Mount Ben Tal

Nimrod Fortress

Kursi

Boarding the boat Easter morning on the Sea of Galilee

Mount of Beatitudes

The Jordan

This is a shot of Masada... if you look closely you can see the snake path we hiked up!!

Here I am sticking my fingers in the Dead Sea. That was weird! The water feels so different there! It taste nasty, and of course seeks out the slightest cut you might have on your skin! Ouch!

My morning began like any other and I expect its ending to fit the same description. Part of my morning routine is to read out of my One Year Bible. Each day’s reading includes a passage from both the Old and New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. As I picked it up and began to thumb through the pages, a thought instantly crossed my mind--”I wonder what they did about Leap Year?!”

In those few seconds I even became a little anxious… a second after that my fear was confirmed--Leap Year had been forgotten. It was missing. I flipped from February 28th to March 1st and back again. No February 29th. As is the case when I’m clearly disappointed, my bottom lip jutted out and I was sincerely sad. Sincerely. Sad. I realized at that moment how much I’d been enjoying my readings each morning. Some mornings I’ve been so engrossed in a story that I’m tempted to read ahead into the following day’s chapters to see what happens next (even for stories I’ve heard a dozen times before). Of course the gospels are inspiring, and I’ve extremely enjoyed the stories of old. And the Psalms each day… always a blessing and a reminder of God‘s provision and faithfulness! Many have echoed the very cry of my own heart. The proverbs bring a daily dose of wisdom, and then I’m out the door to face the world!

But not today… Leap Year had been forgotten. And I noticed.

Why am I even bringing this up? Because those last three words hold a ton of significance for my life and walk with the Lord. The fact that I noticed something missing from my time in God’s Word allows me to acknowledge and remember the many years when I didn’t.

I did end up reading from a different day so that I wouldn’t entirely skip my daily dose simply because the editors ignored the 25% chance I was reading during a leap year. I selected a date, not at random, but the date of my spiritual birthday. June 26th. I read from 2 Kings about a bunch of people being killed and Jezebel getting brutally murdered and then being trampled by horses. Happy birthday, huh? I read from Acts how Paul confronted the Athenians about their false gods. Oh the power in his words as he describes the one and true God. The God who made the world and all that is in it. IN HIM WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING. I don’t know about you, but living and moving in God, by God and for God this week has taken me to some incredible and heartbreaking places this week.

Psalm 144: “What is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? … Deliver me and rescue me… Then… there will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets. Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the Lord.”

“A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.” (Proverbs 17:27)

Thank you, Father, for your Word. Words useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)



Knowledge demands action.

I was reminded again this week that our knowledge demands our action. Look around you. What are needs that you are aware of in the lives of those surrounding you? Then answer this: are you active in caring for the needs of others?

May I introduce you to some new friends of mine?

Jerry is a man who waits every morning for a lady who picks him up to help do some work around her house. I’m convinced that whatever she’s able to pay him is the income that’s sustaining him, however meager that sustenance is. Jerry was born and raised in New Orleans. He has some family in Memphis, Tennessee.
Quinton is a man with yellow, but kind eyes. He is from Roanoke, VA. He came to New Orleans recently to do some work around town. Apparently the rest of the crew went back to Virginia without him--much to his dismay as he discovered he’d somehow missed out on that roundtrip ticket.

Bitty was a woman sitting in the cold and bitter wind. I’m not certain that she had any pants on, yet by her measly weight I am pretty certain that either drugs or a eating disorder have been in her recent past. She didn’t want a blanket. My guess--the wall she’d built around herself shielded her from the pain of the cold air as she repeated, “I’m fine”. As I persisted she even warned, “I’m not in a good mood.”

Lily stood at the foot of the church steps, admiring the tall cathedral. She was traveling--seeing the sights. By the looks of her I’d say she’d been traveling through this vacation much longer than she’d been in a steady home. If you closed your eyes, you’d think by her voice that she was a Hollywood blonde bombshell. Her weathered face, stringy hair, and tired eyes told a much different story.

