Following His Purposes...written by my husband

It was no accident that Christ came to Israel. It was no accident that He was born in Bethlehem, for the prophets had predicted this location long ago. But now the nation was broken, disengaged, and headed their own direction. They had not heard from God for 400 years. Why would He now come to these people? It was because He had given Himself to them and was committed to their redemption. He is faithful. So it is with His people. As His people we are called to place and time, to specific people to serve His purpose of redemption. In the Springwater Corridor along SE 82nd Ave in Portland is the place and the people God has called me to. Lives lay in shambles all around me. Brokenness is the normal expectation. Those who drive through this area on their commute just shake their head in wonder at the waste of humanity they see on the streets.
Yet it is in this brokenness and seeming human trash pile, just like it was in Israel long ago, that God is calling out a people for Himself. Among the human wreckage, in the ashes stories of victory and restoration abound. Joel, a violent, uneducated drug addict is now a peace seeking, free servant of Christ. Each day he is learning how to give his life away, though he used to live only for himself. A man that used to make a second home in prison is now truly set free. Steve was lost in darkness to his own destructive desires, but now he as a follower of Christ joins me on the streets to show others the way to true life. Larry was someone you did not want to meet alone. The authorities shook in fear at the mention of him. In federal prison for 34 years for violent crimes he was hated and he hated everyone. Now Larry has one goal and that is to know Christ intimately. His thoughts are no longer consumed with anger, but rather with love for God. He is blown away that God could love him in all his brokenness. The stories go on.
There is no magic to seeing this happen. I am out there everyday as a friend and advocate surrendering to God’s purposes. My prayer each day is “Lord, lead my steps so that your purposes are accomplished today.