Austin City Life

I don't know if you are aware but a homeless man named Mike has sporadically attended our church for the last 3 months. I met him greeting in Nov. and we talked of our struggles and he was "sorry" he was "doing wrong". I tried to explain that God and Jesus loved him and that it wasn't about doing the right things and that if he just asked God for grace and accepted Jesus and his sacrifice to be the Lord of his life, God would forgive him. I explained that this was the Good News, that this was the Gospel regardless of what he had heard.  (I hope I got it right!). He shuffled uncomfortably and mumbled, " I have been saved. I have been baptized." He asked if he could come in. I said "of course".

He would then attend for the next 3 weeks and we would have more conversation.  I brought him a sleeping bag.  A raincoat. A blanket.  Multiple sweaters, pants and lunches at the Corner of San Jacinto and 6th St during that time. He shared where he lived.  Under the fence, in the alley, directly across from our church and that it was the music that wafted out onto the street that brought him to us. To me. He shared that he was sad that he was an alcoholic (I confessed my struggle), that he was out of prison after his 5th DUI, that he wanted to believe his childhood teachings about "being saved". That he wanted to work. That he wanted to be off the streets. That he wanted many things including forgiveness. I said that Jesus offered all those things.

Sadly, I left Austin for a month and didn't see him. I didn't see him the last three weeks as I resumed my role as the greeter.  I was worried and prayed every Sunday that God would lead him back to us. PRAISE GOD, Mike showed up at the door this past Sunday.  He had REALLY been struggling, he said.  I noticed that he had lost maybe 30 pounds as I gave him a hug.  He said "we" needed to talk.  I invited him in to ACL and to get some coffee.

I prayed during your sermon this past week that he would stay the whole time (he often left early).  Nicole and I got up to leave and Mike was talking to Justin.  I pulled him away and we went down the stairwell to the quiet of the landing and just asked "what was up?".

He asked for clothes. He said he was so cold. He avoided my gaze, embarrassed as he asked. I said "Mike,  Sure I can help you.  We are so glad to see you." So we arranged to meet at our "normal corner" of San Jacinto & 6th. Nicole and I brought him many things including food. We met and I took a chance,outside my comfort zone, and asked if I could pray for "us". He teary eyed said "Yes".

The three of us stood on that corner @ 1:20PM and held hands and prayed. Prayed for salvation, prayed for truth, prayed for healing. Shockingly, as we separated hands, Mike asked if HE could pray. He said he didn't know how. I said to speak you heart to God and Jesus as that was all that I did. He wept and repented and thanked and became speechless. We all hugged. He walked away smiling and muttering praises to Jesus and God.

Nicole and I were crying. Both of us have prayed that God would continue to offer comfort and that He would draw near and that Mike be kept safe and begin to separate himself from all the lies the enemy has made him believe. It was a bit overwhelming. I would like to ask that you add Mike to your prayers. I hope to see him next Sunday.

I just thought you should hear this story of what ACL by God's grace can and does do all over Austin.

Warmly,

Chris and Nicole