What do my new friends all have in common? They are each one of the hundred plus individuals who have settled into a community under the I-10 overpass at Claiborne and Canal. (Lily being the only exception as she claims she’s only passing through, sleeping at a bus stop instead of in a tent or stolen mattress like the rest.)

It is a sight that most of us could never even imagine. And yet thousands of cars drive by this scene each day in this city. I wonder… what do they think, the passing cars? When did they stop noticing, not this eyesore as some call it, but these people… these individuals? Each face. Each hungry belly. Each tired soul. Some are taking notice, although perhaps mostly with a camera. Yes, I supposed it is an interesting scene to document.

I must say, however, that some are trying to help the situation. My dear friend Robert, a retiree, packs up the bed of his truck with donuts and hot chocolate each morning and soup in the afternoon. He’ll work each evening ‘til dawn cutting up 10 pounds of carrots, 10 pounds of potatoes… you get the point… to give some kind of nourishment to the homeless. This service comes from the goodness of his heart, from his desire to share Christ’s love, and out of his own pocket.

I had the privilege this week of helping him serve soup, hot chocolate and blankets to dozens of homeless men and women. The next day I went with The King’s Academy, a volunteer group in from Tennessee (also the school I used to work for), as they handed out hygiene packs, more blankets, Bibles and tracts. It was on that day that I met Jerry and Quinton.

I sat with them for quite a while, asking about how long they’d been living under the overpass, talking some about their families, and talking a lot about God. You see, I’ve found that men and women in such dire conditions talk a lot about God. Even living on the streets, some part of them believes in God but they can’t quite put their finger on how to live that out. Many are missing the point that living out a life and belief in God requires believing in a God who desires to live in them. They speak of reading the Bible and praying to God in a tone of ‘cause-that‘s-what-Momma-taught more than ‘cause-Christ-lives-in-me-and-I-can-do-nothing-else! I excitedly took the opportunity to share with them the truths of God’s redeeming love through His Son Jesus. They listened, Quinton especially, eyes glued to mine as I spoke each word. I prayed with them and left them with this challenge: “As you lie down for bed this evening, before you go to sleep ask God this question, ‘Am I right with You? Or is something missing in my pursuit of a true relationship with You?’” Again, I repeated to them that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that no one comes unto God the Father but by Him. Believing in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is the way--the only way--to secure an eternal relationship with God. If their questions to God that night revealed a void, it is my prayer that the truth of God’s Word that was shared with them would resonate in their minds and that they would find and accept God’s truth, entering into a true relationship with Him.

My persistence with Bitty paid off. She eventually took the blanket from me as I asked her, like I would a child, “Will you please take the blanket… (displaying my puppy dog eyes)… for me?” At last, she consented, yet again she warned that her mood was not favorable for company. No bother. I’d already opted to sit down and stay awhile with her anyways, bad mood or not! I can’t remember all that I said, but I loved on her as best I could for at least 10 minutes. I reminded her over and over of God’s love, of how it doesn’t matter how far we stray from Him, He’ll never leave us. He’ll NEVER leave us. Bitty’s Momma taught her well, and she nodded often in agreement as I spoke. It wasn’t long until Bitty became my “all the time” girl. I’d mention how God’s always with us… “All the time,” she’d reply. I’d tell her that His love for us is strong… “All the time,” she’d faithfully nod.

“God is forgiving.”

“All the time.”

“God is able.”

“All the time.”

“God loves us more than we could ever comprehend.”

“All the time.”

I dare say that Bitty’s words will echo in my head for weeks to come. I hope they keep ringing in my ears for as long as I’m on this earth! For God is good… all the time!

Tears were forming in Bitty’s eyes. They trickled slowly down as I literally felt the love I had for this once stranger, now friend passing from God, to me, to Bitty. I could sense Bitty opening her heart and posture not just to me, but to God Himself through that encounter. Tears flowed from my own eyes as I prayed for her. Aubrey, sitting with us, gave Bitty a Bible and encouraged her to read about God’s love. Bitty began to open up to us, sharing her frustrations, concerns, and desires. We hugged her a few more times before saying our goodbyes… promising to pray for her in the days ahead.

