healed! sorta :)

sunday morning i woke up sick to the point that i couldn't even speak. that plus i felt like there was a porcupine shoved down my throat. so was almost thinking of calling up my friend and cancelling going to church. but then thought it wouldn't be too great especially since she's just started coming out.. and didn't really want her to go alone since its pretty daunting going to church by yourself if you don't know anyone!

Anyways, during congregational prayer time, they switched things up a bit and we were able to pray for each other in twos :) So my friend prayed for my sickness, that I would get better. And VOILA! I got better!! I'm not completely healed, but i FEEL like i'm healed despite the sporadic cough here or there. but what was crazy was that before she prayed, when we were singing, no sound would come out when i tried to sing. after prayer however, i was able to sing like normal as if i'd never even gotten sick! :) My friend hadn't prayed to God in over a year, and God used her prayer of faith to heal me! How cool is that? =D tres cool indeed! that God uses ALL people for His glory!!

charlie

Today i went downtown and met a guy named Charlie, who goes by Chinay on the streets. Took a seat next to him and started talking. What a jolly guy. He was in his mid-40s and was First Nations, and had been living on the streets since his late teens. He grew up rolling 100 joints a day of marijuana with his mom. He was able to laugh through these things. i guess he was pretty proud of his success in his younger days, bringing in at least $500 a day from selling pot to his classmates. But through the laughter and somewhat mindless chatter, i could sense his hurt. He has 2 daughters who want nothing to do with him, and had 1 son who passed away. It didn't take much to know and feel the regret he had in his life. And so i did the only thing i knew how to do, i prayed with him. He got teary after we prayed, and I know its cuz the HS is working in his heart. Before i left i gave him a little care package with a bible & an invitation to come to church later on tonight.

if you're reading this post, please pray for Charlie - for mended relationships with his daughters, for learning that he can rid all shame and guilt through the cross, and ultimately that God would bring hope and light into his life as he toughs it out on the streets. Man, i look at him and i just shake my head. There's so much excess in our culture, in what we buy, what we eat, in everything...especially during this Christmas season. its rather scary when I think about how much is wasted when it can be used for good. I guess this is where Jesus needs to shine ever more brightly.. through our hands & feet :)

Praise be to God who came down onto Earth in the form of a baby bringing salvation & hope to all! Merry Christmas :)