Grace and Humility

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." Galatians 5:22, NIV

With some students coming all the way from Spokane, WA, and some coming from all corners of the country through the Timothy Project, there was certainly a potential for great revelation and possibly great conflict, especially with so many kids and leaders who didn't know one another until this week. On top of this, it seemed, amongst our DOOR staff anyway, that so many little things kept getting in the way, going wrong, or annoying us: the mosquitos on the first night (who's ever seen so many mosquitos in arid California?!), the forgetting to pick up certain groceries, the several times I myself wanted to stick my foot in my mouth for saying exactly the wrong thing at exactly the wrong time. And yet, we were still blessed with so much FRUIT! It must have been prayer, it must have been God. I am humbled again by the power of God's grace, and am so thankful that you all helped us experience that in a fresh new way. Amen!

LOVE came forth with all the generosity from the homeless and all the compassionate work you all poured into this city and its people.

JOY abounded at the relief of being well-fed, worshipping on the beach, and seeing things never seen before.

SUFFERING indeed occurred in moments of hunger, being chased away by raccoons, being made uncomfortable, having our hearts broken by the hardships others are going through.

So much KINDNESS all around us, so many givers and caretakers.

The GOODNESS of those who have "nothing" but still want to help is astounding.

The FAITHFULNESS of all these leaders to their groups, even in difficult times like when SUVs completely break down.

The GENTLENESS all of you had when listening to people share their life stories, digging very deep and personal, and being heard by you all with open hearts and open minds.

And the SELF-CONTROL exhibited in following rules for fun and safety, and in the sacrifices you all made to be here in Hollywood and make this corner of the globe shine a little brighter.

So much gratitude and blessing back upon you all as you go on your way. Please click on any photo here to be taken to our Facebook Discover Hollywood page, and for more updates on the homeless, please visit Invisible People.

Amen and may God be with you on your way back home!

Matthew