And finally, Lily. I had returned to the area today looking for Quinton. I was going to talk to him about some options for getting back to Roanoke. My search led me to a nearby church offering showers, meals, laundry services and more to the homeless. Quinton was nowhere to be found. I met some other nice folks (workers and homeless men) and I even ran into Wendell, who used to be a resident at the men’s ministry across from the seminary. He immediately recognized me and called out my name. I was honored to be remembered! I hadn’t seen him in over six months. I was able to pray for him and learn about his current, and unfavorable, situation.

As I was leaving to go back to the office, I saw Lily standing there. I was literally about to turn the key and drive off yet I sat frozen, realizing that I needed to go talk to her. Why? I have no idea. But I knew I’d have a feeling of regret all day if I simply drove off, so back out I went. “Hi!” I began. What followed was some small talk, some not so small talk… and the next thing I knew we were driving down the road searching for a decent coffee shop. I spent the next hour and a half with Lily. There were a couple moments of awkward silence, with me not having a clue what to say… but for the most part we both shared how we were having a great time just meeting someone new, drinking some good coffee, and enjoying the pleasant day out on the town. I found out that Lily had served 3 years of a 5 year sentence in jail. She had 5 children ranging in age from 20-something to 5 from what sounded like 5 different men. The fathers all had custody of the children. It has been a long time since she’s seen any of them. I asked her if that made her sad. She got quiet, looking away, uttering an expected “yes”. I’ll never forget the giddy hug she gave me as we were being rung up at Starbucks. I’ll never forget the shock in her voice when we pulled into the parking lot, “It’s $6 to park here!” (Normally, I avoid those lots like the plague, but I was on a mission and cost was not a priority!) And I’ll never forget how she nearly refused to take the money I shoved in her pocket as I dropped her off. She looked at me with a grin and said, “I suppose this isn’t for my night on the town, is it?!” To which I happily explained that I purposely gave her some smaller bills and those (only those!) were to be used for her fun night on the town. The rest I made her promise to spend on the Greyhound she was hoping to catch out of town. She agreed, giggled, and walked away.
In other news… God has been faithful to me in my job situation. It is still a heavy load and I’m very busy, but His presence is so evident!! He has been active in so many ways, big and small, throughout this transition. Thank you for your prayers. They have not been in vain!

Blessings,

Hannah


Some recent reports on the homeless “colony” under the overpass.

http://www.wwltv.com/topstories/stories/wwl022808jbhomeless.7028a71.html

http://www.wwltv.com/topstories/stories/wwl022608tphomeless.307258d6.html

with Dad & Kelly...

with my cousin Riker

Freezing in NYC with Katie

Hanging out with Stacy during her January visit to New Orleans

Today some of us from the office, along with four people from the local church and community set out for the Claiborne and Canal underpass and Duncan Plaza to feed the homeless. We took with us 250 bottles of water, 250 bananas, sandwiches and hot soup.

We set up camp at our first destination and many of them came to us for nourishment. Near the end of our time under the overpass I was glancing around to see about recruiting others to come over for a bite. There was a whole ‘nother area of people, but I kept looking at one man sitting alone across the street. My friend remarked that he could come over and get it if he was hungry, but I reminded him that pride can still be involved, even when you truly desire what people are offering. Besides, it was no big deal for me to just hop across the street, food in hand. So that’s what I did.

“Are you hungry?” I said as I plopped down beside him, sitting cross-legged.

“Sure!” I asked what his name was and I think he said “E.J.”, then he simply said “Earl”.

“Hi, Earl… I’m Hannah”. All the shapes and colors of his teeth smiled back at me his “pleased to meet you”.

“You from this area?” I asked.

“Born and raised!” he smiled again. “Where are you from?” he asked me with sincerity. I told him where I lived in East Tennessee, with the mountains and all. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Earl replied.

By this time I was enjoying myself. Well, I’d say I was already enjoying myself when I started to head over to Earl sitting there alone. But he was a warm man… such a sincere smile.

He told me he was waiting for someone to pick him up so he could go to an appointment about receiving food stamps. He didn’t have bags with him like most who were sitting under the underpass. Nonetheless, I doubted the living conditions and job security Earl’s currently facing.

