George Tiller is Dead

"Who," you might ask is George Tiller? Dr. Tiller is/was one of the few men who did late term abortions; really late term abortions. This morning while at his church in Kansas, he was shot to death by a gunman who fled and, as of yet, has not been caught. The reason I am bringing this up is that if anyone has ever spoke to me or read anything I have ever written about the issue of abortion, knows that I hate abortions and believe they are murder. The fact that Dr. Tiller will no longer be able to do any abortions makes me very happy. That he had to be murdered to stop him, is not only criminal, but goes against the very tenants of the right to life crowd. I'm sure the person who did this thought he was doing the right thing. Unfortunately, he did more damage to the right to life movement and the unborn by killing the doctor than if he would have let him live. Yes, it is a fact this particular abortionist will not do any more murders of innocent children. But the way to end this scourge on America's unborn children, is not by way of murder. I understand the rage. I even understand how a person might get angered enough to take matters into his own hands. But how in the world can we claim to be champions of life if we use killing as a method to stop abortionists?

I guess the only unresolved question is, and actually it probably is resolved by now, is the eternal destination of Dr. Tiller's soul. I have a hard time believing he is basking in the glow of a Holy God after killing unrepentantly, as many children as he has. But I'm not God and I didn't get a vote. But it would be hard to believe that he is any where near the Throne of Grace, considering how Jesus felt about little children. Unless of course he is burning in hell immediately under God's throne. Wouldn't that be poetic justice.

"We Just Want You to Know......."

Since the two violent incidents in Miami Hills Apartments a few weeks ago, Frontline has changed its' meeting place and ministry focus from South Michigan Street to the apartments. We have had some terrific times and met some really wonderful people. Our latest Thursday evening had us ministering to, among others, Corey and Samantha, a couple out of work, low on money and void of hope. They had been living with some relatives for about 30 days but as so often happens, they kind of wore out their welcome. When we met them they were in the final stages of loading up the cars and moving on to a motel room until they could move into an apartment in Mishawaka. Their spirits were nearly broken. It is amazing though, when you utter the phrase "We just want to let you know that you matter to God," how, when it sinks in, the peace it brings. When we tell them for some reason God had our paths cross just at the right time so He could remind them He truly cares about them, their eyes go a little glassy. We invited them to come on Sunday, making sure they knew our pastor is 37, and most people are way younger than this old man. It seems to always make them laugh. "Come just as you are." Cory thought he needed to lose the Bling, hat and skull cap. We assured him we wanted him just the way he was at that moment. I'm not sure if they will come or not. Dana suggested that it might be a place they could just chill and let the pressure of the world be lifted from their shoulders a bit. I hope they come. For some reason God is chasing them. It would have been so easy to not to have started the conversation. But God has set who He wants us to talk to. And no matter what we might think, the reality is Father knows best.

Now This is an American Role Model

I'm not sure how much better it gets than this. Thanks Kris.

Twenty7-7teen

I finally got my web address to read the same as my blog. It has been a week or so but it has been worth it. The new address is www.Twenty7-7teen.com. There will be much going on this summer so stay tuned.

Miami Hills Apartments

Over the course of the last few days South Bend has been dealing with a horrible attack upon a woman by her ex boyfriend. A fellow apartment dweller, Dennis Johnson, came to her rescue and saved her life. Today another act of violence occurred at the same complex. Amid the calls for shutting the place down, let me share another solution. How about prayer? That's right, prayer. I don't condone violence in any form against the innocent. Neither does God. These attacks are breaking the heart of God as I write this. To shout to have this place closed will only do more harm to the innocent people who find living there, their only choice. Instead let's begin to pray for protection for the souls who call Miami Hills Apartments home. It's time to reach out not close out. With a concerted effort, we can call down the hand and mercy of God. He can make the evil leave. He can help the helpless. He can love the unlovable. Its time to believe that an all powerful God can and will begin to make a difference in Miami Hills. It's time to fast and pray. If we call on Him He will answer. Remember they are His people too.

Frontline Street Ministry; A Summer of Healing

It has been great to be back on the streets. I have only been able to stand on the corner because I don't walk unless there is someone else with me. Up until last night I had to stand on the corner of South Michigan and Calvert Street and have God bring me folks to share that they matter to Him, which He was faithful to do. But last night was different. My buddy Ken from GCC came and walked with me and prayed as I shared. The evening was shortened by the rain, but we had a great time.

This year there is one major change. And that change came in the midst of being in a group of folks from Livings Stones Church who are going through a book called The Wild Goose Chase. The challenge of the book is to listen to the Holy Spirit and step out in faith to do what He asks you to do. To get out of your comfort zone and let your Christian walk become an adventure. Since going on the streets to share the love of Christ is no longer an exercise that stretches me, God has challenged me to make Frontline an extension of the book of Acts. Specifically, Acts 3:1-8. Not only does God want me to share how much the people whom I see while walking, matter to Him, He has directed me to pray for them to be healed. That means physically and spiritually; legs, arms, drugs and alcohol dependence. You name it. As I sit here and write this I know that there will be a man who will roll up in a wheelchair. I will pray for him to walk and walk at my command. If God is the same yesterday, today and forever then I must be able to pray and believe God is going to heal him. God will always move us out of our comfort zones if we will be obedient to His call. Am I scared? A little. Do I believe God will heal folks. You bet. He did it before and He'll do it again.

A summer of healing has begun. I believe last night a young man had his nerves in his hand restored from a car accident. Half of his hand was numb. After I prayed to ask God for His healing touch to rest upon that hand, we walked away and noticed the man opening and closing his hand as he stared at it. I hope he comes to church on Sunday and tells me that he has complete feeling in his hand. I believe he will.

And though that is my personal Wild Goose Chase, I am going to ask you if you might want to step out this year and walk the streets for Jesus with me. You don't have to say a thing. Just walk and pray silently if you want. But come. Just once. See if God won't do some neat thing in your heart through this season of your life. Here is the time, 6:15 PM Thursday evenings. Here is the place, the corner of South Michigan St. and Calvert, South Bend IN. Consider yourself invited. Remember you matter to God. You know that; tell someone who might not.