and wisdom in our leadership role.  For the financial resources and gifts that would allow us to serve full time.

• For all church leaders that they may join us in this struggle and come to our aid.

2. Financial Resources.
The ministry continues on and we need your support as we see those needing help swell in this economically difficult time. Along with the meals on Saturday and throughout the week we now provide 3,000 pounds of food per week to Pastors Vasquez and their ministry “Dejar venid los ninos a Mi”.  All we need to provide this is $1,000 per week.

3. Spread the word.
Forward this e-mail. Tweet about it.  Facebook about it.  Talk to your friends.  Ask people to join our mailing list.

 

Things are active and fluid at this time.  I will keep you posted with updates as they become available.

 

Grace & Peace

Mike Ricker