It’s been a long several weeks.  I am grateful for all the support we have received from around the country (and even some calls from overseas!).

So are we going to have to stop?  Nope.  The City of Phoenix has acknowledged they did not realize the impact of their decision and have re-evaluated their position in what they called a precedent-setting case for the city.

But this is not the real story.  Two hours before the meeting Pastor Dottie Escobedo-Frank made the statement she felt we should make a change to the team representing CrossRoads UMC and Prodigal’s Home.  The change was to have our own Smoky Brazelton in the meeting as a voice for the homeless.

Early on we heard from the city about their position lifting the cease and desist order. We had “won” but at what cost?  Was it necessary for the neighbors to “lose” in order for us to continue on?  God said no and that is why He put Smoky in the room.

Smoky told his story… of how he had been a lifelong drug addict, felon, & homeless; how he was without hope. And how that has all changed.  How Prodigal’s Home speaks and lives the message of Jesus Christ.  How he was healed of his addictions, is living a healthy, whole life and is serving full time with Prodigal’s Home to help others with similar struggles.

It was at that moment EVERYTHING changed in the meeting.  God had used Smoky to soften hearts.  And we began the process of healing.

So we’ll be there on Saturday to serve a great meal and share the Good News.  And we’ll be there the week after! And as long as God would have us there and provides for us.

We’ve had significantly higher than expected expenditures over the past several months and we are dangerously low on our financial resources.  At this point we have only a few weeks left.  We believe God has seen us through this recent difficulty so we can continue to serve those most vulnerable in our community and change lives.

You can help.  We are in serious need of your gifts.  At the upper right of our web page is a link you can give electronically (or you can mail a check.)  I want to say THANK YOU for your gifts and supporting us!

I look forward to continuing to send you stories of how you are helping to change so many lives.

Grace & Peace,

Mike Ricker