I asked about his family and if he’d be seeing them over the holidays. He said yes and lit up again, clearly looking forward to visiting with his family over Christmas.

Before I left I asked if I could pray with him about his appointment today—that it would go well—and also that he would have a safe and blessed trip to visit his family.

He said yes, so I did.

When I finished and before I could raise my head back up all the way, he caught my eye to ask, “What religion are you?”

“I’m a Christian.” I replied, then added, “I believe in Jesus!”

“I do too,” he said proudly, explaining that he grew up in a Catholic church but that he’s come to disbelieve some things about that religion. But the one true God… he believed in Him.

I probed further. “Do you believe that Jesus was the Son of God?”

Earl shook his head and added, “Yes”.

“Do you believe that Jesus came to Earth to die for our sins? So that we might live eternally with Him?”

Another emphatic “yes”.

“Do you believe you will go to Heaven when you die?”

With this question, his mood changed. I realized there was no confident “yes” to follow. Questions formed in his eyes and he opened his mouth to speak but nothing was uttered.

So I backtracked… I returned to the previous two questions, elaborating a bit about Jesus coming to Earth to die for our sins, raising to life again, so that we may have life through Him—forever! Earl listened intently. I again asked him if he believed those things. Again, he confirmed that he did. I told him that he could have assurance of his faith in Christ and God’s redeeming love by entering into a relationship with God through grace by faith. Earl wanted that. He wanted the peace of knowing with confidence that he would spend eternity in Heaven.

I told him that he could enter into this relationship with God by prayer.

“I don’t know how to pray,” Earl confessed.

“Do you know how to have a conversation with someone?”

“Yes,” Earl proudly replied.

“Well then you know how to pray!” I declared.

“I talk to God every night,” he shared.

“That’s prayer. Talking to God. Sharing with him about your day, your needs, your love for Him… Earl, do believe that you’re a sinner?”

“Yes.”

Again I repeated the questions I had before about Jesus being God’s son and coming to Earth to die for our sins. Again Earl believed.

“Do you want to follow whatever plans God has for your life?”

“Yes!” Earl’s entire body nodded.

“Would you like to pray to enter into that relationship with God?”

Earl hung his head. “I don’t know what to pray.”

“Would you like for me to pray with you? You can repeat after me.”

Earl agreed. And he repeated after me, not just words, but utterances of faith that I believe have the power to change a life for eternity.

After praying, Earl looked up excitedly, rubbing his chest. “I feel good!”

Indeed, Earl had reason to feel good. He is a child of God, ready and fit for the Kingdom of God because of the saving grace of the blood of Jesus. There’s not a more incredible feeling in the whole world.

I felt pretty good too, not because of anything I did… but because one number was added to God’s Kingdom today. And mostly because I’ll get to see my brother Earl again in Heaven!

Earl had some more questions for me before I left… some things he needed to settle in his heart. Things like his first wife who committed suicide. This subject hitting close to home, I firmly told him what the Bible says and I could see peace and reassurance and hope come back to him.

I offered Earl his first test of faith, “So tomorrow, will you still have confidence that if you were to die you would go to Heaven?”

”Yes!” Earl boldly declared.

“And next week?”

“Yes!”

“And next year?”

“Yes!”

“Good,” I confirmed. “Now as soon as you can, I want you to get your hands on a Bible. Like I said, prayer is you talking to God—uttering your praise and petitions to Him. But guess what? God wants to speak back to you! And one way He does that is through His living Word! The Bible! The Bible contains God’s words for your life!”

Earl agreed that he would find a Bible to read. I told him that if I ever saw him again I would for sure get him one. I’m still kicking myself I didn’t settle with him some way to definitely get him a Bible. Guess I was too excited about my new brother in Christ to think clearly!

I will trust God to take care of Earl. He’s the best Father there is. Meanwhile, I got my own lesson in what it means to feed those who are hungry.

May we all believe in and celebrate the redeeming love of Jesus during the Christmas season and always. I hope this story brought joy to your heart as it did mine. Let it be a reminder that sharing our faith is but a conversation away. And for those struggling to believe, it is my prayer that God reveals His love for you and that you will open your heart to receive it.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9