What's my purpose?

This past week we celebrated 4th of July, also known as, Independence Day. Just another one of those holidays that gets lost in all the hoopla of celebration instead of actually "celebrating" what it's really all about.  We hear fireworks for days (and nights) on end, for weeks before and after the 4th. We're excited for a day off work or an extra long weekend if we're really lucky. We spend our time cooking out (then pigging out), with family and friends at the lake, by the pool, drinking adult beverages, sitting in a crowd with strangers getting mauled by mosquitoes so we can, " oooooh" and "ahhhhh," at the loud booms and the pretty lights in the sky.

This was the first Independence Day that I took the time to thank God for being born in the USA, the Land of the Free! God didn't just pick our parents that we would be born to, He picked our country that we were born in. Wherever we were born, there's a reason. Seriously, can you imagine me a 5'9" Chinese girl?

We were also all born for a purpose. Sometimes I struggle with knowing what my purpose is. Okay, that's not true, I struggle a LOT with knowing my purpose, but not near as much as I use too.  I have a restlessness inside of me that I can't quite explain.  My soul is at peace with God and my faith (finally), maybe it's my heart that's restless? Or my spirit?  I can't explain it.  I rarely feel like I fit in anywhere (I'm okay with that) and I'm not one to pound a piece of a puzzle in a spot that don't fit either.

God put an ache in my heart for those less fortunate. My last blog talked about how my heart yearns to do God's work in other countries, but now I want to tell you what I've been doing right here in my home town. One night a week for the past month I have been going out with, "Saints on the Streets (S.O.S)."  It's a small group that hits the streets of downtown Ft. Wayne once a week to be God's hands and feet, caring and sharing with the homeless, with men going through rehab at the Salvation Army and some that are just down and out. We stuff our backpacks full of mostly food and hygiene products. This is out of our own pocket, but it's pretty amazing how God is able to fill our backpacks week after week.

We head out every Monday evening at 8:30 pm, walk, talk, share, serve, give, laugh, listen and pray till 10 or 11 pm. We could sure use your prayers during that time.  Pray for our safety, for us to come in contact with those that may have the most urgent need, that we have the words to speak and an ear to listen. We may take a different route each week, but generally we go to the Salvation Army, Freiman Square, Headwaters Park, under bridges and along the river bank.

I mentioned that we fill our own backpacks every week.  If you feel that God has placed it in your heart to help out financially we would sure be grateful, just $5.00 goes farther than you can imagine. I'd be glad to make arrangements to pick up any donations.  Some items that are often asked for and can be purchased at the dollar store are: body wash, razors, foot powder, shaving cream, body spray, tooth paste, bar soap, deodorant, batteries, socks, bottled water and snacks. Keep in mind that we mostly serve men. Other items: flashlights, tarps, tents, blankets, hand warmers, coats, watches, sleeping bags, hats and gloves AND bug spray.  Of course if you feel God pulling your heart strings to fill your back pack and walk with us that would be awesome as well.

Feel free to contact me if you would like to help or have any questions. Keep an eye out for future blogs that will be about our actual "walks" downtown.

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Website: http://sosfortwayne.com/

Till next time...Have a great week...Be YOUtiful...Love out LOUD and be thankful for your FREEDOM!! :)

"There is a lot that happens around the world we cannot control. We cannot stop earthquakes, we cannot prevent droughts, and we cannot prevent all conflict, but when we know where the hungry, the homeless and the sick exist, then we can help."