A group of us went out to the tent camps again yesterday, delivering food and water to the homeless in the city. The brokenness of the homeless was displayed through empty alcohol bottles, tattered clothing and rotting sleeping bags. Not every camp we visited had occupants, but we could tell people live there. We left food for them and prayed over their camp, that God would bless the people living there and bring them to Him.

We met some people yesterday. People who were welcoming of us and in need of a Jesus who cared about them. And we (only because of Jesus in us) brought to them that love their souls longed for. They ate up the food in a hurry, but it is our hope that the encouragement and hope we brought them will last much longer. And we can keep praying for them. Please keep in your prayers Alvin, Vicki, Donny and Sharon. Pray that they would find hope and healing. Pray that they would find shelter and the help they need to get back on their feet again. Pray that they would find restoration and new life in Jesus.

Where do you stand? Where is your heart? Do you want more from Jesus?

These were the themes spoken at Hope Ministries’ chapel night tonight to the homeless men looking for shelter, and perhaps some hope. We shared messages of grace and truth. And a call to action. Two men came forward following the service asking for prayer for Jesus to come into their hearts. Please pray for them - that they would experience the grace, truth and hope of Jesus Christ in their hearts. And pray that God would continue to use us and speak His truth into our hearts as well.

A few of us went to Hope Ministries’ Bethel Mission tonight to lead a chapel service, which the men are required to go to every night. Bethel Mission is where the homeless men are given a place to stay, food to eat, and an opportunity to worship and meet Jesus.

I had a feeling I would speak tonight, and sure enough, after worship was over, I was beckoned. Prior to the chapel, I had prayed that if I were to share, that Christ would fill me and give me the words to speak. During worship, God laid some thoughts and scriptures on my heart, throwing my initial intentions out the window.

My message was hope. Fitting for Hope Ministries. I read parts of Lamentations 3. I like this book and the Psalms because they are real people being brutally honest with God. Even angry. But their frustrations always turn to hope. Hope in Christ’s redemption. Hope in his faithfulness. Hope in his love. Hope in his sacrifice.

I also shared from Romans 5. I explained how our suffering builds us, causes us to endure and persevere, and drawing us closer to him in hope. Hope in his presence. Hope in his promises. Because while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He sets us free. His tender mercies are new every morning.

I urged the men, whatever their circumstances, to let Christ meet them where they’re at and fill them with hope. And ask for the power of his presence. We must ask for Jesus to come. Come and redeem us. Empty us of our sin. Fill us with his Spirit and hope. Because hope in Christ does not disappoint us.

After the service, a few of the men came up to me and thanked me for sharing. One of them said that he really needed that encouragement, which encouraged me of the power of Christ speaking within me. And a couple men said they would like to come to the Vineyard.

I am excited for more chapel opportunities in the coming months. So I can hear the broken men worshipping Jesus with me. So others can share their stories. So lives can be set free. So we all can experience Hope.

Eighteen of us - 16 adults and 2 youth - visited tent camps in Des Moines today.

Tent camps are where homeless build their own shelters and fill them with food, bedding and other supplies. And many tents are set up alongside each other, hence why they are referred to as camps. Hope Ministries visits these camps every weekend, rain or shine or snow.

We visited two big tent camps in two different areas of town. We met several people, heard personal stories, and gave them some food for their camps. The reason Hope Ministries goes to these camps each week is not just to hand out food, but also to build relationships with the people who stay there and encourage them to come to Bethel Mission, where they house homeless men and serve more than 10,000 meals a month. Once at Bethel Mission, Hope Ministries gives them the opportunity to look for jobs and apartments, helping them make that transition back into society.

It was a powerful experience today, and many of us found our hearts broken. We encourage all to pray for Al, Melano, Willard, Bobby, Dwight and Don - that God would meet them where they are at and lead them to Bethel Mission.

The Vineyard is excited about partnering with Hope Ministries as we learn more about God’s heart to serve the least, lost and broken. Please feel free to post any comments and reactions from today’s experience.