I literally think my heart may explode.
During a recent sabbath, I spent a lot of time praying about this year – both personally and for the city, and the people Broken Hearts works with. My heart broke so much for the pain in this city and the young men and women who settle for so much less than God has for them, entrapped in darkness.
I dreamed a lot about what could be, how God could use me and us, and how to best help people spiritually, physically, emotionally, etc. I’m praying hard for good things, and for the Holy Spirit to so capture lives here that THEY begin to change our city from the ground up, inside-out.
In just the past few days, I keep hearing good news that feels like God’s hand of blessing, which only causes me to ask for MORE!
A few days ago, two different people I only know slightly well, informed me that they were interviewing to get into rehabs. One in particular has been especially gripped by mental illness, demonic activity and drugs. He said he’d returned to his family, something our church had prayed for him for several times. The other, rejected by his family, responded that he would love to pray with me before going to rehab. This all on the heels of his friend, “Rich” getting out of state with family to go into rehab (which I recently wrote about).
Just prior to that, a friend of mine named Caitlin, who owns a business called The Giving Keys, called saying their orders had skyrocketed and wondering if Broken Hearts had any people who might need jobs and would be able to help out.
Now, let me backpedal for a sec….Broken Hearts has been working on some of our own ideas for both employing guys from the street while also financing the ministry programs and staff. The idea of providing resources, job training, and options is a passion because for guys who have criminal records, or never learned from parents how to be financially responsible, or don’t have a strong resume, finding jobs in this economy is close to impossible. We can do our best to prepare them, even advocate for them, but if people don’t “get” them, or don’t have the patience or ability to risk with some of this demographic, they’ll likely be in this vicious cycle of survival forever.
SO…when Caitlin, who primarily employs homeless or transitioning individuals, offered about as many jobs as I could find guys, I just about peed my pants. I can’t tell you how good it feels to call up person after person asking if they want a job opportunity. No questions, few limitations, and a 3-person staff who completely “get” these guys and love them as they are, while desiring to make them even better.
Today, a bunch of them came over and met the Giving Keys staff. They each told part of their story, as well as their life goals (some of which I hadn’t even heard!) Then we got to work with training and planning for setting up bank accounts, payment, etc. They all sat together at my kitchen table, pounding out words on keys, enjoying the process and putting their hands to honest work. 
In the midst of that, one of them asked me if I knew of anywhere he could get a futon or mattress as he’d been sleeping on the floor and in a lot of pain. I just “happened” to have gotten an email a few days prior from a girl I’ve never even officially met asking if I knew anyone who needed a mattress.
…Close out the day with one of the employees telling me about much bigger, future plans with their business that got even more wheels in my head turning in regard to partnership.
This week feels like every time I turn around, God is providing and blessing for those I’m meeting who are homeless or extremely poor or addicted to something. As a friend of mine said today, “Your blessing is in your giving.”
Join me in prayer that this would only be the beginning of the favor of the Lord raining down on this city this year. It’s a dry and parched land, and we’re ready for all the rain he can send!
